madristar

Guardiola: Barca lacked finesse Barcelona tactician Pep Guardiola is remaining upbeat despite his side’s 0-0 goalless draw against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey. Despite bossing proceedings in their quarter-final fixture at the Nou Camp, Barca failed to convert a single chance against the visitors, ensuring a nervy second leg assignment against Bilbao at San Mames on January 5. "We dominated, but we lacked a little depth and finesse at the end," Guardiola told Marca post-match. "The return leg will be a difficult task because it will be the first match of the New year. "We will go to San Mames and see if we meet the expectations and progress to the quarter-finals. "During the match, we played against a lot of formations, and we have been able to defeat them by attacking. But we must be prepared to overcome them. "I am disappointed because the result is what it is. If we had been able to score, things would have been different. We tried attacking more in the second-half but with a lot of people defending, it was never easy for us. "The match ended in a draw because we played against a great team. They played a game knowing there is a second leg whilst we were looking for a positive result. "For the return leg, we must win or draw by playing a beautiful game. We will have to take the game to our opponents," he concluded. Barcelona and Bilbao are two of the most successful outfits in Copa del Rey history, with Barca having won it 25 times while Bilbao have been crowned an impressive 23 times.

Spanish Copa del Rey Tuesday Review Barcelona were held to a goalless draw at home by Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 tie. The only one of the three cup ties played in Spain to produce any goals was the clash between Segunda Division Cordoba and top-flight Deportivo La Coruna, who shared a 1-1 draw. The match at the Nou Camp pitted the two most successful sides in Copa del Rey history against each other - Barca having 25 crowns to Athletic's 23 - and was a repeat of the 2009 final which the Catalan side won 4-1. Barca went into the encounter averaging more than four goals a game in winning their last 10 successive fixtures, but they could not find even one breakthrough tonight despite playing most of their star names, with Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Pedro Rodriguez starting and David Villa and Lionel Messi appearing as second-half substitutes. Pep Guardiola's men dominated but Bojan Krkic and Iniesta were both denied by Athletic goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz in the first half before Xavi volleyed a decent opening after the break and Villa had an effort ruled out. Gerard Pique then had a great chance right at the end to earn his side a narrow advantage to take to San Mames when Messi picked out his run into the box, but the Spain international volleyed wide with his less-favoured left foot and Athletic were able to congratulate themselves on a job well done. Further down the east coast of Spain at the Mestalla, hosts Valencia will also feel they should have built some sort of lead for their return leg against neighbours Villarreal. Unai Emery's side had the Yellow Submarine on the back foot for much of the game but Aritz Aduriz, Pablo Hernandez, Juan Manuel Mata - who hit the post - and Ricardo Costa failed to make the most of the chances that fell their way. Villarreal, who are five points and one spot above fourth-placed Valencia in La Liga, had a few opportunities of their own, including a decent opening late on for Nilmar, who was denied by home custodian Vicente Guaita when clean through. In the other match, Cordoba - one of only two remaining non-top flight club left along with Real Betis - played out a 1-1 draw with Depor in testing conditions at a rain-drenched Estadio El Arcangel. Depor took the lead with a 17th-minute penalty when Riki, who was adjudged to have been brought down by Cordoba goalkeeper Alberto Garcia, sent the home custodian the wrong way from the spot. However, Cordoba drew level 20 minutes from time when Depor goalkeeper Manu made a mess of trying to punch clear a Jonathan Sesma free-kick, allowing Pepe Diaz to tap the ball in at the near post. The remaining five last-16 first legs will be played tomorrow night, with the return legs scheduled for the first week of next year.

hes injures with tonsilitis..

IS she a model???

