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.

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".

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.

Real Madrid 5 - 2 APOEL Nicosia (UCL Quarterfinales 2nd Leg)

Real Madrid sealed their passage to the Champions League semifinals with an impressive 5-2 victory over APOEL Nicosia at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Whites will fight with old UCL foe Bayern Munchen for a spot in the final.

Great comeback by Di Maria

Despite the first leg's 3-0 score, Jose Mourinho used a strong starting lineup tonight, with Sahin in midfield and Varane paired up with Pepe in the centre of defence. The Whites dominated from the start while APOEL waited for them in their half of the pitch. Higuain had a chance only two minutes into the match and Pardo cleared a Ronaldo shot two minutes later.

The Portuguese striker tallied the first by finishing a Marcelo cross with his right knee (26') and APOEL continued to pose little threat to Casillas' goal due to Real's strong pressure. Kaka scored the scond from an amazing shot outside the box, sending the ball through the top right corner of the goal (36'), and the Madridistas continued to dominate until half-time.

Callejon came on for Marcelo in the second half and Di Maria replaced Higuain on the 53-minute mark. Albiol came on for Granero just before Manduca managed to nutmeg Casillas (65') and the strike spurred the visitors to pursue an equaliser.

Cristiano Ronaldo dampened their spirits with an impressive free-kick strike, which was his eighth in the championship this season (74') and was a turning point in the match, which sort of became crazy from then on.

Callejon tallied a fourth on the 78-minute mark with a good shot on the area border and Solari netted another for APOEL from a penalty just two minutes later. Di Maria eventually sentenced the match with an incredible lobbed shot seeing that the goalkeeper was badly positioned (84').

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 60,000
Goals: 1-0, m.26: Cristiano Ronaldo. 2-0, m.36: Kaká. 2-1, m.65: Manduca. 3-1, m.74: Cristiano Ronaldo. 4-1, m.78: Callejón. 4-2, m.80: Solari (pen). 5-2, m.84: Di María.

APOEL Nicosia 0 - 3 Real Madrid (UCL Quarterfinals 1st Leg)

APOEL stood their ground for 73 minutes against Real Madrid, never having a chance to score and always playing in their half of the pitch. The Whites resolved the situation in the final 15 minutes of the encounter with a brace by Benzema and a further strike from Kaka.

Kaka and Marcelo changed the game

Sahin was the new face on the starting lineup to replace the suspended Xabi Alonso, and Benzema and Higuain also played together in attack. APOEL pressurised in the opening minutes and tried to put danger over Casillas' goal as they were spurred by their fans. Real Madrid were calm and withstood this as they gradually started to control the match.

Chiotis saved a Benzema shot on the 8-minute mark and Ozil had a phenomenal chance three minutes later with a strong strike that was also cleared by the keeper. Cristiano Ronaldo also shot on target in the 27th minute, but Chiotis again saved the day.

Benzema missed the target practically on the goal-line after receiving it from Sahin (33'), and a Ronaldo crossed shot missed the target by inches ten minutes later.

Real Madrid kept possession after half-time and tried to accelerate their game in order to break the organised local defence. Benzema sent the ball over the crossbar in the team's first chance in the second half (47').

Kaka and Marcelo came on for Higuain and Coentrao (63') looking to speed things up and create more danger. A double Ozil and Ramos chance three minutes later was cleared by a defender and Benzema grazed one of the posts on the 69-minute mark.

Kaka managed to break the local barrier by sending the ball to the box, where it was headed in by Benzema (73'). The strike shattered local organisation and Mourinho's men used this to pursue more goals. Chiotis cleared a Ronaldo shot on the 75-minute mark. A few minutes later, Marcelo entered the box after a magnificent individual effort and served a great pass for Kaka to score the second. Granero came on for Sahin in the 84th minute and five minutes later Benzema sealed the match in an empty goal (89').

Summary

Stadium: GSP Nicosia
Attendance: 27,000
Goals: 0-1, m.73: Benzema. 0-2, m.82: Kaká. 0-3, m.89: Benzema.

Real Madrid 4 - 1 CSKA Moscow (UCL Last 16 2nd Leg)

Real Madrid showcased their tremendous goal scoring skills against CSKA Moscow, defeating them 4-1 and reaching the Champions League quarterfinals.

