Jose Mourinho: The Special Four

Jose Mourinho is about to become 'The Special Four'. Portuguese will be the first coach in history to be champion in four of the major European leagues if Real Madrid wins the Spanish championship in the three matches remaining.

Jose Mourinho

The slogan 'where goes, wins' can be applied perfectly to Real Madrid manager. He has demonstrated there where he has trained. Starting from Portugal, where in command of the Porto won two league titles (02-03 and 03-04), to England (two Premier Leagues with Chelsea (in the 04-05 and 05-06 seasons) and ending in Italy with his two Scudetto at Internazionale (08-09 and 09-10), just before landing at the Bernabeu, where he is close to get his first Spanish League.

And with a record numbers. Real Madrid can reach 100 points. And in just two seasons has already matched Boskov's victories. Mourinho is the fifth coach with more wins in the league with Real Madrid, but has reached in 73 matches, 98 of the Serbian. Mou has six leagues in three different countries and are close to becoming seven in four different championships. The only thing missing, and will attempt to achieve the next year, is his third Champions League with three different teams, unprecedented.

The nearest approach to Mourinho in European leagues is Van Gaal. The Dutchman, (Mourinho was under his orders for two seasons in FC Barcelona) has under his belt three Dutch leagues with Ajax (93-94, 94-95 and 95 - 96) and two Spanish titles in Barcelona (97 -98 and 98-99). From a small club like AZ Alkmaar, made very good results in the Dutch League winning again the Eredivisie in the 2008-2009 season and then won a German title managing Bayern Munich (09-10).

With two different League Championships there is a large group of coaches, starting with the legendary Helenio Herrera, who won in Italy with Inter and in Spain with Barca and Atletico Madrid. In the Calcio and in the Spanish League also won Boskov (Sampdoria and Real Madrid) and Capello (Milan, Roma and Real Madrid). Arsene Wenger got the Championnat (Monaco) and the Premiership (Arsenal). Carlo Ancelotti won in Italy with AC Milan and in England with Chelsea. Now is fighting for the French League with PSG.

Jose Mourinho negotiates with Ibrahimovic

According to Spanish media information, Jose Mourinho is planning an astonishing signing for the next season. This is Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The arrival of Milan striker also could be used to find a way out of Kaka and Higuain, two players who now have foot and a half off the team.

Jose Mourinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic

The report said that Mourinho called the Swedish to ask for his willingness to leave the Calcio and land at the Bernabeu stadium. It is not easy to come by, but the Portuguese has already taken the first steps to achieve it. Five weeks ago, Mourinho took the phone and called Zlatan Ibrahimovic (30). The message was direct: "Do you want to come to Real Madrid? If so, get ready. I will try." Player's answer was yes, so the Portuguese confirmed that he will try his signing. A very difficult task in any case.

Milan would only let him leave, he is the big star of the team, in exchange for a white player in the squad. Here lies the importance of Higuain and Kaka, the two problems that Florentino Perez has on the table based on this information. Either would be viewed favorably by the Italian side.

Ibrahimovic played for Mourinho at Inter Milan in the 2008-2009 season, in which the performance of 'Ibracadabra' was exceptional: 47 games and 29 goals. Since then, the admiration was mutual, and they have maintained contact, something they have never hidden and could facilitate the operation.

Mino Raiola, player's agent, has become the strongman of the board of Milan at the time of the negotiations for the signings and exits of players, which could facilitate the transaction. Ibrahimovic is the top scorer of the Italian championship, a title that already achieved with Mourinho's Inter, signing his best year in the seven seasons has been in Italy, defending the shirts of Juventus, Inter and Milan now. The Swedish has been voted the best player in Italy in 2008, 2009 and 2011.

Real Madrid continues to break records

Real Madrid has added dizzying numbers with three games remaining of the season. With the three goals scored against Sevilla, white team has 112 goals (Spanish League) and threatens to make forget that record of 107 goals by Toshack's team (already beaten). Furthermore, adds 165 goals in all competitions, which also exceeds the 158 goals of the season 59-60, the best scoring season of the Real Madrid until now.

Critsiano Ronaldo, Benzema and Higain

Certainly, there is to lay the blame on Cristiano Ronaldo who has scored 57 goals in total and 43 only in the league. The Portuguese is shattering his own record set last year and put two goals in advantage to Messi in the fight for the top scorer. Although we must not forget Benzema and Higuain on the offensive side.

The trident formed by the the Portuguese, the French and the Argentinian, has managed 84 goals of the 112 of the team. Cristiano is the top scorer with 43 ​​goals, while Higuain has scored 21 and Benzema 20. This is the first time you can see three players on the same team in the top scorers table in the Spanish League with 20 or more goals.

Finally, if Real Madrid gets the nine points of the three matches remaining in the league, could break the record of 99 points that holds the FC Barcelona. Until now leads the table with 91 and it could be the first time in the Spanish League that a team gets a hundred points or more. A new record. Another one.

Real Madrid 3 - 0 Sevilla (Spanish League Day 36)

Real Madrid is just three points to achieve its deserved 32th Spanish League. Barca may award the trophy tonight at Vallecas if Guardiola's team loses, or can be found in the three games remaining. Its punching power has earned more opportunities than ever to embrace the target. Against Sevilla, team responded to its last disappointment with another rout that began with doubts and finished with honors, leading the team to the desired target and Cristiano to the scorer trophy (Pichichi). Its opponents gave it all the frights they could in the first half, but their lack of success cornered them against a devastating attack that has guaranteed 165 goals until now.

Real Madrid players celebrate the second goal

Granero took Khedira's place in the starting eleven, which was the same as in the match against Bayern Munchen on Wednesday. Mourinho was weary of a Sevilla side that wants to qualify for the Europa League next season and that proved dangerous by scoring a goal after three minutes of playing time that was disallowed by the referee due to a Negredo foul on Pepe. Seven minutes later, Ronaldo dribbled past Varas and, not having a good angle to shoot, passed the ball to Benzema, who came close to scoring an opener for the Whites. Ronaldo eventually netted the first strike after overtaking Koke and defeating Varas with ease (18').

The Whites somewhat relaxed after the strike, allowing Sevilla to have chances to score. Reyes entered the box on the 25-minute mark, but his soft shot was easily grabbed by Casillas. Two minutes later it was Navas who faced the keeper alone but sent the ball over the crossbar, only to see Negredo doing the same shortly after (29'). The Bernabeu crowd started to roar in support of its team and Real responded by taking control of the match. Benzema sealed a solid effort with a shot from outside the box (32') and again from inside (42'), missing the target on both counts.

Negredo had a good chance after dribbling past Pepe and facing Casillas alone, but his shot was too weak (48'). Real reacted to this danger with a second strike netted by Benzema from a clearance by Koke. Sevilla did not quite recover from this blow and the locals used this to try and net another goal, which eventually came from a Benzema header following a cross from Ramos (51'). The strike thrilled the crowd and everyone at the stadium started to sing the victory chant.

Real Madrid lowered the pace to the game and Sevilla hardly created any danger save for a couple of efforts by Navas in the remaining minutes. Khedira and Callejon came on for Granero and Di Maria in the final minutes; the latter will miss the clash in Bilbao due to a five booking suspension.

What remained to dispute was not important. Mourinho had already had the pleasure of giving a championship answer with ten of defeated against Bayern. And Cristiano had another goal to add to his account. From 3-0, to the end, the crowd of the Bernabeu was only interested on when they will meet at the fountain of joy, at Cibeles, that will arrive before long. Maybe tonight. Thanks to the rays of light against Sevilla and a bright season.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 72,000
Goals: 1-0, m.20: Cristiano Ronaldo. 2-0, m.48: Benzema. 3-0, m.53: Benzema.

