Spanish Football News Blog

Stuttgart almost recorded a sensational victory over European champions Barcelona in the Champions League, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic equalised Cacau's opener to share the spoils ahead of the round of 16 second leg.

The line-ups contained few surprises, with Cacau continuing alongside Pavel Pogrebnyak for Stuttgart after his four-goal haul against Koeln at the weekend. Andres Iniesta started on the left of the Barcelona front three in preference to Thierry Henry.

Lionel Messi ran into the area early on, looking set to fire a left foot shot after cutting back. But he lost his footing completely and on the counter-attack Pogrebnyak was denied by Rafael Marquez as he looked to get a shot in at Victor Valdes.

Stuttgart made a decent chance on 12 minutes when Cristian Molinaro drove forward before feeding Cacau, but the in-form striker couldn’t quite tee himself up and ended up completely mis-hitting his effort at goal.

At the other end it was the usual story, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Messi each being denied by last-ditch tackles as the home side looked to defend deep against the marauding Catalans.

Ibrahimovic became goal-saver on 23 minutes, when he flicked away a right wing corner, before getting in front of Delpierre at the far post when the ball was swung back in. The Swede got a bang on the nose for his troubles, but he’d done his job.

But that chance had come as part of a real period of pressure from Stuttgart, and they deservedly took the lead in the 25th minute. Aliaksandr Hleb made good progress on the right, allowing Gebhart to cross delightfully towards the far post, where Cacau rose above Carles Puyol to power an unstoppable header past Victor Valdes and send the home crowd into raptures.

Within four minutes the Germans were hoping for a second when Pogrebnyak chipped a cross in the direction of the six-yard box, but the ball caught Marquez on the arm. Referee Kuipers rightly waved away appeals, deciding that the Mexican had little time to move his arm away as the ball came in.

Stuttgart continued to dominate and Cacau almost became provider when he brilliantly shrugged off Marquez before drawing Gerard Pique and playing a low ball into the six-yard box, but Puyol covered well. Khedira then had his own chance for a second when he got clear of Puyol on the left, but his quickly-taken toe-prod was blocked by Valdes.

The dominance of the home side was becoming almost embarrassing, as Hleb dispossessed Marquez deep in his own half and played a low ball for Christian Trasch, whose scuffed cross-shot spun across goal, escaping both attackers and defenders on its way out of play.

Despite the one-way traffic, Stuttgart almost gave up their lead five minutes before the interval when Jens Lehmann failed to hold a fairly weak left-foot shot from Messi and the ball spun out of his grasp and against the post, allowing the former Arsenal keeper to scramble back to collect gratefully.

The home side had without doubt deserved their half-time lead, but it lasted less than seven minutes after the break, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic finally registering his first goal in a Champions League knockout fixture.

As everyone retreated from a Barca corner, Sergio Busquets played the ball back in to the far post for Pique to head down for Ibrahimovic, and after the Swede’s first shot came back off Lehmann, he side-footed home with ease to bring the European champions level.

There were then attacks back and forth as Stuttgart looked to regain their advantage without risking a potentially fatal second Barca goal. The visitors introduced Gabriel Milito in place of Rafael Marquez at the back, knowing that the Mexican’s presence could be very important come the return leg.

There was a moment of real controversy on 68 minutes when Barcelona had a possible claim for a penalty. Lehmann failed to collect a left-wing cross, allowing Ibrahimovic to turn and shoot, but his goalbound shot was blocked on the line by the upper arm of Molinaro. The referee waved away the Catalans’ appeals, presumably believing it to have been another case of ball to hand.

Moments later, Molinaro broke through a crowd of players in the box to reach the byline before pulling back towards Cacau, but Valdes managed to claim the striker’s stab towards goal at the second attempt.

There followed a period of stalemate, as both teams seemed increasingly aware of their need to maintain the status quo at the very least ahead of the second leg in the Camp Nou.

