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Real Madrid 4-2 Villarreal Cristiano Ronaldo stole the show against Villarreal on Sunday night with a spectacular hat-trick (22 goals in 18 matches) to steer Real Madrid to victory. The Whites found themselves down on two occasions but managed to come back twice to take three crucial points. Kaka was credited with the fourth goal in what was his Bernabeu debut coming off a long-term injury. Villarreal played a flawless first half with magical touching and gentle treatment of the ball, but they failed to remember who they were up against. Cani put the visitors up on 6’, but Cristiano finished a combination by Ozil and Benzema to pull Real level three minutes later. The Yellow Submarine again took the lead on 17’ with a goal by Marco Ruben and stunned the Whites. CR7 again found the answer on the last play of the half by heading in a fee-kick cross by Xabi Alonso. Khedira replaced Lass in the second half as Albiol moved into the right-back slot and Ramos took over in the center of the back line. Villarreal struggled without the ball at their feet and Benzema and Cristiano nearly put Real ahead on two occasions but were stymied by Diego Lopez. With 20 minutes on the clock, Kaka stepped in for Albiol in search of more answers in attack. Only nine minutes were needed before the Brazilian swung in a pass that Diego Lopez failed to trap. Following several deflections, Cristiano netted what would prove to be the winner with a left-footed strike. Villarreal claimed the Portuguese international was offside to no avail and the goal was considered valid. There was still more action to be had and on 82’ Cristiano Ronaldo provided a perfect assist for Kaka, who notched his first goal of the season and Real Madrid’s fourth of the night. Football returns to the Bernabeu on Thursday for the first leg of the next Copa del Rey tie against Atletico Madrid.

Mourinho praises impressive Villarreal Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho paid tribute to his side's fighting spirit after their brilliant 4-2 victory over Villarreal. Mourinho also heaped praise on their opponents, who he described as the best team to visit the Bernabeu this season. Madrid's 16-match winning streak in front of their own fans and Mourinho's remarkable record of having gone almost nine years without suffering a home defeat both looked in danger as impressive Villarreal caused numerous problems in the first half. However, despite twice taking the lead through Cani (seven minutes) and Marco Ruben (19), the Yellow Submarine had to settle for a 2-2 scoreline going into the interval as Madrid equalised both times through Cristiano Ronaldo (nine and 45). The second half saw Madrid put on a much better showing and they got the lead they had been threatening when Ronaldo completed his hat-trick in the 80th minute, before the Portugal international set up Kaka two minutes later to end the scoring. Mourinho said: "We deserved to win for the courage we had in the second half. The team was marvellous. "At the start Villarreal were fantastic and Madrid were bad. I didn't like it that our opponents played such an exceptional game in the first half. Villarreal are the best team to have come here and those who have come the closest to winning. "A fairer scoreline at half-time would have been 3-1 to Villarreal. We made it 2-2 when we didn't deserve it, because they had control of the game. Because of them, we didn't do very much. "During the break I spoke with the players. I told them that it was a false scoreline and that I wanted to change the system, and especially the way we pressurised them. And the game changed completely. I took a risk and switched Kaka for (Raul) Albiol, and we won. "You cannot sit back and wait in a championship where the leaders have only dropped five points and the second-placed team seven. We need to give it everything." Madrid moved back to within two points of Primera Division leaders Barcelona with the victory, whilst putting an 11-point gap between themselves and third-placed Villarreal. Mourinho also gave his side of events regarding the incident at the end of the game when he celebrated Kaka's goal in front of the Villarreal bench, incurring the anger the visitors, one of whom threw a water bottle in the direction of the Portuguese. It missed, but the referee raced over to brandish a red card to one of the Villarreal contingent on the sidelines. Mourinho said: "I swear that I went to celebrate the goal with my son who was behind their bench and they thought I was provoking them."

