Cristiano Ronaldo wins Ballon d’Or

Cristiano Ronaldo wins Ballon d’Or

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo retained his Ballon d’Or crown, fending off competition from Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Ronaldo, who was overwhelming favourite, added to his triumphs in 2008 and 2013 after taking 37.66 per cent of the vote. "I would like to thank all of those who voted for me," said the 29-year-old, who struggled to fight back tears as he accepted the trophy. "It has been an incredible year. I would like to continue the work that I have done so far. I want to try to improve, to become better as each day goes by. "I never thought that I would bring this trophy back home on three occasions and I want to win it again. I want to become one of the greatest players of all time." Ronaldo, who has made a point of displaying his rippling muscles in his goal celebrations, then bellowed "Sim" (yes) into the microphone, somewhat startling the ceremony presenter.

Messi narrowly pipped Neuer for second spot, earning 15.76 per cent of the vote to the German stopper's 15.72 per cent. [CRISTIANO RONALDO, LIONEL MESSI SNUB EACH OTHER IN BALLON D’OR VOTING AGAIN] Ronaldo helped Real Madrid end their hunt for an elusive Decima – a 10th Champions League crown – starring as they thrashed Bayern Munich in the semi-finals before notching a late penalty against Atletico Madrid in the final. The Portuguese forward netted 51 goals in 47 appearances last season, including a record-breaking 17 goals in the Champions League.

Since then, he has added the Club World Cup title to his collection, has scored a stunning 26 goals in 17 La Liga matches and looks set to looks set to smash the biggest total for a season in Spain's top flight of 50 scored by Messi in 2011-12. All that was enough to overlook a disappointing World Cup where Portugal went out in the first round and Ronaldo mustered only one goal. However, he still became Portugal's all-time leading scorer and his goal haul for his country stands at 52 in 117 appearances. Messi, by contrast, inspired Argentina as they reached the World Cup final, where they lost to Neuer's Germany. The award has turned almost turned into a personal duel between Ronaldo and Messi. Messi won four years in a row from 2009 to 2012, with Ronaldo finishing second on three occasions. Only Andres Iniesta, runner-up in 2010, has managed to break the duopoly.

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Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid: Fernando Torres set for debut

Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid: Fernando Torres set for debut

Fernando Torres has said there is more satisfaction in winning the 'Atletico Madrid way' ahead of his second debut against Real Madrid.
The ex-Liverpool and Chelsea striker, 30, has rejoined the Spanish champions from AC Milan on loan seven-and-a-half-years after leaving for Anfield.



"It is a team that has won defending their values and have always taught me that," he told the club website. 
"With hard work, sacrifice, believing in what you do you can achieve things."
The Spain forward was paraded in front of 45,000 fans at Vicente Calderon Stadium on Sunday and is likely to be involved in the last-16 Copa del Rey first leg against city rivals Real on Wednesday.

He scored 84 goals in 214 league appearances for Los Rojiblancos from 2001-2007, before spells at Liverpool, Chelsea and AC Milan in a career that has brought him success in the Champions League, FA Cup, World Cup and European Championship.
"It is not only about winning, it is about winning in a particular way," said Torres after signing on loan until the end of the season.
"Although you're competing at a disadvantage in many aspects, it can be compensated with hard work, with effort and that is what this club and team represent.
"I have found a path which has given me great satisfaction, but something seemed to be missing. This reunion closes a circle that started when I was just 10 years old wearing this shirt and now I hope to enjoy it.

"All this love becomes an extra responsibility for me, which I gladly accept."

Copa del Rey holders Real saw their club-record 22-match winning run ended with a shock defeat at Valencia on Sunday but boss Carlo Ancelotti believes the La Liga leaders will respond in the right way.

"We're focused on the match at the Calderon," he told Real Madrid's website.  "We maintain the same fighting spirit and desire to continue to do well.

"Without playing, Torres has already brought a lot of enthusiasm to the supporters. He has experience, quality and he's going to be motivated and raring to do well."

Atletico are a point behind their Madrid rivals in La Liga but are unbeaten in three matches against them since losing the Champions League final last season.

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Carles Puyol resigns from Barcelona post as Camp Nou chaos continues

Andoni Zubizarreta has been fired as Barcelona's director of football and assistant Carles Puyol has resigned.
Zubizarreta, who kept goal for Barcelona between 1986 and 1994, returned to the club in July 2010 to take up the role from which he has now been fired. A club statement read: "The FC Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu has decided to terminate as of today the contract of the club’s director of football, Andoni Zubizarreta.

"The president, in the name of the club, thanks Andoni Zubizarreta for his contribution, dedication and professionalism over the last four years in his role at the head of the club’s football area." Within hours, Puyol - who had been assisting Zubizarreta since retiring as a player last year - announced on Facebook that he has resigned.