Stuttgart had a late opportunity to take a lead to Barcelona when substitute Marica was tugged back by Pique on the edge of the box. The defender was shown a yellow card and the set-piece was drilled in by Kuzmanovic, but Valdes managed to hold on with attackers running in looking to take advantage of any slip up.

There was still enough time for Khedira to pick up a booking for a poor challenge on Lionel Messi which brought a strong reaction from Ibrahimovic.

Source: goal.com

Cristiano Ronaldo is distraught about the catastrophic floods that have killed 32 people in his native Madeira and has pledged to help the devastated island.

He said: ‘I’m incredulous, shocked, distressed. It’s a big catastrophe. I feel the pain of all the population.’

The former Manchester United man was at his imperious best on Sunday as he inspired Real Madrid to a crushing 6-2 defeat of Villarreal.

Ronaldo hammered his new club ahead in the 18th minute with a trademark free-kick. He revealed a t-shirt underneath his jersey emblazoned with the word 'Madeira' in tribute to those on his home island.

Kaka and Gonzalo Higuain also grabbed a brace, while former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso completed proceedings with a penalty.

Source: The Daily Mail

Real Madrid  blasted away Villarreal with a vintage display of attacking football to put them two points behind La Liga leaders, Barcelona.

Real Madrid went into the game knowing that a win would put them just two points behind Barcelona. For Villarreal, there was a good chance to cause an upset and move themselves up the top half of the table.

Real dominated large parts of the first half but Villarreal managed to get a goal, which kept them in the game. However, the Real pressure was all too much and further chances in the second half made the away team’s task too difficult.

Real quickly got on the ball and started playing some good passes around the midfield. Kaka nearly played in Ronaldo but a defender got across to cover at the vital moment.

Ronaldo quickly drifted out to the right wing. He played a good sequence of passes with Arbeloa before a defender came in and committed the foul. It was clear that Villarreal would need to be patient and soak up a lot of pressure.

Higuain was the next to find himself in a good position but the Real striker lost control at the vital moment. He found himself in space in the 10th minute but the ball got away from him just as he looked as though he was going to bury it.

Real were controlling the game. Kaka played a dangerous ball into the heart of the Villarreal box after winning it back but there was no one willing to gamble and take what would have been an easy tap in.

It was Real who deservingly took the lead inside 20 minutes. Ronaldo smashed in a free kick after he had won himself a free kick. It quickly looked as though it could be a long night for the visitors.

The home side then doubled their lead a couple of minutes later. Higuain went down inside the area and the referee immediately pointed to the spot. Kaka stepped up to convert from twelve yards as the game looked like it could end up being a cricket score.

Ronaldo should have made it 3-0 when Higuain did well to find space and cut the ball back. The Real star connected with the ball but it flew wide of the goal when it looked easier to score.

Villarreal did not let their heads drop and pulled a goal back through Senna. He was fouled just outside the area, picked himself up and curled the ball beautifully beyond Casillas. There was still hope.

The goal gave the away team a lift and Senna nearly played a perfect ball through the heart of the Real defence. Arbeloa reacted quickly to get out and make sure Senna had no time to complete the move.

Ronaldo looked like a threat every time he got on the ball. With five minutes of the first half left, he beat players down the right before squaring to Kaka. The Brazilian leaned back slightly and sent his shot over the cross bar. Another great Real chance for a third goal passed.

The second half started in much the same way as the first. Marcelo bombed on from the right back position but was stopped in his tracks as Real players started to flood into the box.

Real could have been accused of trying to be a little too clever when the game was still in the balance. Higuain and Ronaldo combined well before the latter tried an elaborate back heel, which went right into the path of the defender who cleared.

However, Higuain quickly made up for this when he scored Real’s third. The striker ghosted into the box and tapped the ball in after a low and quick Ronaldo cross from the right hand side.

The goal seemed to signal a slight easing of Real pressure. Pires and Capdevila played a lovely inter change of passes before Ramos recovered at right back to send the ball slamming out of play for a corner.

