Hilo del Real Madrid - HALA MADRID CAMPEON! *spoilers*

[Bruun]

Hehe... I hope it means the Real Madrid thread :D

Anyway... there must surely be enough Madristas on this board, to keep this thread rolling.

Just read that Capello has suspended Cassano for lack of respect. Lol... sounds just like a case from FM 2007 :D

Cassano informed Capello that he wanted to be in the starting line-up for each match and then Capello fined him for a couple of week wages and demoted him :)

Danish source (http://www.forza.dk/index.php/news/show/id=12669)




Next match is against Steaua at the Bernabeu. Surely three points for Madrid in that game.

[DriveShot]

I know Capello really likes Cassano but where is he really gonna play him? Pretty stupid of Cassano to be making demands like that.

[Bruun]

I know Capello really likes Cassano but where is he really gonna play him? Pretty stupid of Cassano to be making demands like that.

Who do you think will play against Steuau?


Ruud
Raul - Guti - Robinho
Emerson - Diarra

[realGaurab]

Who do you think will play against Steuau?


Ruud
Raul - Guti - Robinho
Emerson - Diarra
That's pretty much the formation we've been playing so far this season, with Raul, Robinho, Casano, and Reyes rotating. But since this is a home game, I wouldn't be surprised if he rests one among Emerson and Diarra and opts for one more forward, maybe Ronaldo.

[Rev]

That's pretty much the formation we've been playing so far this season, with Raul, Robinho, Casano, and Reyes rotating. But since this is a home game, I wouldn't be surprised if he rests one among Emerson and Diarra and opts for one more forward, maybe Ronaldo.

Doubt it, Capello likes to use 2 DMs. The 2 DM thing is starting to grow on me, it gives the back 4 more beef. As much as I want Robinho on the pitch, I do feel bad for those who are on the bench, Cassano, Becks, Reyes and Ronaldo would walk into most teams as starters.

[Zico]

I read on Marca that Ronaldo is starting instead of Ruud.

Through translation here is what I understood: Capello did feel bad for making Ronaldo & Cassano warm up... by then they had already scored the 2nd so adding more striking power was not a smart idea considering how they were pressured.

He didn't expect Cassano to burst like that but apparently he's starting Ronaldo because he was quite upset but kept his professionalism by keeping his mouth shut.

I hope Ronnie scores a hatrick :D

[PortugalOle7]

Can Cassano wait at least a full season of being fit before he demands playing time? I really like the kid but SHUT UP!!!

[Zico]

Apparently the board has decided that Cassano will never put on the white shirt again!

I think he is excess to requirement considering: RVN, Ronaldo, Raul, Robinho, Reyes

I just don't see how RM will get a penny for him! I can't imagine any team paying for him to join them... the team would have to be desperate!

[Silas]

I just don't see how RM will get a penny for him! I can't imagine any team paying for him to join them... the team would have to be desperate!
You mean Liverpool? Anyways.


Well, I am not a supporter of Real Madrid, but since my favorite player ever joined your team, I'll be glad to call Real Madrid my second team. Now, as you can see, I won't be called a gloryhunter here because you guys have won Jack-shit for the last 3 years. I just support Ruud, and therefore you guys. Hope no one has problems with this, and my coming to this thread to occasionally check on our (former) boys :(.


Go Ruud :D.

[Rev]

Apparently the board has decided that Cassano will never put on the white shirt again!

I think he is excess to requirement considering: RVN, Ronaldo, Raul, Robinho, Reyes

I just don't see how RM will get a penny for him! I can't imagine any team paying for him to join them... the team would have to be desperate!

What does "never to put on the white shirt again" exactly mean? Offloading him? Benching him forever? Putting him in Castilla?

I had such high hopes of him when he joined last January, you can probably count with your fingers how many cap for Real he has made, nevermind goals. But then he wasn't given much chance to prove himself, not that I think he should start in front of RVN or Robinho but he is a pretty decent player.

[Zico]

What does "never to put on the white shirt again" exactly mean? Offloading him? Benching him forever? Putting him in Castilla?


That means that he will be offloaded when they can... for the time being he will not be called up for any competitive game. It also literally means that you won't see Cassano in a Real Madrid shirt again, unless its practice!

[Bruun]

It also literally means that you won't see Cassano in a Real Madrid shirt again

It also literally means:

DON'T FUCK WITH IL CAPO!!

http://i.esmas.com/image/0/000/003/544/defu0614_capello_N.jpg



:D :D :D


http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/oct31k.html

“It is never nice to take this kind of decision, but the case is now closed and Cassano is training separately from the rest of the group,” explained the Coach, whose men are preparing in view of Wednesday’s Champions League tie with Steaua Bucharest.

“I don’t think this episode will influence the performance of the team, instead I believe these things can strengthen the squad and unite it even more,” added the Pieris tactician.

“I took no pleasure in punishing the player as when you are forced to do something like that it is a defeat for everyone.”

Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic confirmed that Cassano’s suspension was not an easy decision to take, although it was inevitable.

“It is sad to be forced to punish someone, but we needed to do something. We are the largest club in the world and discipline is essential,” explained the former Fiorentina man.

“Players have to abide by the rules and Cassano's offence was serious enough that we needed to take a decision.

“Players know well enough that they owe the manager and everybody else respect.”

[DMprorR]

Yeah, I saw this earlier today on Marca. The board has already agreed to sell the guy when the opportunity rises and he would be punished for 15 days. But I don't think he will appear in a Real shirt again. So he is basically excess requirement now. Hopefully, this should make it easier for Cap to pick his team.

Is it me or is Cap going to have problems next year? Woodgate is doing good so far in the EPL and when Cincinho comes back, there is really going to be a team picking dilemma for him.

[Bruun]

Is it me or is Cap going to have problems next year? Woodgate is doing good so far in the EPL and when Cincinho comes back, there is really going to be a team picking dilemma for him.

Yes... it's like FM when you buy so many good players and you want to field them all :)

Wonder he will do about the attack this year. Ruud is just punishing the opponents and Robinho is amazing. What will he do Ronaldo, Raul, Reyes, Beckham?

[deviant]

wtf Hilo de la Real Madrid *spoilers* learn to spell brunn

[praro]

Bruun, please change: Hilo de la Real Madrid to Hilo del Madrid. And Madrid fans, are called Madridistas, not Madristas.
And about Cassano, i don't think he can help a lot to this team, so i'm not worried about his punishment.

[DriveShot]

Trade him to Liverpool for Gerrard, cuz he wants out due to his cheating wife hahaha...a man can dream cant he?

[deviant]

in response to your neg rep: Bruun brunn i dont give a shit i'll call you mudd from now on

[Bruun]

in response to your neg rep: Bruun brunn i dont give a shit i'll call you mudd from now on

Tough guy :cool:

Just two questions. How many times have you seen Real Madrid play? Have many times have you been to El Estadio Santiago Bernabeu?

its DE EL REAL MADRID dont fucking bother posting about my club if your not going to do it right

It's you're :p

[deviant]

Tough guy :cool:

Just two questions. How many times have you seen Real Madrid play? Have many times have you been to El Estadio Santiago Bernabeu?
I have seen them play 3 times and been to the bernabeu once what the fuck is it to you.


How many times have you been to delle Alpi, Stamford Bridge???

[varun]

Apparently the board has decided that Cassano will never put on the white shirt again!

I think he is excess to requirement considering: RVN, Ronaldo, Raul, Robinho, Reyes

I just don't see how RM will get a penny for him! I can't imagine any team paying for him to join them... the team would have to be desperate!
i wish he moves to Mautd i love that guy, he was my fav at Roma :(

[Zico]

i wish he moves to Mautd i love that guy, he was my fav at Roma :(

Actually I think Ferguson is one of the few that can handle Cassano now.

Good suggestion Varun but I don't think it will happen.

[drachen]

^Maybe RM can trade him for chivu or/and mexes. I remember reading something about AS Roma wanting him

[kaku]

^Maybe RM can trade him for chivu or/and mexes. I remember reading something about AS Roma wanting him
I don't believe Spalletti would ever sign a player with his temperament.

[Bruun]

Ruud and Raul Bravo in fight :eek:

http://ekstrabladet.dk/archive/00220/SPAIN_SOCCER_REAL__220284d.jpeg

Meh... during the training on monday, Raul Bravo went in hard on Ruud and he didn't like it. A fight broke out and Robinho and Roberto Carlos had to break in and stop it.






Danish source (http://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/udenlandsk_fodbold/international_fodbold/article239361.ece)

[Silas]

Ruud is football's Colin Farrell. :D

[123]

Poor game and unlucky Ruud...He could have scored 1 goals..:(

[Clenathan]

Can somebody provide a score/summary of the Madrid game today? I'm trying to avoid the internet so I don't spoil the ManU game that I haven't seen.
Thanks.

[kaku]

Can somebody provide a score/summary of the Madrid game today? I'm trying to avoid the internet so I don't spoil the ManU game that I haven't seen.
Thanks.
1-0 to Real Madrid.Make sure you get to watch Steaua's own goal, it's just hillarious:D

Ruud van Nisterloy missed a penalty.Perhaps someone else could provide a summary of the game, since i only watched tv highlights.

[DMprorR]

Man I watched the full game. Ruud was really pissed when he missed that goal. I was disappointed with our 1st half performance. 2nd half was not as bad since we had more chances to finish the game. Don Cap needs to start playing with 2 strikers or put Raul behind the striker. Because he was just playing out wide right and in the midfield today. Helgura was good even though he scared me with that pass he made. Performance wise, a typical type of Capello boring team but they got the result at the end of the day.

Man was the own goal special. The little kid beside me thought the player had scored a goal and was jumping not knowing it was an own goal. It just made me laugh more.

Most important thing now is the result, but we need to buckle up fast as the last 16 of the UCL is not about just playing boring. There are no lucky teams in the last 16 of UCl and experience has taught me that.

[Bruun]

DMproR... you forget to mention two very important actions.

The keeper pulls of a MONSTER save on Ruud's header and then when lying in the goal, he keeps the ball out with his studs. Robinho follows up, but the defender somehow gets the ball blocked and it goes over. That was a huge chance.

And Helguera :rolleyes: Is completely free on goal a meter from the line and blasts over. What a chance :eek:

But nice story about the kid :D

[DMprorR]

DMproR... you forget to mention two very important actions.

The keeper pulls of a MONSTER save on Ruud's header and then when lying in the goal, he keeps the ball out with his studs. Robinho follows up, but the defender somehow gets the ball blocked and it goes over. That was a huge chance.

And Helguera :rolleyes: Is completely free on goal a meter from the line and blasts over. What a chance :eek:

But nice story about the kid :D


True I skipped all of that. But I thought that we should at least have scored one goal in the game and not depend on an own goal. I couldn't believe that this was the team that we beat 4-1 the last time. But yeah when Helgura missed that I just jumped and fell really hard. I was damn pissed. The Ruud save from the keeper was just some damn good keeping and luck. I thought that was going to go in. And boy did that ref not want to blow in Real's favour today :mad: . I almost thought he wouldn't even blow for Ruuds penalty:( .

It seems Capello may end up benching some players due to the result today. Reyes is fit, Ronaldo is back, Becks is just waiting, man this guy is in a dilemma right now and he should thank his stars that Cincinho is injured and Woody is on loan or our team would really break from the inside (bringing Emerson with him to spain still pisses me off and it was really unnecessary). Hopefully we should perform better in the coming weeks and he should either bench Raul or push him back foward to what he had played in the past 3 games.

