World’s media highlights Real Madrid’s exhibition

News of Real Madrid’s performance in the Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) semi-final second leg at the Camp Nou in the undisputable 1-3 win that put them through to the final has gone around the world. The major national and international sports newspapers resonated with the news in their digital editions. They all agreed about the great match that Jose Mourinho’s team played. "Real Madrid humiliate Barcelona" was the headline on 'Marca' and 'ABC' newspapers, while 'AS' led with: "Cristiano dances around Barcelona". The foreign papers summed the match up as a "beating" or that Real Madrid "reign victorious in the Camp Nou", amongst other things.

Marca explained in the subheading of their match report that "Real Madrid reached the cup final after beating their arch-rivals away from a home and leaving their mark". For their part, AS highlighted Cristiano Ronaldo’s and Varane’s great matches as the scorers on the night: "Ronaldo scored two goals, one from a penalty for a foul on him, and shattered a Barcelona side that were a shadow of the normal selves. Varane once again had a superb performance and scored the third".

The day Cristiano Ronaldo overtook Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo extended at Camp Nou his spectacular scoring streak in 2013. With the brace in Barcelona, now totals 15 goals this year. In addition, managed to overtake Leo Messi in direct duels in Classic matches between Real Madrid and Barcelona. The Portuguese has scored 12 goals, the Argentine 11 but Messi before the arrival of the Portuguese player had already scored six goals against the eternal rival.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi

Ronaldo was charged for a long time of not having good performances in the Camp Nou. With Manchester United missed a penalty in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals 2007-08 and the following year, playing for Real Madrid, stayed blank in both League duels (1-0 and 0-2 for the Catalans). Meanwhile, Leo Messi increased his data against white team (he debuted in 2004). So much so that, before the recent Spanish Cup tie, Messi was just one goal from equaling Di Stefano as top scorer in the history of Real Madrid-Barcelona matches. The 'Blond Arrow' had scored 18 goals, and Messi has 17.

Barcelona 1 - 3 Real Madrid (Spanish Cup, 1/2 Final, 2nd Leg)

Real Madrid’s tough week could not have started better than it did today. The Whites deservedly became the Copa del Rey’s first finalists and will play for the title for second time in the last three seasons. They did so in a blaze of glory after giving Barcelona a lesson in tactics in the Camp Nou. With a flawless approach and near perfect defensive play, they only took 13 minutes to go ahead. Cristiano Ronaldo opened up the scoring from a penalty. In the second half, Real Madrid were much more comfortable on the field and the proof came in the form of two goals which put the result of the spectacular match beyond doubt. Another from Ronaldo, who is the only player in history to have scored in six consecutive away Clasicos, and a fine header from Varane.

Real Madrid and Cristianto Ronaldo are Spanish Cup finalists

The reward was too great for to leave things to chance. Real Madrid and Barcelona, ​​the last two champions of the Copa del Rey, played the third Clasico of the season at the Camp Nou with the final on the horizon. The result of the first leg left the tie wide open and the match did not disappoint anyone. Both sides laid their cards on the table from the first minute. The home side looked to keep possession of the ball and the visitors focused on a suffocating press and fast breaks looking to unleash perhaps the best counterattack world. It did not take much time for Jose Mourinho’s approach to get the desired returns. Only 13 minutes had been played when Higuain saw Cristiano Ronaldo lose his marker and play the ball into the Portuguese, who came up against Pique and was then clearly brought down by the defender inside the area. The Portuguese converted the penalty, put his team ahead and made history by becoming the only player to have scored in six consecutive away Clasicos.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Cristiano's goal is a classic

Real Madrid trusts again in Cristiano Ronaldo against Barcelona. The Portuguese player has long left the label of not complying against the Barcelona team and now is the most reliable player on the white team at the Nou Camp. CR7 returns to Barcelona after having left his mark in the last five games played there. He has scored six goals in his last five visits, leaving for the history a celebration that is becoming a classic. 'Quiet, here I am' has been repeated in the last three Barcelona vs Real Madrid matches.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates a goal against Barcelona

Cristiano Ronaldo's streak in enemy territory began in the Spanish Super Cup, last season. Real Madrid lost 3-2, but CR7 left his stamp after a corner-kick. Then came the Classic in the Spanish Cup, a competition in which Real Madrid was defeated after drawing 2-2 at the Bernabeu and losing 1-2 in Barcelona. Cristiano scored the only white goal of the first leg and the first at the Nou Camp.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Yellow alert in white team

There is no possibility to play softly a Barcelona vs Real Madrid match. Not when there is a final at stake. However, there are some players who will not want to see a yellow at the Camp Nou. One is Cristian Ronaldo. If he receives a yellow card, will have a match suspension. Can you imagine a final without Cristiano? It would be not easy for Real Madrid. Playing without its star, who scored a decisive goal in the last Spanish Cup, in the final against Barcelona, two years ago.

Cristiano Ronaldo is in danger of suspension

Xabi Alonso is also in danger of suspension but he is even most endangered because has to deal in midfield with Xabi, Iniesta or Messi himself. After Cristiano, Xabi is perhaps the most important player in the scheme of Mourinho. He is also slightly injured and his diminished physical capabilities pose an additional hazard.

Carvalho is another player in danger of suspension, while Barcelona has other two starters who are at risk of missing the final of the Spanish Cup; Alves and Cesc. They would be two significant casualties. The third Barcelona player in this situation is Mascherano. A setback that could affect both teams, but for Real Madrid it would be a disaster because the suspensions would affect the principal men in Mourinho's team.

Special case is Pepe. The Portuguese defender plays against Barcelona to the limit. His record in these matches is full of cards. He has played 15 Classics and has receivrd a card in 12 of them: 11 yellow and 1 red card, the Alves' theater action in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals 2010-11.

In just three games has left the field without being booked. In his first Barcelona vs Rea Madrid (2007), in the first leg of the Super Cup last season (2-2 at the Bernabeu) and in the 1-1 league match before the Spanish Cup final in the season 2010-11. Pepe will have to be smart if he does not want to end the game early.

Xabi Alonso: Vanity Fair interview

Translation of the interview given by Xabi Alonso to Vanity Fair (Spanish Edition)

Xabi Alonso (Vanity Fair Spanish Edition)

He’s the best midfielder in history, a crucial piece of the Spanish national team and one of the sexiest footballers in the world. Everyone knows who he is, but not many know what he’s really like. Xabi Alonso leaves the field (for a couple of hours) to submit to our third degree. We talk about his family, his dislikes and yes, the locker room of Real Madrid and his coach, Jose Mourinho.