Real still had quality all over the park. Ronaldo made a storming run as the last 20 minutes approached. The Portuguese pushed back the Villarreal defence and the over hit a cross when a shot seemed the better option. Ronaldo was then played clean through by Marcelo but the goalkeeper got down well to save with his legs.

Villarreal’s Nilmar made Real pay for not making the most of their pressure. Pires made a decent run and squared for the attacking player who only had to pass the ball past Casillas and into the Real net to make it 3-2.

However, this threat of a come back was short lived when Higuain grabbed his second to re-establish Real’s two goal advantage. Real put together an Arsenal-esque perfect passing attacking move. Higuain just had to tap the ball into an empty net from close range.

Kaka added a fifth to secure the win and three points for Real. Ronaldo played a neat ball into the path of a sprinting Kaka who slotted the ball beyond the onrushing goalkeeper and into the net.
For good measure Xabi Alonso slotted in a sixth from the penalty spot after Ronaldo was fouled by Pires. It really was a vintage display of attacking football from Real Madrid and the visitors just had no answer despite showing a good amount of fight and determination.

Source: goal.com

Barcelona coasted to victory against Racing Santander  in the Camp Nou  to restore their five point lead at the top of the Primera Division table. Andres Iniesta, Thierry Henry and Rafael Marquez all scored in the first half, while Thiago added to the scoreline late on.

Bojan Krkic was given a rare start up front for the hosts, but it was a mainstay of the side who opened the scoring in the seventh minute.

A simple long ball into the box from Rafael Marquez was completely misjudged by Jose Crespo and Iniesta was on hand to pounce on the loose ball and turn it past Fabio Coltorti. It was his first goal of the season in his 300th game for the club.

Coltorti then pulled off a fine one-handed save from Lionel Messi after the Argentine had exchanged passes with Sergio Busquets on the edge of the box as the Blaugrana looked to establish a healthy early advantage.

Midway through the first half the 'keeper was called into action again, this time at his near post. Bojan skipped past a challenge on the edge of the area and fired a shot at goal from a narrow angle, but Coltorti turned it behind.

Racing's attacking threat was all too rare, but Victor Valdes was still alert to claim the ball well when Xisco headed Papa Diop's free kick back across goal.

The lead was doubled just before the half hour mark after Busquets won a free kick on the edge of the area. Henry stepped up and his effort went through the defensive wall into the corner, with Coltorti powerless to prevent it from going in.

Toni Moral was booked for a clear handball to provide Barcelona with another free kick in a dangerous position, and they took advantage of it. This time it was Marquez who curled a free kick over the wall and in off the post. It was 3-0, and los Verdiblancos were yet to register a shot in anger.

The visitors should have scored moments later, however. Valdes spilled a cross at the feet of Sergio Canales and the youngster's shot was goal-bound, but the offside Xisco poked the ball into the net himself. The on-loan striker should have connected with a Canales free kick just before half time but failed to make any contact with his close-range header.

There were no changes at the break, and the second half began in the same fashion as the first had ended with Barcelona looking comfortable. The visitors were clearly frustrated, evidenced by Oriol's reaction after tumbling over Henry's outstretched leg in the Racing penalty area.

With one goal to his name, Iniesta was on the lookout for a second. On the hour mark, a ball broke free on the edge of the box and Iniesta was quick to fire a shot at goal, but it was easy for Coltorti to save.

Despite the hosts' dominance in possession, they were not creating many clear-cut openings. Pep Guardiola decided to take off Carles Puyol after the captain suffered a clash of heads in the penalty area, although the substitution was more precautionary than anything.

Gerard Pique nearly added a fourth as he collected a cross in the six-yard box but the ball was snatched away from him before he could pull the trigger on the volley. Coltorti was called into action when Messi cut inside from the right flank and unleashed a shot with his left foot, but the Swiss shot-stopper beat the ball away.