Spanish daily Marca reported three days ago that Zubizarreta's days were numbered at Camp Nou after president Bartomeu lost faith in his abilities and started the search for a replacement. Barcelona's transfer ban for 2015 could be seen as a contributing factor, but concerns over the squad built by Barca and the quality of some recent signings have also been cited as reasons for Bartomeu's decision to wield the axe.

Marca highlighted Zubizarreta's failure to solve the club's impending right-back problem with Dani Alves possibly leaving the club and replacement Douglas looking unconvincing - while the fact that summer signing Thomas Vermaelen hasn't played a game due to long-term injury has also been held against the former keeper. On Sunday Zubizarreta had spoke out about the transfer ban, which was imposed for breaching rules on the signing of youth players: "As the director of football, I assume full accountability for my responsibilities. Mr Bartomeu is the one who knows the situation better than anyone, as he was the sporting vice-president during that time. My position is always the club’s decision."

THE VIEW FROM SPAIN - A TACTICAL MOVE BY BARTOMEU Adrian Garcia, Eurosport Spain: "In Zubizarreta's interview yesterday he spoke against president Bartomeu, regarding the FIFA ban. In our opinion, sacking him is a strategic move by president Bartomeu. He could save his presidency with this decision. Bad transfers are another issue, especially Vermaelen this season."

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Real Madrid's run comes to an end as Valencia triumph in La Liga

Valencia ended Real Madrid's winning streak two shy of the world record as they came from behind to win 2-1.

Cristiano Ronaldo gave Madrid the lead with an early penalty, but Valencia turned the match on its head with goals from Antonio Barragan and Nicolas Otamendi early in the second half.

Madrid were hunting a 23rd straight win as they closed in on Coritiba's world record of 24 in a row, but Valencia's impressive home record -- only Barcelona have won at the Mestalla this season -- proved their undoing.

Passions were raised early on, with Gareth Bale coming in for some rough treatment from Valencia.

The Welshman was fouled on the wing after 11 minutes, and the resulting free-kick was flicked on before striking Alvaro Negredo on the arm. It was a case of ball-to-hand but the referee pointed to the spot and Ronaldo once again made no mistake with his penalty kick.

The tough tackling would continue - by the end of the evening Valencia had six players booked - but the first caution came in bizarre circumstances, with Jose Gaya replacing the injured Pablo Piatti and booked for entering the pitch without permission, despite having apparently been waved on by the fourth official.

Madrid continued to push and were desperately close to a second when Ronaldo nipped in front of the goalkeeper only to fire into the side-netting from a tight angle. Bale was appealing for a penalty with the ball appearing to strike Lucas Orban's arm on the way through.

Tempers continued to flare and Valencia wanted a second yellow card for Sergio Ramos for a rough challenge on Negredo 10 minutes before the break.

Valencia had two big chances before half-time, but Barragan's curling effort was deflected off Pepe's back for a corner before another deflection left Iker Casillas standing as Andre Gomes's shot came back off the upright, but the goalkeeper sprang into action to deny Paco Alcacer on the rebound.

Having earned five yellow cards in the first half, Valencia channelled their passions after the break and were level seven minutes in.

Gaya made a superb driving run towards goal before laying it off to Barragan, whose shot found the net with the help of another deflection in the 53rd minute.

Otamendi then made two huge interventions, the first a last-gasp challenge which denied Bale what appeared a certain goal before the hour mark, and the second a towering header to send Dani Parejo's corner into the net in the 66th minute.

It should have been 3-1 moments later as Valencia strung together a brilliant passing move, but with the hard work done, Barragan poked wide when one-on-one with Casillas.

Madrid tried to make them pay, but Ronaldo missed chances late on, including a superb save from Diego Alves at point-blank range.

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I do not trust Luis Enrique

Trust is essential to relationships. It is something that is not easy to earn and something that should not be given away cheaply. “In Fergie/Arsenè/Pep/Carlo/whoever We Trust” is one of football’s most common stadium banners – a fan base expressing their faith in said leader on the basis of trust. I don’t trust Luis Enrique, and frankly nobody else should either. Let me be clear, this does not mean I am advocating for his dismissal or further demonizing the near satanic reputation of the board many relish in perpetuating in appointing him. I don’t trust Luis Enrique because he has given me no reason to.

Contrary to common belief, Luis Enrique is not a Barça man. He was born and schooled in football in Gijón, spent five years at Real Madrid and then made his name over his final eight seasons as a professional player at Camp Nou. These were not utopian times at FC Barcelona either, nothing like the golden era the majority of Barça nation now expect as the norm. Lucho worked under seven mangers in those eight seasons. The club had no clear philosophy and existed in a constant current of volatility and mostly mediocrity. So that Luis Enrique has that innate understanding of Barça in the mold of a Xavi Hernández is rubbish. I’m not stating this as either positive or negative, but it is a myth that needs to be busted once and for all.

