Real Madrid 1 - 2 Atletico Madrid (2013 Spanish Cup Final)

It was not to be. Finals are often decided on the finer details and all of them went against Real Madrid. Three shots against the woodwork and a shot blocked by Juanfran on the line took the match to extra time following the first half in which Cristiano Ronaldo put the Whites ahead and Diego Costa levelled the match. Five minutes before the end of the first half of extra time a goal from Miranda gave Atletico the win. The chances that continued to come Real Madrid’s way, some of them whilst playing a man down following Cristiano Ronaldo’s sending off in the 109th minute did not produce the result that the team deserved, both for how they played and the opportunities that they created, and instead hit the post or were stopped by an inspired Courtois.

Football was unfair on Real Madrid

Real Madrid and Atletico fought for the last title of the season in Spain. They did so in the stadium which has hosted the most Copa del Rey finals. A unique setting for a top level derby. The Whites started the match dominating possession and with a suffocating press that prevented Atletico playing the ball out of the back. In fact, as soon as Atletico took the kick-off Real Madrid won the ball and then went on to have about two minutes of possession that could only be broken down with fouls. It was no wonder then that the first shot on goal came from the team that were playing as the home side. Cristiano Ronaldo's shot was took a deflection off of a defender but Courtois made the stop without any problems in the 5th minute.

Spanish Cup Final: Cristiano Ronaldo does not fail in finals

Atletico de Madrid has always been a dangerous team in the finals and more in recent years, since Falcao plays in the red-white ranks. But Real Madrid can boast a player at least as reliable as the Colombian striker. Cristiano Ronaldo, a player who uses to be decisive in that kind of games. So much so that nine years ago he played his first major final (with a defeat) in which he scored. It was with Portugal against Greece at Euro 2004.

Cristiano Ronaldo with the Spanish Cup trophy (2011)

That was the first big disappointment of Ronaldo in the football world, but that year he had met the friendly face of high competition. With Manchester United in his first season, won the FA Cup beating Milwall in the final. The Portuguese opened the scoring in a game his team won 3-0.

Spanish Cup Final: May 17 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

It's official: Spanish Cup Final will be played at the Bernabeu Stadium. It will be Friday, May 17, at 9:30 pm. This was the proposal that the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed today to the two finalist teams, Real Madrid and Atletico. Both have agreed at the meeting that began at 1:00 pm today. It is the best for their respective fans. In the side of Reral Madrid have attended the meeting Manuel Redondo (Director of the Office of the President) and Emilio Butragueño (Director of International Relations). For Atletico, Clemente Villaverde (Manager) and Fernando Fariza (Social Area Director). And by the RFEF, Jorge Perez (Secretary General) and Miguel Angel Lopez (Matches Coordinator).

Emilio Butragueño, Jorge Perez and Clemente Villaverde

Atletico and Real Madrid have had to compromise on their initial ideas. Real Madrid representatives who still retain in their memory the defeat against Deportivo in the Spanish Cup Final (the day the club turned 100 years old), wanted the match to play in the Camp Nou or Mestalla, because they understand that "the Finals must be played on neutral field." Atletico claimed the game to be played in their stadium, at the Vicente Calderon by an unwritten agreement already referred by Enrique Cerezo (Atletico's President): "Last Cup Final between Atletico and Real Madrid was played in 'Chamartin' so now we must play at the 'Manzanares'."

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.

Real Madrid's season at stake next month

The whole Real Madrid season at stake next month. The white team is lost into an abyss of points in the Spanish League, so Mourinho has decided to make an all-in bet. The team is focused on passing the last-16 round of the Champions League against Manchester United and reaching the Spanish Cup final after defeating Barcelona at the Camp Nou.

Jose Mourinho with the Champions League Trophy

The Portuguese coach is planning the work to get the best physical condition to the first important meeting, on February 13 against the Red Devils at the Bernabeu stadium. With that goal Mourinho is thinking about give a rest to three or four starter players against Sevilla on Saturday (10 pm -CET-). The coach is particularly concerned about four names; Pepe, Xabi Alonso, Marcelo and Varane. Mourinho knows that their various physical problems can prevent them to play against Manchester United. A match for which the squad has been waiting for from the draw. "For the Champions League competition the players do not need motivating" said Mourinho at press conferenece last Saturday.