Ronaldo struggling with fitness Cristiano Ronaldo's perfect appearance record for Real Madrid this season could be at risk in the Copa del Rey clash with Levante. Ronaldo, who has played in every competitive game so far under Jose Mourinho, was unable to complete training on Tuesday due to acute tonsillitis, according to the Madrid website. The Portugal international has still been included a 20-man squad for the last-16 first leg at the Bernabeu but he will be monitored over the next 24 hours to see if he will be able to face Levante. Marcelo and Xabi Alonso return to the ranks after missing Sunday's 1-0 win over Sevilla due to suspension, but Gonzalo Higuain, Sami Khedira, Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Arbeloa, Kaka, Fernando Gago, Sergio Canales and Jerzy Dudek are all missing for various reasons.

Xavi: Mourinho stimulates Barca Barcelona playmaker Xavi Hernandez claims Real Madrid's motor-mouth coach Jose Mourinho inspires the Catalans. Mourinho is never one of pulling punches and regularly makes remarks to the media that range from brutally candid to outright inflammatory. And Xavi has now revealed that Mourinho's verbal barbs as well as his presence on the Real coaching bench serves as encouragement to the defending champions. In comments reported by GQ, the midfielder said: "What interests me is the game, and I respect Jose Mourinho a lot, but currently he is very necessary for the Catalans, because it is him that stimulates us. The Spaniard then went on to claim that Pep Guardiola's achievements would be seen in a brighter light by history compared to those of the Portuguese. "Inter have won the Champions League, but the reference is to the club. Mourinho will not go down in history because he has brought something new to the game, but Guardiola will," he said. Xavi then went on to shower praise on teammate Lionel Messi. "For me the best is Messi, there is no one else. He is good for the image of football, he is a regular guy, simple, humble and competitive. Messi helps me be better at my job," he claimed. Messi has scored 17 goals in La Liga so far - leading Barcelona's charge towards a third successive domestic title.

"Mourinho has no problems at Real" Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka insists Jose Mourinho has no problems with anybody at the club. President Florentino Perez has also played down the Portuguese's outburst following Sunday's match with Sevilla. In the post-match press conference after the 1-0 win at the Bernabeu, Mourinho asked the Madrid hierarchy to do more to help him defend the team with regards refereeing performances. The former Inter Milan coach, after seeing his side pick up nine yellow cards against Sevilla and have Ricardo Carvalho questionably sent off, felt it should not be left solely to him to speak out against perceived injustices. Spanish media have suggested Mourinho was pointing the finger mainly at director general Jorge Valdano, but the club today played down the whole affair. With Mourinho not taking his habitual pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's Copa del Rey game against Levante, it was down to his assistant Karanka to calm the waters. "The coach has no personal problem with any member of the club. As happens in any place, there will be points of agreement and points of disagreement," Karanka said. "We decided that I should speak today. Mourinho spoke the other day and now I am talking. What everyone wants is unity. We are all in the same boat, and hoping to have a good game against Levante. "In the end what the fans want, regardless of who is in the press conferences, is that come May we are at Cibeles (a fountain in the centre of the Spanish capital where Madrid traditionally celebrate their title wins). I don't mind coming out to speak. I am proud to do so." Karanka added: "He (Mourinho) seems great to me. The coach is very keen to take things game by game. We are going to finish 2010 two points behind Barca and we want to put ourselves on track in the cup. He looks to have more desire than ever." Madrid president Perez, meanwhile, was quoted as telling Punto Radio: "It's customary for the club not to speak about the referees, and what we had to say has already been said by Jorge Valdano, who is our spokesman and best represents the image of our club. Now we need to look to the future. "What happened (with Mourinho) was nothing major and we shouldn't give it any more importance. This is a solid and strong institution, with a great image that little incidents cannot tarnish." Madrid go into the Copa del Rey last-16 first leg against Levante with a question mark hanging over the availability of leading scorer Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portugal international, who has played in every competitive game so far under Mourinho, was unable to complete training today due to acute tonsillitis, according to the Madrid website. Ronaldo has still been included a 20-man squad for the last-16 first leg at the Bernabeu but it remains to seen if he will be able to face Levante. Karanka said: "We'll see how things go. But whatever happens, the XI that goes out will be competitive and will have the intention of getting a good result." Marcelo and Xabi Alonso return after missing the win win over Sevilla due to suspension, but Gonzalo Higuain, Sami Khedira, Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Arbeloa, Kaka, Fernando Gago, Sergio Canales and Jerzy Dudek are all missing for various reasons.

wow....love that nefertiti look!!