Real Madrid and Adidas: Agreement until 2020

Real Madrid and Adidas, sporting goods multinational company and sponsor of the club, are close to signing a new agreement to extend the relationship for the next eight years. In the absence of signature, the alliance between these two giants will come until 2020. It is a form to continue with the success that comes with them since they started together in 1998.

Real Madrid and Adidas: New agreement

There have been no official figures about the money the entity managed by Florentino Perez will earn, although obviously there will be an improvement over last season. This means that Adidas, that has paid about 35 million per year until this season, raises its offer, at least, to 40 million euros. It represents the largest amount paid by a sporting company to a football club, over the 30 million that Nike pays to Barcelona.

Adidas also has an important revenue source in the heart of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, the shop where is breaking sale records despite the economic crisis, because the Bernabeu stadium is one of the benchmarks for tourism in the capital of Spain.

The sport brand trusts this long-term sport project. The continuity of Mourinho, the coach more mediatic who belongs to Adidas, and the fact that in his first two years at Real Madrid has won the Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup), is close to achieve the Spanish League and has played two semi-finals of the Champions League, has managed to boost sales of shirts and all kinds of items related to the Real Madrid team.

The PSG met with Kaka and Higuain

The president of the Paris Saint-Germain, Nasser al-Khelaifi, met last week with the Real Madrid players Kaka and Gonzalo Higuain trying to convince them to sign for the French team, reports the daily L'Equipe. The Brazilian and Argentinian are two of the priorities of the PSG for the next transfer market, the newspaper said, noting that Al-Khelaifi has chosen to convince the players before contact with Real Madrid.

Kaka and Gonzalo Higuain

Bought early last season by money from Qatar, the PSG is one of the clubs are investing more money on players. At 30 years old, Kaka is not listed as one of the priorities of Jose Mourinho, who has placed him as starter only 16 times this season. However, his salary of 10 million euros net is one of the highest, so that Real Madrid would not object to the leaving of the Golden Ball 2007, that bought in 2009 by 67.2 million euros.

According to L'Equipe, the white team "does not require compensation too high" for the Brazilian. Al-Khalaifi tried to convince him of his plan to make PSG a big club in Europe and the player asked to meet with the Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, with who coincided at Milan between 2003 and 2009, the newspaper said.

More complex seems the sell of Higuain, who has scored 21 goals this season with the white shirt, which has worn 32 times, making him one of the favorite players at the Bernabeu. However, the Argentinian is suffering more and more competition from French Karim Benzema, who looks to be the favorite of Mourinho at the top of the attack, so the PSG president would have proposed him a way out.

According to L'Equipe, Real Madrid would be willing to let him go if he expresses his desire to leave. Higuain is one of the PSG options to strengthen the attack, but the French capital club manages other, as the Uruguayan Luis Suarez form Liverpool, they said.

Legends: Jose Antonio Camacho

JOSE ANTONIO CAMACHO

Jose Antonio Camacho

Jose Antonio Camacho Alfaro was born in Cieza (Murcia), June 8, 1955. He is the youngest of five children born in the marriage of Mr. Antonio Camacho and Mrs. Gregoria Alfaro. When the young Jose Antonio was 6 years old he moved with his family to Albacete, where it begins to kick for the first time a football ball.

With sixteen years makes his debut with the youth team football Albacete, lining up as a left midfielder. Soon he was known for his football qualities and is called to the youth national team by then national coach Hector Rial. Three matches he played for the Spanish youth team which serve him to jump to the first team of Albacete, which, at that time, played in the First Regional (5th Division).

But little time he was to remain in this category. Real Madrid is interested in the young player. And, of course, comes at the same time FC Barcelona. However, Camacho decides to accept the call of the Real and a few days later travels to the capital of Spain for a test in which he has to defend a man who with the passing of the years would be, like Camacho, legend of Real Madrid: Carlos Alonso "Santillana".

The test could not be more satisfactory. A few months later, March 1973, Camacho signed for the Castilla, Real Madrid's reserve team. Camacho started the season 1973/74 with the reserves and becomes one of the pillars of the team. His great performance serves to make the leap to the first team when had not finished the season. He debuts in Malaga, in a match that Real Madrid lost 1-0. It was five games to complete the league and Camacho would not move from the first team.

The misfortune visited Camacho when he lived his best football. During a training with the team, January 5, 1978, suffered a serious injury with torn meniscus and cruciate ligaments in his left knee that kept him away from the pitch for almost two years. After a first surgery, which did not produce the desired results, Camacho went back through surgery in the city of Paris on March 2, 1979.

The bravery and effort of Jose Antonio Camacho, even in training, led him to suffer the worst injury can hit a player. For more than twenty months Camacho suffered the unspeakable to return to put on his football boots, but in the end, based on sacrifice and determination, he returned to the pitch where waited for him many days of glory. It was the revival of "Phoenix Bird".

As a player was noted for his iron defenses, anticipation and speed, but why he marked an era at Real Madrid and the Spanish national team was, without doubt, his spirit of sacrifice and dedication, their desire to win and charisma that helped teamwork especially .

During the 16 years he played for Real Madrid, he won 9 Spanish leagues, 4 Spanish cups (Copa del Rey) and 2 UEFA Europe cups as main titles. Camacho played his last official match for Real Madrid on June 30, 1989. After he stayed at Real Madrid as coach of the youth teams (Castilla). Then with the passing of the years, climbed the ladder rungs of the Spanish coaches to become national coach, in a successful career.

Kaka did not pass the final test against Bayern Munchen

Kaka took the field on 74 minutes by Di Maria. Mourinho saw in him the solution to overwhelm Bayern defense. The resource was a failure. The Brazilian accused physical frailty, he was very slow for this level of football and showed no ability to circumvent the Germanic control, with a huge Kroos. To complete the suspense, shot a penalty kick with unbecoming uncertainty of a 67 million euros player. The crowd punished him with whistles.

Kaka did not play well against Bayern Munchen

In the white club, Kaka is considered again as a transferable player, but Mourinho says he believes in the Brazilian. The problem is that there is no club in the world to pay the 50 million the player is priced and bear the 9 million euros of annual net salary (as Cristiano) who has signed until 2015. Milan, PSG and Inter knocked on the door in 2011, but resigned.

Kaka has managed only a good run since arriving in 2009. It was between November and January 2012, playing a great game against Villarreal. Then some discomfort in a tendon in his left leg took him out of the starting lineup. Injuries have mortified him: groin injury, 263 days lost in 2010 by two left knee surgeries... The Brazilian has not given what was expected of him.

For Kaka, there are only four games remaining to play in league with Real Madrid and wait for the summer. Then will be the time when the Brazilian will decide his future, which is surely far from the Bernabeu. It may be in London ... or Paris.

The numbers of his bad game:

• Kaka ran 2,436 meters in 46 minutes against Bayern. For comparison, Kroos ran 11,409 meters in 120. In other way, the Brazilian ran 52 meters per minute, compared to 95 from German.
• The Brazilian tried 10 dribbling and only 3 of them ended successfully. He participated in 32 activities of play, less than one per minute, and only stepped the Bayern's penalty area 3 times without any notable result; no shot on target.
• Kaka gave 13 passes, 5 of them were wrong and 8 correct. He was better connected with Xabi Alonso. To Cristiano, Benzema and Higuain, zero passes!
• He recovered 3 balls that were in Bayern's feet, but lost 5, because of his fragility and lack of security with the ball.