But whites players know the season will be at stake in a single week. First the February 27, in the Spanish Cup semifinal round at the Camp Nou (1-1 in the first leg). Three days later they will repeat the Classic, but in the League competition (March 2), and on March 5 Real Madrid will travel to Manchester to play at Old Trafford in the first knockout round of the Champions. Team continues to aspire to the dream of the Tenth, the major target of the season.

Real Madrid fans are optimistic about the first round of Champions against Manchester because of the Mourinho's statistic in the European competition. Since the Portuguese caoch arrive at Madrid, white team has played two consecutive Champions League semifinals: in 2010-11 against Barcelona and in 2011-12 against Bayern. Mourinho broke the curse in the Champions League, in which Real Madrid had six straight years falling in the last-16 round.

Messi insulted Arbeloa and Karanka after the last Classic

Leo Messi did not have his best day at the Bernabeu in the last Spanish Cup match. And not only within the field, where after many Barcelona games he was not decisive. After the match had two major clashes with Alvaro Arbeloa and Aitor Karanka as several Spanish media reported.

Alvaro Arbeloa and Leo Messi

According with what has been told in the Spanish media, some members of the Real Madrid squad are quite upset with Leo Messi, both for his behavior on the field and off. The game last night was the straw that broke the camel to the point that Xabi Alonso berated on the Santiago Bernabeu field some actions of the Argentinian star.

However, things did not end on the pitch. As was reported by 'Punto Pelota TV' and has been confirmed by MARCA newspaper, the four-time Golden Ball went to the Bernabeu parking after the game, looking for Alvaro Arbeloa. Messi insulted the Real Madrid player (called him dumb, among many other things) who could not believe what was happening. His wife, Carlota, who is in a state of pregnancy, was with the Spanish international player in the car and did not understand anything. "What's wrong with him?", asked her husband according to eyewitnesses. Keeping calm, Arbeloa said: "Shut up and get on the bus". An employee of Barcelona had to go to take Messi and bring him along with the rest of the Barcelona team.

Also, other Spanish media reported another incident of Messi with a white club member, in this case Aitor Karanka. According to the media, the footballer talked to the white second coach in these terms: "What's up with you? Shut up, you're the Mourinho's dummy." Barcelona, of course, has denied any incident with Leo Messi.

Oh la la! Varane

Neither Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo. Varane was the big winner of the night. The French player rose above the other players and had a brilliant performance that establishes himself as a top central defender. At 19, Varane not only passed the test of the Classic, but was confirmed as a world-class player. The child of Zidane, who was his great supporter for the signing with Real Madrid, became an adult in the best possible scenario and with the most dangerous rival. To top it off, scored the tying goal. The finishing touch to a big night.

Raphael Varane

Five years later, the Real Madrid fans rub their hands with the birth of another central defender that will mark a time in the White team. The December 23, 2007, at the Camp Nou, Pepe made ​​a game just perfect against Barcelona and showed a hierarchy that nobody had not seen on a football pitch for a long. He was perfect at crossings and forceful in anticipation. Not only won the clash with Eto'o, won the fight against the whole Barcelona. That night, Real Madrid won 0-1 at the Camp Nou, a Baptista's goal, but the sensation was Pepe. Don Jose, as he was called by the media after his superb performance.

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

Intense, exciting and a treat for the spectators. The Clasico did not disappoint anybody and left the tie wide open for the second leg. The goals came in the second half. Fabregas put Barcelona ahead within five minutes of the restart, but Real Madrid’s players, despite the blow they had received, showed how important it is to defend their badge and played a great match that was completed by Varane’s great headed goal in the 81st minute. Which team goes through to the final will be decided at the Camp Nou.

Raphael Varane celebrates his goal against Barcelona

The Clasico, the best match in the world, made its return to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. The Whites, who had not lost either of their last two clashes with Barcelona, played the first leg of the cup semi-final with the invaluable help of a devoted home crowd. The beginning of the match left clear signs of the ambition with which the Real Madrid team had gone out on to the pitch. In fact, before the end of the first minute of play, Cristiano Ronaldo came away from midfield with the ball and could only be stopped by a Pique foul on the edge of the area. The Portuguese’s free-kick forced Pinto to show his best.