Good thing that we won today.:) (can't imagine the same period for the last 3 years, I know how I was feeling spending the nights in intensive care after every Real's game) ;) .

[deviant]

It was our worst performance in my opinion we really need to inject some more offense into the lineup instead of Emerson.............Guti does a pretty good job but we need a little more maybe Reyes. I hope we improve in time for Celta who are during pretty good right now.

[Rev]

Such a dilemmam, if we bring Emerson off, I think our team would lose balance with just Diarra. Guti can track back but that isn't his strength. Maybe Capello can give it a shot with the remaining games of CL with Guti and Diarra in mid then we can bring more fire power up front. I hate to say this but damn if we had Kaka, all the problems about having difficulties to score and playmaking will be solved. I like Guti but he is no Kaka. The guy just pulled off a hat trick today, IMO, at the moment Milan RELIES on him especially with Shevchenko gone to Chelsea.

[kernelofthekernel]

Such a dilemmam, if we bring Emerson off, I think our team would lose balance with just Diarra. I like Guti but he is no Kaka. .


Trying to buy Kaka would be for an insane price and it would bring back all that galactico bullshit and I dont want this! Diarra is defintely capable of playing as the lone defensive idfielder , he has shown what a beast he is during la liga . He can run , provide crosses ,tackle and header waay better than capellos pet aswell and because he was not born during the 70s he wil llast the whole 90 and not fade out ..

[nimme]

Just dropped by to say I like the way Capello is playing Ramos. Also Robinho looks dangerous this season. :)

[Rev]

Bringing star players like Kaka doesn't necessarily mean we're going to go back to the Galacticos era, it was Perez that made everything happened the way it was. Even then, you gotta credit him for bringing Zidane and Figo to Real, as we did won some major titles with them.

[Zico]

True... true... but if we bring Kaka we need to sell a few players... its good that we have a deep squad but I think we have about 2-3 extra players that are not required, they should be replaced by youth squad players if the seniors are injured.

I don't know why but I'm really worried about the state of the team... if we lose 2-3 games then they might fall apart because the competition is so severe for starting 11!! Just my personal opinion and I would love to be wrong on this one.

[AC Milan]

Do you guyz still want Kaka? Well you cant have him, shell. Just sit there n envy us. :D

[DriveShot]

Dont worry we'll take him off your hands! :D

The CL match was a major let down, especially after the beating we gave them at home, but at least we didnt give away any points at home like a certain London team that same day ;)

[deviant]

Do you guyz still want Kaka? Well you cant have him, shell. Just sit there n envy us. :D
I dont envy 10th placed teams :p :D ;)

[Bruun]

Silly result for Real. Instead of piling the pressure on Barca, they are now the team in "crisis".

Michael Laudrup said:

"So far it has been good, if you look at the results. But now the result is gone and then what do you have?"

Silly to take Ronaldo out, but still unlucky to lose. Ruud is amazing :)

[DMprorR]

So back to the drawing board for us now. Capello is one stubborn guy. I hoe he starts plying with 2 strikers. didn't he do this at Juve? I can't blame Becks for anything. Yes he had a bad game but this payers don't get enough minutes to warrant such criticism (I mean he has given alot to Real for me just to bash him on todays performance). Cap needs to work something out.

Putting Diarra as an only DM would be good for me. We need more spice in attack. Real is a club that needs attacking plays to win. Now we have a good defence and how many strikers do we have on the team (most of them steam warming the bench for this winter season) and we still can't win. I will say it is a new team and it has not stared clicking, but that is no excuse. If Capello wants this team to click, he needs to start doing the right things. Playing one striker does not cut it for me. Ruud and R9 will form a deadly partnership from what I can tell and feel (feelings is a very DANGEROUS thing when it comes to Real ... and Real supporter should know that very well). FOr me I see this team in a different way.

.......Cincinho/Ramos ...... Cannavaro ..... Helgura/Ramos ..... R.Carlos/that new
....................................../Woody.........../Woody..............transfer guy in JAN

..............................................(Eme rson/Guti)
.................................................. ..Diarra

......(Becks/Reyes/Raul)...........................................(R obinho/Reyes /Raul/Guti)


..........................(/Robinho/Raul)......................(/Robinho/Raul)
................................Ruud.............. ........................R9



Somehow in this puzzle, we can find the right balance for the team. No qualms here. Capello needs to work on this. And a warning to Real fans, lets not get too optimistic until like march. When we can see the real table in liga and know if we can deliver what it takes to be in the quarter finals of the UCL. I have been burnt during the passed 3 years and there is no way I can gamble my feelings on this unproven team yet. Yes I will be on the boat with them but I know now to have insurance on myself. There is no way I'm willing to accept a trophyless season again (even though I have prepared myself for it ... I've learnt the hard way to). The more we go on the more I'm beginning to have doubt on what Cap is doing.

I am still willing to wait till January. When the second part of the season starts I should know by then what piece of the pie we're going to be getting or what part in the stands we're going to be watching from. That is all for now ... it's late here and I don't want this crap to give me nightmares. It takes a tool on the heart and on ones health. Being a fan of Real is a full time job and I hope things really start to look good for us.;)

[Rev]

Hmmm, dmprorr, so you want to play with 10 men every game I see. :rolleyes:

I have faith in Capello, his record proves it and it is only November. I haven't watch the Celta match yet, so I do not know how well the R9 and Ruud partnership works. No matter what formation Capello plays, I think he is going to stick with 2 DMs, too bad Emerson isn't that creative or Guti isn't that great at backtracking. If you can combine Guti and Emerson into one, that will be great :cool:. I guess that is why we need Gago, creative yet a ball winning player.

[PortugalOle7]

I've accepted he will never stop using the damn 2 DMs. You would just think in certain games where we can afford to have an extra attacker out there, he would get rid of one of the DMs.

[Bruun]

Have you guys seen that Marcelo has been signed for 6 million Euros?

According to AS, Sevilla made the same bid, but Marcelo only wanted to move to Real.

http://www.as.com/articulo/futbol/Madrid/cerro/fichaje/Marcelo/millones/dasftb/20061109dasdaiftb_39/Tes/


http://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/udenlandsk_fodbold/international_fodbold/article242151.ece

[Zico]

Have you guys seen that Marcelo has been signed for 6 million Euros?

According to AS, Sevilla made the same bid, but Marcelo only wanted to move to Real.

http://www.as.com/articulo/futbol/Madrid/cerro/fichaje/Marcelo/millones/dasftb/20061109dasdaiftb_39/Tes/


http://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/udenlandsk_fodbold/international_fodbold/article242151.ece

I saw that too... I'm just waiting for this to be posted on their official website and then I'll believe it 100%... I'm at 99% now :)

[DMprorR]

Hmmm, dmprorr, so you want to play with 10 men every game I see. :rolleyes:

I have faith in Capello, his record proves it and it is only November. I haven't watch the Celta match yet, so I do not know how well the R9 and Ruud partnership works. No matter what formation Capello plays, I think he is going to stick with 2 DMs, too bad Emerson isn't that creative or Guti isn't that great at backtracking. If you can combine Guti and Emerson into one, that will be great :cool:. I guess that is why we need Gago, creative yet a ball winning player.


Wow!!! Sorry about that but I thought Iker was a standard choice. My mistake that I left him out but I hope you still got the pint I was trying to make.

[bennmartin]

im up for giving capello a bit of time, despite the fact we have looked really sketchy from game to game.

ronaldo, rnv, and raul should all be rotating in and out of the starting eleven depending on the match. they are not youngsters anymore and could benefit from a smart rotation system. as for cassano, i watched a game last year where he missed at least 5 shots next to goal off of beautiful feeds from robinho. i say sell him off to newcastle as fast as the transfer window arrives.

becks should def be getting more playing time. if you watched the king's cup game last night you know what i mean. the guy has been a victim of capello's tactics not of a decrease in his skill. we gotta figure out a way to get him in there because when he is, we score more goals. hes not very effective when he comes off the bench, reyes is more of a spark plug in that capacity. capello needs to really sort out the midfield rotation because starting emerson and diarra every game has not produced results. im not saying we dont start them together sometimes but i havent been impressed so far with thier partnership. if it were me, i would be be starting becks and robinho with reyes coming off the bench and then some combination of guti/emerson/diarra depending on the opponent.

the back has been really solid. i am loving the ramos move to the outside. i think cincinho and salgado are going to have trouble getting back into the starting 11 when they are healthy. i see one of them leaving during the transfer window.

[Zico]

the back has been really solid. i am loving the ramos move to the outside. i think cincinho and salgado are going to have trouble getting back into the starting 11 when they are healthy. i see one of them leaving during the transfer window.

I would keep Cicinho because he is still young and has a promising future... the 2 of them can co-exist specially with Ramos being a lot more versatile (he can play CB, RB & perhaps even RM)

Hate to say it but Salgado's days are numbered... a great servant of the club but its time to say goodbye :(

[Rev]

Wow!!! Sorry about that but I thought Iker was a standard choice. My mistake that I left him out but I hope you still got the pint I was trying to make.

Oh I thought you wanted to play the 1 DM thing and that is Diarra, I thought the bracketed Guti and Emerson behind Diarra means they can all play in that position and it doesn't necessarily have to be Diarra, my bad. :o

Edit:
I agree with you Zico, once we find another good CB, Salgado is heading out the door real quick. Even with Salgado fit, I don't think he can outshine the Ramos. Cicinho is definately a keeper, once he returns from his injury, give him some play time and he will be ready.

[bennmartin]

cicinho def would be choice as well to stay. i hope capello sees his potential and he sticks. roberto carlos has been absolute class but he can't keep on going forever. i think cicinho might just be able to switch to that side.

[Silas]

Madrid striker Ronaldo suffers new injury setback

Brazil striker Ronaldo will miss Real Madrid's league game at Osasuna this weekend after straining the lateral ligament in his left knee during his side's 5-1 King's Cup victory over Ecija on Thursday.

Real said that the 30-year-old, who scored his first goal for the club since April in the Cup tie, would require rest and treatment but did not say how long he would be out of action.

Ronaldo had only just recovered his fitness after undergoing surgery on his left knee following the World Cup. He has been in the starting line-up for just one of his side's nine league matches this season.

Source (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=390918&campaign=rss&source=soccernet&cc=3888)

WTF?!

[DriveShot]

Near the end of the match he looked down at his left knee and grabbed it. Kinda scared me. Hopefully its not bad because he didnt come off the pitch.

[Zico]

Devestating news!!! I hope he can come back soon... otherwise it will be another long uphill battle to recovering fitness.

[nikk86]

I dont think it'l be too serious, near the end of the game, Ronaldo grabbed his knee, then Capello asked him if he's alright or does he want to come off, and Ronaldo gave him a thumbs up, so i'm thinking this would not be too serious.

[deviant]

This sucks man everytime we are able to say "RONALDO'S BACK!!" it gets pushed back to another date.

[DriveShot]

I wasn't saying he was back. I mean he was playing again but no where near being back. Hopefully they can get his ass in the swimming pool to lose more weight while his knee recovers.

[Zico]

from a guy that had a serious knee injury I can tell you this much:

Knee injury and losing weight are inversely propotional

[Rev]

Don't you wish his career threatening injury didn't happen back at Inter? I've always wonder what happens if that serious injury didn't occur, where would Ronaldo be today, maybe 2-3 more Euro players/ World player of the year awards + a few La Liga and maybe 1-2 CL medal. A man can dream huh? :o :p

[bennmartin]

thank god we signed ruud!