In the 84th minute, Barcelona finally scored their fourth. Messi cut the ball back from the byline for substitute Thiago to sidefoot home via a deflection for his first senior goal.

It was a perfect end to Guardiola's 100th official game in charge of the Blaugrana as his side recorded their 71st win under his stewardship to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Source: goal.com

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has admitted he would one day like to manage the Spanish national team.

“I would like to try," he told Spanish daily AS. "In 2022 who knows where we will be, but I have not received any offers. I hope to in the future, yes, but I will start looking to the future when I am tired with the present,” he added.

The former Spanish international was speaking following his announcement that he was publicly backing Qatar’s World Cup 2022 bid.

Pep spent two seasons in Qatar with Al-Ahli towards the end of his career and revealed he will become the ambassador of the country’s bid to host the competition.

"I am the ambassador of Qatar's bid to host the World Cup 2022,” he told AS. “The reasons are that I lived there, I received a lot from them and they treated me so well.

“I will help as much as possible. I can provide advice, equipment, organisation, and bring my experience [to the committee].”

Source: goal.com

Real Madrid  emerged from Stade Gerland with their Champions League ambitions still in tact but it could have been a different story had an excellent Lyon side been more effective in front of goal.

In the end the French side take a one-goal lead to the Bernabeu, thanks to a wonderful strike from Jean Makoun.

Madrid looked out of sorts for most of the first leg as it was the rampant French outfit that played with style, panache and confidence. The Merengues had to rely on an untested alloy of resolute defence and good fortune as Sidney Govou gave Marcelo a lesson down the right wing for the entire first half.

Cristiano Ronaldo provided one of Madrid's few brighter moments of the first half craftily backheeling Xabi Alonso's incisive pass into the path of Gonzalo Higuain but Jean-Alain Boumsong was alert to clear the danger, typifying Lyon's early dominance.

The home side's intensity and commitment had the Spanish outfit on the back foot and a succession of fouls in Madrid territory suggested the hosts were increasingly the more likely to score. The majority of Miralem Pjanic's set pieces were comfortably dealt with though, even Ronaldo dropping back to add his head to the defence of the aerial assault.

Despite some clear opportunities to test Iker Casillas from dead ball situations, Lyon's greatest chance came from a flash of individual brilliance. Cesar Delgado pounced on a half cleared corner but only managed to smash his stunning right footed volley off Casillas' right hand upright with the Madrid 'keeper stunned and rooted to his spot.

Another set piece followed and Panjic's delivery was improving but the quality of finishing left Casillas untested. The French side were in the ascendancy and seemed to be growing in confidence and surely would not have wanted the half-time whistle to sound.

The hosts continued where they left off after the interval and took a deserved lead almost immediately as Makoun fired a stunning effort from 25 yards which dipped and swerved away from the outstretched Casillas before bulging the top right hand corner of the net.

Madrid's midfield continued to be overrun by Lyon's energy and Kaka and Xabi Alonso in particular seemed completely off the pace but Madrid as a whole were tepid at best.

Casillas almost gifted Lyon a two goal cushion ten minutes into the half after his goal kick went no more than 20 yards, straight to an alert Lisandro Lopez. Luckily for Real's custodian, Raul Albiol and Ezequiel Garay were on hand to make it difficult for the Argentine forward, who dragged his effort wide from 16 yards.

Hugo Lloris had to make a fine save as a 20 yard Ronaldo snapshot took a monster deflection and seemed headed for the top corner before France's first choice shot stopper got across to tip it around for a corner.

A fantastic flowing Lyon counterattack moments later came to nothing as Aly Cissokho opted to go it alone only for Casillas to save. Cissokho may have rued not squaring it to one of his better placed team-mates had Lloris not saved excellently from Higuain seconds later.

Lyon's intensity was fading as the half wore on and Ronaldo won a free kick midway through the half. So often the remedy for a lacklustre display from los Blancos, his 22 yard effort fizzled off the wall and safely into the hands of Lloris.