Iker Casillas: Fracture in his left hand

Iker Casillas has suffered a fracture at the base of the first metacarpal in his left hand as a result of the blow received last night in the Spanish Cup match at Mestalla and will be about a month off. This was announced Thursday morning by Real Madrid in a statement after the goalkeeper underwent a medical examination in Madrid at dawn, at the return of the White team from Valencia. The goal of the doctors, who still believe in the miracle, is that the goalkeeper recovers for the knockout round of the Champions League against Manchester United. It is February 13, so in principle Casillas does not come on time. However, in the club think that Iker may decrease the recovery time.

Iker Casillas leaves the hospital after undergoing medical examinations

"After carrying out initial x-rays at the La Moraleja Sanitas Hospital it has been confirmed that the footballer Iker Casillas has suffered a fracture at the base of the first metacarpal on his left hand. It will be assessed again by a specialist later today to decide what treatment will be followed" says the Real Madrid statement.

Iker Casillas had to retire injured in the 16th minute of the Valencia-Real Madrid match of the Spanish Cup quarterfinals. The goalkeeper was treated for nearly three minutes on the field, but with a hand visibly pained chose to retire and make way for Adan.

Valencia 1 - 1 Real Madrid (Spanish Cup, 1/4 Finals, 2nd Leg)

Real Madrid is now among the top four clubs in the Spanish Cup after beating Valencia in the quarter-finals. The Whites drew 1-1 at the Mestalla, the very setting where the team last won the tournament in 2011, making the 2-0 advantage from the first leg count in a match in which they went ahead in the first half with a goal from Benzema in the forty-fourth minute that all but sealed the team’s qualification for the semi-final.

Valencia reacted as soon as the second half began, partly due to the sending off of Coentrao for two yellow cards in the move prior to the equalising goal from a Tino Costa free kick. Even when the team was a man down they gave a master class on control and endeavour, barely allowing their opponent attempts on goal; Valencia had to make do with long-range shots. The only sour note in an otherwise positive first half was the injury to Casillas, who had to be substituted for a knock to his left hand. Madrid had a second player sent off in the final minutes of the clash, on this occasion Di Maria. The Whites are now waiting to discover their opponent for the semi-finals of the Cup, which start next week, who will be the winner of the knockout match between Malaga and Barcelona.

Real Madrid reached the semifinals of the Spanish Cup 2012-2013

Saint Iker Casillas is back

Jose Mourinho opted for Iker Casillas. Once Antonio Adan had served his penalty in the Spanish League, Iker was chosen for the great match against Valencia. And Casillas replied as he does best: saving every shot that came and left a clean sheet for the third straight game.

Iker Casillas had a great performance against Valencia

The first leg of the quarterfinals of the Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey), which ended in victory for Real Madrid against Valencia (2-0) marked the third consecutive Iker Casillas' game without taking a ball of the net. In the midst of debate over his place at the starting lineup of the Real Madrid, the captain turned to be decisive against Valencia. Two great saves prevented Valencia from taking advantage. Casillas is at a good level. After the win against Celta Vigo in the last-16 knockout round of the Cup and the goalless draw against Osasuna in Pamplona, Iker completed his third game unbeaten.

Real Madrid 2 - 0 Valencia (Spanish Cup, 1/4 Finals 1st Leg)

Real Madrid took the lead in the tie into an exciting match and took the first step towards the semi-finals of the Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey). Benzema finished a textbook counter-attack in the 38th to put the Whites ahead, while a Guardado own goal in the second half put the result beyond doubt. The Whites, who have gone one year unbeaten in the Santiago Bernabeu, may have got an even better result if it had not been for Guaita, who made superb stops from two clear shots from Cristiano Ronaldo. Next week, at the Mestalla, it will be decided who will go through.

Real Madrid 2 - 0 Valencia. Real Madrid takes quarters advantage

It wasn’t just another match. Although the tie will have the second and final round of the bout at the Mestalla, at stake was a place in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey and Real Madrid, who have gone one year unbeaten in the Santiago Bernabeu, made their intentions clear from the start. In fact, as soon as Valencia took the kick-off, the Whites stole the ball and it resulted in a free kick that Cristiano Ronaldo came close to giving his team the lead with. That opening move was no more than a prologue to an exciting first half that was played at a cut-throat pace. The chances came for both sides, but the clearest of the first half hour came from the boots of Modric. The Croatian took the ball from Banega after putting him under pressure and started the counter by passing the ball to Benzema. The Frenchman, in turn, gave it back to Modric, who grazed the crossbar with a left-footed shot from the edge of the box in the 9th minute. Three minutes later Ronaldo had another attempt, but his shot from distance was saved by Guaita.