He was eight years old and he loved taking risks. One day in San Sebastian, he decided to jump from the top of a slide to a basketball rim. He didn’t make it. The result? A bloody eyebrow. Two weeks later, when the wound was still not completely healed, he returned to the same place and tried again. He once again failed and tore open the area above his other eyebrow.

“They say that I’m stubborn, and it’s true that I’m not easily convinced,” Xabi Alonso Olano (Tolosa, 1981) admits, surprised that 'Triki', one of his best friends, had told me that anecdote. The midfielder knows very well what he wants and what he doesn’t want, what he likes and what he doesn’t like. ”For example, I detest rude people, those who try to get themselves noticed and those who are nasty. And I can’t stand unpunctuality.” Fortunately, I arrived on time for our meeting. The place is Valdebebas, Madrid’s sports city. It’s 1.2 million square meters in size, with 14 football fields. A few days ago, Florentino Pérez had convened an unusual press conference to deny a supposed confrontation between the players and José Mourinho. But the Basque midfielder, who is called “the peacemaker of the team,” arrives relaxed and smelling strongly of cologne. He’s wearing jeans, a black sweater and elegant Italian shoes. The fashion firm Emidio Tucci made him the image of its campaign. His height and burliness are surprising. He’s a solid man, not only physically speaking or on the football field, but also with his speech. His red beard, one of his identifying signs, does not manage to hide a half smile that sometimes lights up his face. It’s his look, at times shying away, that seems to say: not one more step. Like his football, he stops the attack of the rival and he’s the one that implements the rules of play.

Di Stefano: "Real Madrid players need to do their best"

The honorary president of Real Madrid, Alfredo Di Stefano, has said today that the match of Spanish Cup. corresponding to the semifinal round, between Real Madrid and Barcelona, will be a game "very difficult", but expects that Whites pass to the final.

Alfredo Di Stefano

"This is a very difficult game, but I hope that Real Madrid goes on at the competition. I dare not give any predictions, because in football do not exist. Real Madrid's desire is to win and the desire of the opponent, is the same. Let's see what happens. It would be difficult but I see it as possible" said Di Stefano.

The new Ricardo Kaka: Starter at the Camp Nou?

Football is a mood and Ricardo Kaka represents it perfectly. After more than three and a half seasons of injuries and disappointments, the Brazilian has found his best shape since he wears white and trusts to be in the starting line-up tomorrow at the Camp Nou in the second leg of the Spanish Cup semifinals. Mourinho did not give him a minute in the first leg, but since then Kaka has reversed the situation with his performances against Sevilla (February 9), Rayo Vallecano (February 17) and Deportivo on Saturday.

Ricardo Kaka

Against Deportivo he made again a great performance: in 90 minutes recovered 4 turnovers, gave 45 good passes (90%), 5 bad and had a 100% success: a shot at goal, a goal. Karanka showed the key to his transformation: "His mood is helping. It's Important to be at this level, is an alternative." In fact, Mourinho thinks about Kaka as starter at Old Trafford in the Champions League before the slope of Di Maria (was sent off against Deportivo, but can play the Spanish Cup clash).

At the end of the last Real Madrid match, the player highlighted the importance of the victory and analysed the performance of the players: “An important victory in a very difficult match. In the first half we were a little anxious and we made a few mistakes. In the second half we improved and we won three points that are important for us and for what is come over the next weeks”.

Because Kaka left Riazor Stadium with an eye to the Camp Nou: "Let's see what happens in this key week. The coach has to decide. I'm going to keep doing my job." Hours after, he sent this message in social networks: "Certainty of things hoped for, the conviction of unseen. Stay positive, fighting, be brave, have ambition, stay focused, be strong. Mentality is everything."

Gonzalo Higuain: One hundred goals in the Spanish League

Gonzalo Higuain struggle to regain his best and at Riazor Stadium received a morale boost. Not only for scoring the winning goal of the comeback against Deportivo in the 87th minute, also because with that goal he already can boast of having achieved one hundred Spanish League goals. And he needed just 179 games to do: an average of 0.55 goals per game.

Gonzalo Higuain

Higuain thus became the second youngest Real Madrid player achieving this mark in the Spanish League, at the age of 25 years and 75 days. Only Raul was earlier, signing his target hundredth the April 15, 2000 with 22 years and 293 days. Raul then scored the 0-1 at the same venue, La Romareda of Zaragoza, which had seen his debut five years and a half earlier.

Jose Mourinho: A thousand days as Real Madrid coach

"I've been here three years, but seem thirty". A Mourinho's statement, according to one of his partners in the coach staff at Valdebebas Sports City. A temporary feeling that explains what it means for 'The Special One' to be the manager of 'The Special Club', Real Madrid.

Mourinho: A thousand days at Real Madrid

Portuguese coach met yesterday 1000 days as coach at the White House. With over 157 games in his service, a lot more gray hair and a League, a Spanish Cup and a Super Cup in his admirable achievements. His presentation was on May 31, 2010. Beside him was the then director general, Jorge Valdano. Today, the Argentinian works for a radio channel and talks about a Spanish coach to replace the Portuguese, almost two years after Mourinho raised a question to Florentino Perez, with a simple answer, at the end of his first year. "Valdano or me"

Deportivo 1 - 2 Real Madrid (Spanish League, Day 25)

Real Madrid came from behind against Deportivo at the Riazor stadium. The Whites headed to the dressing room at half time a goal behind after Riki scored in the thirty-fifth minute, but in the second half, and after a triple substitution where Mourinho brought on Ronaldo, Khedira and Özil in the fifty-seventh minute, Deportivo disappeared and the sombre visiting side came to the party. Kaka, equalising in the seventy-third minute, and Higuain, in the eighty-eighth, sealed the deserved victory based on possession and the chances Madrid had in the second half. In extra time Di Maria was sent off after being shown two yellow cards in the same move. A morale boost before ten days that sees the team play two Clásicos in a row, in the Copa and the other in La Liga, and the second leg of the last-sixteen match in the Champions League at Old Trafford.

Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo led the comeback

Real Madrid returned to the Riazor stadium two years after their most recent with the aim of making it three consecutive victories in La Liga. The first minutes of the match appeared to suggest that the Whites would be successful. In fact, the visitors had most of the possession of the ball, and the Whites wanted to surprise the Galician team with long balls behind their defenders. Callejón and Di Maria both tried to score in this manner, but the clearance by Aranzubia in the ninth minute and the misjudged control of the Argentine in the eleventh minute prevented the scoreboard from turning over. The first shot on goal by Madrid came in the fourth minute after a foul that was taken by the Argentine international. The home side’s goalkeeper was at full stretch to clear the ball for a corner.