CSKA needed at least one goal to stay alive in the competition and really looked for one in the opening minutes. Doumbia came close with a shot that grazed the crossbar (7'), forcing Real Madrid to react with a powerful Ronaldo strike that Chepchugov managed to save. Kaka also had a chance inside the box and narrowly missed the goal (17').

A shy CSKA Moscow was defeated at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

The Whites dominated the encounter and Higuain tallied the first on the goal-line from an assist by Kaka (26'), but CSKA continued their search for a strike, forcing Casillas to send a long distance Musa shot to corner-kick (33'). Kaka served a good cross that Higuain failed to finish off just before half-time (44').

The Madridistas slowed the game down a bit in the second half while keeping possession and Crsitiano netted the second of the evening from a powerful shot from outside the box (54'). This was a harsh blow to the Russians and the locals used this to have more chances. Ronaldo served a great pass to Higuain inside the box, but the Argentine missed the ball by inches (63'), and a couple of minutes later the Portuguese striker nearly scored from a header that went over the crossbar. Doumbia had a clear chance for CSKA on the 66-minute mark, but his shot on goal missed the target even though Casillas was already defeated.

Benzema came on for Higuain (68') and scored the third goal from the first ball he touched after receiving a great pass from Ozil. Granero came on for Kaka soon after the strike (75'). With nothing left to lose, CSKA kept looking for a strike and were rewarded with an amazing long distance shot by Necid (80') when Real Madrid had somewhat relaxed. Lass came on for Ozil (85') and, just when everything seemed final, Cristiano Ronaldo tallied another goal on the goal-line thanks to a generous assist from Benzema (94').

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 75,000
Goals: 1-0, m.26: Higuaín; 2-0, m.54: Ronaldo. 3-0, m.70: Benzema. 3-1, m.80: Necid. 4-1, m.94: Ronaldo

CSKA Moscow 1 - 1 Real Madrid (UCL Last 16 1st Leg)

Only bad luck and the strange things that sometimes happen in football prevented Real Madrid from winning tonight in Moscow. The Whites perfectly adapted to the stadium's synthetic grass and to the city's low temparature, dominating the match from the start, but unfortunatley leaving without a much deserved victory due to a defensive mistake in injury time. The tie will be decided at the Bernabeu.

Cristiano Ronaldo after scored against CSKA Moscow

Mourinho decided to use Callejon, Khedira, Arbeloa and Coentrao in his starting lineup, ready to play a more tactical game against CSKA. Real Madrid found it a little hard to adapt in the opening minutes and the Russians used this to their advantage. Bad luck struck the Whites when Benzema injured himself attempting a long strike and had to be replaced by Higuain (13'), who had the first chance in the game with a shot that was cleared by Chepchugov. The ball fell at Khedira's feet, but the keepr saved the day again for the local side.

CSKA hardly reached Casillas' goal, but they were well positioned throughout the match. They also fouled whenever they had a chance, but Real scored their goal after Higuain stole the ball, crossed it and Ronaldo netted it with a crossed shot (27'). Only Doumbia troubled the Madrid defence occasionally with his speed after the strike, but no real danger came from CSKA.

The Madridistas tried to seal the match as soon as the second half began, and Callejon missed a couple of good chances (50', 51'). The locals started to look for a goal of their own and left room for Madrid to attack in. Musa shot on target in the 61st minute, but Casillas grabbed the ball easily as it lacked force. Real Madrid continued to dominate the encounter and looked for a chance to counterattack.

Mourinho made Kaka come on for Callejon on the 74-minute mark and a Ramos header was saved by the keeper one minute later. Ronaldo nearly scored again the minute after that, but Chepchugov cleared the shot by an inch. Honda led his side in reaching Casillas' goal more often and Mourinho decided to strengthen the defence by replacing Ozil with Albiol (84'). CSKA tried hard for a draw that would ease things for them in the return leg and eventually found it through Wernbloom in a messy effort in injury time.

Summary

Stadium: Luzhniki Stadium
Attendance: 70,000
Goals: 0-1 Min.27 Cristiano Ronaldo; 1-1 Min.92 Wernbloom.

Ajax Amsterdam 0 - 3 Real Madrid (UCL Day 6)

Real Madrid sealed a perfect run in the UCL group stage in Amsterdam. The Whites earned a 15th straight victory against Ajax, something they hadn't done since the 1960/61 campaign. The Dutch team had two goals wrongly disallowed and were eliminated from the championship due to Olympique Lyonnais' 7-1 victory over Dinamo Zagreb. With 18 points and a +17 goal-average, Real Madrid have had the best performance given by any team in the Champions League group stage.

