Tag Archives: Madrid

Mourinho magic to inspire Madrid

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Two-time winner of the competition, Jose Mourinho, has the know-how to help nine-time European winners Real Madrid overturn a 2-1 Champions League semi-final first-leg defeat by Bayern Munich in the return tie at the Santiago Bernabeu (Real 8/15, draw 10/3, Bayern 5/1 – Match Betting) on Wednesday.

There are few better at coping with this kind of pressure than the former Internazionale and Chelsea manager and games don’t come much bigger in club football than Wednesday’s encounter in the Spanish capital.

Real find themselves a goal down after the first leg in Munich but have what could well be the all-important away gaol already in the bag ahead of the return leg.

Mourinho’s men look like they will be crowned La Liga champions this season, after a gutsy performance against Barcelona at  Camp Nou last weekend.

That will have given the Real squad plenty of confidence going into their clash with Bayern, as their smash-and-grab, counter-attacking performance in Catalonia was perfect considering the free passing opposition.

Once again it was that man Cristiano Ronaldo (5/2 first goalscorer) who bagged the winner against Barca and he is someone Bayern will be fully aware of but the question is will they be able to stop the former Manchester United star again?

The Bundesliga outfit managed to keep the Portuguese international off the scoresheet at the Allianz Arena in the first leg and they will be desperate to do the same again but it will be difficult, considering his presence in the air and his ability to shoot off both feet.

Bayern (7/2 Champions League outright) looked like a real threat on home turf and the duo of Frank Ribery and Mario Gomez got themselves a goal each in an impressive 2-1 win in Bavaria.

The big question will be how Munich head coach Jupp Heynckes looks to approach this game considering his team’s slender lead after the first leg?

Striker Gomez (6/1 first goalscorer) has insisted Bayern will be looking to attack and if they were to get the first goal at the Bernabeu it would be a real hammers blow for the Spanish giants.

Sitting back is not really an option for Munich, as Real with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Karim Benzema and Ronaldo will just pile on the pressure and over 90 minutes, you would expect a Bundesliga side to concede at least one goal, especially against a side with quality of Mourinho’s men.

Bayern have a very slim chance of claiming their domestic title this season and so all their focus will be on getting a result in Madrid and securing a place in the final of the competition at their very own ground.

However that away goal from Ozil in the first leg may come back to haunt them and it would not be surprising to see Real (5/2 Champions League outright) produce another smash and grab performance, to edge themselves through to the showpiece event of the European club season.

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Madrid ready for Munich test

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No teams have reached the semi-finals of the European Cup more than Bayern Munich and Real Madrid and now these two giants are set to go head to head in the first of their last-four showdowns on Tuesday night (Bayern 13/8, draw 12/5, Real Madrid 17/10 – 90 minutes).

Bundesliga giants Bayern have reached the last four of this competition 14 times and have only been bettered by their upcoming opponents at the Allianz Arena, with Real playing in an astonishing 23 semi-finals in this tournament.

So this stage of the Champions League is nothing new for these European powerhouses and games in this competition don’t get much bigger than this.

Having lost to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga this month, Bayern are all but out of the race for their domestic title, which will give them the freedom to focus on getting past Madrid over the next couple of weeks.

That’s clearly the mindset of the Bavarian outfit, who decided to rest key players in the form of Mario Gomez, Toni Kroos and Frank Ribery for their last Bundesliga outing.

Gomez (9/2 first goalscorer) is a key figure in the Bayern side and he will certainly be causing the likes of Pepe and Sergio Ramos in the Real defence problems.

With the likes of Ribery, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Arjen Robben all capable of a bit of magic in the middle of the park, it should be an intruding battle in the midfield.

Real find themselves just four points clear of rivals Barcelona in La Liga, having held a 10 point lead over the Catalan outfit earlier in the campaign.

Manager Jose Mourinho has to battle on a couple of fronts and he will have some concerns about Barca closing the gap in league, going into this all-important Champions League encounter.

It would be impossible to do a preview on this game without mentioning Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo (7/2 first goalscorer) who has already notched up an astonishing 41 goals in La Liga this season.