Casillas: Real don't fear Barcelona Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas maintains his side is not scared of bitter rivals Barcelona. Barcelona have dazzled football fans the world over with some champagne football over the past few weeks. With the likes of David Villa, Xavi, Iniesta and Lionel Messi firing on all cylinders, the Catalans have coolly dismantled all-comers during their rise to the top of La Liga. The most unexpected result was their 5-0 thrashing of Real in November's El Clasico. With Jose Mourinho in charge and a slew of big-names in their ranks, Real had been expected to mount a serious challenge at Camp Nou, but were taken apart by Barca's flowing football. Despite that drubbing, Casillas remains upbeat about his side. Speaking to the Spanish media, he said:"The difference between Real Madrid and Barcelona is time. "They have come together in the time in which they have been playing, and we need that time. However, it is impossible to tell that to the Bernabeu, because Madrid always has to be the order of the day, and be there. "However I feel that we are progressing very well, quietly, and we have plenty of time to avenge our 5-0 defeat, which of course hurt us." "I have no fear of Barcelona. The numbers are there, they are in first place and I respect them for that, but we will keep fighting. Real Madrid are an institution." Real are preparing to play Levante in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday but will likely be without Cristiano Ronaldo who is suffering from tonsillitis.

Casillas: Real don't fear Barcelona Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas maintains his side is not scared of bitter rivals Barcelona. Barcelona have dazzled football fans the world over with some champagne football over the past few weeks. With the likes of David Villa, Xavi, Iniesta and Lionel Messi firing on all cylinders, the Catalans have coolly dismantled all-comers during their rise to the top of La Liga. The most unexpected result was their 5-0 thrashing of Real in November's El Clasico. With Jose Mourinho in charge and a slew of big-names in their ranks, Real had been expected to mount a serious challenge at Camp Nou, but were taken apart by Barca's flowing football. Despite that drubbing, Casillas remains upbeat about his side. Speaking to the Spanish media, he said:"The difference between Real Madrid and Barcelona is time. "They have come together in the time in which they have been playing, and we need that time. However, it is impossible to tell that to the Bernabeu, because Madrid always has to be the order of the day, and be there. "However I feel that we are progressing very well, quietly, and we have plenty of time to avenge our 5-0 defeat, which of course hurt us." "I have no fear of Barcelona. The numbers are there, they are in first place and I respect them for that, but we will keep fighting. Real Madrid are an institution." Real are preparing to play Levante in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday but will likely be without Cristiano Ronaldo who is suffering from tonsillitis.

translate it plz someone??

indeed

Saved us from blushes,this m,an!!

Altough his wife is brunette..

Mou always wears this shirt!

thanks!!

who did the octopus pick?

dont know the details of the crash...be a friend and tell plz

Mourinho: "I am extremely proud of coaching these men and this team "Tonight's victory will be very frustrating for those who wanted us to lag 4 or 5 points behind Barcelona" Realmadrid.com / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell Jose Mourinho praised his men for winning against Sevilla tonight in a match in which "the referee made 13 serious mistakes." "My team is from another world. It has otherworldly character. It did the impossible with the absence of important men. I am more than happy with my side. It's a shame we have to play on Wednesday because my men deserve a holiday after the hard work they've done these past few months." "I am calm thanks to the excellent work all my players did tonight. The match had the perfect conditions for Barcelona's cushion over us to grow larger. We lacked two players for practically doing nothing wrong against Zaragoza. Tonight's victory will be very frustrating for those who wanted us to lag 4 or 5 points behind Barcelona. This makes us stronger. Everything was ripe for us to drop points, but we didn't." "I'm not tired of doing things I like to do, like training and playing. I don't feel any pressure, but I do get tired when I get a list that points out 13 serious mistakes made by the referee tonight and to have to defend my team. My team has to be defended because it deserves to. I'd rather ask for a meeting with the President. We speak every week. We will talk about my life during the period I've been coaching Real Madrid. We have a right to have differences of opinion. I want to defend Real Madrid and my team." "I have a fanstastic side, both on and off the pitch. We've been working very hard for six months and we've only earned one bad result. We've been playing quality football, earning good results and showcasing drive and devotion all this time. I am extremely proud to coach these players and this team." "The stadium is always packed and the crowd always supports the team. People aren't stupid and they know this squad gives its all. I would prefer they cheered more, but I have no right to ask more of them. It's all down to coming from different cutlures in what regards behaviour at a stadium, that's all." "I am very happy and feel very proud for Inter Milan's success in the FIFA Club World Cup. It was a great pleasure to train them, just as it is to coach Real Madrid. I thought Rafa Benitez would thank me for practically winning the title for him, but... Inter Milan fans would tell you how they really feel about it."