Heart Classic Match 2013: Real Madrid vs Juventus

Real Madrid Foundation already has Heart Classic Match for this season. It will be a Real Madrid-Juventus, which will be held on June 9 at the Santiago Bernabeu, in an event that has become a tradition to celebrate the season finale in Real Madrid's feud.

Pedja Mijatovic scoring the winner goal against Juventus (1998)

The reason is simply: to commemorate the fifteenth anniversary of the Seventh European Cup white team won against Juventus in Amsterdam on May 20, 1998. Although it has not yet been submitted, Spanish media has known that Real Madrid veteran team Real Madrid is trying to track down everyone who participated in that magical night with white team, although it is logical that other players from both teams who were not in that time, also play this carity match.

Antonio Adan: “I don't give up"

Antonio Adan does not passes through his best moments after everything that has happened in recent weeks. First he took the starting place against all odds replacing Casillas in Malaga. Then he was sent off in the start of the match at the Bernabeu against Real Sociedad and lost the site with Casillas but things got worse after the injury of the Real Madrid captain, because Adan has not been a starter from the arrival of Diego Lopez. So now the player is disappointed with Mourinho, and his uncle, Enrique Adan, has been very hard with Portuguese and Real Madrid in a chat with a journalist from Catalunya Radio.

Antonio Adan

"Adan is depressed, with lower spirits than usual and trains very sad. I talk a lot with him and is very hurt by this situation." These words were said yesterday by Enrique Adan, uncle of the goalkeeper of Real Madrid, in the Catalunya Radio microphones. The goalkeeper's uncle went on to add: "He will have to leave Real Madrid because if he does not play now, when Casillas is back, Antonio will stay to catch the medicine cabinet." Moreover, he said the Adan's family did not like at all Mourinho's attitude in this whole situation: "In the family we're all very angry with him. Adan has been very damaged in every way" he said.

The Real Madrid goalkeeper wanted to cut in on the latest news about his situation on the team. “I feel privileged as a professional football player and especially as a member of Real Madrid's first squad, which are two more than sufficient reasons to be happy. I’m not the type of guy who gives up and I come to Valdebebas every day with the intention of doing well and winning my coach’s confidence, and I have a very good relationship with him. I want to make clear that the impressions some people around me may have about me don’t match up with my impressions in this case. I’m only thinking about working and helping my team.”

Morata: "Mourinho treats the younger players very well"

Alvaro Morata appeared in the press room at Real Madrid Sports City where he met the media. The Madrid reserves player is in excellent form for this Saturday’s game against Deportivo at the Riazor stadium after scoring his first official goal against Rayo in the Bernabeu. The striker analyzed the upcoming game against the team from Galicia: “It will be difficult. They are going to give it their all. Their players want to keep their places in the team with their new manager and get out of the difficult situation that they find themselves in. And they have the players to do it.” He also had words of praise for Jose Mourinho: “He is close to the players; he gives us advice, cracks jokes and treats the younger players very well. Players like me who have risen from the academy and the reserves try to take his advice on board because he is the best manager in the world.”

Alvaro Morata

As for whether he will play tomorrow, as already occurred on the last match day against Rayo, he said: “The other day I got the chance to play in La Liga, I felt comfortable and tomorrow I hope to get the chance to play even if it’s just for a few minutes. When I saw the sending-off I knew it would be my turn because that is what normally happens. We needed to take off the centre-forward to bring on a defender. Whenever I come on to the pitch I am going to give 100%. The Boss knows that, the whole coaching team knows it.”

The Madrid Reserves player had words of praise also for Higuaín and Benzema, his fellow-strikers: “I think they stand out for their commitment to each match and to every training session. Higuaín raises the bar every day and Benzema really is a quality player". When asked to comment on the return legs of the two knock-out rounds that his team face against Barcelona and Manchester United, in the Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) and the Champions League respectively, he had this to say: “They are two very different teams; both of them are in the hunt for the Champions League Title. We take each game as it comes and if the team continues to fire on all cylinders I am confident that we can win both titles.”

Pepe: "Cristiano Ronaldo is the best"

Pepe, Portuguese international defender of Real Madrid, said that his friend Cristiano Ronaldo "is the best in the world", noting that "he has all the qualities to be an athlete." Although the ''Golden Ball'' is exclusive reserve of the Argentine Leo Messi, Pepe is clear about who is the best player in the world. Asked by bwin website about the best player he has played with in his career, Pepe chose Cristiano Ronaldo and did not hesitate to point him as number one in the football world.

Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo

"Cristiano is a very complete player. He has all the qualities to be an athlete and, for that, to me is a complete footballer and the best in the world", he said. In previous hours to visit the Riazor Stadium for facing Deportivo La Coruña, the Portuguese central defender highlighted the atmosphere that white team will find as a great danger alongside a team in a difficult situation.

"Riki (Deportivo striker) scored us a goal in Madrid and will be a dangerous player but I think their strength remains on the players and the fans of Deportivo, which are very strong. They are at the bottom of the table and must win, it is why they will be very motivated to win Real Madrid".

Pepe, who has played two games since recovering from an ankle injury, highlighted the competitiveness that exists in the Real Madrid at this time of the season in which their options for titles are at stake: "Every day we have a hard workout because we all want to play. We are 25 players and we want to play. This is good for the club and difficult for our coach. We try to give the best of each to play in the next match so the coach can choose the best players to face the game and help the team" he said.

Xabi Alonso: "We are and must be a team"

Xabi Alonso is one of the most important men in the Real Madrid dressing room and one of the most handsome players in Spanish football, so he will be the cover of Vanity Fair (Spanish Edition, March). It will go on sale this Friday, although part of the interview has already been advanced.

Xabi Alonso (Vanity Fair cover, Spanish Edition)

In it, the player shows his more personal side, but also reflects on how he sees the sport situation of Real Madrid. So, Xabi Alonso notes: "The squad is not divided as some say. It's something we can not be denying all the time." Furthermore, he admits that "this year is harder because we are losing more than usual" and about Mourinho says that "it is very good when it comes to empathize with the players. He has always lived with the criticism."

Florentino Perez: Real Madrid will become very Spanish

Florentino Perez has a target to reach since in 2009 he announced that he would 'make Spanish' the Real Madrid. In just one year the white clun transfered the six Dutch players on the squad and in that first summer of his second term he signed Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa, Albiol and Granero, leaving the signings of Canales and Pedro Leon for 2010. But since then, the last three are no longer employed and Real Madrid has only signed Callejon and Diego Lopez. And at the same time, all kind of players have played for Real Madrid: Altintop, Sahin, Adebayor, Modric or Essien.