He certainly learnt a great deal about the foundations of the academy during his three seasons with the B team, though that still does not equate him to a Tito Vilanova, an uncompromising disciple of the Barça bible. And for all his success with the reserves (of which two seasons were in the third division where even Barça B’s resources dwarves the competition), his win percentage stands at 48.3%, which aside from the season in progress remains his career best. His one season in Rome, during which people are likely unaware the club sanctioned 90 million euros in gross (64 million net) spending, yielded a 42.1% win ratio. Judging his performance at a club like Celta in a league like La Liga is more nuanced, but the fact is he lost more games than he won (17>14) and left Galicia with a 36.8% win ratio.

Being one of the two best league sides in Spain and qualifying in the Champions League are the bare minimum for any Barça manager afforded a luxury of riches few can dream of. I held my fingers for the first half of the season because I believe in affording people time. I set until the turning of the year as my grace period, which is arguably arbitrary, though I do feel its sufficient time for someone to have set foundations and begun to assemble a recognizable vision, particularly so with a core group of players that are so incredibly established. Maybe I’m the fool, but I don’t see one. In the four matches of consequence this season, a Luis Enrique led Barça lost in Paris, got run over in Madrid, should never have beaten Valencia and then unconvincingly beat Paris on the return.

Tonight Luis Enrique decided to bench Barça’s best attacking performers on a ground without a Barça win since Frank Rijkaard, a ground La Real have beaten Barça when ahead at the half every single time in its history (@MisterChip). What that equates to is Real Sociedad being one of the very few sides in Spain who do not quake in their boots when Barcelona strolls into town. That was crystal clear once again tonight. The blaugrana have just lost their first New Year match since 2005 (@MisterChip) at a stadium everyone else seemed to know spelled danger. And all that on a night when Real Madrid finally lost and presented Luis Enrique with a rare opportunity to close the gap and apply pressure. Unlike for B-Rabbit, this won’t be Luis Enrique’s/Barça’s one opportunity, still, I ask, “Would you capture it or just let it slip?”

Luis Enrique is young and experienced. That’s fine – everybody is by nature so at one point. But I do not trust in Luis Enrique. He has not earned it and has a hell of a lot to prove before I will voice, or anyone should even consider voicing, “In Lucho We Trust.”

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David Moyes enjoys famous win over Barcelona

La Liga, Anoeta - Real Sociedad 1dad (Alba og 2) Barcelona 0
Barcelona failed to make the most of Real Madrid’s slip-up against Valencia, suffering defeat themselves to David Moyes’ Real Sociedad side. Luis Enrique made a number of surprise selections, with both Lionel Messi and Neymar left out of the starting line-up as the Barca boss looked to freshen up his team, but the decision backfired almost immediately when Jordi Alba headed into his own goal within three minutes. The Catalans struggled to find any sort of rhythm in the first half, with Luis Suarez toiling due to a lack of service from those around him. And with Real Sociedad holding form chances were at a premium for Barcelona. Messi was introduced at the break, replacing Munir El Haddadi who made scant impression in the first half, but not even Barcelona’s talismanic number 10 could spark their ailing frontline into life. However, Neymar - who was also introduced in the second half - had grounds to feel aggrieved in stoppage time, when he was penalised for kicking the ball from goalkeeper’s Geronimo Rulli’s hands.

 But the Sociedad number one looked to have thrown the ball cleanly into the air, meaning the goal he subsequently scored should have stood. Just two points now separate the top three teams in La Liga following Real Madrid’s defeat and Atletico Madrid’s victory over Levante on Saturday, with the Spanish title race tightening after the winter break. Meanwhile, Moyes was left to savour one of the most famous nights of his career as he produced a response to his many critics.

KEY EVENTS 3’ - GOAL! Real Sociedad 1 Barcelona 0: What a start for Sociedad! Prieto's cross from the left side is headed into his own net by Alba. Sociedad have the lead!

 22’ - XAVI FREE-KICK: That wasn't too far away! Xavi lines up the freekick from about 20 yards out, curling his shot towards goal. But his effort flashes over the crossbar, with Rulli scrambling to reach it. 

34’ - PENALTY CLAIM: Was that a penalty kick? Inigo's arm looked to be outstretched when Pedro's cross came into the box, but the referee shakes his head, much to Barcelona's anger. That looked to be a handball, for sure. 

61’ - PRIETO HEADER: Real Sociedad come very close to doubling their lead! De La Bella swings an excellent ball into the box, with Bravo getting underneath it. Prieto rises highest but heads just over the bar. 