Real Madrid 4-2 Villarreal Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick and set up another for Kaka as Real Madrid beat Villarreal 4-2. Madrid twice fought back from deficits to defeat Villarreal in an entertaining encounter at the Bernabeu. Villarreal led through goals from Cani and Marco Ruben during a hugely impressive first-half display, but they were pegged back each time by strikes from Ronaldo. The second half belonged almost entirely to Madrid and Ronaldo gave the home side the lead they deserved with his third of the match 10 minutes from time, and two minutes later he provided the pass for the fit-again Kaka to score his first goal of the season. The Brazil international has only just returned from a knee operation. The victory means Madrid, who beat Villarreal 6-2 in last season's corresponding fixture, have now won 17 successive competitive matches at home and move back to within two points of leaders Barcelona. Villarreal remain in third spot, but they are now a massive 11 points behind Madrid in second. The Yellow Submarine looked capable of trimming the gap between the two - and ending Jose Mourinho's remarkable unbeaten home record in league matches which stretches back almost nine years - after they enjoyed a flying start, opening up the Madrid defence with a fine move right from kick-off. On that occasion Santi Cazorla saw his shot deflected just wide, but it was the start of what proved to be a torrid first period for the home defence. The next time the visitors had Madrid in serious trouble was in the seventh minute, and it resulted in the opening goal of the game. Giuseppe Rossi threaded the ball through on the edge of the box to Cani, who flicked a fine finish past Iker Casillas. Villarreal's advantage lasted just two minutes though before Madrid drew level with a superbly-worked goal. Karim Benzema and Mesut Ozil combined well on the edge of the area to put the latter in behind the Villarreal defence and the Germany international's pass was slotted in by the unmarked Ronaldo at the far post. Despite that setback, Villarreal continued to play their attractive passing game and they retook the lead in the 19th minute through Ruben's excellent finish. Ruben raced onto Bruno Soriano's through-ball before lifting the ball over the out-rushing Casillas as Madrid appealed in vain for an offside flag. That looked set to be the half-time scoreline, but Ronaldo had other ideas and he drew the teams level again just before the break, getting to Xabi Alonso's free-kick ahead of Villarreal goalkeeper Diego Lopez to glance the ball in. Madrid could consider themselves fortunate to be on level terms at the break, but it was a different story after the break as the hosts found themselves increasingly camped in Villarreal territory. Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria both blazed decent shooting opportunities over before Benzema was denied by Lopez at his near post. Ronaldo spurned a great opportunity in the 64th minute after finding himself with just Lopez to beat. Perhaps thinking he was offside, the Portugal international dithered on the ball and in the end the shooting chances was lost. Rossi threatened on a rare Villarreal counter-attack before Madrid went close again, Benzema once more being denied by Lopez. A Madrid goal was looking increasingly likely, and it duly arrived in the 80th minute through Ronaldo. He was unable to make the most of his first opportunity but he managed to regain possession before spinning and firing a low left-footed shot into the corner of the net. That was Ronaldo's 22nd league goal of the season, his fourth hat-trick of the campaign and means he has now scored 64 goals in just 62 appearances since his world-record transfer from Manchester United in 2009. Ronaldo was not done yet though, and he turned provider soon after to help substitute Kaka wrap up the points with a neat finish. Mourinho celebrated that goal in front of the Villarreal bench, which did not go down well with the visitors, one of whom threw a water bottle in the direction of the Portuguese. It missed, but the referee raced over to brandish a red card to one of the Villarreal contingent on the sidelines.