Sergio Ramos could have given Madrid a precious away goal but the versatile defender failed to direct his free header on target from six yards. Ambitious attacking play had turned to valiant rearguard action from the French outfit for the final quarter of an hour and they weathered some late Madrid pressure to take the slenderest of leads to the Bernabeu in a fortnight.

Source: goal.com
 

Highlights of Athletico Madrid's defeat of Barcelona on 14/02/10:

Manchester United are reportedly favourites to sign Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema in a cut-price deal, according to the News of the World.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has already admitted he was interested in signing Benzema from Lyon in the summer, but was unwilling to match the £30 million asking price that Real eventually shelled out to capture the 22-year-old.

However, the tabloid claims that the French international has failed to impress Real’s president Florentino Perez, who also wants to sign David Villa in the summer, paving the way for Benzema’s exit.

The former Lyon man has scored seven goals in 20 games for Manuel Pellegrini’s side this season and is due to face his former employers in the Champions League in midweek.

However, he could be forced to watch from the bench following the return of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain.

Benzema has previously admitted he has been disappointed with the amount of time he has spent on the bench in Madrid, while still insisting he is happy with life in Spain.

Meanwhile, the report claims that Real are willing to accept £18m for Benzema, although the Red Devils will have to see off stiff competition from both Inter and AC Milan if they are to sign the Frenchman.

Source: goal.com

Given the exceptional repercussions created by the stories that have appeared in different media with respect to an agreement with Arsenal FC player Cesc Fàbregas, FCB flatly denies that there have been any negotiations or agreements with the player.

In accordance with FIFA regulations, FC Barcelona’s contract policy has always made it a priority to negotiate with the club of origin before making any particular agreement with the player.

FC Barcelona wishes to stress that it has always maintained excellent institutional relations with Arsenal FC.

Source: FC Barcelona
 

Former Real Madrid president Ramón Calderón has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo reached an agreement with Manchester United to move to Real Madrid over six months before the transfer was officially announced.

The Portuguese midfielder became the most expensive football player in history when he made the £80 million switch from Old Trafford to the Santiago Bernabéu last June.

The 25-year-old, who has already scored nine goals in 12 appearances for Real Madrid, is also said to have generated interest from both Barcelona and Inter Milan.

Calderón, 58, who resigned as Real Madrid President last month following allegations of vote-rigging for the confirmation for the financial budget at the club, stated that a deal had already been struck for Ronaldo’s transfer long before it was officially announced.

“Cristiano came to an agreement with Manchester United for a transfer to Real on December 8, 2008,” he told Eurosport.

“During last summer there was no negotiation, everything was already concluded. The player accepted a clause of €30 million in case the transfer failed, but Inter and Barcelona also entered the race,” he continued.

“The Red Devils were willing to resolve that clause for those two clubs and not sell to Real. Everyone knows there is not a good relationship between the two clubs [Manchester United and Real Madrid].

“However, the situation was eventually resolved by Cristiano himself, who remained faithful to [his deal with] Real Madrid,” he added.

Real Madrid travel to Xerez on Saturday evening as they attempt to close the five-point gap separating them from Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table.

Source: The Sport Review

• Real beat Espanyol 3-0 to stay five points behind
• 'We're not focussed on what Barça are doing' says Real coach

The Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini has again insisted his side are focused only on themselves and not on what is happening at Barcelona.

In what is already looking like another two-horse race for the Primera Division, the reigning champions Barça retained their five-point lead over second-placed Madrid after both clubs won last night.

Barça, taking advantage of kicking off before Madrid for the third successive week, moved eight points clear with a 2-1 win over Getafe earlier in the evening, but Pellegrini's men responded with a 3-0 defeat of Espanyol.

Knowing Barça have already been victorious before Madrid begin their match could have been a distraction for Real, but Pellegrini claims his team are only concerned with their own efforts.

"There are 17 games left in the league and we're not focused on what Barcelona are doing," said Pellegrini, whose side are eight points clear of third-placed Valencia.