63’ - NEYMAR CHANCE: Huge chance for Barcelona! Neymar dribbles the ball into the path of Messi, who seemed to create a shooting chance out of nothing, but Inigo makes a crucial last ditch challenge.

86’ - RULLI TO THE RESCUE: Great intervention from Rulli in the Real Sociedad goal! Suarez breaks through and tries to round the keeper but he gets there first to make an interception to stop the Barca striker. 

87’ - RULLI SAVE: And now a huge save from Rulli! Suarez heads towards goal from close range, forcing the Real Sociedad keeper into a stop, pushing the ball high into the air. Great stop from the youngster. 

93’ - NEYMAR DISALLOWED GOAL: Right at the end of the game Real Sociedad are let off! Neymar nicks the ball from Rulli after the goalkeeper had thrown it into the air to kick it, but the Brazilian is penalised when his goal should have stood! 

KEY STATS Real Sociedad are the first team to win in Liga home games against Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the same season since Sevilla in the 2006/07 season. With two, Jordi Alba has scored more own goals than any other player in La Liga this season.

TALKING POINT How will Luis Enrique explain his baffling team selection? When the Barcelona team sheet was submitted two players were notable in their absence: Messi and Neymar. The former spent the winter break flying to South America and Japan for marketing purposes, so was Enrique punishing Messi? If he was, the Barca boss cut off his nose to spite his face. His selection will be ruthlessly picked apart in the Catalan press. 

MAN OF THE MATCH Inigo Martinez (Real Sociedad): The centre-back has been a mainstay of the Real Sociedad team for so long, it’s easy to forget that he’s only 23. And this was one of Martinez’s best performances for the club, dealing with everything Europe’s most dangerous frontline threw at him all game. He was impressive in the air, his man-marking was impressive and was impressive in bringing the ball out of defence too. 

PLAYER RATINGS 
Real Sociedad: Rulli 6, De La Bella 6, Inigo 8, Ansotegi 6, Martinez 6, Granero 6, Markel 6, Castro 7, Canales 7, Prieto 6, Vela 6. Subs: Finnbogason 6, Pardo, Yuri. 
Barcelona: Bravo 6, Alba 5, Mathieu 5, Mascherano 6, Montoya 6, Iniesta 5, Busquets 5, Xavi 6, Pedro 5, Suarez 7, Munir 5. Subs: Messi 6, Neymar 6, Alves 5.

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Moyes: My Sociedad strugglers can beat Barcelona

Real Sociedad coach David Moyes faces his biggest La Liga challenge yet when second-placed Barcelona visit on Sunday.
The former Manchester United manager took charge of the relegation-threatened club in November. Since then they have lost only once but also have just one victory from five league matches. Moyes wants to win a place in Europe next season although Sociedad are down in 14th place, two points off the relegation zone. The Basque club have proved this season they can rise to the occasion against stronger sides, having beaten Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at home before Moyes took over. Barca also have a poor record in Sociedad where they have not won in the last four visits. They lost there last season. "If we can play as well as we did in those two games (against Real and Atletico) we have a good chance of winning," Moyes told a news conference on Friday. "We face a very good team who are very competitive but the players have shown they can beat Barcelona and they need to do it again. "We want to have a great start to the New Year and beat Barca and do all we can to start moving up the table," said Moyes. "I know the Barcelona players from when I was in England. I watched them play the 2011 Champions League final against Manchester United at Wembley. They are a great team and (Lionel) Messi is very special but they have household names in all positions." While Sociedad have looked more solid at the back in recent games, it has come at a price as they are struggling to create chances going forward. "We will go out looking to be hard to beat and then when we have the ball we will look to cause Barcelona damage," said Moyes. "They are undoubtedly a very good side and we respect that but they have to come to Anoeta and we need to make it difficult for them."

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Paper Round: Gareth Bale set for Premier League return

Gareth Bale could be set for a Premier League return, whilst Real Madrid target a Chelsea star as his replacement. That and the rest of today's gossip from the newspapers.
Manchester United want Gareth Bale: Real Madrid are willing to sell the world’s most expensive player, Gareth Bale, to Manchester United in the hope of signing Eden Hazard and Raheem Sterling, according to a report in the Daily Star. In recent weeks, speculation has surrounded Bale, linking him with a move back to the Premier League amid suggestions that Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is unhappy with the former Tottenham star. The reigning European champions have ruled out selling Bale in weeks gone by, but, according to the Star, sources in Spain suggest that is no longer the case and that Louis van Gaal’s side will offer Real a staggering £90 million to acquire his services. Paper round’s view: So, according to the Star, Real Madrid want Eden Hazard AND Raheem Sterling? And to turf out Gareth Bale? Bold claims, unsupported by anything more concrete than "sources in Spain". Transfer stories don't always need a quote or named source to be credible - in fact, some of the most reliable tips come from an unnamed mole at a club. But this just seems fanciful. While it is true that Real Madrid do like Hazard and Sterling, that doesn't mean they'll definitely sign both. Hazard still has two and a half years to run on his contract at Chelsea, and is closing in on a new deal worth £200,000-a-week. Sterling's future does genuinely seem to be more in the balance - though let's hope Real didn't see his wasteful finishing against Manchester United on Sunday. As for Bale, he is a key part of a team that has won 20 consecutive matches, and scored the winning goal in the Champions League final. So there doesn't seem like much to recommend this story.