Jose Mourinho: "I am proud of my players"

Jose Mourinho was proud of his players despite the elimination of the Champions League competition against Bayern Munchen and confirmed he will continue training the white team next year.

Mourinho was proud of his players

"I think it is difficult for any team to reach the semifinals two straight campaigns and it is also difficult for a coach to reach them six times in eight years. We deserved to win because both games were tight. It is more difficult to play this match when you are still in the fight to win the league title than when you are not. I remember the semifinals I lost with Chelsea against Liverpool. They faced Fulham in the previous clash with their reserve players, while we used our main men in our weekend clash and ended up suffering from that".

"It is our fault because we would have used different players in our previous game if we were not fighting to win the league title. My men gave a fantastic performance. It is difficult to overcome a 2-1 result. They knew they could not make any mistakes and felt great pressure. They were also exhausted in the penalty shootout. Together, both sides missed five penalties. Only those who shoot miss. I do not miss because I do not shoot them. Those who miss have balls and are not selfish. They do their best for the team. I am incredibly proud of my men".

"Everyone makes mistakes. Superhumans only exist in the movies. These men are the best at their level, but people criticise them when they miss a shot. These critics are like people who get exhausted by climbing two flights of stairs and badly need a lift. My men ran like animals despite the pressure and missed in the final stretch, but what do you expect them to do? Would you rather see them die or see Bayern drawing the match? They played to the limit. Iam not here to make excuses, especially for our opponent. Teams that win two or three titles in one season achieve something incredible, but it is very difficult to reach the semifinals in two consecutive campaigns".

"The final will be disputed between the fifth team in the Premier League and the runners-up in the Bundesliga, and both used their reserve players this weekend, while Real Madrid and Barcelona faced each other in the most important match of the season in the Spanish league. People listened to me when I said the calendar had to be adjusted in these circumstances in Italy, and it made me happy. I don't have that power or enjoy such respect for my opinions here in Spain. We've started the most important month of the season with mid-week games and it is resulted in yesterday's and tonight's results. Bayern won and were luckier than us".

"The squad feels proud. The players know they have nothing to be sorry for. I have told them to go home to their wives and girlfriends and not hide because they have nothing to be ashamed about. I will absolutely try to win this title again with this team. I want to win with these players. It was important for the club and for us to win the Copa del Rey last season. We need six points to win the league and it would be fantastic to do so. This team has great room for improvement and so does the club. Clubs have to adapt to the times. If they believe I can continue to add to the team by staying on, and my players believe so too, then I feel I will stay".

"I feel the pressure of knowing my players are subjected to great pressure. I currently enjoy the joy of others more than my own, and the same goes during bad times. That's why this hurts. These players have worked very hard. There are four games left in the season and we have to take the six points we need like we ahve done till now: on our own. We worked hard and fought mightily. We will have had a good season if we win the league title and it will allow my men to feel they've done a good job. We will be here fighting for the Champions League again next season".

"The final will be a good match and I would like Chelsea to win, but I have great respect for Bayern Munchen. Chelsea were heroic yesterday and I know some people believe they are the lords of the game and therefore entitled to criticise Chelsea or Inter Milan's victory two years ago. I know the Blues behaved like heroes. Chelsea deserve it and Bayern are there too".

Real Madrid 2 - 1 Bayern Munchen (UCL Semifinals 2nd Leg)

Heynckes had a thousand reasons for not playing the match with Schweinsteiger in the starting lineup and 120 minutes to sit him. Former Bayern's lung spent the game looking for himself without find him, heavy and slow. Heynckes did not take the hint. The coach's paralysis was unexplained for two hours, until the fifth penalty of the most dramatic series remembered, the number 31 of the red shirt walked toward the ball decisively. Schweinsteiger. As so often happens in football, unreason made ​​sense. The best players of the match had failed (Cristiano and Kroos) and he had his chance, the last bullet in the gun, the most German of Germans. It still echoes the 'bang', the last sound before silence.

Cristiano Ronaldo dejected after losing against Bayern Munchen

If 90 minutes at the Bernabeu are too long, 120 are eternity, not to mention penalties. How was the exhaustion, how emotion, how nervousness and anxiety that before the referee called the end of the extra time, the rivals signed the tie with the boxing gloves on their hands. Boateng fell victim to cramps and peace was made. To what else killed. Among the twenty-two field players and 85,000 fans of the stands there was the absolute conviction that the die was cast and only one team would win, even if both had deserved it.

Talking about football, only football, the lineup used by Mournho was the same as in the Clasico with the exception of Marcelo, who took Coentrao's place tonight. The Whites scored the opener through a penalty taken by Cristiano Ronaldo on the 5-minute mark after Alaba cleared a Di Maria shot with a hand. Bayern did not fall back and Robben nearly scored an equaliser two minutes later, but Real tallied a second when Ronaldo dribbled past Neuer after controlling the ball outside the box (13'). The Bernabeu went wild and started to sing the Portuguese player's name.

Bayern Munchen also pulled rank and started to test Casillas, who was fantastic against Mario Gomez. Robben scored from a penalty on the 26-minute mark, therefore drawing the tie and forcing Real Madrid to score another strike, but the visiting goal was a harsh blow to the locals and the Germans tried to capitalise on this. Casillas cleared another Gomez shot soon after the goal and Benzema missed the target by inches in the 30th minute. Just before half-time, Iker again pulled off a stellar save against Robben, keeping the 2-1 score for the start of the second half.

Munchen started to have more possession, but Real Madrid proved to be more dangerous in counterattacks. Neither side had clear chances in the opening minutes of the second half until Neuer was strained to clear a Benzema shot that finished off an extraordinary personal effort (56'). The crowd started to roar in support of its team while both sides played a careful game. Kaka came on for Di Maria on the 75-minute mark and Mario Gomez nearly netted an equaliser from the penalty spot, but the local centre backs did well to avoid his chances.

The game went into extra time, which proved tough on both sides. Real Madrid had recently played a very tough game against Barcelona and were clearly strained, while Bayern Munchen had reserved eight of the men who played tonight in last weekend's Bundesliga clash. Neither side scored and a penalty shootout had to take place.

Alaba scored the first penalty (19 years), the youngest player to be 50 games in the Bundesliga, beating Schwarzenbeck. Then Messi's shot. Yes, Messi. Because Cristiano approached the Adidas Finale 12 ball with the ghost of the Argentinian player grabbed on his mind and pursuing his steps the Portuguese followed him also the leap into the void. Neuer stopped the shot.

Bayer Munchen won on the penalty shootout

Then Mario Gomez scored (2-0) to complete the Spanish paradox. A German with Spanish family had to participate in the murder of the Spanish teams, the favorites, remember. Back in the second penalty of Real Madrid, Neuer returned to the same side to stop the shot from Kaka, the final seemed certain. However, Casillas stopped the next two ( Kroos and Lahm) and Xabi Alonso turned on a light that was turned off when Sergio Ramos, a hero of an entire season, lost the ball in the crowd. It was now clear, team had to prepare for the tragedy. Said Albert Einstein (German, by the way) that God does not play dice, but nothing said about His relationship with football.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 85,454
Goals: 1-0, m.6: Cristiano Ronaldo (pen.); 2-0, m.14: Cristiano Ronaldo; 2-1, m.27: Robben (pen.)
Shootout: 0-1: Alaba (Goal). 0-1: Cristiano (Missed). 0-2: Mario Gómez (Goal). 0-2: Kaká (Missed). 0-2: Toni Kroos (Missed). 1-2: Xabi Alonso (Goal). 1-2: Lahm (Missed). 1-2: Ramos (Missed). 1-3: Scheweinsteiger (Goal).