There was no time in the match to think about what was happening. Both teams were giving their all in pursuit of a goal that would increase their chances of getting through to the next round. Valencia had the opportunity to put themselves in front with two consecutive chances that fell to Jonas. His shot from the edge of the area in the 33rd minute went just inches over the crossbar from his first attempt, while two minutes later Casillas was made to show his best from a shot from close to the penalty spot. A possible 0-1 became 1-0 with a textbook counter-attack. Essien started the move with an unstoppable charge forward and gave the ball to Khedira who laid off to Benzema with his first touch. Benzema then finished the exquisite piece of play between the three by masterfully beating Guaita in the 37th minute. The Whites went in at halftime with the advantage.

Jose Mourinho decided to make the first change of the match after the break. Marcelo, who had returned to the starting line-up, was replaced by Coentrao. The script of the match did not change one iota. The two teams fought tirelessly to try to dominate ball possession, but the visitors were perhaps more in need because of the scoreline being against them. Di Maria set foot on the field of play in place of Modric in the 62nd minute. More verticality and opening up of the field in pursuit of a second goal would give the Whites even more chance to go through to the next round with the second leg still left to play.

Valencia did not make things easy and showed the exceptional fitness levels that have given them seven wins in their last eight matches. In fact, they had a very clear chance to level the match. A great individual piece of play by Banega, who saw Piatti’s move up the right wing before passing him the ball. The Argentine played in Soldado, who could not beat Casillas in a one-on-one, but the rebound fell to Jonas who put the ball wide in the 68th minute.

Against a team that pack the punch of the likes that Real Madrid pack, that is unforgiveable and as happened in the first half, a possible goal from the visitors lead to a goal from the home team. Coentrao joined the attack up the left flank and crossed in the ball with which Guardado, in his attempt to clear the ball, put the ball into his own net in the 73rd minute. The tie is up for grabs and had it not been for Guaita, who was superb in two one-on-ones with Cristiano Ronaldo, it could have been an even larger winning margin. Next week, at the Mestalla, it will be decided who will go through.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 68,000
Goals: 1-0, m.37: Benzema. 2-0, m.73: Guardado (o.g)

Real Madrid 4 - 0 Celta Vigo (Spanish Cup, Last 16 2nd Leg)

Real Madrid qualified for the quarter-finals of the Spanish Cup. The Whites secured their comeback against Celta in a first half in which they gave a football master class. They had scored two goals with barely 24 minutes on the clock, both the work of Cristiano Ronaldo, enjoyed an infinite number of chances to increase their lead, had not had a shot on their own goal and even had another goal unfairly ruled out before the end of the first half. In the second half, and with 18 minutes of normal time remaining, the sending off of Sergio Ramos for two yellow cards complicated the matter of qualifying for the next round, but Madrid, who played for the second consecutive match with 10 men, once again demonstrated their class and pride. Cristiano Ronaldo sealed the performance with a counter-attack started by Higuain in the eighty-seventh minute to score his first hat-trick of 2013 and ensure qualification for the next round. Khedira, after an assist from the Portuguese, completed the rout in the eighty-ninth minute. Valencia await.

Real Madrid 4 - 0 Celta Vigo

Real Madrid faced a game of life or death at the Bernabeu. The team’s second of the season after the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona. Using the support of the Santiago Bernabeu, where they have been unbeaten for almost a year, as the foundation for the match, the Whites wanted to demonstrate their credentials from the moment they went out onto the pitch. In fact, in the third minute, and with their first shot on goal, they went ahead. A throw-in taken by Arbeloa arrived at the feet of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was two metres from the touch-line. The Portuguese advanced and surprised Sergio with a fierce shot struck with the venom the Portuguese normally puts into his shots on goal. 1-0. The Portuguese has started 2013 in sublime form (later his fourth and firth goals of the year would arrive in what is only the second game he has played) and with an extremely high level of confidence.

Real Madrid once again demonstrated that they were going for the jugular at the Santiago Bernabeu. Against Real Sociedad they took two minutes to score, today they needed only a minute more. Their control of the ball and aggressive pressing to regain it when Celta tried to play confirmed as much. The home side were now in control of the knock-out tie, but there was still a lot of the match to go. Cristiano Ronaldo once again took charge of removing any shred of doubt about the result in a move that was practically a carbon copy of that which led to the goal in Balaidos. On this occasion it was not Xabi Alonso but Modric who passed the ball over the defence. The Portuguese made the most of the gift from the Croatian, volleying quickly with his left foot in the twenty-fourth minute.