"We will see what happens, you cannot predict the future. The important thing is what we do and above all that we are focused on ourselves."

Although he had five senior players back from injury for the visit of Espanyol, Pellegrini kept faith the same starting XI that last week achieved the club's first win away at Deportivo La Coruña for almost two decades.

And the Chilean was rewarded as Madrid comfortably won for the 11th successive time at home in La Liga this season.

Sergio Ramos opened the scoring early on and Kaká doubled the lead after half an hour. Striker Gonzalo Higuaín, appearing as a second-half substitute on his comeback from injury, then added a sublime third late on to take his tally for the season to 12.

Pellegrini added: "We've won 11 matches at home, and in that respect we're happy. We had a great first half in which we had several chances and (Espanyol goalkeeper Carlos) Kameni made three or four saves. In the second half maybe we were less mobile but we also had a couple of clear chances and scored another."

Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino believes Madrid were full value for their win, although he felt the 3-0 scoreline flattered their hosts. "I think a fairer result would've been 2-1," he said.

"We've played against Real Madrid, one of the best teams in the world. We've done some positive things in the second half and for that I'm pleased. We could have done something more in the second half but Madrid are deserving winners. Conceding the first goal so early allowed Madrid to become much more comfortable."

Source: The Guardian

Barcelona  are interested in adding Arsenal's Emmanuel Eboue to their armoury, in addition to luring Cesc Fabregas to Camp Nou during the summer, according to The Sun.

It is said that the Catalan club will mount a £40 million bid to tempt the Gunners into letting go of their skipper, whilst having one eye cast on the Ivory Coast international - whose contract at Asburton Grove expires at the end of the season.

It is claimed that the sporting director of the Spanish giants, Txiki Begiristain, has read the 26-year-old's file and is impressed with the player's defensive capabilities in addition to his skills in midfield.

A Barca insider is quoted as saying: "Our coach Pep Guardiola is also very keen and we are working at the situation."

Source: goal.com

MADRID — Spain coach Vicente del Bosque believes there may be a place for Real Madrid midfielder Guti in his World Cup squad after the 33-year-old's return to form.

A sublime backheel by Guti set up French striker Karim Benzema to score against Deportivo La Coruna at the weekend, winning him praise in the Spanish media just weeks after he appeared to be out of favour with Real coach Manuel Pellegrini.

Guti himself said he still hopes to play for Spain in the World Cup in South Africa despite his age and the strong competition for midfield places.

"What he said is good," Del Bosque told the sports daily Marca on Tuesday. "That means he's motivated. The door is open to his joining the squad. I look at a player's current form."

A product of Real's youth system and one of the longest-serving members of Real's squad, Guti has 15 caps for Spain but last played for the national team in 2005.

He did not feature for Real for more than two months following a bust-up with Pellegrini during the club's embarrassing 4-0 Spanish Cup defeat against third-division side Alcorcon on October 27.

Source: AFP

Manchester City signed the Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson in a deal worth £7m, but missed out on two other new recruits. City refused to spend £25m on Real Madrid's Argentine midfielder Fernando Gago, and their proposed £7m move for McDonald Mariga from Parma collapsed when he failed to be awarded a work permit.

The final day of the transfer window saw City refuse to meet Madrid's asking price for 23-year-old Gago – the club rejecting suggestions that their manager Roberto Mancini had been let down by the chief executive, Garry Cook, and football administrator, Brian Marwood. City also denied claims made in Spain last night that the clubs had agreed a fee of £15m for Gago only to miss yesterday's 5pm deadline because they could not complete the deal until they had an agreement from City's chairman, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, whom they could not reach in time.

On a frustrating day for City, Marwood and Mancini attended a work permit hearing for Mariga but because Kenya are outside the world's top 75 countries his move fell through. Internazionale seized the opportunity and signed the highly rated 22-year-old on a four-year deal.

Source: The Independent