[Zico]

Don't you wish his career threatening injury didn't happen back at Inter? I've always wonder what happens if that serious injury didn't occur, where would Ronaldo be today, maybe 2-3 more Euro players/ World player of the year awards + a few La Liga and maybe 1-2 CL medal. A man can dream huh? :o :p

Before I say anything I want to admit I'm one of his biggest fans so I might be biased!

But in my honest opinion, I think we would be putting him in the same debate of who is the best footballer of all time: Pele, Maradona, Ronaldo?!!!

However what happened has happened and we can't argue that anymore... he will be debated as one of the best players of his era, but not all time!! That is fate :(

[nikk86]

Before I say anything I want to admit I'm one of his biggest fans so I might be biased!

But in my honest opinion, I think we would be putting him in the same debate of who is the best footballer of all time: Pele, Maradona, Ronaldo?!!!

However what happened has happened and we can't argue that anymore... he will be debated as one of the best players of his era, but not all time!! That is fate :(


Well i see it this way mate, I like to compare players at thier peak, on the basis of Ronaldo's season at Barcelona, i can say he's every bit as good as Maradona or Pele, most people or the media will never give him that recognition, because Ronaldo bashing seems to be a means of entertainment these days, but there is no doubt, Ronaldo at his peak in my mind is the greatest striker to watch.

[Rev]

I can't agree with you guys more about Ronaldo. Sometimes when I'm bored, I like to watch some of Ronaldo's compilation. It makes me sad whenever I watch Ronaldo during his Barca days (because Ronaldo will never return to his old formagain), his abilities to go pass opponents are amazing. During Ronaldo's prime, I think no one is comparable to Ronaldo this era, not even Zidane, even they play in different position.

[DMprorR]

Oh I thought you wanted to play the 1 DM thing and that is Diarra, I thought the bracketed Guti and Emerson behind Diarra means they can all play in that position and it doesn't necessarily have to be Diarra, my bad. :o

.


My bad ... you are right. I did omit one player. Just counted it and saw that I made a mistake. I never really noticed it before (I thought I had all in). You are right about the bracketed players. They are players that can replace the other. Sorry about the confusion. The mistake was on my path (I never really noticed it until now even when you corrected me earilier ... I still thought it was complete). :o :o :o :cool:

[Bruun]

... I still thought it was complete :o :o :o :cool:

But what do you think about Ruuuud?

Bang, bang, bang... and then bang! :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

[dada]

But what do you think about Ruuuud?

Bang, bang, bang... and then bang! :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:


You should be asking what his wife thinks.:p

[DMprorR]

It is hard for world class players to settle into a big club and big team. It takes them a while (most recent example being in Sheva) but Ruuuuuuuuuud has put a comma on that notion. From the very first day, he had been our number one choice and boy is this guy bagging those goals. It's almost as if we never really missed R9. Ruud is bringing something that we have missed in R.Madrid for a long time (about 3-4 years if I'm counting right). A striker with a 3 yard killer instinct in front of goal. You make the keeper feel like the 6-yard box is yours and not his. He sees you in the 18-yard box and his gloves begin to sweat, his knees begin to buckle and his boots feels like they weigh a ton. That is what we were missing. Ruud has brought that element back and he also showed that he doesn't need to be in the box to score (he did that for Manure too). I hope he gets the highest goal scorer this season. :D

[Rev]

Does anyone has the numbers of his goals from all competition? If you do, would be nice if you can classified them into CL, League, and Kings cup, thanks. :)

[varun]

But what do you think about Ruuuud?

Bang, bang, bang... and then bang! :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:
OMG this makes me wish i could get hold and strangle every single Madrid fan from the summer who said Ruud is a washed up moron and doesn't deserve to be at Madrid :mad:

And two brilliant finishes from the edge of the box too..........you guys are so lucky it makes me wanna puke :mad:

And where is Dynamin now :eek:

[bennmartin]

ronaldo WAS a great player. he still IS a good player (when he is healthy). I am a huge fan but i think history will see him as ONE of the great goal scorers of his generation (like Eto, Henry, and Ruud). He has a slight advantage over them due to his world cup success. You can't judge a player by a few seasons at their peak. instead you have to look at the whole career. i see players like zidane and ronaldinho (if he stayed on his current pace) above ronaldo. Wishing the best for ronaldo, but the reality is that he has had an inconsitant career due to injury problems.


anybody want to guess at how many ruud will bag for the season?

[Silas]

Where are those twats of Bayern Munich who said Ruud is a has-been horsie?

[tanja]

Ruud van NistelGOL


Damn, that man was on FIRE, that last goal = priceless!

But those Osasunasupporters are crazy, luckily Iker wasn't injured!

[Zico]

What a performance. I wasn't against Ruud at the begining but didn't see the big deal about signing him.

I'm so glad that I was wrong... he's the only one that is bagging the goals for us right now... followed by Ramos?!?! :eek:

EDIT: fixed spelling to make sense :)

[123]

Just some idiots said he could not show what he did in Real as what he did in Manu...

[xomikronx]

What a performance. I wasn't against Ruud at the begining but didn't see the big deal about signing him.

I'm so glad that I was wrong... he's the only one that is bagging the goals for us right now... followed by Ramos?!?! :eek:

EDIT: fixed spelling to make sense :)

I second that. But he's growing on me.

Maybe it's our sense of loyalty to R9 and Raul. Can't really forget what they've done for the club in the past. ....ohh and I miss Zizou. Haven't seen a player that handles the ball like he does. Although, I do see Ramos and Beckham do his move-the-ball-forward-with-the-back-foot thing. Just putting it out there.

[DriveShot]

It seems like Ronaldo just doesn't care anymore. He says he never watches football anymore except for Real matches sometimes. He doesn't even care for his own fitness and thats why Capello has such reservations about him. Ruud is showing heart and he cares for Real. I just hope something turns Ronaldo around.

[mosesmalone]

http://www.marca.com/edicion/marca/futbol/1a_division/real_madrid/es/desarrollo/709430.html

Calderon announced today that Real Madrid have reached an agreement to sell their television rights to an anonymous buyer for €800m over seven years. More details to follow...

Several weeks ago, the club received an offer of €600m over five years, financed in part by Caja Madrid, in which Telemadrid would freely air the matches of Getafe, Atlético, and Real Madrid, however, it appears that that offer has now been discared.

[Rev]

I never really pay attention to these TV rights, is 800million euros a lot for 7 years for a club like Real? What about other big clubs such as Barca, Arsenal, Man Utd, etc etc, what is the amount that they get?

[mosesmalone]

I never really pay attention to these TV rights, is 800million euros a lot for 7 years for a club like Real? What about other big clubs such as Barca, Arsenal, Man Utd, etc etc, what is the amount that they get?
The media contracts work differently in England, so I don't think it would be fair to make a comparison, but Barcelona have a deal for seven years that is worth €1000m. They gave up all of their image rights, though. The deal in place with Real Madrid is solely for TV rights.

[DriveShot]

What exactly does image rights entail?

[mosesmalone]

What exactly does image rights entail?
Marketing, advertising, merchandising...

[drachen]

^^For example adidas gives beckham a contract worth $100 million, because Madrid own 50% of his image rights, the club is entitled to 50 million of that. :)

Now Barca has given away their players' image rights meaning they won't get a cent in regards to their players off field activites.


I never really pay attention to these TV rights, is 800million euros a lot for 7 years for a club like Real? What about other big clubs such as Barca, Arsenal, Man Utd, etc etc, what is the amount that they get?

SOURCE (http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/european/article1987574.ece)

The biggest earners in the Premiership last season from domestic TV alone were Manchester United (£30.65m), followed by Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal. Earnings vary depending on finishing position and the number of times each club's games are screened live

Not even half of what Barca and Madrid are apparently going to get

[Rev]

Holy shit, the top tier teams from premonly get that little? I'm pretty surprised, is that source any accurate? I mean, how can Barca and Real get TV deals worth more than double of premiership teams such as Man Utd, Chelsea, Pools and Gunners?

[DriveShot]

Probably doesnt include ppv buys.

[drachen]

Holy shit, the top tier teams from premonly get that little? I'm pretty surprised, is that source any accurate? I mean, how can Barca and Real get TV deals worth more than double of premiership teams such as Man Utd, Chelsea, Pools and Gunners?

Because in England, teams cannot negotiate individualy like in Spain.

[Rev]

After last night's match against Lyon, I think we need some reinforcement in some areas. Both Cannavaro and Helguera played badly even though Helguera was carrying a niggle. With Helguera, Ramos, Cannavaro, we only have 3 center back option fighting against 2 spots, I think we need some serious reinforcement in the defence, especially Cannavaro and Helguera are in their 30s. Now I don't really know how Real played in the second half of the match (I fell asleep while waiting for 2nd part of the match to start, time zone difference :o ) but after Guti was injured, there wasn't much creativity in the middle of the park and the team relies too much on Robinho. Although I'm kind of against buying Gago for 25 million Euros, I don't think we have much choice as most quality playmakers aren't available. Can't wait for January.

[DriveShot]

Real definately will pick up a play maker in January. Guti is the only choice at all and after he got hurt wtf could we do, Reyes for Guti give me a break. Real played fairly well for not having any play maker at all on the pitch. I think once Salgado gets back in form, Ramos and Canna will be a stonewall defense and once Cicinho heals up we can get that pace back that was lost when Ramos moves back to center back.

[DMprorR]

Well woody has been playing damn well (that is if you follow the EPL) and yes we do need a creative person in the middle (I would say stick Raul in there for now for he can give us the grit or put Robinho as a test to see how it goes).

[Rev]

Woody, I almost forgot about him. I've always loved Woody, he is a beast when he isn't watching the game, I will welcome him back with open arms if his season at Boro is injury free (small niggles not included). But for this season, I think we do need to get some center back, it is a long season afterall. Also, I don't really think Capello likes Woody much, hope I'm wrong though. As for Raul in the middle, I don't think it will be a good idea, Robinho maybe but not Raul I don't think. Let's hope Guti isn't out for too long, if not, we'll probably have to look at Cassano as our option.

[bennmartin]

it was a tricky game for sure but let's remember it was lyon. they are a damn good team and we should have pulled off the win at the end.

despite his bad game, i do like ramos on the side. he has been a monster on the crosses and winning the ball in the air off of free kicks. he's a bit too reckless for me in the middle. and yeah, its tough we sold off woody. he wont be coming back i imagine. i'm sure he will try and stay in england. he finally gets healthy and it isnt for us.

hopefully beckham is back for this weekend, we do need a playmaker when guti is out. we have had some good results with him distributing the ball, even if the delivery isn't as good as guti's has been. I don't think raul is a good fit for that role. and what about emerson? jeez, he should be able to do something. its funny, we have 2 DMFs and we still looked shaky in defense. i know helguera and cannavaro were hurt but where the hell was emerson? i gotta say, i haven't been impressed with him so far this season for the most part.

[Rev]

I didn't understand why Capello decide to bring Emerson to Real but not Vieira. I usually don't watch Serie A but did Vieira didn't do too well last season with Juventus? Does anyone here know what made Capello decide Emerson instead of Vieira?

[DriveShot]

I think Raul in the middle would be a better choice than Robinho. Robinho has a great first touch and speed on the ball but lacks the sound judgement of passing sometimes or just having the correct weight on the ball to properly play make.

[Zico]

As much as I wasn't pleased with the game yesterday I don't think we should take it too seriously. They clearly were going for the win at the beginning and you clearly saw as soon as Carew scored they opened up... they had to, specially considering they needed 4 goals to win the group!!!