Gerard Houllier hoping to take Steven Gerrard to New York Red Bulls: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will be offered a contract with MLS club New York Red Bulls should he opt not to sign a new deal with the Reds, according to the Mirror. “Gerrard has been at the centre of much speculation about his future, as Brendan Rodgers has opted to leave him out of the Reds' starting eleven in numerous occasions this season. And now the MLS club, who are now competing against city rivals New York City FC, have included the former England captain on their 'discovery list',” says the report.
Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier is currently the sporting director at New York Red Bulls and will be hoping to take advantage of his strong relationship with Gerrard to lure the former England skipper to America. Paper round’s view: It remains to be seen whether Gerrard will sign a new deal with Liverpool, but, even though he has been dropped in recent weeks, we think that the skipper will be playing for the Reds for at least one more season. However, if the 34-year-old opted not to extend his stay at his boyhood club, then it’s hard to see him playing for another Premier League side. A move to the MLS would surely be lucrative, but Gerrard may feel he has a little more to offer… 

Man City to swoop for Mats Hummels: Manchester City are set to poach Manchester United and Arsenal target Mats Hummels, and will hope to sign the German in the January transfer window, so says the Express. Following another injury to captain Vincent Kompany and rumours linking Matija Nastasic with a move to Inter Milan, manager Manuel Pellegrini will look to Hummels to shore up the Premier League champions’ defence. The Express report that City will offer Borussia Dortmund £47 million to secure his signature. Paper round’s view: It seems that every top club in Europe has been linked with Mats Hummels at some point in the last couple of seasons. But, as of yet, the highly-rated defender has failed to be persuaded to leave Dortmund. However, with Juergen Klopp’s side enduring a torrid time in the Bundesliga this season – currently sitting in the bottom three – the 25-year-old may finally look to continue his career elsewhere. 

Man United set for battle to keep Adnan Januzaj: Inter Milan and Real Sociedad are reportedly both vying for the signature of Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj, according to the Daily Star. “The midfield ace is set to leave Old Trafford in January, as boss Louis van Gaal attempts to secure more first-team action for the talented 19-year-old. New Inter boss Roberto Mancini is thought to be in the market for a wide attacker as he seeks to freshen up his squad at the San Siro. Real chief David Moyes handed the Belgium international his debut during his brief spell in charge at United, and is understood to be keen on a reunion in January,” claims the report in the British newspaper. Paper round’s view: Adnan Januzaj will certainly leave United on a loan deal in January. Van Gaal is reportedly very keen on the Belgian getting more playing time, seeing the 19-year-old as one for the future. Quite where he will end up is so far unclear. But the winger may be keen on playing for David Moyes, whom he built a strong relationship with during the Scot’s ill-fated 10 months in charge at Old Trafford.

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Villarreal hand Atletico Madrid first Liga home defeat of 2014

La Liga, Vicente Calderon - Atletico Madrid 0 Villarreal 1 (Vietto 84)


Atletico Madrid’s 27-game unbeaten home run in La Liga came to an end as Diego Simeone’s side suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Villarreal. 
The result leaves Atleti seven points adrift of Liga leaders and rivals Real Madrid, with Simeone’s men missing the chance to draw level with Barcelona, who were held by Getafe on Saturday, and suffering their first home defeat of 2014. 





Villarreal were unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty kick on the stroke of half time, with Gabi Fernandez clearly playing the ball with his arm as the away side looked to create a chance in the box. Mario Mandzukic had a goal harshly chalked off in the second half for a foul at the back post, ruling out his header from an Arda Turan cross. 

However, Luciano Vietto struck the decisive blow with just six minutes left to play, breaking through the Atletico backline to finish calmly past Miguel Moya. Receiving the ball in the centre of the Atletico half, he cut inside Diego Godin, leaving the experienced Uruguay centre back flailing, and cracked a fierce drive past Moya in the home goal. Not only did former Atletico goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo, who joined the Yellow Submarine after playing second fiddle to David De Gea and Thibaut Courtois, keep a clean sheet against his old club but match-winner Vietto was handed his senior debut by Simeone at Racing Club three years ago at the age of 17. 