Sergio Ramos: "No one on this team is an unquestionable starter; we all have to work hard to make the lineup" Realmadrid.com / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell Team captains Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos analysed the 1-0 victory over Sevilla for the media. Iker Casillas "The match was difficult from the start. Sevilla complicated things for us by positioning themselves well on the pitch. It's been a constant to-and-fro. Sevilla have always been an uncomfortable opponent at the Bernabeu. We relied on epic character and Di Maria was cheeky enough to take three very important points in our pursuit of Barcelona." "Referee Clos Gomez gave an unfortunate performance, but he's done a very good job in the past. He didn't allow us to discuss decisions with him tonight and I think discussions are essential on a football pitch." "We are only two points behind Barcelona. It's just one game. We have to keep on winning to put pressure on them. We are on the right path and we'll see what happens next year. We are now concentrating on our Copa del Rey match, in which we hope to do well in order to be more relaxed in our return leg in Valencia." Sergio Ramos "These three points are glorious given the circumstances. I felt fine during the match. My knee responded well to training for a couple of days. It's natural to feel a bit tired after a game, but I'm very happy nonetheless." "I've been playing elite football for many years and competition within the squad is always positive. I have to agree with the coach when it comes to that. No one is an unquestionable starter. I work hard every day with the excitement of learning something new. I felt well again on the pitch tonight and that's the path I must follow."

Real Madrid 1-0 Sevilla Angel Di Maria struck a late winner as Real Madrid overcame the sending off of Ricardo Carvalho to defeat Sevilla. Di Maria scored in the 77th minute after Madrid had been reduced to 10 men following Carvalho's 63rd-minute dismissal, and that proved to be the only goal of the game as Jose Mourinho's men trimmed Barcelona's lead at the summit back to two points. Sevilla, who have now lost five in succession in La Liga, also finished the match without their full quota of players after Mouhamadou Dabo was dismissed in stoppage time for a straight red card. Aside from the two dismissals, referee Carlos Clos Gomez also showed 12 yellow cards - nine to Madrid players - in a game with plenty of ill feeling, while the backroom staff on the two benches also vented their anger at each other towards the end of the first half. There was little to get the blood going on the pitch in the opening 45 minutes however, although both goalkeepers were called into making saves. Sevilla custodian Andres Palop awkwardly deflected Di Maria's 25-yard effort behind for a corner while on the stroke of half-time Madrid's Iker Casillas dived to his right to parry Ndri Romaric's free-kick. Sevilla defender Julien Escude also glanced a header just wide of the far post following a corner while former Madrid player Alvaro Negredo was looking dangerous on his return to the Bernabeu, but otherwise it was defences on top during the first period. Negredo really should have out Sevilla in front in the 57th minute but he missed a great chance. Luis Fabiano's through-ball left the Spain international one-on-one with Casillas, but he thumped the ball over the crossbar with his less-favoured right foot. That was a huge let-off for Madrid, but it was not the end of the home side's problems as they were reduced to 10 men six minutes later. Carvalho, having already been booked in the first half, was shown a second yellow following an aerial challenge with Negredo which saw both players clash heads. That left Madrid in serious danger of seeing their 14-match winning streak at the Bernabeu come to an end, plus Mourinho's remarkable record of not having lost a home league match in over eight years, but the dismissal actually seemed to spur the hosts into action. Pepe had a half-chance to put Madrid ahead when he reached a corner in front of Palop, but he failed to get a decent contact on his header and Sevilla survived. The visitors were not so fortunate in the 77th minute though as the 10 men of Madrid got themselves in front. Di Maria kept the ball in play just before it crossed the goalline and then, after Palop had come out to meet him, he twisted and turned before slotting the ball past the veteran Sevilla custodian from a tight angle. That would end up being the match-winner, although there was still time for more yellow cards to be shown as tensions grew. There was also a red handed out with Dabo given his marching orders for kicking Di Maria.