Canavarro shouldn't have played yesterday imo... now we risk losing him for the more important La Liga game against Valencia!!!

I don't know what it is but it seems as if Lyon has got our number :o

[Rev]

Sometimes I don't understand why teams have to feature important players instead of resting some of them. Real has gotten out of the group phase already, IMO I don't see why there is a need to fight for the top spot when you probably have to face Barca or Bremem even if you are topping the table. Maybe it is pride? Resting key players for the weekend makes more sense to me.

[chauchey]

I don't know what it is but it seems as if Lyon has got our number :o
Could it be because they are just that much faster and younger? I know RMA have gotten younger over this last season, but especially in the previous few years, this wasnt the case.
Lyon is built primarily on speed, and it doesnt hurt that they have some veerry talented players there as well. I think its simply that they're signifigantly faster over the course of the game, and increaseingly so as the game progresses. This becomes insurmountable for a slower team. Not so much so now, but definetly before.

[bennmartin]

I didn't understand why Capello decide to bring Emerson to Real but not Vieira. I usually don't watch Serie A but did Vieira didn't do too well last season with Juventus? Does anyone here know what made Capello decide Emerson instead of Vieira?

emerson and capello are pretty tight. they were both at roma and juventes. its not suprising that capello brought him over with him. i have liked emerson's game in the past but so far this year (world cup included), i think he has slipped a bit. as far as vieira, diarra is a younger though not as accomplished version of his playing style. capello has been eyeing diarra's potential from day one.

[Rev]

Well I was thinking that he should of brought Vieira to Real instead of Emerson, but its dust and done now. As for Diarra, he is a real good buy, nothing short of class.

Since Guti is injured, as much as I don't like it to happen, I think we'll be expecting Raul to be fitted into Guti's spot. I was thinking of maybe playing a 442 with Robinho on the left and Becks on the right given Becks is fit. Without Guti, we're pretty short of creativity, with Becks, we'll be able to at least add some creativity to the play.

[deviant]

I thought Vieira did pretty well last season he scored a few goals himself but yea he would have been a better buy than Emerson. I hope Gago comes because that will install both creativity and an iron rock in that midfield. Im nervous for the game against Valencia its going to be a tough one if we dont take control of the game right away we're going to struggle.

This is probably our best available lineup although Helguera and Emerson didnt train today they might be fit by saturday.

------------------Iker---------------------
Ramos----Helguera----Cannavaro----Roberto
-----------Diarra-----------Emerson--------
Reyes------------------------------Robinho
-------------------Raul--------------------
----------RVN---------------Cassano------

[Whoah10115]

I didn't understand why Capello decide to bring Emerson to Real but not Vieira. I usually don't watch Serie A but did Vieira didn't do too well last season with Juventus? Does anyone here know what made Capello decide Emerson instead of Vieira?



I so thought that last week. Viera alone is more defense than both Diarra and Emerson. And he's certainly more offense. The guy is everywhere. They could have had better defensive and a better, definitely much more fluid offense.

Capello likes defense and hard work. Viera does more than anyone in football, and he's as good a defender as any defender in the world. Capello can be that way, lol. It makes sense if you don't watch the games. And I would think Viera would love to play in La Liga. He could be the lone DMF or with Diarra or, like in Juventus, Emerson.

Emerson and especially Diarra looked great for a few games there. But since then it's a little ehh again. Emerson is not playing very well and he's lucky he didn't have three yellow cards at the end of the first half against Barcelona.



And Real fans....One word for ya...ALEX.


Oh, and not the CB...Though you could use him too.

[Whoah10115]

Oh, let me add...


Capello is, like many other managers this year, an idiot. Play Raul as a forward cuz that simply is what he is. Doesn't everyone remember Raul being pure class with that fabulous touch? Now he's playing with panic. So play him in front for the love of everything holy.

[Rev]

Hmmm, Alex of Feherbance would be a really good idea. It is funny how he is so underrated, I think he will do pretty well for a lot of teams in La Liga or Serie A. IMO, he can offer more than Guti. Sometimes I think without having players that can drill the ball from 25 yards out can be Real's problem at times and Guti cannot do that. I wonder why no teams are even considering Alex.

[Whoah10115]

Well, the easy answer is people are stupid. He's so great. He's still in my top 15 or so in the world. At least. He's just fabulous. He's one of the best passers and playmakers in the world. He's one of the best scoring midfielders in the world. He's nowhere near the defender Guti is, but he's so much better than him in just about every other way. And if Beckham leaves then Alex can take the free kicks. He's a better penalty taker than Ruud, also, lol.

ALEX...The world's most underrated player. Just look at his stats. One year he had like 24 goals and 16 assists. The next year he had 15 goals and 24 assists, lol. Like what the fuck?!

[drachen]

Went to a Milan forum, according to them, Real Madrid is going to offer 140 mill for Kaka, 10 million a year salary next summer. I didn't post this on the transfer thread because Next summer is still a long ways away

so this is what happens when you give a man who promised someone but didn't deliver 1 billion euros...

[Rev]

Wow, 140 million euros, just go fetch for Alex for maybe less than half of that money and spend the left overs on a quality CB + Gago then we're set. :)

[Zico]

Wow, 140 million euros, just go fetch for Alex for maybe less than half of that money and spend the left overs on a quality CB + Gago then we're set. :)

I agree... Kaka is a great player but I'm not sure if he's worth the 140m euro price tag!

[Pizziesta]

yeh.. we had a chance to swap Ronaldo for Kaka (though Milan fans will not agree.. lol!) with some money.. guess we didn't give up on Ronaldo just coz he was in world cup form.. n tried buy Kaka..

n e ways.. i smell Kaka's arrival sooner.. n i bet it'll be whole lot of money..

[drachen]

Ronaldo + Cassano + $$$$

If only cassano and Ronaldo were worth their weight in gold... :(

[dada]

140 million just wont happen. Thats a ridiculous price tag, no present player and definitely not Kaka is worth that kind of money. Even 50 or 60 million would be stretching it.

[drachen]

^If Calderon does it... its because of his pride.

Anyway....

Carew was offside :rolleyes:

http://www.marca.com/06/11/25/capelloGolCarew/04.jpg

[Rev]

Drachen, since you're the Real transfer guru, any news on Becks signing a new deal?

[Whoah10115]

LOL, no way Real are gonna spend 140million Euros on anyone. No way. And Milan are not giving him up. Nor should they.


And Alex, who is more or less in Kaka's league, you will get for much less than half that price. You'll get him for about a fifth of that. Alex wants to go and they've already celebrated their 100year anniversary or whatever it is. So if they make an offer of maybe 20-24 million Euros they'd get him. And that's the way to go.

[tanja]

Stay away from our beloved Ricky ;)


I've always defended Raul and today it felt so good when he scored! Gotta love that man!
But what the ... was up with Robinho?
And who was that guy that came in instead of him? Young player I guess?

[phenomenom]

And who was that guy that came in instead of him? Young player I guess?

de la red, who scored a screamer against Ejica a few weeks ago.

[Rev]

I think De la Red was subbed in because Capello wanted more defence, obviously if you want to go into defensive mode, De la Red is more of a viable option than to Robinho. I guess sometimes you just gotta win ugly, especially vs a team like Valencia where you cannot really afford to concede any goals.

[Clenathan]

What a performance by Real in the second half. You can't watch any better football than the first 25 minutes of the second half. The goal that was called back due to Robinho being offsides was a gem and Ronaldo's touch for the equalizer looked as if he'd been starting since the beginning of the season. Cappello really has these guys motivated.
Wonder why GoalTV hasn't been playing their games recently?
Also, Raul is left-footed correct? I can never tell because he looks good with both feet.

[deviant]

What a performance by Real in the second half. You can't watch any better football than the first 25 minutes of the second half. The goal that was called back due to Robinho being offsides was a gem and Ronaldo's touch for the equalizer looked as if he'd been starting since the beginning of the season. Cappello really has these guys motivated.
Wonder why GoalTV hasn't been playing their games recently?
Also, Raul is left-footed correct? I can never tell because he looks good with both feet.
yes hes a lefty

[Silas]

So, people, as you know, I didn't support Real Madrid before this season (or infact any team in the SpPL), and now suddenly want them to win everything apart from the Champion's League, because you have my favorite ever player. (If United fail, they can have that too).


I need you to rate my man Ruud van Nistelrooy, out of 10. Has he changed anything? Has he made your team slow? Or has he been putting in the "Ohh fuck, how did he miss that"'s in the net, thus helping you?

On a scale of 10, how much for Ruudy till now?

Please, tell me every pros and cons of this player. :)

Thank you.

[deviant]

http://realmadrid.com/addon/img/2fa356288ruud2p.jpg

He has had his moments of brilliance and dull but overall he has been a good purchase I would rate him an 8. I know he would be alot better if we could get a decent playmaker to feed him good balls. I do like the partnership between him and Ronaldo though seems they have good chemistry. I dont think he has made the team slow or faster just been the man to finish the job. The penalties he missed really frustrated me, I dont think in the heat of the moment he should be the one to take them. Overall hes a hard worker and Im sure he'll continue to do good I just want him to get more involved with more footwork and ball control and create his own chances.



Interview with Capello

Now that Ronaldo's back in shape, will you line up two strikers?

"Of course, why not? I always said I would."



Hes back :D I just pray he stays fit.
http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061203/capt.4c10db726e0e4cf49e5545f24fca3315.spain_soccer _jj811.jpg

[MoFF]

So, people, as you know, I didn't support Real Madrid before this season (or infact any team in the SpPL), and now suddenly want them to win everything apart from the Champion's League, because you have my favorite ever player. (If United fail, they can have that too).


I need you to rate my man Ruud van Nistelrooy, out of 10. Has he changed anything? Has he made your team slow? Or has he been putting in the "Ohh fuck, how did he miss that"'s in the net, thus helping you?

On a scale of 10, how much for Ruudy till now?

Please, tell me every pros and cons of this player. :)

Thank you.

Man Utd and Real Madrid fan now, eh?

[Silas]

Man Utd and Real Madrid fan now, eh?
Piss off!

[bennmartin]

So, people, as you know, I didn't support Real Madrid before this season (or infact any team in the SpPL), and now suddenly want them to win everything apart from the Champion's League, because you have my favorite ever player. (If United fail, they can have that too).


I need you to rate my man Ruud van Nistelrooy, out of 10. Has he changed anything? Has he made your team slow? Or has he been putting in the "Ohh fuck, how did he miss that"'s in the net, thus helping you?

On a scale of 10, how much for Ruudy till now?

Please, tell me every pros and cons of this player. :)

Thank you.

about an 8

i was against signing him but he has totally won me over. i've seen every match so far and ruud looks damn good. as always, he is a player whose success depends on his service. if he gets a few decent balls, he puts them in the net. so the matches that he hasnt scored has been because of sketchy midfield play rather than him having some bad games. he had an excellent second half once beckham came on. he does need to sort out his penalty misses though.

[Silas]

about an 8

i was against signing him but he has totally won me over. i've seen every match so far and ruud looks damn good. as always, he is a player whose success depends on his service. if he gets a few decent balls, he puts them in the net. so the matches that he hasnt scored has been because of sketchy midfield play rather than him having some bad games. he had an excellent second half once beckham came on. he does need to sort out his penalty misses though.
He's missed 5 this year. Just a calm before a ultra long in-the-net streak.