Real Madrid: Enthusiasm for playing the Champions final

Mourinho said yesterday at the press conference before the game: "I look at the faces of the players and the illusion that they have to play the Champions League final is amazing. They are a young team, but with a huge illusion". Real Madrid coach summed up in these words the feeling of a dressing room in which most have never reached the final of the Champions League.

Real Madrid squad

Seven players in the starting lineup that Jose Mourinho will show tonight have never reached the final. This is the case of Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo (or Coentrao), Khedira, Ozil, Di Maria and Benzema. These seven players are facing the biggest game of their careers. At least at club level, because Ramos knows what is to play and win a World Cup final and an European Cup final.

Among the players who are on the bench, there are many newcomers in a scenario like tonight. This is the case of Adam, Varane, Sahin, Callejon, Higuain and Granero. Six players who will cheer from the bench as a fan more, who suffer and push as any of the starters.

Among the experts, in addition to Jose Mourinho who has won two European Cups, seven players have played a final, but only one with Real Madrid, Iker Casillas. Arbeloa and Alonso have played finals with Liverpool. Kaka, wearing a Milan shirt, has also played two finals, both against Liverpool and getting the title in one of them. The same thing happens to Cristiano Ronaldo, who has played two and emerged victorious in one; he won against Chelsea at 07-08 season. Carvalho, in Oporto, under orders from Mourinho, also knows what it is to win. The last player in the squad of Real Madrid who knows what is to play the final of Europe's top competition is Altintop, who played for Bayern against Mourinho's Internazinale.

The excitement among the players of Real Madrid is so great that many started a string in the social network Twitter calling for support for the match at the Bernabeu tonight. Kaka was the first with this message: "Tomorrow we play the biggest game of the year at the Bernabeu. We will give everything, but need something more". Following this call, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa and Cristiano Ronaldo exchanged messages asking for fans' support and fill the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

Real Madrid vs Bayern: A match of 6 million euros

If Real Madrid earns today the pass to the Champions League final of May 19 ensures an award of 5.6 million euros, to which must be added the 800,000 euros that correspond for the victory at the Bernabeu stadium. Overall: 6.4 million euros. A number that could rise to 9 million if they can win the Tenth European Cup.

Florentino Perez: Real Madrid president

UEFA awards the finalists with 5.6 million euros because of reaching the grand final to be played on the Allianz Arena. Is the money the runner gets, for the nine that correspond to the winner. These awards are only for the two finalist teams by reaching the final, to which must add all the earned in its road in this edition of the Champions, both for classification as television rights, marketing and ticket sales at the box office.

Remember that only by participating, European football's governing body ensures a fixed 7.2 million euros, in the last-16 round the entry is 3 million, 3.3 million by accessing the quarterfinals and 4.2 for the semifinalists. Playing the final is a major cash injection for the two teams, an economic boost that can make a difference in the budget period ending June 30.

Those over 6 million euros or 9 by winning the trophy can go far. To pay the tab of a star player or undertake a signing in the market next summer. It also has relevance in the contracts they sign with their clubs sponsors, which include terms under which if they participate in the final or win the trophy, will increase the incomings in their contracts by the advertising generated.

With the game tonight remaining and without know who will be the champion of this season, what we can say that the winner of the Champions ensures an amount that exceeds 30 million euros, in the case of Real Madrid, if is the champion, will be much higher for the television rights sold in other countries. This competition is a goldmine for the clubs.

Real Madrid away jersey 2012-2013

Adidas and Real Madrid have not submitted the shirts that the players will wear next season, but it seems that the leaks still continue. A few days ago came out the shirt that team will use playing at home (Real Madrid home jersey 2012-2013) and now has been leaked the away jersey.

Real Madrid away shirt 2012-2013

The new Real Madrid away shirt of the next season 2012-2013 shows no surprises. The shirt that will look the Real Madrid players in the League and Spanish Cup away games in which its opponent also wears in white, will be completely black with the usual stripes of Adidas, the German sports brand. The color of the details will be yellow fluorescent.

Adidas has not wanted to innovate too much, but to differentiate the current away shirt with the next season's, the designers have taken the yellow fluorescent as second color that blends perfectly with the black. The great differentiation with the home jersey (polo neck) would be a round neck.

A highlight is the shield to be in one of the sleeves of the shirt. Real Madrid celebrates its 110th birthday (1902-2012) and Adidas has designed a special logo for the occasion. We will have to wait a few months to see if this design is confirmed by Adidas and the Real Madrid shirt 2012-2013 that we have known is the real one.

Real Madrid 110th birthday logo

Cristiano Ronaldo: "I hope our fans score the first goal"

Cristiano Ronaldo said in an interview on the website of 'Bwin' that he hopes that the Santiago Bernabeu stadium crowd will be key to the match against Bayern: "I expect the Bernabeu to score the first goal. The crowd has to play the most important role as soon as we step onto the pitch because we can feel it. Things will go well if we stand united. It will be the most important match until now and all the players are more confident when we feel the support of our fans. We feel we can play even better".

Cristiano Ronaldo

The Real Madrid striker realises the difficulty of the match against German team: "The match will be a battle to the end. It will be charged with adrenaline and we are excited about playing a clash we know we have to win. Bayern is also a great team and we are aware they will be a tough opponent. We lost 2-1 against them in the first leg and we have to win at home. We know winning would give us a ticket to the Champions League final".

For Cristiano, the Özil's goal is worth its weight in gold: "What happened in Munchen was neither positive nor negative. We are in good phisical condition and I am sure we will win at the Bernabeu stadium because we will have the support of our fans. It will be a difficult match but I am hopeful. They defeated us at their stadium, but we were able to score an away goal. They will try to score in counterattacks, but we believe they will also be wary of us because we will face them at our stadium".

The Portuguese gave names to the dangers of Bavarian team: "We are more concerned about Bayern's forwards. Gomez is one of the Champions League's top scorers, and Ribery and Robben are also very dangerous. They are solid in attack and also in defence, but we have to focus on their three forwards because one of them will make the difference", he said.

What teams will play the final of the Champions League?: "I mainly want us to reach the final and face either Chelsea or Barcelona there. I hope we reach the final because it is ivery important to us, to Real Madrid and to our fans all around the world. That is why I am really happy and thrilled to play the match".

About his future, Cristiano does not hesitate: "I feel at home at Real Madrid. This is my third season on the team and I try to do my best for this shirt every year. Things are going well and I want to stay here".

Finally, he said that prepares every game in the same way: "I always play the same regardless of the opponents teams. There may be more adrenaline at times depending on the difficulty of a match, but my mentality is always the same".

Cristiano Ronaldo is winning the battle for the Golden Ball

There was a time when Cristiano had to endure the disgrace that he was hidden in the matches against FC Barcelona. In his first six games as Real Madrid he did not score in the Classics. Today the story is quite different after his goal in the Nou Camp, with which Real Madrid is almost the winner of the Spanish league. The Portuguese has three consecutive Classics scoring and Messi has accumulated four without trophy. Cristiano is ahead of Messi in the battle for the FIFA Golden Ball 2012. He claimed his figure in hostile territory on a world stage, with 400 million people watching him on television.