Vietto said after the match he was "eternally thankful" to Simeone for giving him his chance in Argentina." He trusted me. To debut as a professional is the most important moment for a player and I will be thankful for the rest of my life," he said. "We are very pleased with the performance and the result." "I'm very pleased because we've just beaten one of the best teams in Europe," Villarreal coach Marcelino told reporters after the match. "My players earned a well-deserved victory over a great side.

 We've played well in other matches without winning. "We were able to obtain good results against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla but lacked the accuracy we had today in previous games. "I'm happy for the players as they're showing themselves to be a competitive team. Atletico started very strongly, but the game balanced itself out after the 25th minute. "We started well in the second half and looked to match our opponents. Vietto popped up with the goal which secured us a tremendously-important victory."

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Insults to Barcelona and Messi fans Real match Celta Vigo

The fans of Real Madrid Adapted offensive against FC Barcelona and star Lionel Messi and so while attending a Real Madrid match against Celta Vigo yesterday at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, which ended in victory for the Royal team with three goals without reply.


Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo and confirmed that the masses of Real and sent a very bad insults to Barcelona and star Messi, the Argentine player described as "disabled" and "mentally retarded."

The newspaper added that this is not the first time that the audience Real such abusive behavior, but repeated several times, and called on the Spanish Football Federation signed the sanctions on the club so as not to repeat it again.

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Ancelotti agrees to extend his contract with Real

Approached coach Carlo Ancelotti Italian for Real Madrid to sign a new contract with the Royal Group alleyway club for a long time, according to Spanish press reports issued today.

Ancelotti and ends contract with Real at the end of next season, and he had alluded to the same proximity to renew his contract with Real through press statements during the recent period.

The newspaper Marca is close to the European champions in Aadha issued Saturday morning that Ancelotti will extend his contract with Real for an additional season to end in 2017, not 2016.

The famous Spanish newspaper added that the signing of the contract will be after the end of the participation of Real Madrid in the Club World Cup which will be held in Morocco from 10 to 20 December.

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Messi seeks to historical title scorer for Derby

After destroying the two indices during the recent period access to the historic title of top scorer of the Liga and the Champions League, will discuss the Argentine star Lionel Messi for new glory with Barcelona tomorrow when locked in a confrontation with the bluegrass Grana against Espanyol in La Liga.

And holds a former star for Barcelona Cesar Rodriguez title historical scorer Mariette derby record through 21 games, while Messi scored 9 goals so far, but only through 15 games, scoring twice in the case tomorrow Vsaadel number Rodriguez.

Recall that in the case of registration of Macy's "hat trick" as he used to break records, will become the top scorer of the historic games Catalan derby between Barcelona and Espanyol.

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From Real Madrid to Platini, you have to be neutral, Ronaldo deserves the Ballon d'Or

European champions issued a statement criticizing the president of the European Union after the student Golden Ball award for one of the German players.
Real Madrid issued a strong statement in order to respond to Michel Platini, president of the European Football Union, which in the presence of the Spanish capital early this week and called for the Golden Ball award for one of the players on the German team winning the World Cup.

The statement came the private royal club after a few minutes of your technical team manager Carlo Ancelotti, who criticized the French official press conference and stressed that he is not neutral.

He said the statement on the Royal Club "about the declaration issued by the President of the European Union, Michel Platini about the winner of the Golden Ball, Real Madrid loves to clarify." Follows.
"First, it's a surprise to repeat more than once he put his personal preferences, regarding the choice of the player who will receive the Golden Ball, in particular, he is chairman of the body responsible for football in the European continent, and from our point of view he had to be sharp and very far away from revealing any his personal inclinations. "
Royal Club also continued the statement on seven stressing that the prize should not be awarded to the player according to the collective work done.

"Secondly, the Ballon d'Or is something an individual rather than a grant, according to obtain collective Championship, which is awarded annually to the best player in the world, and we believe in it, and in order to maintain its value, to those who do participate in the vote, to have in mind is special all his players from the achievements of the individual and professional level. "

The club and stressed that Ronaldo is the best player in the world "without a doubt" and was able to play a big role with the club during the current year.
"Finally, we believe that Cristiano Ronaldo's feet without a doubt the best year ever at the individual level, and was able to win the Champions League, the Golden Boot, and managed to the highest number of goals score ever in a single season of the Champions League, and won the King's Cup and the top scorer in La Liga. during the season, managed to win the European Super Cup, and scored the game, and was able to play a large role in the league and scored 20 goals in 12 games in La Liga, which confirms that he deserves to get the Golden Ball. "

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Calderon exposes the Real Secrets: Perez refused to Ronaldo and Barcelona was the closest

This explains the printing shirts for Barcelona under the name Ronaldo, Roman Calderon reveals that behind closed doors in the historic deal happened !.
It seems that Roman Calderon began a very strong war against Florentino Perez, where he presented a very strong statement in an interview with Sky, and spoke honestly about the transfer of Ronaldo to Real Madrid.