[DMprorR]

I saw the game and I liked it. The positive thing out of the game was that we had character as a team. Was it me or did this REF want to give all the real players a yellow. When he gave Capello the yellow, I just started laughing. The REF was too damn inconsistent and never really gave a card to the other team when I was damn sure it was a card. Ramos really played well at the back (except for a mistake that nearly cost us dear) and he was the one that really stood out in the defence for me. Carlos just added some experience to it and it paid ( I was not confident of him going foward and having Meija (sp?) to cover).

Diara always stands out in the midfeild and that is always a plus. Reyes for me cannot displace Robinho from the starting line up. I liked how Robinho played, but he lost some balls and I expected him to finish one or two chances. Seeing a slimmer Ronaldo put a smile on my face. Seeing him move on wings and down the middle made me giggle. Him scoring to boost up his confidence makes me happy for the team.

I prefer Becks to Emerson in the midfeild. Say what you want but at least he is not invisible. Ruud had an okay game and I don't really know what to say about Raul. He still has alot of convincing to do but at the same time, he is not playing as bad as before so that might be a plus depending at how you look at it.

My Highligts of the match,

notable highlights - Casillas saves, Carlos back heel & Ramos too

3.) Ronaldo's 1-2 pass with raul

2.) Robinho's pass to Michel

1.) Don Capello's Celebration. Man was I laughing. That guy was on his last nerves. His celebration was full proof. Glad to see that even though he keeps his face that way, he really supports the team and wants them to do well. It is always nice to see the coach feeling the same way the supporters do. It means that progress can be achieved faster.

Feel free to add anything that I feel too lazy to add. It was not a cracking game but from a team point perspective, I liked how our players played together and how they crowded the REF for almost every card that we got. Putting pressure on him makes it good. Also before I forget, the REF was an a**wipe for giving Becks a damn yellow. It was all the other guys doing and making.:cool:

[DriveShot]

Madrid only 1 point behind Barca. Looking good for us as Barca drop points. They have a tough CL match this week, maybe they'll drop points next week too.

[DMprorR]

Madrid only 1 point behind Barca. Looking good for us as Barca drop points. They have a tough CL match this week, maybe they'll drop points next week too.


I hope they lose this game and more importantly, also drop points. This will make me happy. Once Capello gets to the top of the table, he rarely drops points. and he keeps it anyway he wants to. That also means by playing the ugliest football. That is one thing he knows how to do. To hold points dear.

[Rev]

I don't care how ugly we play to be honest, we're not in a position where we can choose to play ugly or pretty, no silverware for 3 years is a bit too long for Real :( :o

[DriveShot]

Yeah honestly I just want a trophy right about now. Next year we can worry about playing beautiful football again.

[Zico]

To be honest, I don't think they have been that boring... specially since the Classico... they have their odd boring games but overall they have been impressive.

To win any title you have to learn to win ugly... and Capello is definitely bringing that with him :)

[deviant]

Amigos DMprorR, Rev, DriveShot can you guys do me a favor :p? Each one of you grab one of these kits set them as your avatar so I can tell you apart from your posts I get confused sometimes ;).

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/6906/realpurplenk7.png

http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/9238/realwhiterj6.png

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/3254/realblackdt9.png

[Zico]

Amigos DMprorR, Rev, DriveShot can you guys do me a favor :p? Each one of you grab one of these kits set them as your avatar so I can tell you apart from your posts I get confused sometimes ;).


I 2nd that request :)
I confuse you 2 a lot... specially when u respond to each other :eek:

[drachen]

You guys see the squad list for kyiv? alot of youth players included :D I'm really excited to see this mata kid play, I've been hearing alot of good things about him

And emerson wasn't included in the squad. Maybe Javi and De la red would get some decent playing time

[bennmartin]

even though it is a bit of a meaningless game, i hope capello fields a strong side. hopefully we get a chance to see ronaldo and rvn up front together, we get to see becks, diarra, and robinho in the midfield, and roberto carlos at the back. i'm all for giving the youngsters a shot but we still should go for the win to preserve our momentum. it would be funny if cassano didnt get a run though.

[Rev]

even though it is a bit of a meaningless game, i hope capello fields a strong side. hopefully we get a chance to see ronaldo and rvn up front together, we get to see becks, diarra, and robinho in the midfield, and roberto carlos at the back. i'm all for giving the youngsters a shot but we still should go for the win to preserve our momentum. it would be funny if cassano didnt get a run though.

I disagree, yes, we may get a dip in confidence if we don't win, maybe just a slight dip considering everyone knows we qualified, but fielding too much first team player will not be wise. There is always a chance players will get injured and Capello can rest the starters to preserve energy for the weekend game.

[nikk86]

Should be a good trial game against Kiev, see Ronaldo and Ruud upfront and hopefully some youngsters given a chance.

What did you think of Ronaldo's come back game Drachen.:D

[r9ronaldor9]

wow ronaldo has showed that he is not a spent force and has still alot to give to real madrid, him and robinho saved us against atheletico

[realGaurab]

Madrid boss Fabio Capello has rested captain Raúl González and midfielder Emerson, while defenders Fabio Cannavaro and Iván Helguera have remained in Spain for treatment on minor injuries along with midfielders José Antonio Reyes and Guti. With centre-back Sergio Ramos also absent through suspension, it is an unfamiliar squad featuring five youth-team players that has landed in Kiev.
So given that we're playing away, I won't be particularly unhappy with a draw but losing is not tolerable.

Now that the group stage is almost over, who among the possible opponents would you see Real play against in the first k/o round? Celtic is surely the team every second-placed team would fancy meeting. What are your thoughts?

[Zico]

So given that we're playing away, I won't be particularly unhappy with a draw but losing is not tolerable.

Now that the group stage is almost over, who among the possible opponents would you see Real play against in the first k/o round? Celtic is surely the team every second-placed team would fancy meeting. What are your thoughts?

Interesting... yes I'd love to meet Celtic.

I have a feeling will pull some strong team: Chelsea, Liverpool (Benitez factor) or Milan!!!!!

I hope I'm wrong.

[deviant]

I have a feeling it will be ManUtd or Chelsea.

[Silas]

Interesting... yes I'd love to meet Celtic.

I have a feeling will pull some strong team: Chelsea, Liverpool (Benitez factor) or Milan!!!!!

I hope I'm wrong.
I'd love to see you guys against Manchester United. :)

[DMprorR]

I was thinking of Man-U myself. They are on form right now, but I will like to see them face defenders such as Ramos and Cannavaro. It would be a tough game but I know we can beat them. It would be alot different than their EPL games they are used to. And hopefully they should know that Ruud always deliver.

Right now I don't want us to meet Chelsea. You may ask why but it is just going to be a gruesome match. With the loser loosing in a very sore way and I can only take that if we win. We need teams like that for the finals, not for the next round. I wouldn't mind an Italian team as I am sure Capello can work magic against them.

If we get Celtic (whom I also suspect can be the one depending on who wins their group) it would be a mouth watering tie but we will need to avoid any free kick from Nakamura. Anyway, all in all the next rounds are never easy as a dark horse is usually born at this stage. At least we won't meat lyon and whoever meets them will pay. I personally hoe Barca draws Lyon, as that will get rid of one of those teams.:)

[tanja]

I have a feeling will pull some strong team: Chelsea, Liverpool (Benitez factor) or Milan!!!!!

I hope I'm wrong.


Yea I hope your wrong aswell. I hope we don't meet (at least not until the finals ;)) cause I like Real and if (or should I say when) we're out Real's the team I'll be supporting in the CL.

[bennmartin]

i would like to match up against a premiere league side.

i would rather see chelsea that man utd. utd has looked the stronger side and it would be great to get some of the "jose" drama that he always brings.

liverpool would be good as well. they are looking pretty shaky and i would love to put them out.

but i would love a rematch with arsenal most. we need some revenge for last year.

[DMprorR]

I personally would say no to both Chel$ea and Manure. But for Leaf Pool and Arse, I welcome that any day. We will definitely beat both of them. That I'm sure off. Italian sides are welcomed too, especially inter (even though they have some old Real players ... which by history we always get f**ked by any play that has left our team). I want celtic too but lets not underestimate them. It might just be like how we did to Arse last year. But I know Don Cap too well. He won't underestimate them.

Anyway, looking forward to the game this weekend. This is a tough match but also this is a different team. So I hope we win this even though I know it would be a hard fought out match. Hopefully Barca should drop points this weekend somehow. I don't know how but I just want it to happen.

[deviant]

Amigos DMprorR, Rev, DriveShot can you guys do me a favor :p? Each one of you grab one of these kits set them as your avatar so I can tell you apart from your posts I get confused sometimes ;).

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/6906/realpurplenk7.png

http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/9238/realwhiterj6.png

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/3254/realblackdt9.png
maybe you guys missed my post but here it is again

[DMprorR]

I saw it before ... but are you happy now.;)

[Rev]

I opted for a Ramos avatar :D

[dada]

2 goals today for Ronaldo aren bad at all. This guy is surely showing his class and determination to do well for Madrid.

[DMprorR]

Yeah just saw the result. Was watching the Manure match. Good that he scored. The 2nd was a penalty right? Well I hope to see the match today. Glad to see he is getting his confidence in front of goal. This can only be good for the team. A confident Ruud and R9 heading to this weekends match makes things only better for our team. hope we win the match this weekend. (if I'm right, isn't Diara suspended for the weekend game?).

[deviant]

1st Ronaldo Goal (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xre0c_ronaldo-21-vs-dynamo-kyiv-06122006)

2nd Ronaldo Goal PEN (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xre1h_ronaldo-22-vs-dynamo-kyiv-06122006)

[dada]

Man, he looks trimmer than he was this weekend. I hope we get another quality R. Madrid cap from sportsmen because would really love to see how he did over the course of the match.

[r9ronaldor9]

they say black makes u look thinner ;)

nah but he has lost alot of wieght u can tell

[dada]

I think your right about the black. I initially though he lost a little but after today I got a really good look and Idunno, he just looks way slimmer than I thought. He also looked alot sharper. He should wear those black tights or whatever everyday from now on.

[bennmartin]

just watched the match. pretty much as to be expected with all the youth teamers. unfortunately none of them really stood out though. good on to ronaldo and beckham giving 100% the whole match in order to sneak the late goals. the back heel by ronaldo was probably the highlight of an otherwise dull match. now we are rested and ready for the weekend!

[drachen]

Next round we'll probably get a team in red

ManU
Liverpool
Milan

[Rev]

Next round we'll probably get a team in red

ManU
Liverpool
Milan

I would prefer Pool or Milan, they seem weaker than Manu at the moment, well, at least looking from their respective leagues.

[DMprorR]

I would prefer Pool or Milan, they seem weaker than Manu at the moment, well, at least looking from their respective leagues.


No doubt about that. I am confident we can beat Arse (revenge should be sweet) and Poo if we meet them. I am also confident that we can beat any Italian team that surfaces (Cap can just work his juve magic on them ... c'mon he is no stranger to Italian teams. Given that he is now in the spanish league, he should be able to see things in a more bigger picture and minute details of everything also. Something that the italian coaches should lack).

No Chel$ea or Manure for me. I would be heart broken if we get any of those two now.

[r9ronaldor9]

knowing our luck we properly get chelsea.. IMO the best team to get for us would be bayern i think they are the weakest first place team and iam certain real madrid would destroy they defence.

[Rev]

How does the draw actually works? Is it kinda like world cup? A1 vs B2, C1 vs D2, etc etc?