The third goal could have come eleven minutes later, but Özil could not beat Sergio in a one-on-one. However, the third goal did arrive in the next move of the match, but referee Ayza Gamez ruled it out for offside against Cristiano Ronaldo, who was clearly not ahead of the last man, depriving the Portuguese of his hat-trick after 36 minutes of the match. The first half saw the home side put on an exhibition. The Whites had scored two goals, enjoyed an infinite number of chances to increase their lead, had not had a shot on their own goal and even had another goal unfairly ruled out.

Xabi Alonso, who was accidentally hit on the neck by De Lucas on the stroke of half time stayed in the dressing room. Essien took his place on the pitch while Varane, Alonso’s substitute, played in the centre of the defence and Ramos on the right wing (after ten minute the Frenchman and the player from Seville switched positions). The team’s attitude did not change. Aware that a goal by Celta would take the clash to extra time, the Whites returned to the pitch intent on controlling the match.

De Lucas tested Casillas for the first time in the sixty-eighth minute, but the captain’s response could not have been better. The sending-off of Sergio Ramos for two yellow cards with 18 minutes of normal time left complicated the matter of qualifying for the next round of the cup, but Casillas was assured in goal and prevented the visiting side from scoring on two occasions. Real Madrid, playing for the second consecutive match with 10 men, once again demonstrated class and pride and ensured their qualification for the next round in the eighty-seventh minute with the hat-trick by Cristiano Ronaldo in a counter-attack started by Higuían. Khedira, after an assist by the Portuguese, completed the rout in the eighty-ninth minute. Valencia await in the quarter-finals.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 60,600
Goals: 1-0, m.3: Cristiano Ronaldo. 2-0,m.25: Cristiano Ronaldo; 3-0, m.90: Cristiano Ronaldo. 4-0, m.91: Khedira.

Celta Vigo 2 - 1 Real Madrid (Spanish Cup, Last 16 1st Leg)

Real Madrid and Celta Vigo will play for a spot in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup) on 9th January at the Santiago Bernabeu. The tie will be decided in the Whites’ fortress following the match at Balaidos, which the home team won 2-1 thanks to goals from Bermejo and Bustos, and to which Cristiano Ronaldo replied in the 86th minute. In a match without a clearly dominant team, all of the goals came in the second half, following a first 45 minutes in which Celta did not have a shot on goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo fought against the entire Celta team

Real Madrid went on to the field at Balaidos with Adan, Varane, Carvalho, Essien, Modric and Di Maria as the changes to the starting line-up. The Argentine was the player who had the first chance in the 1st minute with a long range shot following a nice piece of team play on the edge of the area. Celta tried to play the ball out of defence and Real Madrid pressed forward to try to win the ball. Essien had the second chance to try to surprise Sergio from distance after he himself stole the ball. Both teams looked to dominate the match but did not manage to impose themselves on their opponents.

Cristiano Ronaldo was amongst the most involved of Mourinho’s team in the first half. A good move from the Portuguese on the right in the 15th minute and a subsequent cross to the centre of the area was narrowly missed by Modric. Celta, on the counter attack, had their first opportunity with an Aspas cross from the left which Park put wide of the far post. On the half hour mark the Real Madrid coach had to bring on Callejon for Benzema (32') because of an injury to the Frenchman, and shortly after coming on the academy player shot against the post but it would not have counted as it was given as offside.

The home team pushed their lines forward in the closing stages of the first half and the connection between Aspas and Park produced chances for Celta. In the 38th minute Aspas found the Korean in the area but he failed to control the ball and in 40th minute a cross from Galician from the right was put wide by Park at the far post. Celta had three consecutive corners immediately before the end of the half.

Özil came on for Di Maria after the break, but the match continued in the same vein that the first half had finished with Vigo set up with their lines very high up the field and they won two corners in the opening two minutes. Ronaldo kept trying to create chances for his team, with long balls into the box but could not find anyone to put them away. A ball won in midfield by the home team in the 56th minute produced the match’s first goal. Krohn-Dehli crossed from the left which went through the middle of the area before Mario Bermejo put a low shot past Adan at the far post.