Dani Carvajal

The strategy the president has prepared in this section, and with the possible departure of Mourinho in June, is hiring Isco and Carvajal. The Malaga player is 20 years old (he won the Golden Boy trophy to the Best Player of Europe of his age) and  is an object of desire for many teams of European continent. The former Real Madrid player is 21 and white club saved a buyback clause with Bayer Leverkusen for 6.5 million euros, which will be executed in July.

On the other hand, there is the Jese problem. The first contacts between Jese Rodriguez's agent, Gines Carvajal, and Real Madrid have occurred long ago and both parties are bound to be understood. The player wants to succeed in the white team and Real Madrid president knows he is facing one of those players that do not arise from the academy every day.

For Jese, it's not a money issue, because both the player and his agent are aware that his professional football career has just begun. They want the good words from the club turn on a true story. If Real Madrid does not guarantee him being in the first team next season, his leaving from Real Madrid is for sure, something similar to what happened last year with Carvajal.

Jese Rodriguez: Real Madrid first team player or leave

Jese Rodriguez is very clear about his future; he becomes first team player of Real Madrid next season or, very reluctantly, he will have to prepare the bags and give up his dream of winning at the Bernabeu Stadium in white. The young striker contract ends on June 30 next year and is not willing to sign his renewal with Real Madrid if the club does not guarantee him by contract, to be a first team player for all purposes from next season.

Jese (Real Madrid Castilla player)

Yesterday, the earthquake caused by the interview in which he claimed a chance in the first team, had their replicas in three areas of the capital of Spain. First, at the offices of the Bernabeu, where nobody expected those statements of the jewel of the academy. Then in Valdebebas, where Mourinho was not happy with the words of Jese. And finally in Las Rozas, where the player was playing a game with the under-20 Spanish national team against Real Madrid Castilla. There, the Real Madrid imposed the law of silence for the young players of the white academy.

Jese Rodriguez: "They don't give me an opportunity"

Jese Rodríguez, the Real Madrid Castilla star, is confident he is doing well enough to be given some play time in the first team. And he has no problems in saying so. The last competitive match with Real Madrid for the top scorer of the youth team (13 goals) was on March 24, 2012 against Real Sociedad.

Jese Rodriguez

Isn't your objective to move up to the first team?
There are good players in the first team but right now all of us in the youth teams see it as being a long way off. I don't know what's going on there but Mourinho is picking players from the first team more, which is normal, but I think that the academy is working well too.

Why do you think you have not had an opportunity in the first team?
I don't understand it. I keep on working hard but I don't know. I'm thinking about my team now and myself, that's the priority. I'm going to keep on working hard there and I hope the club knows I'm working hard, I'm sure they do know and they will be watching.

Some think you have done enough to earn an opportunity.
Yes, I think so too. But if the opportunities don't come, you lose hope.

But do you still dream about playing for Real Madrid?
Yes, but I'm gradually losing hope, when I see the opportunities aren't coming my way.

Aitor Karanka has always been one of your supporters at the club.
He still is, but we're not so close anymore.

And with Mourinho?
Mourinho is a manager who demands a lot from his players. I tried to learn as much as I could from him and he obviously demands a lot from the youth team players, even more so of the academy players, and I learned what I could from him.

Do you think he is a good coach with regard to the academy?
I think he's a coach who surrounds himself with players that have already made it. The academy coach is Toril.

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Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti: Agreement?

The French newspaper Le Parisien claims that Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti, current coach of Paris Saint Germain, have a verbal agreement for next season by which the Italian coach will replace Mourinho on the white bench. Ancelotti has always been liked by Florentino Perez and his situation in the PSG is not clear, since in recent weeks Wenger and Mourinho have been related with the Paris team.

Carlo Ancelotti

For now it is a handshake. There is no concrete proposal but a friendly intention that in the future their paths will cross. The French newspaper says Ancelotti has received calls insistently from the Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti has not had an agent along his career. Real Madrid already knew it so has been forced to use the most direct way to find out his availability for the future.

Florentino Perez and Cristiano Ronaldo: Summit in May

Cristiano Ronaldo and Florentino Perez will meet at the end of the season, in May, to try to break the deadlock of the renewal of the Portuguese player, now stopped. The club still has not made any offer to Cristiano because the president will wait for the end of competitions to try to convince the striker.

Cristiano Ronaldo

For now, Jorge Mendes has already informed the president about Cristiano's approval to hold a meeting. This is considered an important step forward by the player, because until a few weeks ago, Cristiano Ronaldo's idea was to fulfill his contract until 2015 and then go free.

In fact, Cristiano himself told the president last September 1 his intention to leave the club. That day, he was very disappointed with his treatment by Florentino Perez and now wants to hear personally from the president's mouth that he is considered the cornerstone of the future of Real Madrid.

Karim Benzema: A matter of weight

Karim Benzema is not the same as he was last year. The French striker seems like that irrelevant player who joined Real Madrid two years ago, in his first season at Real Madrid and the start of the second, when Mourinho talked about him like a cat. All a matter of body weight, as many suggest. Spanish media impinges on the subject, ensuring that Karim has regained the kilos lost with his weight loss plan about a year ago.

Karim Benzema

Because last season, Karim Benzema was another. French striker socred the goals with ease, occupied the free spaces as a top playmaker and reached all the balls. However, this season seems to have regained the bad habits of his first months in the capital of Spain. Although it seems a matter of attitude, the truth is that the weight of the front could have greatly influenced on his poor performance so far this season, both for his slowness and his self-esteem.

Apparently, the doctors recommended Benzema to leave his weight loss plan. The French had lost about four kilos, but could not keep this diet because it could be harmful to his health. With the freedom to eat, the overweight came, an evil that has affected his teammates Higuain and Marcelo.

And is that Real Madrid needs all its players in top form, so, although Mourinho had decreed day off for his players, several members of the squad and the coach himself gathered yesterday at Valdebebas to continue working towards the next team commitments. Real Madrid does not stop on days off and Higuain alongside Marcelo worked flat out to regain a good shape. After leaving from injuries, they have to leave the overweight.

Cristiano Ronaldo's book: The Tenacious Star

Cristiano Ronaldo is the star of the seventh book of the sports collection of the publisher 'Al Poste. The book, written by Santiago Siguero, shows the career and the human side of the Real Madrid star, from his early street games in Madeira to his dazzling records in the white club.

Cristiano Ronaldo: The tenacious star

'Cristiano Ronaldo: The tenacious star' (La Estrella Tenaz) reviews the Portuguese international player's career. This is the first work that sets out in detail his three and a half seasons at Real Madrid, club he joined in the summer of 2009. He was only 24, but already had the backing of a broad career. Not only at Manchester United, where Sir Alex Ferguson 'polished' him to become the best player in the world (Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player in 2008), but also at Sporting Lisbon and at the youth teams of the Portugal national squad, up to his debut with the senior team in 2004.