[bennmartin]

How does the draw actually works? Is it kinda like world cup? A1 vs B2, C1 vs D2, etc etc?

nope. that would be the logical way. haha.

the big rules are that you can't play anyone in your league until the quarters, and a 1st place draws a second place. but other than that, its supposed to be a lotto draw, though i highly doubt it actually is.

[DriveShot]

No its exactly that a draw. Its all random except group winners will play group runner ups, you can't get drawn against the team from your group, and you can't get drawn against a club from your association.

Hopefully we get Bayern or Liverpool. ManU would be nice because I know Ruud and Becks would step it up big time.

[deviant]

No its exactly that a draw. Its all random except group winners will play group runner ups, you can't get drawn against the team from your group, and you can't get drawn against a club from your association.

Hopefully we get Bayern or Liverpool. ManU would be nice because I know Ruud and Becks would step it up big time.
You read my mind, I would love to see Bayern vs Real but I have a feeling its going to be ManUtd.

[Zico]

I seriously think its Chelsea... its strange that we've never met them since the Abramhovic revolution!!! I wouldn't be optimistic if we face them, something about that Mourinho kid :eek:

[DMprorR]

I seriously think its Chelsea... its strange that we've never met them since the Abramhovic revolution!!! I wouldn't be optimistic if we face them, something about that Mourinho kid :eek:


Considering that Chelsea has a team that is physically stronger than ours (robinho might be taken out easily) and a midfeild that I think can break our attack (Makelele and Essien combo would be too much for Diara only combo). For defence, who ever they put Cannibal to mark (hope it's not R9 or Ruud) will have a very bad day. Chelsea has a game plan and now that our team is just picking up, I hope we don't meet them.

But with all said and done, it is not until February. So our team might just be very solid by then (I hope). So I'm no more really worried about who we face. No team is easy in the last 16 and I know UEFA will want ratings as usual. So we can always expect Real Madrid to face a big team. The only thing I'm banking on is that by that time, we are injury free and we have a team system that should be very efficient. I personally trust that Capello would have whipped the team into shape by then.

[Silas]

Considering that Chelsea has a team that is physically stronger than ours (robinho might be taken out easily) and a midfeild that I think can break our attack (Makelele and Essien combo would be too much for Diara only combo). For defence, who ever they put Cannibal to mark (hope it's not R9 or Ruud) will have a very bad day. Chelsea has a game plan and now that our team is just picking up, I hope we don't meet them.

But with all said and done, it is not until February. So our team might just be very solid by then (I hope). So I'm no more really worried about who we face. No team is easy in the last 16 and I know UEFA will want ratings as usual. So we can always expect Real Madrid to face a big team. The only thing I'm banking on is that by that time, we are injury free and we have a team system that should be very efficient. I personally trust that Capello would have whipped the team into shape by then.
Dude let me telly ou about Chelsea midfield. If by a physical games you mean running and kicking people, then yes, Essien and Ballack are one of the best. Lampard is a cry baby, and Makelele isn't physical. Michael Carrick handled Lampard and Ballack ALONE, and Essien just wondered what that round ball is and why is everybody so interested in it.

And as for Canniball (whatever the fuck's the name of that retard), he is good against teams like Wigan etc, Robbie Keane made him his bitch, the entire fucking 90 minutes. Yes, playing Robinho would be a mistake, because he is so small. :)

Besides, in their offence, they have Drogba, who will be taken care of by Cannavaro, and that joke of a human being, the English class lad, he is always, like 7-8 minutes behind the team.

On the other hand, in your offence, you have Ronaldo and Ruud.

They won't be able to match Real.

Just count yourselves lucky that you won't face Lyon.

[Rev]

Just count yourselves lucky that you won't face Lyon.

Why? You're scared of Lyon? I thought we're the only one who's afraid of them considering we've been whipped the past season and two every time we faced them :o

In terms of ManUtd facing Lyon, I don't think Lyon will pose as big as a threat to Real than to ManUtd as you guys seem to have a better defence line. The past year and two, our defence line has been very weak, Woodgate was always injured, Ramos is still young and can be prone to costly mistakes, I never really rated Helguera and Cannavaro just arrived to Real. If only Cannavaro got a better partner at the back :(

[Silas]

I meant for Real Madrid.

United can be a good match for Lyon. At least we won't let them steam roll over us like they did with Real Madrid. :)

We give hell before we die.

[No1_Dave]

No its exactly that a draw. Its all random except group winners will play group runner ups, you can't get drawn against the team from your group, and you can't get drawn against a club from your association.

Hopefully we get Bayern or Liverpool. ManU would be nice because I know Ruud and Becks would step it up big time.

our players will step it up BIG time too, even more ;) :rolleyes:

[Zico]

All this talk of our team will do this and our team will do that is just BS... specially when fans of other teams are coming here and beaming about how well their team would do against madrid. Feb. is a long way from now and a lot can happen: injuries, form, etc..

last year when the draw happened Arsenal was supposed to spank us... when the tie was near we were supposed to spank them and we all know what happened!!! :mad:

The real question is: when is the draw? is it tomorrow?

EDIT: just found out its Dec. 15!! No need to answer :)

[bennmartin]

looks like cannavaro won't be playing this weekend. ruud gave him a strong challenge in practice and he's out with a sprained ankle. he even refused to shake ruud's hand after it happened:eek:

that means we will be fielding a weak back line again. we really need to get another big defender during the transfer window. i would imagine it will be carlos, salgado, ramos, and then one of the back-ups. reyes, diarra, and guti are also out so it will be interesting to see who is in midfield.

[sccr_11]

Real MAdrid will play Sevilla this weekend who have 100% home Record.

[Zico]

Real MAdrid will play Sevilla this weekend who have 100% home Record.

records are meant to be broken my friend :)

looks like cannavaro won't be playing this weekend. ruud gave him a strong challenge in practice and he's out with a sprained ankle. he even refused to shake ruud's hand after it happened

The injury is something that happens... the not shaking hands is not a good thing!! I hope the team doesn't start falling apart now... they've worked so hard on having team unity in Madrid and an incident like this could divide the team specially since both are new so the players could take different sides and in essence split the squad.

When the Robinho Gravesson incident happened I wasn't too worried because most of the players where quite fed up with Gravesson and they took Robinho's side... hope this is not as serious as it sounds.

[sccr_11]

this will be interest game to watch

[dada]

Hope to see Ronaldo and Ruud up front. I still cant get over how much weight #9 lost. I watched the CL match once more and the guy looked diesel when he took off his shirt to swap. Only a matter time until he gets his orientation on the field back in order and starts bagging goals like crazy. I feel like its a 2nd coming or something.

[Whoah10115]

Anyone got a pic of him without his shirt on? I'm dying to see how he's looking.

[dada]

Well, I dont have any of those pics but I think these may show the difference. Overall the guy just seems quicker.


Before:

http://www.footballspectator.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/06/ronaldo-2.jpg

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2006/06/16/knFAT_narrowweb__300x362,0.jpg

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/ap/eurowcup10206091318.widec.jpg

After:

http://realmadrid.com/addon/img/5d6a16288dinamo-rmadridpenaltip.jpg

http://realmadrid.com/addon/img/18e21e6288ronaldopecho1p.jpg

http://realmadrid.com/addon/img/5d6a16288dinamo-rmadridronaldop.jpg

[realGaurab]

I felt so good to see Ronaldo score three goals in last two games. Especially the two goals against Kiev when the whole of the team (eventhough most were either young or not regular this season) were doing absolutely nothing. Hope he'll keep his recent form for the rest of the year.

[Rev]

Well, according to those pics in comparison, R9 definately looks slimmer and fitter now.

PS: I'm a fan of him. Even though sometimes I may be bias, but I've gotta admit that the pictures where he is in blue, its not strange why people were criticizing his weight. He isn't even fit in those pictures, he is fat.

[deviant]

I felt so good to see Ronaldo score three goals in last two games. Especially the two goals against Kiev when the whole of the team (eventhough most were either young or not regular this season) were doing absolutely nothing. Hope he'll keep his recent form for the rest of the year.
yeah I really felt like I was just as frustrated as he was I hope he stays in shape.


Ronaldo:
I think it is absurd we spend so much time talking about my weight. All the tests and controls are open for everyone to see," Ronaldo told a news conference, Spanish media reported on Friday.

"What most annoys me is the way things come out in the press. When you score goals you are great, when you don't you are fat.

"I am completely dedicated to my work and trying to improve and I'm not interested in what others say."

[drachen]

records are meant to be broken my friend :)

Real Madrid has the best away record in the league. One of it has to give way

[Whoah10115]

His head is still huge, but he's looking much slimmer.

[Rev]

Anyone watched the match against Sevilla? I know we lost, but I didn't watch it because it wasn't available on my channels. Does anyone know the line up? Sigh, a 4 point gap with Barca now :(

[dada]

STARTING 11:

(G) Iker Casillas 1
(D) Fabio Cannavaro 5
(D) Roberto Carlos 3
(D) Michel Salgado 2
(D) Garcia Sergio Ramos 4
(M) David Beckham 23
(M) da Rosa Emerson 8
(M) Jose Maria Guti 14
(F) Ronaldo 9
(F) Gonzalez Raul 7
(F) Ruud van Nistelrooy 17

SUBS:

A Mejia for M Salgado (45)
Robinho for Ronaldo (69)
J Reyes for J Guti (81)

[Rev]

I saw some comments from post match forum, I see some members are not happy with Raul's performance tonight. I haven't watched the match yet, but why is Raul so untouchable to Capello? Raul is frustrating to watch sometimes, because, well, Capello just play him out of position, just put him back into a striking role. Oh snap, he can't, he has both RvN and R9 at his disposal. With tonight's line up, I thought playing a 442 line up would be more ideal, a midfield looking like Robinho-Emerson-Guti-Becks then R9 and RvN up front. We need Robinho every game becuase his runs are so sleek. Plus, if Capello is to play Ronaldo, Robinho can partner up with R9 better than anyone because they both grow up playing the same style of football, futsal, they know how each other runs and moves.

[realGaurab]

I hope Gago will come to us this January. Seeing Emerson play the lone dm position had me scared. He was just standing in front of the back four doing nothing. He wasn't moving around, wasn't chasing any balls, wasn't making any tackles. I sometimes think Helguera can play a better dm role than Emerson.

The biggest mistake today was not playing either Robinho or Reyes from the very beginning. There wasn almost no creative outlet in the front to let the two strikers do their job. Beckham was the only midfielder who was trying to do somthing. Raul was nowhere to be seen, Guti could never make himself any space to work the few balls that came to him.

[dada]

Tell me something about Ronaldo? Just wanna a know how comfortable he looked.

[nikk86]

Tell me something about Ronaldo? Just wanna a know how comfortable he looked.

I'll just post my review from the ingame thread.

Ronaldo was comfortable, Capello probably took him off because he had played 90 mins in the CL and 70 today, he'll get better.

A draw would have been a fair result i thought, Ronaldo really should have converted his chance, maybe gone for a chip, he was quite good while he was on, Raul should have come off for Robinho, not Ronaldo, after he went off, i dont think we created a half decent chance, Ruud was good, held the ball up nicely,made some decent passes, Emerson did ok in the midfield, won the ball a few times, Meija was horrendous, but we had no choice, Salgado was gonna get sent off very soon, Where was the marking for Chevanton's goal, i have no idea, Casillas could have done better on the first goal i thought.

As for Sevilla, wow, what a bunch of cheating,scummy thugs, absolute disgrace, cant wait to face them at the Bernebeu, Cant believe i hoped this guy Navas would one day play for us, he makes Cristiano Ronaldo look like Arnold Schwarzenegger in terms of diving, Dani Alves, absolute A grade scum. The crows, bunch of idiots, throwing shit on the pitch.