What everyone knows that Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid in 2009, and since this year's ghoulish, reap the heads of enemies whenever confronted, no one can stop him.

However, Calderon launched himself unleashed, to come out Real Secrets, was president of the club before Perez, said that Ronaldo was not desirable from Perez, and was close to terminate the contract with the player.
Calderon The reason behind ending the contract with Ronaldo at this time to Peres, found that the amount of the price of the very, which is 94 million euros, an amount is requested by Manchester United.

He told the Spanish: "When Florentino was president of the club, he wanted to finish the negotiations initiated by, is I think they overstate the estimate its price, it was known that he is a good player, but in spite of this he believed that Ronaldo was not worth all that money, and this form crisis, when Ronaldo began to know it.
Manchester United did not want to sell Ronaldo

Despite the large price, Manchester United and their coach at the time, Sir Alex Ferguson, they did not want even to think about their stars in the largest sale to Real Madrid.

He said Calderon: "It was a moment very difficult, at which time we were discussing the contract, I spoke with David Gill - former chief executive of Manchester United, the sale of the player, but he refused, and said:" We will not sell Chritciano, we do not want to leave. "this is normal, but the player wanted to leave. "
He said the former Real Madrid president: "We were debating about moving to a two-year, Ferguson was hated Real Madrid, he did not love us, he said:" Do not leave Cristiano but not for Real Madrid! "."

Cristiano Ronaldo wants Real Madrid and nothing else

Calderon spoke about the insistence of the Portuguese star, to move to the team of his dreams, where he was to play for Real Madrid is a dream Ronaldo since its inception as a football player, and the opinion of the player that the opportunity has arrived.

Calderon said: "He will join us in the 2008-2009 season, call me, saying:" Mr. President, I am very sorry, but I can not join you this year, I have a commitment with Sir Alex Ferguson, is a father loves me, do not worry I will join you in a year next. ", is discussed to leave Manchester United in the amount of 94 million euros."

The chairman of the former Spanish club, Barcelona were one of the clubs interested in incorporating the even offered them the option to sign Ronaldo after Ferguson's insistence on not sold to Real Madrid.
He stated: "We have subjected him to Barcelona, like other clubs, Barcelona said Well, you bring to pay the required funds, only one thing is important, it is the desire of the player who either Real Madrid said or Neutral, I am proud that he joined, very proud of what he has done, I was there at the time it was possible to join the club, someone had to do the same. "

In the end, Ronaldo joined Real Madrid to become the most expensive player in the world, amounting to 80 million pounds, imagine for a moment, what if Ronaldo joined Barcelona, and play together with Messi ?

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Messi still tortures Seville

Author of a hat-trick against Sevilla, his favorite opponent in the league (5-1), Saturday Messi became the best scorer of the Championship and allowed to stay at Barca second, two points behind Real.
The match 5-1.

It was not the right day to face the top names from the Spanish championship. Following the success of Atletico face Malaga (3-1) and Real on the lawn of Eibar (4-0), Barça left no chance in Seville (5-1) and retains his second place in the standings, two points behind the players Carlo Ancelotti and two before those of Diego Simeone.

With Messi-Neymar-Suarez trio Xavi and Busquets alongside Rakitic in the middle and the French Jérémy Mathieu associated with Pique in central defense, Barcelona has quickly set foot on the ball, despite an encouraging start of the match Sevilla and has created almost all of the match. Only fear, this equalization granted shortly after halftime (47th) on a goal against his side Jordi Alba while Messi opened the scoring from a free kick (21 ') and Sevilla still had not shot on goal. The anomaly was quickly erased with four goals in 30 minutes by Neymar (49th), Rakitic (65th) and Messi (72nd and 78th).

The former Lorient and Paris Kevin Gameiro came into play (61) but failed to shine. Barca is the best defense Liga with only six goals conceded (against 11 for Real for example).
Sales: 253

Author of a hat-trick, Messi became a little more in the history of football, bringing its total to 253 goals in 289 league games. Argentina's 27-year exceeded the top scorer in the history of La Liga, Telmo Zarra. In detail, he scored 53 doubles, 20 hat-tricks (3 goals or more) and three-time top scorer of the championship. Only three? Yes, because he plays at the same time as Crisitano Ronaldo. In the current season, Messi remains, with 10 goals, far from the Portuguese, who already has 20 achievements.
Player: Messi, of course ...