Sergio Ramos: Red alert

Sergio Ramos lived yesterday two situations very common for him with Real Madrid. The defender scored the second goal of his team and the 40th of his career, at the Bernabeu Stadium. Minutes later, took the road to the shower after receiving two yellow cards in less than a minute. Another situation is not new for him at Madrid.

Sergio Ramos gets sent-off

Since he joined the white team in 2005, Sergio Ramos has ended matches prematurely 16 times, 12 of them in the Spanish League. No Madrid player has been sent off more times in league games than the Andalusian defender. Fernando Hierro saw 10 red cards, but played 439 games in the Spanish Championship. Ramos played his match 250 yesterday. Moreover, in the remaining 91 games in other competitions, he has received four more red cards: two in the Champions League and two in the Copa del Rey. The last, against Celta, with a four games penalty (five, due to the second yellow) for calling "scoundrels" to the referee.

Sergio Ramos has 111 yellow cards and 12 red in the First Spanish Division, allowing him to draw with Marchena, Carboni and Luccin as the ninth player who has seen more red cards in the history of the Spanish League. Interestingly, Sergio Ramos has never been sent off in a match of the Spanish national team, with which has played 99 international macthes.

Ramos' red card against Rayo is the seventh received by Real Madrid players in the 12 games played in 2013. The white team has played in inferiority against Rayo Vallecano (Ramos), Sevilla (Higuain), Valencia (Di Maria and Coentrao), Osasuna (Kaka), Celta (Ramos) and Real Sociedad (Adan). A dangerous routine.

Ricardo Kaka has still chances to repeat feat at Old Trafford

There was a time when Kaka conquered Old Trafford. It was on April 24, 2007, in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal 2007 against Manchester United, with the last Milan champion of Europe. Despite losing 3-2, that Milan, Kaka's Milan over everything, reached the Champions League final and avenged the humiliation of Istanbul (Final lost against Liverpool). In Athens, that team recaptured the glory.

Ricardo Kaka at Old Trafford (2007)

But with just two weeks to Real Madrid's trip to Manchester, the issue is keeping those good memories of Old Trafford. That performance gave him the 2007 Golden Ball ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi. Kaka with open field, turned it over to a game in which, curiously, Cristiano Ronaldo had scored first. The Brazilian, with a spectacular physical deployment, was a nightmare to O'Shea, Wes Brown and Heinze. That day the Milan ended up losing 3-2 with a goal from Rooney in injury time, but Milan was finalist and Ricardo Kaka stunned the world.

Real Madrid 2 - 0 Rayo Vallecano (Spanish League, Day 24)

In keeping with the theme of Mourinho’s spectacular figures in his 100 Liga matches, Real Madrid earned its fifteenth victory in the championship and extended the run of 35 matches unbeaten at home. The whistle to start the match saw the spotlight move from the coach, because of his accomplishments, to his players, who had an exceptional first quarter of an hour. Due to their greatest quality, speed in attack, they put on an attacking display and took the score line to 2-0 thanks to goals by Morata and Ramos. However, an unfair sending off for the scorer of the second goal, who was shown two yellow cards in one minute, changed the tone of the match. The White’s, however, demonstrated they are able to play in these circumstances. Despite playing for 70 minutes at a numerical disadvantage, they were resolute in defence and gave Rayo no opportunities.

Morata celebrates the first goal of the match

Paco Jemez had warned in the build-up that his team was going to be courageous, and that is just how Rayo started, pressing high up the pitch but leaving too much space behind. Real Madrid accepted their proposal and showed themselves to be very comfortable from the beginning. With an unusual starting XI due to numerous injuries, the Whites were unstoppable in the first 18 minutes. The crowd were not made to wait long for the first goal. The third minute saw a move made in Real Madrid. A quick exchange between Kaka and Özil, who drove into the area, passes back and Morata, coming in from behind the strikers, scored with the first touch. The reserve team player’s second goal in his debut as a starting XI player in La Liga.

Despite conceding the goal Rayo were not daunted, but they were unable to keep possession long enough to make Mourinho’s players suffer. On the other hand, each time that the home side approached Rubén’s penalty area there was an air of danger. The second goal came in the twelfth minute. Özil’s free kick into the right hand side of the penalty area was met by Ramos, who beat Javi Fuego to the ball and headed at the near post. Real Madrid was enjoying how they were playing and the fans were enjoying the encounter. Even Essien got in on the act and dared to take a shot that was cleared by Ruben for a corner.

In the eighteenth minute Ramos was unfairly sent off after being shown two yellow cards in just over a minute. First, for a foul in midfield that did not deserve such punishment and in the following move for a handball after a cross by Casado. The numerical disadvantage changed the direction of the match. The Whites had to fall back, it was harder for them to steal possession and break quickly and their rhythm decreased. Mourinho felt obliged to restore balance to his team by bringing on Albiol for Morata. The match changed quickly from a speedy clash with chances. Rayo sought victory, but they were unable to breakdown a well deployed Real Madrid side. The visiting side’s clearest opportunity came right before the break, when a shot by Trashorras went over. Cristiano had a chance to score the third when he beat Rubén but was unable to finish after falling over.

Real Madrid took the initiative when play got back underway after the break. Aware that the result was not secure, the Whites went in search of more goals. Kaka and Cristiano were the protagonists of the second half’s first events. Rayo were not out of the contest, despite being less lively. They showed as much from time to time with fierce strikes by Lass and Dominguez.

Khedira had an opportunity in the sixty-sixth minute. A great move down the left by Kaka, who cut in to the area and passed to the German, whose shot was blocked by the defence and went out for a corner. The match was under control, but the goal was elusive. For this reason Mourinho brought on Di Maria for Özil. However, the team’s play was no longer as fluid. The effects of the performance against Manchester began to show. Despite this, the Whites were smart and showed themselves to be calm in defence, waiting to go on the counter attack for the goal that would seal the result.

The match became ugly in the final minutes. There were too many interruptions and too little football. The visitors tried desperately, although they were unable to cause Diego Lopez any danger. Callejón came on for Kaka, who had given an excellent performance, in the eightieth minute. There was to be no change to the scoreboard and Real Madrid were the better team in the two matches. The match in which they played offensively until the sending off of Ramos and the match in which it had to defend for 70 minutes, in which they showed themselves resolute and unbeatable in defence.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attenance: 63,000
Goals: 1-0, m.3: Morata. 2-0, m.13: Sergio Ramos.

Danger: Xabi Alonso has to rest

Xabi Alonso has to stop before the risk of further injury and the worst consequences: a major break. The inflammation he suffers in the pelvis area is important and, at this point in the season, the only treatment is rest, which will require little training.