Its not all over though, 4 points in it, we played some really tough games in the last few weeks, next game, i'd start Diarra inplace of Emerson, Robinho instead of Raul and we should do well, Its a long race, we cant drop any more points anytime soon though or we're in trouble.

[nikk86]

I saw some comments from post match forum, I see some members are not happy with Raul's performance tonight. I haven't watched the match yet, but why is Raul so untouchable to Capello? Raul is frustrating to watch sometimes, because, well, Capello just play him out of position, just put him back into a striking role. Oh snap, he can't, he has both RvN and R9 at his disposal. With tonight's line up, I thought playing a 442 line up would be more ideal, a midfield looking like Robinho-Emerson-Guti-Becks then R9 and RvN up front. We need Robinho every game becuase his runs are so sleek. Plus, if Capello is to play Ronaldo, Robinho can partner up with R9 better than anyone because they both grow up playing the same style of football, futsal, they know how each other runs and moves.


I agree with that point, if we ever need to give RVN a rest, we need to try Ronaldo Robinho upfront, they would do some good stuff i reckon.

[realGaurab]

Yes, I agree with Robinho Ronaldo combination. I would definitely love to see them complimenting each other. With the kind of games Ronaldo has been playing lately, he will definitely enjoy this season with Real. Even today, when there wans't much for him to do, he was always enthusiastic and working hard.

As for Sevilla, wow, what a bunch of cheating,scummy thugs, absolute disgrace, cant wait to face them at the Bernebeu
I second the opinion.

[DriveShot]

Ronaldo was looking tired when he finally got subbed, I thought that was the right decision. I didn't agree with Guti getting taken off. He wasn't playing good but at least he was playing. They should of taken Raul off and put in Reyes instead. I was hoping for Robinho for Raul at halftime but it never happened. Damn that stubborn Capello, he's really starting to get on my nerves.

[bennmartin]

we deserved the draw for sure.

the back line looked good for the most part. sevilla didn't have many chances. they just happened to convert two of them.

the midfield again seemed to be the ones to let us down. becks had a good game, he was running all over the place. but guti looked like he was still injured, raul didn't bother to show up, and emerson played his typical average game. reyes should have come on earlier.

difficult to say about the forwards. ruud wasn't getting much service and ronaldo was a bit unlucky. i think this pairing could work in the future but ronaldo looked spent by the time he was pulled. surprisingly, the game slowed down when robinho came on and we didnt really look like much of a threat with him on the field.

disappointing result.

[Rev]

I think in the end of the day, our squad isn't deep enough to last through the entire season competing for all 3 titles. I still haven't watch today's match, but if our squad is deep enough, we wouldn't be using Salgado and Mejia at the back in today's match.

[DriveShot]

What's wrong with Salgado in the line up now? He's our only true RB?

I still don't know why Capello would risk our back line by putting Mejia in as CB and moving Ramos to RB. If anything I would of put Helguera in, he's been looking good lately.

I think the Real squad is looking a lot better w/ only 1 DM and Beckham in the squad. Once Guti gets back in it I think we can do well again. Hopefully we can get another playmaker in January but who is even available ATM? Everyone is already cup tied but we could use someone for our league title race.

[Rev]

I don't know, yeah he is our only true RB at the moment but his ability to go forward isn't that great, defensively, he is on par for RB though. The one DM thing, I think Real can only cut it with Diarra but not with Emerson.

[DriveShot]

Agreed, Emerson seems like dead weight.

[bennmartin]

What's wrong with Salgado in the line up now? He's our only true RB?

I still don't know why Capello would risk our back line by putting Mejia in as CB and moving Ramos to RB. If anything I would of put Helguera in, he's been looking good lately.

I think the Real squad is looking a lot better w/ only 1 DM and Beckham in the squad. Once Guti gets back in it I think we can do well again. Hopefully we can get another playmaker in January but who is even available ATM? Everyone is already cup tied but we could use someone for our league title race.

Helguera is out with an injury but you are right. as bad as he looked last year, he has been pretty good (except for the lyon game). ramos has the potential to be the best right back in the game. salgado is a servicable back-up and cicinho is a bit too offensive minded for capello. but what we really need is a big defender like a vidic or a terry to complement canavarro. that should be our top priority at the transfer window. all of the top teams feature a quality pair in the middle of the backline except us.

i agree with the beckham statement. we always look just a bit more potent when he is on the field. but i think capello is going to ride out the two dms as long as he can. emerson has looked really old but he's capello's guy and i don't see a change as long as we win those slow, grinding 1-0 and 2-1 matches.

[DriveShot]

See what I don't understand is that if he's so insistent on 2 DM's why not have some offensive minded full backs. Roberto Carlos is still great in his old age and still plays good defense but I don't see what the problem with Cicinho is. Yeah he's defense isn't the best but isn't that the reason to have to 2 DM's? Let Cicinho go off and attack sometimes while the DM's can cover his position.

[DMprorR]

See what I don't understand is that if he's so insistent on 2 DM's why not have some offensive minded full backs. Roberto Carlos is still great in his old age and still plays good defense but I don't see what the problem with Cicinho is. Yeah he's defense isn't the best but isn't that the reason to have to 2 DM's? Let Cicinho go off and attack sometimes while the DM's can cover his position.


Actually he was beginning to like Cicinho due to the reason that the guy was adding pace to our team. Cicinho is injured right now and won't be back until lets say late february (as maybe fitness training) and march for selection. So right now we have no choice than to use Salgado. And I think Ramos - Cannavaro pairing will bear fruit if he allows it to be. The will get to understand each other later. It all takes time and at least this time last season, we were all cursing. Even though we don't like Capello's style of play, we all seem to be happy with the progress. It's the 1st time since 3 years that we can actually start talking positively about our team (yes I know we still have not gotten that silverware yet).

[bennmartin]

i'm giving capello some time but let's not forget, we have finished second for the last couple of years and the year before that we were leading the league until a collapse in the last month. anything less than at least one piece of silverware will be another disappointing season.

[cartbran]

as long as we win those slow, grinding 1-0 and 2-1 matches.
It's just like watching Juvy.;)

[diwash]

with the arrival of Gago in January our midfield should get some life in it, Emerson is a fkn liability, Diarra has been dissapointing so far, we have been depending too much on the wings to create our attacking play, sure Robinho & Reyes are great youngsters but they are still inconsistent, we need someone dependable who can produce week in week out, someone to fill the void Zizou left, a midfield general someone like Fabregas, Essien or even Kaka. I think Capello knows abt it, and with time he will fix the problem, with Capello in charge i think Real has a bright future. In Fabio i trust.

[DriveShot]

I dont think Diarra has been that bad. He's playing good d and not giving up the ball on stupid passes, and creating just a little bit. I think Gago is still too young to just jump into the first team though but if Capello won't move away from 2 DM's then I'll take Gago over Emerson.

[bennmartin]

i agree. diarra isn't quite the player i thought he would be, but he has played a solid game as the DM. i have watched emerson for the last couple of years and was impressed with him. so i was excited when he came over. but, starting with the world cup, he just looks old. you can see the desire is there but his play is really slipping.

[diwash]

According to Spanish daily AS, the Gago deal is as good as done, they say Madrid have already fixed a date for his presentation, the transfer fee will be around 15M, for more info. check out their site.

[realGaurab]

Haven't seen the match but nice to see Beckham and Ronaldo score in Copa del Rey. Also de la Red scoring is a good sign. Will definitely give him some confidence.

[diwash]

Haven't seen the match but nice to see Beckham and Ronaldo score in Copa del Rey. Also de la Red scoring is a good sign. Will definitely give him some confidence.

well it has been ages since Real last played in a Copa Del Rey match, where have you been ?

[drachen]

Some italian paper is reporting that Juve want Robinshow :p

They can have emerson back if they want. Real Madrid is building a team for the future, and Robinho is definitely part of that

[DMprorR]

Some italian paper is reporting that Juve want Robinshow :p

They can have emerson back if they want. Real Madrid is building a team for the future, and Robinho is definitely part of that



Are you sure they want Robinho? Well what am I saying? We can just put a Robinho mask on Emerson and ship him back for free. I just hope they don't figure it out but I'm all for the move.

[Zico]

If Robinho is sold for absolutely no reason. i.e. 100 million euros (crazy offer), problems (him fighting with teammates, being a bitch, etc..) then I'm ok with it

Otherwise I will not support real madrid anymore!!! Really this would be the dumbest thing ever done by management if they actually carry through with it.

I can't believe how angry I'm getting by just entertaining the idea :mad: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rev]

Chill Zico :) Just another article from the rumor mill I suppose, I think Robinho is probably as untouchable (in transfer-wise) as Raul.

[r9ronaldor9]

real madrid have signed a new striker, Higuain from river plate.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=396190&cc=3436

[west501]

so let's get a couple of permutations of formations up

[Rev]

so let's get a couple of permutations of formations up

Well, I haven't seen both Gago and Higuain play yet, but if I have to put one up, it'll be:

Ramos - Helguera (for now)- Cannavaro - Carlos
Becks - Diarra - Gago - Robinho
RvN - Ronaldo

Oh wait, thats the formation and line up that I want, but with Capello, he'll keep Raul there, and with Gago and Higuain, he will probably change formation as well, but I'm guessing he'll go with the current formation for now, my guess of his new line up will be:

Ramos - Helguera (for now)- Cannavaro - Carlos
Emerson - Diarra
Raul - Gago - Robinho
RvN

[fuzbaler]

ramos-----helguera---------canna--------marcelo
diarra
reyes----------------gago----------------robihno

ronaldo/raul----------RvN

[west501]

Ramos - Helguera (for now)- Cannavaro - Carlos
Becks - Diarra - Gago - Robinho
RvN - Ronaldo

Ramos - Helguera (for now)- Cannavaro - Carlos
Emerson - Diarra
Raul - Gago - Robinho
RvN

interesting formations
I took for granted that you all have been following these players as intently as I have and since this is obviously not the case, I'll fill you in and put forth my own suggestions
gago is a number 5, so he'd replace either emerson or diarra and always play behind the more offensive midfielders (like redondo..though I don't as good, but I think better than diarra or emerson)
higuain is a very versatile and explosive offensive player who could play where gago is listed in your second formation as well as a centre striker with raul or a support striker with rvn/ronnie..any of the r's really and this versatility will help him on a team with so many big names
from the midfield up here are some ideas

gago
beckham----------guti
raul
higuain---rvn

capello is conservative so I wouldn't be surprised to see
emerson-----gago
raul------higauin----robinho
rvn

I'm not happy to see higuain go but at the same time I am excited to see him get a chance with such a big club
are they offing cassano or any other guys? (will there be room?)

[bennmartin]

capello is a bit stingy with bringing younger players into the line-up. i would almost bet that none of them is featured much this year. i think when we move cassano, higauin might get a few runs off the bench. gago has probably the best chance if guti or a DM were to go down with an injury. capello wont risk bringing anybody so young for the defense and carlos is set in stone over on the left anyway. but i think they are great signings and will be essential for our future.

also, this has been talked about but we have 6 teams we could possibly line-up against. who would you rank that you want to play the most? i would prefer it this way:

1. arsenal
2. munich
3. milan
4. pool
5.chelsea
6. man utd.