Real Madrid Coach Jose Mourinho Shrugs Off Second Leg Loss To Levante After an 8-0 win in the first leg, Mourinho says the 2-0 loss in the second leg means nothing in the grand scheme of things... Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho revealed his side could afford to lose the second leg of their Round of 16 match against Levante, after having an eight-goal lead from the first leg. The Blancos lost 2-0 this evening, but the 'Special One' shrugged off the setback. "I cannot be critical of my team. It was always going to be a tough match, but we did not pay the necessary attention to it," the coach told Marca after the match. "It is always difficult to motivate oneself, but I think you cannot criticise because the players had a positive attitude. "It looked like it would be a scoreless draw, but the victory is a prize for Levante. They fought hard and earned their win. Now, we are set to take on Atletico Madrid, so we have a difficult task ahead." Mourinho also spoke about Kaka's performance off the bench. "Kaka has been getting more time on the pitch and this gives us confidence," he added. "The positive thing is that he has no problems with his knee after each match. "He will surely play in the next match [against Villarreal]. The Bernabeu crowd will see once again why he is one of the best players. "Today may have been a match we could afford to lose, but our next one we cannot," he affirmed

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez Tells Jose Mourinho He Cannot Sign A Striker In January Jose Mourinho told he won't be given funds to address squad needs in January as Real Madrid retrench... Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has made it clear he won't shell out for a new striker in January, leaving coach Jose Mourinho facing the sharp end of cuts. In a short and sharp response, Marca.com quotes the Blancos chief as saying, "We won't sign a striker." His message comes following numerous requests from Mourinho to be given a hoard of spending money so he can fix his squad. Gonzalo Higuain is expected to miss at least two months of action with a back problem, whereas Karim Benzema has often struggled to maintain form. But those reasons are not enough to convince Perez, who is in no mood to siphon off new funds for players.

Gonzalo Higuain Thanks Real Madrid For Support But Forgets To Mention Jose Mourinho Early signs of tension between Real Madrid duo Jose Mourinho and Gonzalo Higuain emerge over injury questions... Gonzalo Higuain thanked everyone apart from Jose Mourinho for the support he has received during his Real Madrid injury woes. Higuain flew out to Chicago on Saturday to undergo surgery on a herniated disc in his back, and while he offered words of comfort, there was no mention of Mourinho. Reports claim Higuain is annoyed with the coach after he suggested that the striker was convinced not to have the surgery earlier. "I have received plenty of support from my colleagues here," Higuain told Marca as he left for America. "The president Florentino Perez and Jorge Valdano have also been good to me. I thank them because from day one they have always helped me." Some have suggested that the Argentine could be back playing before the end of term, but the hitman is staying calm. "There is no exact date for my return, but we must remain tranquil and patient."

Gonzalo Higuain Thanks Real Madrid For Support But Forgets To Mention Jose Mourinho Early signs of tension between Real Madrid duo Jose Mourinho and Gonzalo Higuain emerge over injury questions... Gonzalo Higuain thanked everyone apart from Jose Mourinho for the support he has received during his Real Madrid injury woes. Higuain flew out to Chicago on Saturday to undergo surgery on a herniated disc in his back, and while he offered words of comfort, there was no mention of Mourinho. Reports claim Higuain is annoyed with the coach after he suggested that the striker was convinced not to have the surgery earlier. "I have received plenty of support from my colleagues here," Higuain told Marca as he left for America. "The president Florentino Perez and Jorge Valdano have also been good to me. I thank them because from day one they have always helped me." Some have suggested that the Argentine could be back playing before the end of term, but the hitman is staying calm. "There is no exact date for my return, but we must remain tranquil and patient."

Real Madrid Defender Ezequiel Garay Relishing Villarreal Clash Garay warns Madrid against an organised Villarreal side... Real Madrid centre-back Ezequiel Garay is eagerly anticipating their crunch clash against Villarreal on Sunday. Madrid are currently second in the table, two points behind leaders Barcelona, while the Yellow Submarine are third and Garay believes that the fans are in for an enthralling affair at the Santiago Bernabeu. "Villarreal are organised and they always play very well," said Garay, according to Madrid's official website. "We will try to keep the ball from them because that's how they can hurt us. They have a solid attacking midfield and we'll have to try to prevent the ball from getting there. "A match against Villarreal is always appealing to watch and play. We have to try to take three points in order to stay at the top and avoid losing sight of the leading spot. "We need to win. It'd be better if we cut our distance with the leaders even shorter.