Xabi Alonso and Jose Mourinho

Mourinho has a problem with the player because the pubis injury he suffers begins to be important. The Spanish Midfielder played with a sharp pain the game against Manchester United, especially when coming in contact with the ball and did it with the inside of the foot, a technical gesture which requires more effort from the muscles in the injured area.

If Xabi Alonso could start the match it was because from a few days ago his workouts are softer, due to a good work of physiotherapeutic discharge and possibly with the help of anti-inflammatory used to reduce the intense pain. After the match against Manchester United, Xabi Alonso suffered heavy pains. A kind of pain which does not allow everyday moves like bending over to tie the shoes. Even a simple sneeze becomes a pain.

Cristiano Ronaldo misses a strike partner

Neither cat nor dog, or anything else like it. The Real Madrid played the entire game against Manchester without a decent '9' in the field. Any resemblance between Benzema and Higuain with what was seen in the Bernabeu is purely coincidental. Without the help of a strike partner, Cristiano Ronaldo is guarded by the opposing team, so he cannot find spaces or opportunities, something that affects the Portuguese player and the whole team.

Higuain replaces Benzema last Wednesday

As in all big games the last two seasons Benzema started the clash but wandered across the lawn with the body present. His lack of intensity, his indolence in pressure the opponent and his desperate lack of character made ​​him an insignificant player in the white attack, a dead weight that appeared and disappeared as if by magic.

Benzema played 59 minutes, with the next shocking figures; a shot, a play in the rival area, a cross to the opposite area, two steals, six turnovers and an assist. Then came Higuain, who did not improve at all like his predecessor on the grass. It was the first Mourinho's change when the white team cried out for a more midfielder (Modric) to give some air to an exhausted Real Madrid.

'Pipita' Higuain demonstrated again that the European Champions League is not his thing. He moved more than Benzema, but not better. He made some interesting moves to the wings, but never generated danger or concern in the Manchester United defensive line. Higuain played 31 minutes, with these numbers; two shots (one on goal), a play in the rival area, three crosses in the opposite goal area, two losses and no recovery. Cristiano Ronaldo needs more. A little bit more.

1-1: Real Madrid's curse in Europe

The four times that Real Madrid got the result of 1-1 at home in the first leg of a European competition knockout round, never managed to go round. A fact not encouraging for the visit of next March to English soil to face an almost Premier champion, Manchester United.

1987/88 season: Real Madrid could not defeat PSV Eindhoven

The precedents are the next: Semifinals of the European Cup of the season 75-76 against Bayern Munchen. Drawn match in the first leg at the Bernabeu and in the second leg the German team won 2-1. Season 87-88, Real Madrid got the same result in the white stadium against PSV. In the second leg the result was 0-0. The Dutch entered the final of the European Cup and won it against Benfica. That year, Real Madrid eliminated Bayern Munich, Napoli and Porto, by that time, current champions of the competition.

One season later, after tying 1-1 on the first leg of the semifinals of the European Cup against Milan, the Italian team defeated Real Madrid 5-0, an historic result in the second leg. And finally, in the quarterfinals of the season 98-99, Dynamo Kiev was the team that knocked Real Madrid by 2-0 in the second leg. Andriy Shevchenko was the star of that Ukranian team.

Now Real Madrid will face its decisive week in few days. On February 26, Mourinho's team will play the second leg of the Spanish Cup semifinal against Barcelona. On March 2, at the Camp Nou, white team could give away the title of the Spanish League to Barcelona and on March 5 at Old Trafford, a decisive match in the European cometition. We'll see.

Real Madrid 1 - 1 Manchester United (Champions League, Last-16, 1st Leg)

Real Madrid kept trying until the end but will travel to Manchester following a 1-1 draw that does not reflect what was seen on the field at the Santiago Bernabeu. In fact, the Whites, who hit the post in the first half, had 28 shots, 14 of them on target. An incredible amount. The great performance by De Gea, who had one of the best matches of his career, was testament to that. Welbeck, with the English team’s first shot on goal, put the visitors in front in the 20th minute. The corner should not have been given as it was Kagawa who touched the ball last before it went out of play. Ten minutes later Cristiano Ronaldo levelled the match with his head in a moment that was reminiscent of the goal that won his team the last cup title against Barcelona. The Whites deserved more. It will all be decided at Old Trafford.

Real Madrid will play for passage in Manchester

A great match in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Real Madrid and Manchester United played each other in the stand out tie of the Champions League round of 16 and the match did not disappoint anyone. It was a delight to watch because of the style of play, levels of performance and entertainment value. Neither team went out on to the field to leave anything to chance. Even less the home team, who after five minutes of play had already had three shots and found the post with the last one. Khedira in the 2nd minute and Di Maria in the 4th were the players that had the first two scoring chances while Coentrao had the most noteworthy. A Cristiano Ronaldo cross that Ferdinand cleared before the Whites’ left back hit the ball with his right foot. De Gea’s finger-tip save and the post prevented the first goal of the match but not the home crowds’ roars of support, which reached boiling point and gave even further encouragement to their team.

Real Madrid vs Manchester United: Offensive power

Few matches in the world can have a greater offensive talent than the Real Madrid vs Manchester United of this Wednesday. The White trident, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, will try to minimize the damage can cause the 'Red Devils' offense, in which the sensational Van Persie shines.

Real Madrid vs Manchester United: Offensive men

The Dutchman has achieved, in just half a year, a seat on the altars of the Old Trafford fans. He has scored 23 goals in 31 games and leads the offensive flow of a team that, after his arrival, has relocated Wayne Rooney behind the striker position. From the second line, the England international adds 13 goals, one ahead of Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez. The Mexican is the United player that best uses his minutes: 12 goals in 20 games.

The three ofensive men of ManU have scored 48 goals. A remarkable figure, but still far from the offensive production of Real Madrid: 58. Cristiano's fault, of course: 36 goals in 35 games, the sixth-leading scorer in the history of Real Madrid in just three and a half seasons.

The formidable scoring contribution of the Portuguese player minimizes the irregularity of his offensive fellows. Benzema adds the same goals than Rooney (13), but has played eight more games (32). And Gonzalo Higuain has scored 1 less goal than Chicharito: 9 in 19 games.

Last season, the Real Madrid forwards got a stratospheric mark: 118 goals. Cristiano Ronaldo scored 60, Benzema 32 and 'Pipa' Higuain 22. The production of the current Manchester United attack was not bad: 83 goals. Van Persie scored 37 goals (still playing for Arsenal), Rooney 34 and the Javier Hernandez's son 12. Although it is considered certain that each team will start with only two of their three forwards in their starting team, it seems that the lack of scoring is not going to be a problem at the Bernabeu tonight.