[dada]

Saw Gago play against Estudiantes for the Argie final thingy and I gotta say he wasnt half as impressive as I though he would be. He is good on the defensive end but in attack he wasnt very inspiring. In fact I doubt he was a threat at all throughout the entire game. Ledesma didnt look too bad though.

As for Higuain, its funny that ever since I told myself to go check out River matches he has scored in every one. Even when not scoring he looks like too much to handle and I must say he does look pretty special. As long as Real get him thats good for me.

[Rev]

Is Higuain creative? Because that is what we need, as for if he is going to get his runs you ask guest501? I don't think he is going to get too much runs as starters (maybe Gago will get more runs as Capello like players with defensive abilities) because he needs to adapt to the league. But if someone up front gets injured, he'll probably get his start, he'll probably get subbed in if we need his speed to beat defenders. As for Cassano, who knows what is going on with him, read some articles saying Real doesn't want to offload him anymore. I have mixed feelings for Cassano, he has his talent, but I don't think we need him.

[diwash]

there is no way Hiaguin will walk straight into the 1st 11, it will take a good season or 2 before he adjusts to La Liga, i wouldnt be suprised if he failed to cement a starting place for a season or two, we have him till 2013 so even if he is unhappy and decides to leave we are guarenteed to get a decent price out of him.

Gago is another case, by next season i think he will have his own place in the starting XI, possibly & hopefully in place of senior citizen Emerson.

[west501]

Is Higuain creative? Because that is what we need, as for if he is going to get his runs you ask guest501? I don't think he is going to get too much runs as starters (maybe Gago will get more runs as Capello like players with defensive abilities) because he needs to adapt to the league. But if someone up front gets injured, he'll probably get his start, he'll probably get subbed in if we need his speed to beat defenders. As for Cassano, who knows what is going on with him, read some articles saying Real doesn't want to offload him anymore. I have mixed feelings for Cassano, he has his talent, but I don't think we need him.

yeah he is pretty creative, putting in good passes and crosses
he's just lethal around the box..really incisive striker
I was just postulating as to where they would play..not necessarily as starters, but maybe during less meaningful matches, or decided copa del rey second legs
I think higuaín could become madrid's kun agüero..though I admit it's not as hard for the latter to break into an injury ridden team
but still, it's the football that counts and right now real need to take what they can get from whomever has something to give and I'm excited for what pipita can do for this side

[r9ronaldor9]

real madrid vs bayern for champions league

[deviant]

http://www.football.co.uk/shared/images/teams/bayern_munich.jpg
Bayern it is my friends

[Rev]

A decent enough draw, at least we're not going against Chelsea or Man Utd for now. I was hoping for Milan but Bayern aren't too bad of a draw comparing to the English powerhouses.

[bennmartin]

this year's munich team is very very beatable. but i remember i thought we would easily beat arsenal last year. here's hoping the capello factor breezes us through to the next stage. go madrid!

[deviant]

Canna picks up another award

Cannavaro named World Soccer's Player of the Year

LONDON, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Fabio Cannavaro, who skippered Italy to victory at the World Cup, was named World Soccer's World Player of the Year on Friday -- only the second defender to win the honour in the awards' 25-year history.

The last defender to do so was compatriot Paolo Maldini in 1994.

Cannavaro's victory was one of the most comprehensive in the poll's history as he collected 40 percent of the readers' vote conducted annually by the influential British-based magazine.

He got three times as many votes as Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o of Cameroon and Frenchman Thierry Henry of Arsenal, who finished second and third respectively.

Cannavaro, who was named European Footballer of the Year last month, is one of three candidates for the FIFA World Player of the Year which will be announced on Monday.

Other award winners were Marcello Lippi of Italy, who was named coach of the year while European champions Barcelona were named World Team of the Year. Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Argentina was named Young Player of the Year

[DMprorR]

Canna picks up another award


Nice to see. Hope him winning this can rub on the squad. I remember Zizou and Figo winning in those glorious years. It only helped us. I hope this is a good sign of things to come in Real Madrid and congrats to Fabio. I hope he wins FIFA world player of the year (even though Ronaldinho is pressing really hard to win it). Well anyway, back to Real talk.

I read that Cassano might be linking up with Milan during the January transfer window. I also hope that playing Becks these few days should allow Capello to think about putting the guy in the team ahead of Raul.

Our game with Bayern is going to be a tough one since Bayern seems to be kind of solid as of late. Also their coach (too lazy to type his name ... not sure of the spelling) was with Levekusen before right. Was he not the one that played us in the UEFA CL finals or was it a different coach? I hope he is not the one as that means that he is experienced against us. We have to thank Iker for that match as Cesar went out injured and Iker didn't even have time to warm up but boy did those guys warm him up. He played a big part in us winning that match.

[bennmartin]

yeah, iker in that match was just amazing.

i am curious is to what capello will do this weekend. becks is out so there is no chance of him getting another shot in the starting 11 this week. i am sure capello will play it safe at the back with salgado, canna, ramos, and carlos. i imagine he will go with robinho, emerson, diarra, and guti. but it will be interesting if he goes with raul or with ronaldo up front with ruud. i'm pulling for ronaldo but i would bet capello will play raul.

[r9ronaldor9]

yeah, iker in that match was just amazing.

i am curious is to what capello will do this weekend. becks is out so there is no chance of him getting another shot in the starting 11 this week. i am sure capello will play it safe at the back with salgado, canna, ramos, and carlos. i imagine he will go with robinho, emerson, diarra, and guti. but it will be interesting if he goes with raul or with ronaldo up front with ruud. i'm pulling for ronaldo but i would bet capello will play raul.

ronaldo was injured during training might not be able to play iam just waiting for realmadrid.com to release its squad list... should be soon.

ok ronaldo is back in the squad so it should be goood rud and ronnie upfront again

[Zico]

Bullshit red card agains Canavarro today... the ball was hit by his head not his hand... dumb ass spanish referees!!!! :mad:

[DMprorR]

Bullshit red card agains Canavarro today... the ball was hit by his head not his hand... dumb ass spanish referees!!!! :mad:


Yeah I am following the live commentary. Too bad the ref issue has started again.

[Silas]

Bullshit red card agains Canavarro today... the ball was hit by his head not his hand... dumb ass spanish referees!!!! :mad:
It's nice to see RVN score though.

How was the goal?

[tanja]

Bullshit red card agains Canavarro today... the ball was hit by his head not his hand... dumb ass spanish referees!!!! :mad:

Yea really :mad:
Fabio did flap his hands like a bird but if he wasn't 100 % sure he shouldn't have given him that card. But its just 4 more minutes, you can do it!

[realGaurab]

It's nice to see RVN score though.

How was the goal?
It was a nice goal. Not just a tap in, he worked on the ball to round a defender and scored.

[funkdoctorspock]

where was Beckham today?

Canna got a bad red against him... the linesman should have overruled... it was quite clear the ball it him in the face...

great to see Capello play 25 defenders near the end of the match... :D

[DMprorR]

where was Beckham today?

Canna got a bad red against him... the linesman should have overruled... it was quite clear the ball it him in the face...

great to see Capello play 25 defenders near the end of the match... :D



He was suspended from a collection of yellows. Glad that we won and Ruud getting on the score sheet.

[deviant]

Im glad we won but at a price, Canna :( stupid ass ref.


goal here guys
v/Vq6pIa5wAjo

[DMprorR]

Im glad we won but at a price, Canna :( stupid ass ref.


goal here guys
v/Vq6pIa5wAjo



Thanks man.

Wow what a beautiful well taken goal. He really put power to that shot. The goal really look good in replay. It seems we can no longer depend on R9 and have to depend on Ruud. R9 would be useful for finding the net on the days Ruud doesn't find it. ;)

[Silas]

Im glad we won but at a price, Canna :( stupid ass ref.


goal here guys
v/Vq6pIa5wAjo
Marvellous. That's what we had for 5 years. Sigh. :o

We miss you Ruud. :)

[bennmartin]

Thanks man.

Wow what a beautiful well taken goal. He really put power to that shot. The goal really look good in replay. It seems we can no longer depend on R9 and have to depend on Ruud. R9 would be useful for finding the net on the days Ruud doesn't find it. ;)

i think its great we have both of them;)

the backline looked good and casillas put in another fantastic performance.

as everyone has mentioned, fabio's handball call was a disgrace.

surprised that diarra didnt get the start but happy that capello was willing to try something different to start the game. though, it didnt really amount to anything and capello went defensive again after the goal.

guti and ruud really stood out for me.

excellent result.

[DriveShot]

Scappy win from Real on the road. It wasn't pretty but at least we got 3 points. Even had some good chances to double our lead like that shot from Reyes. That red on Canna better be rescinded. We can't lose him for our next match against Recreativo, hopefully Becks will be back in the line up.

[123]

Once again Ruud rarely given chance for whole match...His goal is fantastic and also not a clear chance..Real're playing poor football..Their striker always has no service in many match..Ruud must try hard to keep it up...

[deviant]

Once again Ruud rarely given chance for whole match...His goal is fantastic and also not a clear chance..Real're playing poor football..Their striker always has no service in many match..Ruud must try hard to keep it up...
Ruud has to do more than wait for a pass like Ronaldo create his own chances.

[Silas]

Ruud has to do more than wait for a pass like Ronaldo create his own chances.
Yes. And still, if he scored 150 goals in 200 games at the highest level for Manchester United, and has 15 goals this season with his new team and league, that must mean that it works, right?

Moreover, he is the top scorer in spain already.

[deviant]

Im sure when we get Gago he will recieve more passes and therefore getting more chances to score.

[funkdoctorspock]

or they can give Becks more PT so he can help provide service... :mad:

[deviant]

Cannavaro Has Been Anounced As The Fifa World Footballer Of The Year.

[tanja]

Im so happy that the best player is now in Real and not Barcelona (of course I'd prefer him being in Milan) so I don't have to listen to the commentators saying "Now the best one in the world has the ball blabla" every time Ronnie gets in contact with the ball.
I just hope Fabio gets as much appreciation and attention as Ronnie did during these last two years cause he deserves that.

Forza Cannavaro!

[Zico]

Im sure when we get Gago he will recieve more passes and therefore getting more chances to score.

doesn't look like its going well... macri is really holding out :mad:

[sccr_11]

congrats Cannavaro.

[funkdoctorspock]

Didn't think I would see happening... :rolleyes:

How is this going to effect Real's cb lineup?

Real consider Woodgate return

Real Madrid are understood to be considering recalling England defender Jonathan Woodgate in January.

The central defender is currently on a season-long loan with his hometown club Middlesbrough and he has thus far performed admirably.

Ever since moving to the Spanish capital Woodgate has been dogged by injury, but he is now beginning to prove his fitness and this has not gone unnoticed at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"We are happy with Woodgate," said coach Fabio Capello.

"He is playing very well in England at the moment."

Capello refused to rule out the prospect of bringing Woodgate back to Spain when the transfer window re-opened.

"If we come across a player that will improve the team then maybe we will consider it, but we shall see."

Reports in Spain emerged last week suggesting that Madrid were considering recalling Woodgate and now relegation threatened Boro must be worried about the prospect of losing their key defender.

Woodgate missed Boro's defeat to Fulham on Monday with a twisted ankle but he is set to return to the team for Saturday's crucial clash with Charlton, which will be a huge boost for manager Gareth Southgate who is without Robert Huth and now Abel Xavier.

"Jonathan Woodgate should be back on Saturday, though Abel Xavier might be seven-to-ten days while Robert Huth may be a bit longer," said Southgate.

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=436493&CPID=23&clid=186&lid=2&title=Real+consider+Woodgate+return