Higuain scored again in an European game

Mourinho made several changes to his starting lineup, with Adan, Albiol, Varane, Sahin, Granero and Callejon all playing as starters. The manager said earlier this week that his men would be entirely focused on winning the clash and they proved him right by scoring 13 minutes into the game: Kaka saw Callejon running free from markers, assisted him, and the midfielder tallied the first strike of the evening with his left.

Ajax pressurised more intensely and Van der Wiel forced Adan to make a save on the 31-minute mark with a powerful shot from outside the box. Lodeiro scored from the following effort, but referee De Sousa wrongly disallowed it following instructions from his linesman. Another local goal was wrongly disallowed four minutes later; it came from a long shot by Anita that was deflected inside the box by Sulejmani.

This forced Real Madrid to pull rank and finish off the game. Benzema saw how Higuain avoided his markers and assisted him with a long pass (41') in an effort similar to the first goal's.

Ajax were constantly putting a siege on Madrid's goal after half-time and nearly tallied a strike from a Sulejmani lob that hit the crossbar. Mourinho strengthened his midfield making Altintop come on for Benzema (53’) and later replaced Granero with Alonso (58').

Ajax continued to put Adan to the test with shots from outside the area, while Mourinho allowed youth teamer Mendes to make his first team debut by taking Arbeloa off (66'). The final minutes of the clash were pure agony for the locals and Callejon sentenced it on the 91-minute mark after being assisted by Alonso.

Summary

Stadium: Amsterdam Arena
Attendance: 52,000
Goals: 0-1. Min.13. Callejón. 0-2. Min. 41. Higuaín. 0-3. Min. 91. Callejón.

Real Madrid 6 - 2 Dinamo Zagreb (UCL Day 5)

Real Madrid needed only eight minutes to resolve tonight's clash against Dinamo Zagreb with three goals, and therefore establishing a new record in the European championship. Sahin made his starting debut in a spectacular performance of the Whites against an opponent that hardly fought back.

Benzema and Özil celebrate one of the Real Madrid goals

Real's 1,500th official match at the Bernabeu saw Casillas, Pepe, Cristiano Ronaldo and Khedira start on the bench, but despite the changes on the lineup the Madridistas' hunger was a strong as ever, tallying three goals in the opening eight minutes, a first in the Champions League. Benzema started the pour in the 2nd minute and was followed by Callejon four minutes later and by Higuain on the 8-minute mark with an individual effort.

Mourinho's men took a breather and lowered the pace of the game by extending their possession while Zagreb hardly left their box. A Kelava clerance landed at Ozil's feet and the German easily tallied a fourth for his team.

Granero, Altintop and Albiol came on for Ramos, Ozil and Xabi Alonso at the start of the second half, which unfolded very much like the first. Callejon defeated Kelava again after being assisted by Varane (48') and Real continued to hammer the visitors, who just waited for them to get tired of scoring goals; Kelava made a couple of solid saves to clear shots by Higuain and Callejon.

A spectacular heel pass from Higuain to Benzema on the edge of the box kickstarted and individual effort of the French striker, who controlled the ball, entered the box and netted the team's sixth and final strike of the evening. This way, Real Madrid reached their best goal tally in the Champions League against Genk of the 2002/03 campaign. Then, when everyone thought Madrid would continue to score more strikes, Zagreb tallied one of their own on the 80-minute mark from a Beqiraj header in the first chance they had on Adan's goal.

The Whites fought back and nearly scored again through Benzema, whose spectacular bicycle-kick shot hit the crossbar. Tomecak netted a second strike for Dinamo again in the final minute, but this final action did not tarnish Real's spectacular victory one bit. The Whites will go thorugh to the Last 16 as group leaders with one game yet to be played in the group stage.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 73,000
Goals: 1-0, m.2: Benzema. 2-0, m. 6: Callejón. 3-0, m. 9: Higuaín. 4-0, m. 20: Özil. 5-0, m. 49: Callejón. 6-0, m. 66: Benzema. 6-1, m. 81: Beqiraj. 6-2, m. 90: Tomecak.