Messi has not only beaten a great record, he once again showed the extent of his talent on its three goals. The first is a magnificent free kick placed in the window of Beto. The second is a cons-attack at high speed by Argentine and concludes at close range after a one to two in perfect timing with Neymar. The third, a new one-two with the Brazilian, but an attack placed this time came from a dry and precise strikes close to the pole of the edge of the area. The 18th goal of Argentina against Sevilla in La Liga, his favorite victim.

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Ronaldinho to Messi: honor for me to be a line in the story of success

Brazilian star congratulates flea Argentine is that success and brilliance in his incentive Post special to him via Instagram.
Nearly 10 years have passed on the first goal from Lionel Messi with his team Barcelona in La Liga .. The goal was a magical pass from Ronaldinho star first team Catalans at the time .. Since then chapters Argentine legend began even arrived to smash No. Telmo Zarra historic Spanish league top scorer with 253 goals.

Ronaldinho as part of the tale offers congratulations to Messi through on his Instagram, saying: "Congratulations to you, my friend .. really deserve."

Ronaldinho continued, saying: "To be a line in the story of your success this is an honor for me, and a great incentive to see you as it is today, we have all of our family with your talent .. Congratulations to you, O Liu and your family and Barcelona .. You are wonderful."
Messi has said before that he owes to Ronaldinho, saying: "I will always be beholden to Ronaldinho in everything he did."

He said that Messi Ronaldinho was an important key in his life helped him and guided him to the path of sparkle.

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To Enrique .. beware of Seville Stubborn

In this week of the Spanish La Liga back to life in Spain and we will see FC Barcelona a week after FIFA boring as usual without Barcelona and pleasure, we hope to be better than the former Barcelona and shows better, in the last match Enrique surprised everyone formations where it seemed strange a clear dependence on the singles matches to resolve.

In all honesty so far there are not many observers and even Barcelona fans confident of Enrique, you choose a powerful lineup and suitable or not !.

Discount next Barcelona is Sevilla stubborn where passes at its best has talented players: Baca, Reese, Banega, Deulofeu, Denis Suarez, Beto and others, complacency with Sevilla in the game this particular considered defended them for many reasons, Seville has players on loan from Barcelona : Denis Suarez and Gerrard Deulofeu and their chance to prove themselves and fight certainly distinguished especially that Deulofeu has a big challenge with Enrique after request loan spell and clear from the statement Gerard Deulofeu last, know that Barca does not pass at its best also Barcelona always suffer after returning from FIFA week.

The perfect line:
                                                 Bravo
                             Alba ... Matthew ... Bartra ... Adriano
                                              Mascherano
                                            Xavi ... Rakitic
                                   Messi ... Suarez ... Neymar

Much sure that the line will be different, it is possible that resides Pique and Alves, Iniesta dubious

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Ancelotti welcomes the annexation of Lionel Messi in Real Madrid

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed the lack of objection and welcomed Messi in the club and that during today's press conference tomorrow's match between the riyal and Ibar within the La Liga club competition.

Ancelotti's response to a question at a press conference about the possibility of transmission Messi Royal Club and adapt to the team, he said: "Of course he's a great player and a strong addition to any team and place to accommodate these types of players."

  It is worth mentioning that the rumors have increased in recent times about the possibility of signing Real Madrid president Florentino Perez with Leo Messi in the future, but without setting a timetable for it.

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Rakitic: I will not celebrate that recorded in Seville

Across the Croatian international Ivan Rakitic player for FC Barcelona respected former team Sevilla.

  Rakitic and plays with his new team in the face of Al-Andalus in the Camp Nou next round in La Liga.

  And Rakitic told Mundo Deportivo Spanish Catalan: that scored the goal in Seville on Saturday, will not be celebrated.
And the player added: I understand the ideas of Luis Enrique quickly, and happy with what I serve with Barca.

   And went on: but I know I am not the oldest 100% of my level yet and still I have to get better.

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Enrique directs harsh punishment against Neymar

Spanish newspaper Sport confirmed that Luis Enrique in the process of imposing the death star Neymar da Silva because of the delay from the team's training on Friday.

The newspaper pointed out that the Brazilian international arrived at the team's training headquarters 15 minutes late for the deadline, when he entered and won a rebuke from his colleagues in front of Enrique.

Neymar and left his car at the gate of the external access Setwat Oesportwa in the Juan Gamper training center, and is contrary to this.

The newspaper pointed out close to the Catalan club said Enrique thinks to impose a financial penalty on Neymar by 100 thousand euros in addition to the denial of participation in front of Seville on Saturday.

Neymar and appeared very special level this season, where he managed to score 11 goals in 12 games in the face of all competitions.

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