The 27-year-old has added eight goals in as many games in the Champions League this term to that tally and the former Manchester United star will certainly have the focus on him on Tuesday night.

With Angel Di Maria returning to fitness and Karim Benzema getting back into some decent form, Real certainly have threats all over the pitch.

Neither side particularly has the tightest of defences so expect goals in this semi-final clash at the Allianz Arena.

These two giants are fairly evenly matched and a draw with a number goals is not beyond the realm of possibility.

A 2-2 (12/1 correct score) draw would put Madrid in a strong position, with away goals potentially making a huge difference, in what are set to be two thrilling legs of Champions League football.

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Madrid to topple Army Men

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Counter-attacking powerhouses Napoli can end Chelsea’s Champions League dream – and Real Madrid can remove any doubt about their European credentials by booking a place in the quarter-finals at the expense of CSKA Moscow (Champions League – totesport).

Chelsea v Napoli

To chase down a two-goal deficit against ordinary opposition would perhaps not be beyond the realms of possibility for Chelsea but against counter-attacking kings Napoli the task is made that bit harder.

Add into the mix the fact that the west Londoners have no wins in their last five Champions League home knockout games – and confirmation that the Serie A side have scored in every European game this season – and the mission to overturn a 3-1 first-leg defeat becomes nigh-on impossible.

Cast your mind back to February 21 and Andre Villas-Boas signalled the end of the end of his tenure when he made the brave – but regrettable – decision to relegate the likes of Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Fernando Torres, Michael Essien to the bench in Naples.

Napoli took full advantage and goals from Ezequiel Lavezzi, two, and principal striker Edinson Cavani, added more weight to the young Portuguese coach’s shoulders. He would last just two more games.

Roberto Di Matteo has since masterminded two wins, both involving clean sheets, but the fact that Chelsea have to chase this game surely plays into Napoli’s hands.

The Italians have lost only four of the 13 Uefa competition ties in which they were victorious in the first leg at home and Walter Mazzarri has enough firepower at his disposal to pick Chelsea off.

Lavezzi (15/8 anytime scorer), Cavani (13/8 anytime scorer) and Hamsik (11/4 anytime scorer), who has just agreed a one-year contract extension, have all got goals in them and the excellent Gokhan Inler should provide the platform for his more attack-minded team-mates.

Recommendation: Napoli @ 10/3 (90 minutes)

Real Madrid v CSKA Moscow

At a prohibitive 1/8 (draw 8/1 CSKA Moscow 20/1 – 90 minutes), Real Madrid are not expected to encounter too many obstacles, booking a place in the last eight of Europe’s marquee club competition at the expense of CSKA Moscow.

Spain’s capital club won all six group games and were on course to collect a seventh before Pontus Wernbloom on debut levelled with the last kick of the game in Moscow to end the first leg 1-1.

Only Barcelona, twice, have emerged from the Santiago Bernabeu with wins this season and Jose Mourinho’s men have been averaging four goals in front of the Madridistas.

CSKA should not be dismissed lightly and the first-leg stalemate stretched the Russian side’s unbeaten record against Spanish sides to six games, home and away. At this stage two years ago the Army Men also put out another La Liga team, Sevilla FC.

However, Madrid have lost just one of the nine home fixtures against Russian opponents, going down 3-1 to FC Spartak Moscow in the 1990/91 European Champion Clubs’ Cup quarter-finals.

It may play to look elsewhere in terms of value about a Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 32 goals in all competitions so far this season, will relish top billing on the European stage.

Recommendation: The Portugal superstar is priced at 15/8 (first and last goalscorer) and can also be backed at 5/1 for a hat-trick.

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Madrid to start 2012 with success

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After the traditional winter break, Spanish football saw one of the most remarkable comebacks of the season on Tuesday as Real Madrid recovered from 2-0 down to take a 3-2 Copa Del Rey victory over Malaga. Jose Mourinho and his side now turn their attention to the league with their first La Liga fixture of the year on Saturday at home to minnows Granada (Real Madrid 1/14, draw 9/1, Granada 25/1).

Mourinho once again showed his ruthless streak in the Malaga match, making all three of his substitutions at half-time and the players he introduced all made a big difference. You can expect that trio of Benzema, Ozil and Khedira to be recalled to the starting XI at the weekend.