Mourinho vs Ferguson: 6-3

Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson will cross again four years after their last meeting. It took place in the Champions League 08-09, and fortune smiled on the Scottish coach, who beat with his Manchester United the new Inter Milan of the Portuguese manager. But, on the balance of individual duels, the current Real Madrid coach commands clearly.

Mourinho and Ferguson

Mourinho and Ferguson have faced as coaches a total of 14 times. Six wins for the citizen of Setubal, three for the Glasgow's Sir and five draws. A rivalry that began in 2004 and, although they now have good relationship, sharing good wines, there were moments of real tension.

Mourinho was soon a stone in the shoe for the 'boss' of Old Trafford. In 2004, his Porto eliminated Man.United in the last-16 round of the Champions League; 2-1 for the Portuguese at Do Dragao Stadium what looked like a affordable comeback for the English. It could be, thanks to a goal from Paul Scholes, but Costinha, in added time, taking advantage of a mistake from Tim Howard gave the pass to the Lusitanian. Cristiano, who had come down the stretch to try to close the game, had to leave injured within minutes. "That day we were convinced we could win the Champions League," Mourinho recalled some years later. So it was, his first title came three months against AS Monaco in the final at Genselkirchen.

With Chelsea, Mourinho extended his unbeaten run against Ferguson during four more matches. In his first game in England (2004), 1-0 for the Blues, who returned to smile after a knockout round in the League Cup (0-0 in London, 1-2 in Manchester). They came back to Premier and new triumph of Chelsea (1-3), for winning the title and bring it to the Stamford Bridge showcases half a century later.

In the next season came the first victory of the 'Red Devils', 1-0 in Premier. But Chelsea hit back in the second round (3-0), a match which, again, left Mourinho very close to a second consecutive league title.

A year later (2006-07), Manchester United rose significantly its performance. It was the first major Cristiano's campaign at Old Trafford. Both Premier games were finished with two draws, although the title moved back to the hands of Manchester. Chelsea took revenge in the final of the FA Cup (1-0, Drogba). In their last duel in England, the ManU won the Community Shield on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation and extra time.

The last confrontation between Sir Alex and Mourinho came in 2009, again in the last-16 round of the Champions League. Man United, reigning champions, managed a goalless draw at the San Siro Stadium and defeated the Italians 2-0 at Old Trafford with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Vidic. United, which defended the title of European champion achieved in 2008 against Avram Grant's Chelsea, could not revalidate crown, which was for Barcelona in the final in Rome. It was the last game of Cristiano, the other star of this triangle, as 'Red devil'. On Wednesday, four years later, the trio reconvenes at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid vs Manchester United: Tickets sold out

Nights of European Champions League at the Bernabeu Stadium are special and next Wednesday in the match against Manchester United, fans attending the game will relive the magic (8.45 pm). With two days for clash, there are not tickets available to see United and Real Madrid fight for passing round. Ferguson's men against Mourinho's men. Although the prices are a deterrent, 70 euros the cheapest and 235 the most expensive, Real Madrid fans will not fail the team. Late yesterday, only became available a VIP ticket of 690 euros. But, this Wednesday will go on sale at the stadium box office all those tickets that some Real Madrid members will not take, releasing them before the match.

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium will be full on Wednesday

The Bernabeu stadium will be full for the second time this season. The first was against Atletico on December 1. The resale business online is already starting to work for the visit of the English club. They sell tickets for 550 euros and it would not be surprising as the match approaches, these prices go up and even multiply. Last season the only important team that visited the Bernabeu in the Champions League was Bayern Munchen (Real Madrid played the first knockout round against CSKA and quarterfinals against Cypriot APOEL) and white stadium also hung the sign 'No tickets'. Against the Bavarians, this was a semifinal round, prices were set by the club from 60 to 325 euros. The resale also increased them on internet and the cost of tickets reached the thousand euros.

Ramos: "Man United is not only Rooney and Van Persie"

Picture the scene. A hush around the stadium as you walk, alone. Halfway line to penalty spot. It is the semi-final of the European Championship, the opportunity to achieve something no other team has achieved, but the country does not live in hope so much as expectation. It is level in the shootout, you are taking the fourth. Miss and you are practically out, a failure. You know that because you have been here before, two months ago almost to the day: a European semi-final, the fourth penalty, the long walk.

Sergio Ramos after missing a penalty kick against Bayer Munchen

That time, you sent the ball flying over the bar and into a million jokes. Even the Bayern Munich goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, joined in. Your miss put Real Madrid out. The European Cup final, gone. It is a decade since they have been there, 10 years waiting for the 10th title, and you have barely stopped thinking about it. Now here you are again. From Madrid in April, Bayern versus Real, to Donetsk in June, Spain versus Portugal. The pressure is asphyxiating. You run up and …

Sergio Ramos's grin grows wider as each layer is peeled away, reaching that moment. And you go and dink it?! You do a Panenka. Ramos has a tattoo, in English and borrowed from Nelson Mandela, that declares him the owner of an "unconquerable soul, master of my own destiny". He says he also had a thorn there, removed when his penalty famously floated gently into the net; catharsis is not the half of it.

He is laughing now. "That moment marks you forever, after the Champions League experience and everything people said. In those moments when the pressure and responsibility is overwhelming, I've always stood up. When I planted my left foot, the ball lifted and my right foot went under the ball. It wasn't that I was nervous or bottled it and it hurt that people said that. When I got home that night, I said to my dad and brother Rene: the next penalty, Panenka. You'll see. They'll soon shut up."

Mourinho already has team to face Manchester United

It does just one round after the defeat against Sevilla in the Pizjuan Stadium, Mourinho claimed that he had no team. Now, he finally seems to have recovered it. Physically and psychologically. Because Mourinho has no doubt that against Manchester United, as happened against Barcelona, will be the Real Madrid, not the team that is 16 points behind in the Spanish competition.

For the first time since October, Mourinho has jumped to Valdebebas lawn and has met with 24 players in the morning training. Something almost paranormal in recent times has happened today at 11:00 am. Two days for the match against Manchester, the Portuguese manager has all his players available. Only Iker Casillas, now successfully replaced by Diego Lopez, lives in the infirmary of the white team.

Real Madrid starting lineup to face Manchester United

So, Mourinho can finally handle all possible alternatives to make the team that will face Red Devils, and the wide range of players he has at his disposal is letting him bet on his eleventh gala. The same team that won the last League at the Nou Camp (Barcelona) last season.