O. Lyon 0 - 2 Real Madrid (UCL Day 4)

Real Madrid earned a fourth victory in this season's Champions League by defeating Olympique Lyonnais at Stade Gerland for the first time. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace, tallying his 100th official strike as a Madridista. The Whites have qualified for the Last 16.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the two goals of the team

Benzema and Ozil made the starting lineup. Lass played as right back replacing the injured Arbeloa. Mourinho's team played as in recent games, having many chances early on. Benzema nearly netted an opener on the 9-minute mark, forcing Lloris to make the most spectacular save in the match. Cristiano served a free-kick close to the box in the 23rd minute and sent the ball to the back of the net. It was his 99th strike as a Madridista.

Olympique deflated and the Whites had chance after chance under the direction of Ozil and Di Maria. Lloris was his team's best man and agan cleared a Benzema strike, this time inside the box. The keeper later cleared a shot by Ozil (43') and it looked like the Madridistas were being too merciful, so much that Gourcuff eventually faced Casillas alone, but sent the ball over the crossbar.

The locals were more aggressive in attack after half-time, leaving wide open spaces for Real to counterattack in with ease. One was spearheaded by Ozil on the 61-minute mark; he passed the ball to Di Maria and centre back Cris was forced to clear it.

Mourinho made Albiol come on for Coentrao (63') and Cristiano continued his search for his 100th official goal, coming close to getting it from a long shot from outside the box that Lloris strained himself to clear.

Casillas made a double save in the 67th minute and moments later referee Rizzoli awarded the Whites a penalty when Ronaldo was challenged in the area. The Portuguese stepped up and converted it into his much-sought strike.

Higuain came on for Benzema in the 70th minute. Eight minutes later, Briand sent the ball to the crossbar from a header in his team's best chance of the evening. The locals kept looking for a goal in the final minutes to no avail. Callejon came on for Di Maria in the 83rd minute, and Briand again had a chance to score, but having defeated Casillas sent the ball off target (89'). Ozil then nearly tallied a third for Real, but Lloris again saved the day.

Summary

Stadium: Gerland Stadium
Attendance: 39,000
Goals: 0-1, min. 24: Cristiano Ronaldo; 0-2, min.70: Cristiano Ronaldo (pen.)

Real Madrid 4 - 0 O. Lyon (UCL Day 3)

Real Madrid's run in this season's Champions League is so far perfect, winning all three of their games. The Whites top Group D with a five-point cushion over Olympique Lyonnais and Ajax, and have a ticket to the Last 16 in their pocket.

Great performance by Real Madrid against Lyon

Mourinho made changes, using Benzema and Di Maria as starters. His team fiercely attacked while Olympique rarely ventured outside their box. Benzema scored the opener by finishing off a corner-kick served by Ozil that Cristiano Ronaldo had also managed to graze. Lyonnais advanced their lines and had more possession of the ball, but Casillas continued being a mere spectator. Using wide spaces left by the French, the Madridistas looked for a second strike and Ozil nearly scored from a free-kick just before half-time (40'), but the keeper cleared the ball.

The second half started with a goal. Marcelo served a long pass, a Lyonnais defender tripped, Benzema controlled the ball and assisted Khedira in the strike. The French side received an even harsher blow when Madrid scored yet again when Lloris pushed the ball into his own goal as he was nutmegged by an Ozil cross into the box (54').

One of Khedira's eyebrows was split in a struggle and Mourinho replaced him with Coentrao (60’). Kaka came on for Ozil five minutes later and the German received a standing ovation from the fans. Big as it was, it wasn't as resounding as the one received by Higuain as he came on for Benzema on the 71-minute mark. Real had more chances to score and Ramos eventually netted the final strike from a corner-kick.

Having practically secured a place in the Last 16, the Whites will now be able to be a little more relaxed as they prepare for the three league games that await them in under two weeks' time (against Malaga on Saturday, Villarreal on Wednesday, and Real Socieded the following Saturday).

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 75,000
Goals: 1-0, m.19: Benzema. 2-0, m.48: Khedira. 3-0, m.55: Özil. 4-0, m.81: Sergio Ramos.

Real Madrid 3 - 0 Ajax Amsterdam (UCL Day 2)

Real Madrid defeated Ajax 3-0 in their first Champions League match at the Bernabeu this season. The victory served the Whites to remain leaders in Group D. Kaka gave a stellar performance, scoring the team's second goal and assisting Benzema in the third.