Mourinho reacted by bringing on Kaka for Essien in the 65th minute. With the three changes already made, Varane received a knock and ended up playing at centre forward. Özil played between the lines and that is how the Whites went looking for the reply. Modric could have scored following an Alonso ball into the box, but Sergio made a good stop down low. Celta were looking to hit Real Madrid on the break and following an Augusto long range shot in the 72nd which was stopped by Adan the same player went on to score the second goal in the 78th minute. Celta put pressure on a Whites throw-in in their own half and the ball fell to Bustos, who made it 2-0 with a shot from outside of the box which the Real Madrid goalkeeper could not have done anything about.

Ronaldo, Real Madrid’s best player, kept trying to create chances. In the 81st minute he shot from outside the box but it was saved by the ‘keeper and a minute later one of his crosses from the right went straight into Sergio’s hands. The third chance went passed him in the 86th minute following a great looping pass from Xabi Alonso into space which he finished with quality with his left foot. Alonso looked for Cristiano again in the 88th minute but he was given offside when he didn’t look to be and in the 91st minute Modric tried his luck from outside the area but Sergio pushed the ball wide for a corner.

Summary

Stadium: Balaidos
Attendance: 30,000
Goals: 1-0. m.55: Bermejo; 2-0. m.78: Bustos; 2-1. m.86: Cristiano Ronaldo.

Real Madrid 3 - 0 Alcoyano (Spanish Cup, Last 32)

Real Madrid made their home debut in the current edition of the Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) with a goalfest. A goal from Di Maria and a brace from Callejon, all in the second half, were enough to defeat Alcoyano and send Real Madrid through to the round of sixteen. The Whites, who began the match with academy players making up more than half the line up (six), have scored in their last 13 matches in the tournament and remain unbeaten on home ground this season in the dozen matches they've played with eight wins and two draws. In addition to the great score and qualification, Jose Rodriguez played a great match and Cheryshev made his first-team debut in an official match, being the first Russian to do so. Furthermore, the game marked Mourinho's 400th official win as a manager. Real Madrid's rival in the next stage will be the winner of the clash between Almeria and Celta.

Callejon and Di Maria were the most valuable players of the match

Real Madrid made its debut in the only official competition in which it had yet to embark at home following the Spanish Super Cup, la Liga and the Champions League. It did so with a new starting line-up in which academy players filled more than half the positions. Notable among the young players trained in 'The Factory' were Cheryshev, who made his first team debut in an official match, becoming the first Russian to do so.

Mourinho had already made clear in the press room that it was not a matter of relying on the 1-4 first-leg score but winning and offering a great game for those that came to the Bernabeu. Real Madrid went out ready to put their coach's philosophy into practice, in spite of their difficult start to the match. Albiol, who was acting as captain, had to leave the field after a tackle from David Torres in the first minutes of the match. Coentrão went on in his place. It was the Portuguese who initiated the play that lead to their first chance at goal. Modric's on target volley from the front of the area was saved by a beautiful stretch from keeper Adrian Murcia in the 8th minute.

It was a twenty minute wait until the Whites' next opportunity at goal, despite their dominating the match. Academy player Nacho made a run and delivered a cross right to Cheryshev's feet. The player from the Russian national side overcame a visiting defender but was then stopped by the Alcoyano keeper. Callejón was unable to take advantage of the following rebound. He was also involved in the last incursion of the first half. The Whites' midfielder took a great free kick and Adrian Murcia replied in spectacular fashion. He left the ball loose but was back in place to clear Varane's subsequent shot for a corner. The visiting keeper was becoming the star of the match.

The Whites turned up the intensity in the second half, bearing down on their rivals with greater energy. As a result Alcoyano now struggled to make headway with the ball and the match became increasingly vertical. Morata almost opened the scoring from the front of the area after a great collective effort but his shot in the 60th went high. Di Maria's arrival a minute later, and Benzema's in the 70th lent the team even more bite.