This means that at 8.40 pm on Wednesday, the players who will parade through the tunnel of locker room to jump to the lawn will be: Diego Lopez, Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Coentrao, Xabi Alonso, Khedira, Di Maria, Ozil, Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema . Mourinho's most used team with the only absence of Marcelo, still out of shape for the big battles.

Cristiano Ronaldo's killer instinct: 14 goals in 2013

We run out of adjectives to describe the killer instinct of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese is not content with being the Real Madrid leader and one of the best players in the world. So far 2013, is exceeding all his personal records. With the three goals against Sevilla, he has scored 13 so far this year with white team. A lot. He made a brace against Real Sociedad on January 6, scored a hat-trick against Celta in the Spanish Cup competition, scored two in Valencia in the first half of a league match, another three against Getafe at the Bernabeu and, finally, the three last night. Of these only one was scored with a penalty kick (Getafe). In addition, he also scored another with his national team against Ecuador. In Granada managed one more. But that does not count because he did not want to. It was his first own goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo was grieved by what happened in Granada, where he scored for the first time in his career own goal, and displayed his potential against Sevilla. His first goal was a truly great goal with his left foot from outside the area, a howitzer against which Beto could do nothing. In the second part he scored again with his left foot after a misunderstanding in the Sevilla defense. The Portuguese strike has taken a liking to score with his left with which he has achieved 7 of his last 13 goals. The third came after completing a counterattack, an authentic stampede that Cristiano Ronaldo ended scoring his third goal after a great assist from Higuain.

Real Madrid 4 - 1 Sevilla (Spanish League, Day 23)

Real Madrid did not give Sevilla a chance and midway through the first half the match had already been decided. The Whites sealed the win thanks to a great performance from Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored a hat-trick, drew level with Gento as the club’s all-time sixth highest scorer and came off of the field to an ovation in the 63rd minute. Benzema opened the scoring in the 17th minute and the Portuguese, widened the gap seven minutes later, following a wonderful step-over and with an unstoppable left-footed shot. In the second half, and inside just 13 minutes, the Portuguese put the match to bed with two more goals. For the last, he started the counter-attack, driving forward with the ball for 50 metres and then putting the ball into the back of the net from a pass from Higuain, who was later sent off for a second yellow card. Pepe’s first appearance of 2013 was another of the match’s positive pieces of news. A rout and a morale booster four days prior to the Champions League match against Manchester United.

Cristiano Ronaldo led the team against Sevilla

Real Madrid and Sevilla, two of the four cup semi-finalists, faced one another at the Bernabeu four days before the match against Manchester United. The Whites, who before the start of the match had strung together 32 matches unbeaten in their own stadium, came into the contest ready to add another win and extend their streak, the best in Europe. Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2nd minute free-kick and the sense of superiority on the pitch was testament to that ambition. Kaka was the next to have an opportunity to open the scoring but his powerful effort towards the bottom corner in the tenth minute was forced wide by Beto’s fists. The Brazilian was also instrumental in the next dangerous attack. His precision ball to Ronaldo from a counter-attack meant that the Andalusian team’s goalkeeper once again had to intervene against his international teammate in the 14th minute. In the first quarter of an hour, the Whites had already had three chances and Sevilla had not had a single shot on goal.

Real Madrid prepares summer bid to sign Gareth Bale

Andre Villas-Boas has admitted that Tottenham Hotspur must qualify for the Champions League in order to keep Gareth Bale from the clutches of predatory clubs, with Real Madrid preparing an offer for the player in the summer. The Tottenham manager also hopes that a massive price tag could serve as a deterrent for interested parties.

Bale surrounded by Real Madrid players

Bale is one of the hottest properties in European football and Real Madrid is monitoring his – and Tottenham's – situation closely. The Wales winger, who has scored 13 goals for Tottenham this season, plus four more for his country, is on record as stating his admiration for the Spanish champions.

Villas-Boas, though, believes that Tottenham would be set fair to retain Bale's services if they were to reach the Champions League. Bale got the taste for the competition in 2010-11 and, mindful that his opportunities might be limited at major international tournaments with Wales, he is determined to play regularly in Europe's leading club competition.

"Players who are performing at this level always get the attention," Villas-Boas said. "It doesn't mean that the club doesn't foresee a future with Gareth. It's intimately related to the objectives that we achieve for the season. Hopefully, we can do just that with the Champions League and continue to progress on what we are doing.

"It's difficult for us to have a player of this dimension playing so well, calling the attention of other teams but it's also difficult for other teams, with the economic situation as it is, to buy a player of this dimension. At the moment, we are very, very fortunate to have him.

"I think we can reach our objectives with him at this level and if we reach our objectives, we can hopefully continue to have Gareth in our club. He's a player we rate very, very highly and aren't willing to let go. The Champions League is where most of the clubs want to be, and where most of the players want to play. It's part of our objectives so hopefully achieving it means we can attract better players and continue to hold on to our best players."

Bale's emergence as a more central force mirrors the development of Real's Cristiano Ronaldo and Villas-Boas drew the comparison between the two, while hoping that Bale did not follow his fellow Portuguese to the Bernabeu. "Both of them are extremely technical players, extremely powerful and pacy," Villas-Boas said. "It is funny to see how, in some way, they compare. Gareth started at left-back and moved to a winger position ... now going to a more advanced role. And Ronaldo is also able to play that role up front. Ronaldo is now 28, he has achieved so much and he is an example to what Gareth wants to achieve in his career."

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Luka Modric: "The video of the hyenas is unacceptable. That is not journalism"

Luka Modric appeared for the media on the day before the league match against Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Whites’ midfielder analysed the match against the Andalusian side: "Sevilla are a very good team and they are playing much better. I have a lot of respect for them. Since I’ve been playing for Real Madrid I’ve seen that every team gives as much as they can against us we have to do them same if we want to win. If we don’t, we’ll have problems. I expect a good match, the crowd will enjoy it and will be a good final test before the match against Manchester United. We are Real Madrid, we have to try to win every match and show what we are capable of".

Luka Modric

The Croatian international also spoke about international commitments and the two days that they have had to prepare for the match against Sevilla: "Those of us that played for our countries last Wednesday have had two light training sessions and tonight we are going to prepare for the match and isolate ourselves as we do before every big match. We are trying to recover and be ready for the next match".

About his performances for the team, the Whites’ midfielder said: "I don’t like to give myself a mark out of ten, but I'm definitely not happy. In some matches I’ve shown my level and why I'm here, but I've also played less well in some matches. Everyone says that this league is very technical, but it also very physically demanding. I didn’t do the pre-season with the team and everything that happened in the summer has left its mark. I'm giving it everything and things are getting better. I know that I have the support of the squad and all of the coaches and that gives me peace of mind. The fans will be happy with me because I'm going to help the club to achieve success".