Cristiano Ronaldo: 42 goals in Spanish league

It was not a good night for the winner of the last three Golden Balls (Messi did not shot on target), and Cristiano already said it in his historic celebration: "Today, calm". The Portuguese star has reached 42 goals in La Liga and Messi is 41. Ronaldo entered at the Real Madrid players' club that have scored in three consecutive Classic with Gento, Puskas and Juanito. And he has scored 6 goals in 13 games against Barca. A year ago he scored another memorable goal against FC Barcelona team in the final of the Spanish Cup. The Flea, meanwhile, has 13 goals in 19 Classics.

Now lies ahead for both the semifinal round of the Champions. Their paths can cross again in Munchen in the final. But Barca has problems with the dependence on Messi, which has played two key games without scoring (Chelsea and Real Madrid). Real Madrid wins in 61.1% of the games when Cristiano does not score. With no goal by Messi, Barca wins only 40% of games. On the other hand, the battle for the Golden Boot will be decided in Spain again, as in the past three seasons (Cristiano, Messi and Forlan). This time, the Portuguese will want to beat, in the next four games, the scoring record in Europe, achieved by Georgescu in the 76-77 season with 47 goals.

Real Madrid wants to win the League with 100 points

"It was an important victory, but we have not won the league, we need six points. And we will try to win all four remaining games to become champions with 100 points". This was the phrase of a player just landed in Madrid-Barajas airport after winning the Classic. Mourinho's slogan in the locker room at the Camp Nou to his players had been clear: "It was an important step, but is not yet done". After the win and joy, moderation still prevailed in the locker room in the message of the Portuguese coach, who also wants to win the league title beating the record of points made ​​by FC Barcelona two seasons ago.

Real Madrid players after winning at Camp Nou

Barca team became champion in the 09-10 campaign with 99 points. With four days still to play (Sevilla, Athletic, Granada and Mallorca), Real Madrid has 88, so it is able to reach 100, even it is required not to leave any point along the way. In other way, the best points mark achieved by Real Madrid in a season also goes back to the 09-10 season. On that occasion, with Pellegrini on the bench, whites were able to add 96. This is the second best score in the history of the Spanish League.

Indeed, Barca won the league title with the same points last year, 96. At this point in the league, with four games remaining, only that Barcelona had been able to get as many points (88) as this Real Madrid. However, the difference is that whites have a balance in favor of 79 goals, while the Barca was 70.

Last season, the first of Mourinho in Madrid, the white club achieved 92 points. At present, team needs only win one game and tie another to match that record, but with that it would not be champion, if Barcelona earns 12 points left in play. Althought watching the path of Madrid, it seems unlikely to pass up the title. In fact, with his win at the Camp Nou, team completed a round undefeated. His last loss dating back to the last Classic (1-3) played at the Bernabeu stadium on December 10.

Real Madrid beat the record for goals in a league: 109

Real Madrid beat the record for goals in one season (Spanish League) after the 0-1 scored by Khedira at the Camp Nou in the Classic. It was the goal 108. Then Cristiano made ​​the 109, two more than white team got in the season 89-90, with John Benjamin Toshack on the bench and the Butragueño's gang on the field.

Record for goals in a Spanish League season: 109

In the last two seasons Real Madrid had threatened that record with 102 goals, but got over this season when there are still four games to go until the championship end. Keeping the progression, Madrid would reach to 123 goals, 3.2 per game. Jose Mourinho is also the first Real Madrid coach to reach the 100 goal mark in two different seasons at the helm of the team.

Real Madrid players have tallied 63 of their 109 goals at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, making this their third best run as locals in the 81 league championships they have played in. They have established a new personal best with 46 goals netted in away clashes.

Fourteen players on Mourinho's squad have helped tally goals this season. Cristiano Ronaldo (42), Higuain (21) and Benzema (18) are the team's top scorers. However, the man who broke the record was Khedira, who had only scored one before. The distribution of goals is as follows: Cristiano Ronaldo (42), Higuaín (21), Benzema (18), Di María (5), Kaká (5), Callejón (5), Marcelo (3), Ramos (3), Khedira (2), Özil (1), Xabi Alonso (1), Pepe (1), Varane (1) and Altintop (1).

Barcelona 1 - 2 Real Madrid (Spanish League Day 35)

Cristiano Ronaldo just after scoring the victory goal

Real Madrid wants this league, they knew it and at Barcelona already know it. ​​Guardiola's team left the Camp Nou feeling so defeated as champion Real Madrid, that will win the title in good style, winning the opponent on his land. No excuses this time to justify the defeat, beyond their own mistakes, not for ignoring the victory. Against yesterday's FC Barcelona, more predictable, slow and confusing that we remember, Real Madrid did not fear and was nervous, and not much, when its defense line went back to its penalty area, which is in its character, but this time knew how to handle with more consistency this situation.

With seven points ahead and only twelve to play, it seems that what remains now is to choose a calendar date to be proclaimed champion. Guardiola gave the final push towards the title with a change in the Barcelona schema that led them to play with defense of three and impede clear ball moves in midfield with excessive accumulation of men. At this point, only the necessary mathematics and prudence seem to separate Real Madrid of the title.

Guardiola wanted to win the game on the board and lost it on the field. He was neglected in defense, strengthened the midfield and Barça not only changed the face, got down a gear speed in its game and the movements were confusing, less dynamic, ultimately, more predictable. Puyol, Mascherano and Adriano formed the line of three in defense. Busquets and Thiago shared the double pivot, with Xavi on the right and Iniesta on the left. And in front Alves, Messi and Tello. Far from confusing Real Madrid, this drawing slowed its movements and Barca seemed confused and dazed. The ball was for them, as usual, but was moved with less joy and they lost it with unusual frequency. In that game of mistakes with fifteen minutes on game, Busquets had two ball losses that endangered his team and earned a yellow card.

In Real Madrid, the lineup was the same that started against Bayern Munchen. Mourinho's men pressurised in attack looking for quick steals to counterattack through Di Maria and Ronaldo. They had their first chance four minutes into the game when the Portuguese striker tried to head in an Ozil corner-kick, but Valdes saved the day for the locals. Two minutes later, Alves faced Casillas alone, but the keeper snatched the ball from him with a clean sweep.

Valdes cleared a good Benzema shot on the 10-minute mark and Barcelona started to have more possession but did not have any clear chances. An Ozil corner-kick in the 17th minute resulted in the Whites' first goal: Ronaldo tried to head it in and Valdes failed to clear the ball, which landed at Puyol's feet, but the defender did not manage to clear it either and Khedira snatched it from him to tally the first strike in the match.

Barcelona upped the pace to the game and Real defended more, Xabi Alonso in particular, who gave a solid performance in defence to help Coentrao. Barcelona's best chance came when Messi passed the ball to Xavi, whose shot was slightly, but sufficiently, deflected by Casillas. Guardiola's men began to play a hasty game while still posing little threat thanks to Madrid's good defending.

There were no changes on either side after half-time. Barcelona knew failing to win would practically hand the title over to Real Madrid, who started to relax a little. The locals played touch football in search of a goal and Tello missed the target with a shot on the 57-minute mark. A messy effort in Madrid's box ended with Alexis pushing the ball in the goal and therefore netting the equaliser. The crowd roared, but Real Madrid failed to tremble and Cristiano Ronaldo dribbled past Valdes to net the winner after a spectacular effort just two minutes later.

Ronaldo's strike was a harsh blow to the locals, who failed to react. Mourinho made Granero come on for Di Maria, which helped the team keep possession and move the ball around as they pleased. As the minutes went by Real Madrid looked increasingly confident and became the masters at Camp Nou to the crowd's astonishment.