Of these three, Benzema (2/3 to score at anytime) will have the biggest point to prove as he continues to cement his place in the side ahead of Argentine Gonzalo Higuain. After a difficult first two seasons in Spain, where he struggled to adapt both on and off the pitch, Benzema is now one of the world’s premier strikers and has led the line with aplomb this term, scoring 14 goals in all competitions. Its pretty hard not to see him adding to his tally on Saturday and he’ll be looking for a big performance at the Bernabeu to help his side get 2012 off to the perfect start in the league.

Granada will be heading to the capital with little hope of winning and will view the match as a ‘damage limitation’ exercise. Fabri Gonzalez’s side have done well since their promotion and hold one of the best defensive records in the league. This has helped them rise to 13th in the league but it is at the other end of the pitch where they have struggled and they’re currently the lowest scorers in the competition.

However, they will certainly not lie down, especially after Madrid’s poor defensive display in the cup, and will look at Ikechukwu Uche (13/2 to score at anytime) as their best chance of breaking the Madrid rearguard. Uche is a well-travelled striker, having previously played for a number of top flight clubs in the last few seasons where he has always managed to find the net. The Nigerian has only scored once this season but has a habit of popping up with crucial goals and could find himself on the scoresheet.

However, Madrid should win this game and will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table ahead of Barcelona’s match on Sunday. All their stars will be looking to make an impact as they look to get their 2012 campaigns off to a good start so expect a comfortable Madrid win (Madrid 11/1 to win 6-1).

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Madrid hold upper hand

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The El Clasico showdown is regarded by many to be the best club football match on the globe, and this season it is Real Madrid who are on fire while Barcelona are more vulnerable than in recent years (Madrid 7/5, draw 13/5, Barcelona 7/4 – Match Betting).

Real currently hold the upper hand in La Liga and sit top of the table with a three-point advantage over their rivals. With 10 wins in their last 10 league matches – 15 games unbeaten in all competitions – confidence will be flowing through their veins as they look to increase the gap over Barca.

A win for Barcelona would get them back into the title race before they board a plane to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan, but what makes life tough for them is the fact they need to defeat Real at a time when they look unbeatable.

Pep Guardiola’s side can boast an impressive recent record themselves as, either side of their shock loss to Getafe, they have won six matches in which they conceded only two goals and scored 21 themselves.

Barcelona fans will also pay close attention to their manager’s record against Madrid, with Guardiola boasting five wins, one draw and no defeats in his six El Clasico league games as boss. The record at the Bernabeu is two wins and one draw, with an average of 2.6 goals per game.

But this season is different to recent years as Barcelona have struggled on the road. Just two wins in six games is below their usual high standards, while they have failed to keep a clean sheet in six of their 11 away fixtures in all competitions.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have both scored an impressive 17 league goals this season already and seem the obvious two options for first goalscorer (Ronaldo 10/3, Messi 7/2 – First Goalscorer), while Cesc Fabregas (7/1) has weighed in with seven league goals himself and, given the fact he practically plays as a striker in all but name in this Barca team, he could find himself in the right place at the right time.

Madrid could benefit from the fact Jose Mourinho managed to rest a lot of his star players for their Champions League game in midweek, and the biggest decision for ‘The Special One’ is whether to choose Karim Benzema or Gonzalo Higuain in attack.

Barcelona have switched between 4-3-3 and 3-4-3 formations this season but don’t be surprised if Guardiola opts for caution against a Madrid side that are capable of scoring goals at will. That means Javier Mascherano could be at centre-half and the midfielder’s lack of pace will then be targeted by the men in white (Real Madrid 2-0 – 10/1).

For the last few years Barcelona have been considered the best team in the world, but this game will be a huge test of their credentials as Madrid are playing like a team possessed at this point in time.

This weekend’s game could signal a dramatic momentum shift in Spanish football.

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Inter’s José Mourinho to Real Madrid

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José Mourinho manager Real MadridAlthough it has not been made official yet, it is no secret that José Mourinho will be managing Real Madrid next season in what can only be bad news for Barcelona as Mourinho has developed a taste for victory over the Catalan side.