"Sacrilege to compare Ronaldo & Messi" Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido thinks there is no way Cristiano Ronaldo can be compared to Lionel Messi. Messi has continued his sensational form over the past two years with yet another sizzling campaign for Barcelona. The Catalan giants are five points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, having played a game more than their rivals as of Sunday afternoon. Messi himself has scored 17 goals for the club so far. Although it's a tally that has been matched by Ronaldo, who could go past the little Argentinean if he scores against Sevilla on Sunday, del Nido thinks Messi is in a league of his own right now. Speaking to the press prior to his side's trip to the Bernabeu, he said: "It is sacrilege to compare Messi with Ronaldo. Cristiano Ronaldo is a good player, but Messi is the best in the world, and is sure to become the greatest among the great players." Commenting on Sevilla's prospects against Real, he said:"It is very difficult to get points at the Bernabeu, but the intention to achieve a positive outcome. The game against Borussia Dortmund has given us a reactions, and now we look forward to Madrid. "The team will fight to finish between third and fourth. [Gregorio] Manzano will be given a lot of time on the bench, and we have a better team now than we did four years ago." Sevilla are currently 11th in the table, having garnered 20 points in 15 games.

Messi: I dedicate goals to grandma Barcelona ace Lionel Messi has revealed that he dedicates every goal to his late grandmother. The Argentinean, who points to the sky after every goal he scores, admitted that his grandmother has been instrumental in making him who the player he is today although she is not able to witness how far he has progressed. "I am doing this because I dedicate my goals to my grandmother," Messi was quoted as saying by Marca. "She took to me to football but now she can't see how far I have come. "Nevertheless, she continues to help me and my family Messi, who has been in scintillating form this season, revealed he is playing football not for the profession of the game, but the love and passion of it. He added: "I started playing football because I loved it. And now I do it not just because football is my profession, but because I get great pleasure from the sport. I continue to treat it as a game." The 23-year-old has dedicated 25 goals to his grandmother this season. And by the rate Messi is scoring, she would be overwhelmed above.

Sacrilege to compare Ronaldo & Messi" Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido thinks there is no way Cristiano Ronaldo can be compared to Lionel Messi. Messi has continued his sensational form over the past two years with yet another sizzling campaign for Barcelona. The Catalan giants are five points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, having played a game more than their rivals as of Sunday afternoon. Messi himself has scored 17 goals for the club so far. Although it's a tally that has been matched by Ronaldo, who could go past the little Argentinean if he scores against Sevilla on Sunday, del Nido thinks Messi is in a league of his own right now. Speaking to the press prior to his side's trip to the Bernabeu, he said: "It is sacrilege to compare Messi with Ronaldo. Cristiano Ronaldo is a good player, but Messi is the best in the world, and is sure to become the greatest among the great players." Commenting on Sevilla's prospects against Real, he said:"It is very difficult to get points at the Bernabeu, but the intention to achieve a positive outcome. The game against Borussia Dortmund has given us a reactions, and now we look forward to Madrid. "The team will fight to finish between third and fourth. [Gregorio] Manzano will be given a lot of time on the bench, and we have a better team now than we did four years ago." Sevilla are currently 11th in the table, having garnered 20 points in 15 games. DISQUS...