From then on the Whites became a force to be reckoned with and the first goal now came quickly. Callejón made a run and delivered the ball to Benzema. The French player spotted Di María and assisted the Argentinian who then scored against an inspired Adrian Murcia in the 71st. Javi Selva complained to the referee and was given a second yellow card, leaving the visiting side a player short. The second goal almost came in the 87th but while the stands were already celebrating, Benzema's shot went high. They came even closer to the second goal a minute later when Di María hit the cross bar after a one-on-one with the keeper. When the second goal did arrive it was soon followed by a third. Both were scored by Callejon. The academy player took advantage of an assist from Özil to score his first in the 89th and another from Di Maria to seal the match in extra time. The Whiteshave scored in their last thirteen matches in the tournament and remain unbeaten on their home turf this season in the dozen matches they've played with eight wins and two draws. This Thursday they'll know who their next rival is, either Almeria or Celta.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 35,000
Goals:1-0, m.72: Di Maria. 2-0, m.89: Callejon. 3-0, m.92: Callejon.

Alcoyano 1 - 4 Real Madrid (Spanish Cup, Last 32)

Real Madrid made their 2012/2013 Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) debut with a commendable away triumph against Alcoyano in the first leg of the tournament's round of thirty-two. Goals came from Benzema and Kaka in the first half then first-team newcomer Jose Rodriguez and the French forward again in the second. The team led by Jose Mourinho proved very effective, managing to thwart their rival's clear opportunities at goal. Nevertheless, a goal from Lara in the final stretch managed to close the gap. The Real Madrid coach formed a line-up full of new faces with respect to the last League match. Academy players Nacho, Morata and Álex were present and the team performed at top level in order to achieve an advantage in the playoff that concludes on 27 November in the Santiago Bernabeu. After their successful result they will now be focussing on their next League match against Zaragoza.

Ricardo Kaka was the best player of Real Madrid

The Whites hit the pitch at El Collao with nine new players in the starting line-up with respect to the last League match played against Mallorca. Alcoyano kicked off the match with the added motivation brought by their rival and the support of their home crowd. With great positioning the local team bore down on the Real Madrid players at the top of the pitch, taking four corners in only seven minutes. At the outset of the match the two teams fought with great intensity to win control of the centre of the field, resulting in a lack of opportunities at goal.

Little by little Mourinho's team freed themselves of their rival's hold and in their first aerial incursion Benzema scored 0-1 (21’). Callejon struggled against the Alicante defense for a long ball and it fell to the Frenchman who advanced well, beating Unai Alba and opening the scoreboard. At that point the Whites began to enjoy themselves more with the ball and control the match. As a result, Morata scored in the 32’ after a good pass from Kaka. However the goal was disallowed by the referee for offside. The second goal did make it on the scoreboard in the 35’, with a shot by Kaka from the edge of the area. Benzema took the ball down the field and passed it to the Brazilian, who scored with a low left-footed shot slipped in next to the left post.

The home team tried coming back thanks to Edison and De Dios, Alcoyano's most effective players. The former shot high on two occasions (38’ y 44’) while Adán, who remained confident throughout the match, blocked the latter's shot from the edge of the area. In the stoppage time Kaka shot a free kick from the side of the field directly at goal in an attempt to surprise the home keeper, but the ball went just over the crossbar.

The second half started with Jose Rodriguez making his debut with Real Madrid. He came on in substitution of Alex, who was well positioned and focused on containing the rivals at all times but was booked for a foul in the 42’. Alcoyano hit the pitch once more applying pressure at the top of the field and looking for opportunities, particularly at moments where the ball was stopped. Modric was the second Real Madrid substitution, going on for Essien in the 60’ just before the third goal (67’). In a great piece of play enabled by the whole team, Benzema passed to Jose Rodriguez inside the area and the academy player scored a fantastic goal, shooting with the inside of his right foot.

In the 70’ Benzema had the chance to score his second goal of the night but the rival keeper kicked his shot clear. The home team sought a face-saving goal but Adan thwarted all their attempts. In the 62’ he saved a shot by Fran Piera from the front of the area and in the 73’ and 75’ he disrupted two other promising rival efforts. There was nothing he could do in the 77’ when Lara shot a penalty kick directly at goal from the right side. The Whites dominated in the final stage and concluded the match with a goal from Benzema in the 87’, who slipped his shot under Unai Alba in a great combination with Morata. After their successful result the team will now be focussing on their next League match against Zaragoza next Saturday.

Summary

Stadium: El Collao
Attendance: 6,500
Goals: 0-1, m.21: Benzema. 0-2, m.36: Kaka. 0-3, m.67: Jose Rodriguez. 1-3, m.72: Javi Lara. 1-4, m.89: Benzema