Villarreal Coach Juan Carlos Garrido: Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho Has Team Believing In Him Villarreal coach Juan Carlos Garrido praises the work done by Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid. Villarreal coach Juan Carlos Garrido has looked forward to tonight’s trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to face Real Madrid, praising the performance of Jose Mourinho since taking over as coach in the summer. The Portuguese’s only league defeat in charge of Los Blancos came at the hands of champions Barcelona, and Garrido told the media that the manner in which Mourinho instils belief in his squad is his best quality. He remarked: “He is a great coach who has won many titles. He gets his team to believe in him. His career deserves great respect from me. We will do our best to score points here. “What we know is that the game is going to require much effort. First we must know our own game, but know it will be complicated by our rival. In addition we must be focused defensively to stop their good players.” Garrido reiterated that the target for the season remains to finish in La Liga’s top four, adding: “The results have been good, and we have played well against good teams, so we are very motivated. “The ultimate goal is to finish in the Champions League positions, but the league is long.”

I Will Try To Return To Action As Soon As Possible - Real Madrid Striker Gonzalo Higuain Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain hopes to return from injury as soon as possible to help the team. Find the best odds and bet on La Liga. Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain has arrived in Chicago ahead of surgery on his back problem, and issued a pledge to the club’s followers that he will do everything possible to return to action soon. The Argentine’s injury has left Los Blancos with just one recognised first team striker in the form of Karim Benzema, and club president Florentino Perez has reportedly ruled out any new additions in January. Speaking upon his arrival in Illinois, ‘Pipita’ said of his condition: “There is now only one forward in the team, and I will try to return as soon as possible because it is necessary to help the team, but to also to take care of my body. Before football, I am a person. “I made the decision to have the operation and this is for the greater good. I need to think of my future of many years in football. I have really wanted to do this.” Higuain also stressed his anticipation at returning to help the team, saying: “I hope all goes well. I am excited to return and help the team. I have to work. There is no exact date for the return but I am calm and I must be patient. “I think I will get everything right. I am a positive person. I always look forward.

Real Madrid Plotting A £20 Million Swoop For Liverpool Skipper Steven Gerrard - Report Jan 9, 2011 8:45:00 AM Find the best odds and bet on La Liga. Real Madrid are believed to be interested in acquiring the services of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard by making a £20 million move for the Reds' skipper. According to The Mirror, the Spanish heavyweights believe that the midfielder is losing patience with the club's inability to remain as competitive as they used to be. The 30-year-old had previously come close to leaving the Merseyside club after the exit of Gerard Houllier back in 2004, but went back on his decision to remain with the Reds at the time. It has been reported that striker Fernando Torres and goalkeeper Pepe Reina could also make a move away from the club, despite Roy Hodgson having already been fired. Gerrard's current contract with Liverpool runs through until 2013.