Summary

Stadium: Camp Nou
Attendance: 99,500
Goals: 0-1, m.17: Khedira. 1-1, m.70: Alexis. 1-2, m.73: Cristiano Ronaldo.

Mourinho will fulfill his contract until 2014

Jose Mourinho will be linked to Real Madrid the two years remaining on contract and will do because the Real Madrid board is going to give him more power and improve economic conditions of his assistants, as published by the Spanish daily 'El Mundo'.

Jose Mourinho, Rui Faria and Aitor Karanka

According to that information, released yesterday in other media, in the coming weeks will be made official the decision that the Portuguese coach will fulfill his contract with Real Madrid and will stay at the club until at least June 2014. To reach this agreement, the board will strengthen the conditions of his contract, giving more power to Mourinho and improving the economic conditions of Aitor Karanka, Rui Faria, Silvino Louro and Jose Morais.

Jose Mourinho came to consider his departure from Santiago Bernabeu, especially following the whistles of some of the fans from the stands of the stadium a few months ago, but seems to have finally decided to stay in the Spanish capital. Not the first time that Mourinho ponders the possibility to leave Madrid. Last season had a fight with Jorge Valdano from which emerged victorious.

Lucas Moura: Next Real Madrid target

New informations relate again Lucas Moura, midfielder and Sao Paulo's star, other pearl of Brazil after Neymar, with Real Madrid. According to Spanish media, Florentino Perez, president of Real Madrid, had dinner last April 14 (coinciding with the Real Madrid vs Sporting match) with parents of the Brazilian football player and with his agent Wagner Ribeiro, in turn Neymar's former representative.

News that will increase the rumors about his possible arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer. Lucas, 19, began to be linked with Real Madrid when the club began to forget the signing of Neymar. Much less mediatic that Santos player, at the white club he would be seen as a less complicated operation in every way, especially economic, although the high competition for his signing would not make things easier. The player recently rejected juicy deals from Inter Milan and Chelsea, suggesting that his will might be in the 'white house'.

Last March the Brazilian newspaper 'Estado' announced that Real Madrid was focused on the signing of Brazilian international and said that team had contacts with people around the player, without specifying who, unknown that seems to have been unveiled. Tha player, an important piece in Sao Paulo, has already called for the Brazilian national team and has a promising future.

Lucas Moura

Cristiano and Messi play tomorrow their own Classic

The canyon Cristiano Ronaldo has in his right leg against the devilish dribbling of Messi. Real Madrid and Barcelona will play tomorrow the most important match to win the Spanish League but the world will also attend the particular fight between the two biggest stars on the planet. With over 400 million of estimated audience, what the Portuguese and the Argentinian are going to do, will have weight in the votes for the Golden Ball and also for the Golden Boot, for which they are tied with 41 goals in 'La Liga'.

Cristiano Ronaldo shows his right left after score a goal

Cristiano and Messi are making history. The Real Madrid player collects 53 goals (all competitions) in 49 games. He scored one every 81 minutes. The FC Barcelona player has got 63 goals in 53 games (he also played the European Super Cup and World Club) and scored every 72 minutes. Two pathways of science fiction.

The statistics make it clear that Barcelona's reliance on Messi is superior to White's dependence on Cristiano Ronaldo. Especially in the league. Without the goals of 'The Flea', Barcelona would have 19 points less. Without Cristiano, we would have to subtract to Real Madrid 13 points. Therefore, if we 'eliminate' the two giants, Real Madrid would go to the 10-point lead.

Also, if Cristiano misses the goal, Real Madrid does not suffer as much as FC Barcelona when Messi does not score. The Madrid wins in 61.1% of the games when you his star does not score. If Messi is 'dry', Barca won only 40%. It happened in key games when Messi's team suffered a drain of points: ties against Real Sociedad, Valencia, Sevilla, Villarreal and Espanyol, with defeats against Getafe and Osasuna.

Cristiano Ronaldo offers a good omen for tomorrow because he is almost so reliable out and in the Bernabeu Stadium. Of his 53 goals, 26 were playing away (49%). Messi is less predator as visitor with 20 goals, six fewer than Cristiano. 'The Flea' overwhelms at the Camp Nou, with 66.2% of his targets. FC Barcelona's dependence on Messi is not just goals. Also with 25 assists (the most of the team). Cristiano, very supportive, also has 14 assists.

Lass Diarra has an agreement to sign for Galatasaray

The leaving of Lass Diarra of Real Madrid next summer is a fact. Although Mourinho said in a press conference before the game against Bayern that he thought the player would play for Whites next season, the brother of the French player reached a preliminary agreement on the same day with Galatasaray. Lass Diarra will play in Turkey next season.

Lass Diarra will leave Real Madrid next summer

To make matters worse, the meeting between Lass' brother and Fresco Haim, representative of Galatasaray in Europe, occurred in Germany. In the agreement, the Turkish team guarantees a salary of 5.5 million euros per season (in Real Madrid, player earns four). Besides he would earn more money by the premiums of matches, house, car, plane tickets, etc... Lass would sign for four years.

Thus it seems that Lass moves away from Fenerbahçe. Remember that last April 7, the player went to Turkey and met with a board member of the Turkish club but requested 6.5 million per year and they did not reach an agreement. With the deal between player and Galatasaray, last team that played the Bernabeu trophy, only remains that the Ottomans reach an agreement with Real Madrid. The Turkish club would be willing to pay eight million euros for the French.

Real Madrid has already decided that this summer will sell Lass and hear the offers that come in for him. Keep in mind that the French finishes his contract in 2013 and that negotiations for renewal were broken by his high claims. So much the midfielder has tightened the rope that has not played since March 21 in El Madrigal. That day Mourinho replaced him on 28 minutes and two days after the player appeared in a medical part with a mysterious injury.

Fabio Coentrao played in the five losses of Real Madrid

Fabio Coentrao and Jose Mourinho

Mourinho authorized the disbursement of 30 million euros for Fabio Coentrao because he is "multifunctional," said the Portuguese coach in his own statements when the transfer was finalized last summer. Furthermore, his commitment to the Portuguese international player has been much stronger than expected when Real Madrid played 'top' games. Especially surprising because Marcelo, his competitor on the side, has reached a great maturity and is the favorite of Real Madrid fans. Thus, Coentrao has been privileged to play as a starter 11 of the crucial meetings this season, but also carries the cross of having been starter in the five defeats of the white team, playing the 90 minutes of each match, as Casillas, Ramos and Xabi Alonso .

Coentrao has enjoyed the highest confidence of Mourinho, to the point that began the season as a midfielder, was then left side, he alternated the two ends and even played a key game against Barca at the Bernabeu as right back. Against Barcelona he played in the starting lineup in the five matches the team has played this season, while Marcelo was only started twice. Mou relies more on the tactical rigor of his compatriot. That's why he gave Coentrao the 61.2% of minutes in Europe (606 of 990) and Marcelo only disputed 34.5% (342).

Marcelo is most important for the Spanish League and Champions League when the games demanded more attack. Hence, the Brazilian played as starter two major matches against Barcelona (at the Camp Nou in Spanish League and the first leg of the Spanish Supercup at the Bernabeu) and three Champions League matches; against CSKA (after the 1-1 first leg) against Lyon (after 0-2 in France) and against Dynamo away (0-1). In addition, Marcelo also played on the left side in the five stumblings harvested; the defeat against Levante, the draw in Santander and the last three against Malaga, Villarreal and Valencia. On Saturday, a new classic. Will be surprising that Marcelo has a chance to start on the eleven because of the insistence of Mourinho with Coentrao. And if Mourinho does it, we will have to wonder if is the ambition to put finish to the League or to give a rest to Coentrao thinking about the Champions League match.