Great performances by Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo

Ozil and Kaka made the starting lineup. Arbeloa replaced Marcelo, who was suspended for the match, and Varane took the injured Pepe's spot. Boerrigter forced Casillas to make an impressive save only 45 seconds into the game. The Whites reacted and Benzema nearly scored an opener from inside the box on the 16-minute mark, but his shot was off target. The most impressive effort of the evening came in the 24th minute: Ramos stole the ball and passed it to Ozil, who then served it to Cristiano; the Portuguese player gave it to Kaka and the Brazilian sent it back Ronaldo's way; the striker gave it to Ozil, who in turn passed it to Benzema in order to assist Cristiano inside the box in the team's first goal.

Ajax suffered from this spectacular team effort and they hardly left they're half of the pitch then onwards. De Boer's men hardly pressurised the Whites and it proved to be a fatal mistake. The locals scored their second strike on the 40-minute mark: Alonso served a long pass to Ronaldo and he passed it to Kaka, who was approaching the area line and managed to score a beauty.

Real tallied their third and final goal in the 48th minute: Arbeloa entered the box and passed the ball to Kaka, who avoided the goalkeeper's exit before leaving the ball for Benzema to send to the back of the net. Kaka's performance was truly spectacular and was replaced amidst a standing ovation by Di Maria in the 74th minute.

Benzema had to leave the pitch at the same time due to an injury and was replaced by Higuain. Ajax hardly had any chances on Casillas' goal, but the few they managed to pull off really put Casillas' reflexes to the test. The keeper was forced to prodigiously save a header by Vertonghen, proving yet again why he is considered to be the best in the world.

The final minutes of the encounter saw Hamit Altintop making his debut with the team now that he has recovered from his back injury. It was the perfect ending to a magical night at the Bernabeu.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 75,500
Goals: 1-0, min.25 Cristiano Ronaldo; 2-0, min.40: Kaka; 3-0, min.48: Benzema.

UEFA will not punish Cristiano Ronaldo

The Disciplinary Commission of the UEFA will not punish Cristiano Ronaldo for his statements after the match against Dynamo Zagreb in which he described as "shameful" the performance of the Norwegian referee Oddavar Moen.

The UEFA delegate's report did not include statements by the Portuguese footballer, so that the Commission will not evaluate the statements of Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid striker may play the next matches of the Champions League.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Successful sales of the Real Madrid red shirt

Yesterday was the date chosen, the day of the Champions League debut for Real Madrid and Adidas to sell the great novelty this season. And the Madrid fans, after much anticipation, have responded. The new red shirt, the second kit in the Champions League, is liked by the fans.

Real Madrid fan with the red shirt

The first day of sale was a success. The Bernabeu Stadium Shop registered, all day, much more movement than usual. The trickle of people to get with the new shirt was continuous. "For weeks people wondering when we would put it on sale. They really wanted to buy", recognized a store clerk. The price, 75 euros. On the shelves, the most popular shirts (Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso and Özil). The rest of the names are screen printed at the time. The demand was such that, in just two hours, the red pants (less in stock) were sold out.

"It is original, different", coincided almost all fans. "It will be the shirt of the Tenth. We will be lucky", was the phrase most often repeated. Eduardo, a veteran white supporter, was delighted: "I ​​like it. With it, we back to the seventies". In the same way, Alfonso said: "In my earliest memories I saw Real Madrid play in Kiev with the red shirt". Not everyone was satisfied, "It breaks with the tradition", said Jose. But he added: "I hope to help us win the Champions League". That is the wish of all white fans. Now, also reds.

UEFA could punish Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is haunted by the problems. The Portugal international player finished the Champions League match against Dynamo Zagreb lame after his right ankle was stitched into the locker room. The Real Madrid player ended up very angry and after the match did not hesitate to criticize the match's referee. That fact could be punished by the UEFA.

Less than a month ago, Arsene Wenger was suspended two matches by a statement similar to the Cristiano Ronaldo made ​​this Wednesday night in Zagreb: "It is important to have a good start in the Champions League. We are very happy with three points we took, but I am not so satisfied with the refereeing. I hope we never have this referee again. People talk of fair-play, of protecting good players, but I never get any of that. I don't understand a thing. I'm sad because I hear referees saying they will protect skilful players, but while some are untouchable it seems I can be mauled".

Furthermore, when was asked about the continuous whistles and insults suffered during the match, tried to explain: "I guess they boo me for being rich, handsome, being a great player... People are jealous of me. There is no other explanation".

Cristiano Ronaldo with the Real Madrid red shirt