Chelsea's Carlo Ancelotti Unfazed By Protest Banner At Training Italian aware that the buck stops at his door By Ian Murphy Jan 7, 2011 6:21:00 PM Share Share EPL: Carlo Ancelotti, Tottenham-Chelsea (Getty Images) Photo Gallery Zoom EPL: Carlo Ancelotti, Tottenham-Chelsea (Getty Images) Related Links Teams * Chelsea Players * Carlo Ancelotti Find the best odds and bet on the Premier League. Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has laughed off a protest from a fan who put up a banner at the entrance to the club's training ground calling for the Italian to be sacked. Players and staff arrived at the Cobham training ground on Friday morning faced with two banners draped outside the entrance, reading: "Ancelotti and Abramovich out" and "None of you are fit to wear the shirt". The banners were presumably the work of a fan disappointed with the club's recent abject form, which hit a new low with a limp defeat at Wolves on Wednesday night. Ancelotti appears to have the majority of the Chelsea fans behind him and this allowed him to poke fun at the solitary protest. "There was only one?," joked Ancelotti with reporters on Friday "If it's only one, there's no problem. Here, you saw outside just one person who is not happy. "In Italy, it's different. You can find outside the training ground 1,000 people not happy. "It's difficult to fight with 1,000. With one, you can manage." The Italian masterminded Chelsea's league and cup double last season but, after an excellent start to this campaign, has seen his side falter dramatically. The Blues have won just one of their last nine games and sit in fifth place in the Premier League – a staggering nine points behind Manchester United who top the league with a game in hand. It is the worst run since Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003, but fortunately for Ancelotti he appears to still have the support of the Russian billionaire. "For a manager, it is important at this moment to have the support of the club, of the players, and obviously of the fans – minus one," Ancelotti added. "It is the right way to move on quickly. The problem now here is not the relationship with the club, or with the owner, or with the players. "The problem is the team is not doing well. We've stayed a long time in a difficult moment, we've lost confidence. "We spoke on Friday with the staff to try to find the solution. The solution is on the pitch, it is not outside the pitch." The former Milan boss is not alone in being an under-pressure Premier League manager and insisted that he is not surprised by such scrutiny in a game where the buck always stops at the manager's door. He said: "In football, you usually say when everything is okay, the players are fantastic. When everything is wrong, it is the manager who is not so good. "When the moment is not good, we have to take responsibility. "I feel in this moment more responsibility than my players. This is normal, this is not a worry for me." Chelsea were five points clear at the top of the table back in October and Ancelotti says that the quality of his players means that he is not keen to panic buy in the January transfer window. "We started very well this season, with this squad," he said. "Everyone was excited to watch our games, was excited to speak about our players, and how we played. "I think that these players are able to move on with their quality, with their character, with their personality. "We don't need to have the support from any [new] players.

Arsenal Captain Cesc Fabregas Agrees To Join Barcelona On Five-Year Deal - Report El Mundo Deportivo claims Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas will join Barcelona in the summer after agreeing a deal... Find the best odds and bet on the Premier League. Cesc Fabregas has agreed to leave Arsenal for Barcelona and will move to Camp Nou in the summer. El Mundo Deportivo claims the Spanish international will don the famous Azulgrana shirt next season after agreeing a deal with the Catalan giants. The 23-year-old will also be given the number 4 jersey and is expected to pen a five year deal until June 2016. However, Barcelona will have to negotiate a transfer with Arsenal who would be resistant to a move. But, a €50million deal could be enough to convince the Gunners into parting company with their man.

Cristiano Ronaldo Is The Best Player In The History Of Football - Agent Jorge Mendes Football agent Jorge Mendes brands client Cristiano Ronaldo the best player of all time. By Paul Macdonald Jan 9, 2011 9:54:00 AM Football agent Jorge Mendes has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo is “the greatest player in the history of football”. In an interview with publication Expresso, Mendes looked back across his career brokering transfer deals, including the switch that took the Portuguese international from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009. The representative, who also has coach Jose Mourinho among his list of clients, believes that Ronaldo’s attributes make him better than the likes of Pele, Diego Maradona, and current rival Lionel Messi. He remarked: “I think that it is thanks to his speed, his great technique and his power in the air. People will agree with me over time. “Messi is a great player, I have no doubt. But the strength of will, character and quality distinguish him. He has now been joined by the best coach of all time, too.” Mendes also offered further praise for Mourinho in the interview, adding: “He is a genius who has everything. In 500 years, we will see no one like him."