Kaka and Özil could play together at the Camp Nou

Kaka and Özil together in a match at Santiago Bernabeu

Mourinho looks to surprise at the Camp Nou with Kaka's return to the starting lineup. So the Portuguese would raise the penalty to the Brazilian, who did not play a minute neither against Bayern nor against Sporting. Real Madrid coach did not like the defensive stance of Kaka during the derby against Atletico. Kaka started the game but was replaced in half time.

Mourinho is considering the possibility of starting with Özil and Kaka, a tandem that does not know defeat when they played as starters. The two midfielders have played 12 games together this season with a record of ten wins and two draws. In addition, the formula worked on 25 January in the Spanish Cup semifinal when Real Madrid tied (2-2) and offered an image of superiority against the Barca team. Also, Kaka played one of his best games as Real Madrid player at the Camp Nou with Pellegrini on the bench (1-0).

"We do not lose when Kaka and I are in the starting lineup", said Özil in Kicker. Barcelona is obligated to win three points in this classic to continue putting pressure on Real Madrid in the league. Meanwhile, Guardiola will have to think in the second leg of the Champions League semifinal against Chelsea next Tuesday.

Di Maria will be the victim in this scheme. Mourinho could reserve him for the second half and take advantage of his speed when the fatigue factor goes into the scenary. Coach poses use him as a plunger, as did against Valencia or Sporting, when the white team went into halftime with a tie on the scoreboard.

The Argentine reappeared on March 31 against Osasuna after overcoming his hamstring injury in the proximal portion of the right rectus femoris. Since then he has played 260 minutes, divided in five games (two starts).

Mourinho: "Coentrao has played a good match"

Mourinho attending the press conference

"I do not know if there is failure on the Mario Gomez's goal, I am away and could not see it. But I know Coentrao has made a good match. He had a difficult mission and fulfilled. I hate the question because there are other players who have failed in other games and nothing is said". In this way, Jose Mourinho, coach of Real Madrid, answered the question about the mistake of Fabio Coentrao in Bayern's second goal, which put the semifinal 2-1 and obligates Real Madrid to come back at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.

Still, Mourinho is optimistic about the second leg: "I am optimistic. I believe a draw would have been fairer, but that is football for you: whoever scores wins. It does not matter if you do so in the first or last minute. This result is not awful because it does not force us to make an historic comeback at home. We will have to earn a normal result and I think we are ready to respond. We will start preparing for it after Saturday's match. Real Madrid always play to win and the team is ready to respond in a game in which the crowd will surely want to help".

Furthermore, the Portuguese coach considered that his team did not deserve to lose the match: "We wanted to win tonight. We conceded a goal from a set piece in the first half, during which we played our best. We then drew the score and we felt it was difficult to win even though we did our best at times. Both sides made mistakes and Bayern scored when the it seemed the game would end in a draw. Their first goal was offside, but I cannot criticise the referee for that. I do not feel negative about it".

Finally, Mourinho referred to the fitness of his players: "This is April and we have reached this far after playing very demanding games that we were forced to win, so it is normal for some players to fail to be in optimum form. I think this is normal at this stage".

Bayern Munchen 2 - 1 Real Madrid (UCL Semifinals 1st Leg)

Nobody said it would be easy and if anyone said it, will not repeat it. Nothing is easy in the semifinals of the Champions League and there are no easy games when the rival wears in red and talks grinding screws. There are legends and fears spread through the air, impossible not to be infected with so many people coughing. Real Madrid lost in Munich again (nine of ten) and the end result has more connection to the past than with the game. No matter who comes out to play for Bayern, always play Augenthaler, Hoeness and Rummenigge. Their ghosts do not lose their shape, only the hair.

Ozil's goal should be a comfort. According to the old treaties of the European Cup, losing by the minimum is not a bad result if you scored a goal on the road. However, what was good in years of hardship, now looks poor. This Real Madrid is a thoroughbred programmed to jump over obstacles without getting dirty. And could do it. Whites could jump over the match and come out unscathed, with a minimum punishment of a tie. But the team did not care about the legend. After the defeat is hard to imagine how will be the reaction of the team and coach in the second leg. How will be the fallout after the fifth defeat in 52 matches this season. A lot of Bernabeu will be necessary on next Wednesday.

Mario Gomez scored the last goal of the match

Coentrao played as left back in the starting eleven instead of Marcelo. Real Madrid dominated in the opening minutes while the locals looked to counterattack through Ribery and Robben. Benzema had a chance early on and forced Neuer to concede a corner kick (7'). Bayern started to attack more and eventually netted the opener from a Kroos corner-kick that was deflected by Badstuber and finished off by Ribery inside the box (16').

It took a while for Real to recover, but they started having chances some minutes later. Ramos nearly scored from an Alonso free-kick (35') and Neuer easily grabbed a Benzema shot (39'). Casillas was forced to make an impressive save from a Gomez strike minutes later and the Germans kept trying to surprise Real's defence by sending the ball to their wingers.

It took Real Madrid seven minutes after half-time to net a much needed equaliser: Ronaldo missed a shot against Neuer; the ball fell at Ozil's feet, who passed it to Benzema; the French striker crossed it into the box; and Ronaldo gently ceded it to Ozil for him to score (52').

Bayern suffered form the strike, but they took solace in their pride to make things hard for Madrid. They had more control of the ball but never posed any clear danger on Casillas' goal. Nevertheless, Real had given them some ground after the equaliser looking for swift counterattacks, but Munchen were driven and forced several corner kicks.

Mourinho replaced Ozil with Marcelo on the 68-minute mark and Bayern kept looking for a strike, but Gomez wasn't too inspired. The locals looked increasingly tired and Real Madrid were managing to keep them in check. Granero came on for Di Maria (78') looking to have more control on the ball, while Bayern now tried to score from high balls that Pepe managed to clear easily.

Higuain came on for Benzema on the 83-minute mark. Casillas easily grabbed a Gomez header two minutes later, but the striker finished off a Lahm cross in the 89th minute that gave victory to the locals.

It was said by Hoeness and he was right. Real Madrid, in a league of a single opponent, just plays half a dozen big games per season. And almost always against the same opponents. Team lacks real fire in different situations. Few are the times the Whites need to hasten the final minutes of a match, few strikers are able to fight with Pepe and Sergio Ramos until the last minute. Few players are as Mario Gomez.

Summary

Stadium: Allianz Arena
Attendance: 70,000
Goals: 1-0, m. 16: Ribery. 1-1, m. 52: Özil. 2-1, m. 89: Mario Gomez.

Legends: Manuel Sanchis Sr.

MANUEL SANCHIS SR.

Manuel Sanchis Sr.

Manuel Sanchis Martinez was born in Alberique (Valencia), March 26, 1938. He began his career in the youth team of Villanueva de Castellón, to play later in a modest club of his hometown, "Peñas Soriano", where he rose to prominence for his fighting spirit and character, two qualities that accompanied him during his career. As it could not be otherwise, the scouts in the service of the great football clubs put their eyes in that fibrous kid and was Barcelona who took his services for the youth team.

However, in Barcelona he did not enjoy all the opportunities he deserved and was transferred to Condal, where he played four years, from 1957 to 1961. Then he signed for Real Valladolid for three seasons (61-64), where showed the great player he was in his first steps in football. Safety in the midfield and great performance in attack were decisive for his signing for Real Madrid. Sanchis was at that time 26 years old.