Malaga 1-1 Athletic Bilbao A Javi Martinez header deep into added time gave Athletic Bilbao a dramatic point away to Malaga in La Liga. Martin Demichelis headed the hosts in front 10 minutes from time from a corner and that looked to be enough to give Malaga all three points. But the Argentina defender fouled Fernando Llorente two minutes into added time to hand Athletic one more chance to take something from the game. Goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz went forward in a desperate attempt to grab a late leveller, but it was Martinez who rose to meet Igor Gabilondo's delivery and smash a powerful header past Sergio Asenjo. Asenjo was making his league debut for Malaga, along with Demichelis, Ignacio Camacho and Enzo Maresca, who have all arrived at the club in the transfer window. Malaga were unable to field Julio Baptista, though, with the Brazil midfielder's transfer from Roma not yet fully completed. Malaga began the day just three points above the relegation zone, but the Andalusians won away at Sporting Gijon last weekend and are making good progress under Manuel Pellegrini. Athletic, meanwhile, were just two points off the top six, despite having lost at home to Deportivo La Coruna in their last league match. Both sides were knocked out of the Copa del Rey in midweek and looked tired in the first half. Malaga were marginally the better side in a disappointing encounter, with Duda and Apono both coming close in the opening period. But Asenjo made an excellent save at the other end to deny Iker Muniain shortly after the break. The game only really sparked into life in the final quarter of an hour, however, and Sebastian Fernandez was left to rue a missed opportunity with two minutes left which would have sealed all three points for Malaga. The Uruguay striker blasted his effort over the bar and Martinez took advantage shortly afterwards to secure a stalemate.

Leonardo gets Inter back in the hunt Inter Milan manager Leonardo has set his sights on retaining the Scudetto following a dream debut against Napoli. Leonardo got his Inter career off to a credible start with a 3-1 win over a combative Napoli side at the San Siro on Thursday night. Inter are now 13 points behind league leaders and city rivals AC Milan, but have restored title belief under new manager Leonardo following a bad spell under ex-coach Rafa Benitez. "It will not be easy, but possible," Leonardo was quoted on the club's official wesbite as saying. "We need to think game by game, taking a step at a time. "The team is there and has a soul. "This team has a heart too strong, there is only one center, one priority." Thiago Motta was the hero for the home side with the first and the last goals in the 3-1 win. He put Inter ahead after three minutes, before Michele Pazienza deservedly levelled for Napoli. Esteban Cambiasso restored Inter's first half lead before Motta's second sealed the win.

Goalkeepers: Casillas, Adán, Pacheco. Defenders: Albiol, Marcelo, Carvalho, Sergio Ramos, Garay. Midfielders: Xabi Alonso, Khedira, Gago, Lass, Granero, Özil, Di María, Kaká, Canales, Pedro León. Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema.

Mourinho: United can forget Diarra Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has urged Manchester United to give up on their pursuit of Lassana Diarra. The defensive midfielder has been linked with a move out of the Santiago Bernabeu, with the Barclays Premiuer League giants reportedly willing to fork out £14 million to acquire his services. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants to inject more steel into his midfield and sees the former Arsenal, Chelsea and Portsmouth midfielder as the ideal signing. But the Scot's hopes of landing the 25-year-old have been dashed by his former nemesis. Mourinho was quoted as saying in The Daily Mail newspaper: "Diarra has played well recently. He was even in the starting 11 while usual midfielders were available. "That proves I want him to go on here." This latest development comes after news that Diarra wanted a move away from Madrid due to the lack of first team football since the arrival of Sami Khedira last summer. Diarra joined Madrid from Portsmouth in 2009 for a fee of £20 million.

Gonzalo Higuaín left for Chicago yesterday from Barajas with his parents, who in the end were able to obtain visas in time, and Carlos Díez, head of Sanitas-Madrid’s medical services team. Pipita spoke to the press at the airport, saying that he’s very thankful for all the support he’s received from his teammates and the club (“FP and JV have helped me from the first moment”), and that he has a lot of desire to return to playing football and will try to return as quickly as possible because he knows the team needs him. Pipita also revealed that there’s no exact date for his return, and asked for patience. The group will meet today with Dr. Richard Fessler, who will perform the operation. They’ll stay in Chicago until Jan. 18. Pipita also showed off a new quilted jacket, this one in red! He left Madrid wearing black and appeared in Chicago wearing red, since it was considerably colder in the U.S. than in Spain.