The arrival of Sanchis at the Real Madrid occurred in November 1964, but his debut was not until 25 January 1965 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the opponent was the team of his birthplace, Valencia. That afternoon the Real Madrid defeated the "Ches" by three goals to nil.

Little by little the Valencian player was winning the number 3 team, undergoing a transformation in his game because he had begun his career as an offense player. However, his exceptional talents, accompanied by a good technique, drove him down to the defense without sacrificing a bit of his goal power. Indeed, without fear of error, we can say Manolo Sanchis was a pioneer in what is now known as pattern of attack defender.

His time in the white team was very successful. Four league titles, three Spanish cups, and above all, the title of European Cup, that Real Madrid earned thanks to the "ye-ye" team in which Sanchis was an important part. Completed his commitment to Real Madrid in the 1970-71 season, he signed by the Cordoba team where he played two seasons and in which finished his career with 34, 18 of them as a player.

Manolo Sanchis was 12 caps for the Spanish national team. Considering that at that time the national teams played one or two international matches per year and Sanchis began wearing the national team shirt when he just turned 26 years old, we conclude that the dozen times that he played is a good brand. However, Sanchis is and will be more memorable than other players who wore the red shirt more times because of the goal he scored against Switzerland at the World Cup in England 66.

Spain had to win the Swiss team to move to the next round. The game was tied and and then Sanchis got a ball in his own area and crossed the field in a flash, dodging everything that was put in front of him, to stand alone with the goalkeeper and beat him. One feature of fury, with the success of the goal, a goal that went around the world.

He continued interested in the world of football and earned the title of coach. With it in his pocket began his teaching career in front of Real Madrid's youth. Later he managed other teams; Castilla, Tenerife, Torrejon, Parla, Daimiel, Don Benito and the Equatorial Guinea national team.

He is married and has three children; Manuel, Elena and Alicia. His son, Manuel Sanchis Jr., following in the footsteps of his father, has triumphed in the ranks of Real Madrid, but that's another story.

Real Madrid 3 - 1 Sporting Gijon (Spanish League Day 34)

Real Madrid suffered to win against Sporting Gijon at the Bernabeu. The visitors defended fiercely, but Ronaldo pulled rank to break the 1-1 draw and help give the team a victory before this week's games with Bayern Munchen and Barcelona.

Many records, poor football

Sahin replaced the suspended Xabi Alonso, and Callejon, Ozil and Marcelo also made the starting lineup. The game lacked pace in the opening minutes and Sporting's heavy defence thwarted Madrid's flow. The visitors even had the first chance through Trejo, who forced Casillas to concede a corner kick by taking advantage of hesitation in defence.

Sporting were awarded a penalty in a counterattack and Cuevas used it to net the opener, forcing Real to make a comeback. The locals dominated and kept possession, but weren't able to have chances on goal until Higuain headed in a phenomenal Ramos cross on the 37-minute mark. Sahin nearly scored a second strike six minutes later, but sendt the ball to the crossbar.

Benzema and Di Maria came on for Callejon and Sahin after half-time looking to speed things up in attack, but Sporting kept up their fierce defending. The necessity of another strike somewhat affected Real Madrid players. Ronaldo missed a free-kick 60 minutes in, and four minutes later hit a post from another shot. Higuain nearly scored from inside the box, but also missed by inches with everything going for him.

The crowd and the players were becoming anxious because a victory was a must, but Ronaldo, yet again, pulled rank by heading in a Di Maria cross on the 73-minute mark. The crowd and players were thrilled with the goal and the Portuguese striker celebrated by kissing the crest on his shirt.

The goal relaxed the locals and broke Sporting's strategy. Canella was sent off with a second booking in the 78th minute and Real continued to dominate. Benzema tallied a third for the team with a crossed shot (37') and the goal also allowed served to equal Real's 1989/90 107 goal record in the championship.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 70,000
Goals: 0-1, min.30, De las Cuevas (pen). 1-1, min.35, Higuaín. 2-1, min.73, Cristiano Ronaldo. 3-1, min.82, Benzema.

Atletico Madrid 1 - 4 Real Madrid (Spanish League Day 33)

Real Madrid had a one point cushion over the runners-up at the start of the derby and enlarged it to four by the end thanks to a stellar performance from Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored a hat-trick and increased his tally in the championship to 40.

Cristiano Ronaldo's league

Coentrao played as left back and Kaka also made the starting lineup in midfield. Ramos was positioned in the centre of defence again after last week's suspension and the match had a tense start worthy of a derby. Atletico pressurised in attack and looked for fast transitions, while Real Madrid tried to have long possessions. Di Maria shot from a distance two minutes in forcing Courtois to make a stretch, and a Falcao shot inside the box hit Coentrao and was sent out by Casillas (9').

Possession became even until Atletico conceded a free-kick and Ronaldo converted it in spectacular fashion (24'). Real became calmer and Atletico continued to pressurise in search of an equaliser.

The Whites used the space the locals left in their half of the pitch to look for more strikes and Benzema missed a header by inches (32'). Courtois conceded a corner kick five minutes later from a Ronaldo shot in the area just before half-time.

Ozil came on for Kaka in the second half and the Madridistas set their own pace to the match but weren't able to seal it. They eventually paid for this with a Falcao header (55') that only spurred them to put a siege on Courtois' goal while the locals tried to pull off counterattacks.

Cristiano Ronaldo pulled rank again and tallied another strike from a powerful shot from outside the box that silenced the stands (68'). This hit Atletico hard and they hardly created danger from then on, but Real did not trust them and continued their search for more goals and found a third through a penalty on Higuain that was converted by Ronaldo. Callejon replaced Di Maria on the 83-minute mark and netted a fourth for his side by finishing off a Ronaldo counterattack.

Summary

Stadium: Vicente Calderon
Attendance: 54,000
Goals: 0-1, m. 24: Cristiano Ronaldo. 1-1, m. 55: Falcao. 1-2, m. 68: Cristiano Ronaldo. 1-3, m. 81: Cristiano Ronaldo (pen). 1-4, m. 87: Callejón.

Real Madrid home jersey 2012-2013

Althought the first half of the footballistic year has not finished, some pictures of the new Real Madrid jersey that team will wear for the next season have been showed. Some teams are looking to reinvent or to turn their style when they launch a new outfit, meaning that a new era or stage for the team comes with the uniform.

Real Madrid home shirt 2012-2013

But Real Madrid do not want to turn the style this time. The possible home shirt of Real Madrid for the next tournament is already known, however, although there is nothing clear about these photos, the design could have marks related to 110th anniversary of the club. To commemorate this important date for the white team, there will be a patch on the sleeve with a design that refers to the dates that are part of these 110 years.

Adidas, the sportswear brand which wears the white club, has made some modifications with respect to the present jersey. The gold disappears as the main color. Now the main color is the black with the blue in the background. The blue appears on the sleeves and neck and the shirt continues with the three stripes on the sleeve, black the next season, a classic detail at Real Madrid and also distinguishes Adidas.

The home shirt will bear the shield of the LFP (League Association) in one sleeve and the Champions logo will be on the other at European Cup matches. As usual, on the left side at the front, Real Madrid will wear the shield and on the right the logo of the sports brand.

Still nothing is known of the sponsor to be displayed on the shirt. The bookmaker bwin could go on the jersey as shown in the leaked photos. The other candidate is an airline company known for all (Fly Emirates)