‘The Special One’ has already issued a harsh warning to los Galacticos by saying that there are no stars in his team and adding that he envisions a deal to be completed after meeting officials in Madrid.

Mourinho told a Portuguese television station that Jorge Mendes, his agent, has met with Madrid representatives and as a result a deal is almost certain but added that he wants to meet with the representatives from Madrid first so as to get a full understanding of the role.

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It is rumoured that Mourinho will join Madrid on a four year deal worth €10 million per season.

“I want to meet people, know exactly what they want from me and the conditions, not the structures, because these I already know, to avoid any doubts when I begin my work. I think all will be consummated.”

“The stars now are Inter, they are the European champions. My message to the players of Real Madrid, if I train them, is that they are not stars, the star is not the coach, the star is the team. If they all accept this like when I was at Porto, Chelsea or Inter, the victories will come.”

Mourinho, who led Inter to glory in the Champions League on Saturday night, said that there are a number of reasons for taking over the role.

“It will be a huge challenge to contest the League against Barcelona. They are a great team and have proved it by almost reaching 100 points. Trying to win the Champions League is an incentive as they have not won it in eight years,” he added.

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“It’s an incentive because everyone says it’s a lost cause because my profile doesn’t fit Real Madrid or the club does not have the profile that I think a club must have.”

One thing is for sure though, Madrid will hand Mourinho a massive cheque book and Mourinho will spend it. Expect next season’s La Liga title race to be another fascinating battle between two of Europe’s elite clubs.

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Jose Mourinho to Quit? “My only options are Madrid or Inter”

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jose mourinho 210x300 Jose Mourinho to Quit? My only options are Madrid or Inter Jose Mourinho has admitted that the only two options for him this summer are to stay at Inter or make the switch to Real Madrid.

Mourinho has not officially been contacted by Madrid but the Portuguese has fuelled speculation after telling the Italian press, “I want to coach Real 100 per cent. If it is next year or later, I can’t say.

“All I say is that if you are a coach or a great player, to not play in a club like Madrid leaves a hole in your career.”

Mourinho has established himself as one of the world’s most prestigious managers, winning titles in Portugal, England and Italy – so far.

The former Chelsea boss is always looking for a new challenge and that, combined with his fiery relationship with the Italian media, could lead to an exit from the Milan side.

Mourinho has publically commented on the fact that he and his family don’t feel at home in Italy and has blasted the Italian FA for making him what he describes as a hate figure.

A move to the Spanish capital would certainly provide Mourinho with a fresh start and what would surely be his biggest managerial challenge to date.

Current Real coach Manuel Pellegrini and his side amassed 96 points in the league this season and were only beaten to the title by a rampant Barcelona side on the final day.

So, if Mourinho does make the switch, he can expect enormous pressure to win both La Liga and the Champions League in his first season – most Real Madrid managers don’t get two.

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Copa Del Rey Final: Atletico Madrid v Sevilla Too Close To Call

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Copa del Rey copa 300x187 Copa Del Rey Final: Atletico Madrid v Sevilla Too Close To CallThe curtain falls on the Spanish domestic season tonight with the encounter between Atletico Madrid and Sevilla in the Copa Del Rey Final.

This game could easily go all the way and end up being decided on penalties such is the closeness of each side’s abilities. The draw is available at 3.25, with the inform goal machine Diego Forlan going at 6.00 to score the first goal at PartyBets.com.

Chance to silence sceptics

Both sides have performed inconsistently throughout the 2009/10 season but both managed to salvage their season’s right at the end. Atletico Madrid enjoyed Europa League success with a 2-1 win after extra time against a determined Fulham side in Hamburg, whereas Sevilla came out on top of an epic tussle with plucky Real Mallorca in a fight for fourth place and Champions League football next season. Both sides now have the chance to turn their season into a truly memorable one.

Sevilla (2.60) finished five places higher than Atletico (2.60) in the final league standings and go into the final as slight favourites. However, Sevilla coach Antonio Alvarez has stated that the two sides will be evenly poised at Camp Nou.

“I do not like to go in as favourites. That can stir up the pride of the opposition. We come with a 50 per cent chance. It is you [the media] who have to say those things, we respect Atletico Madrid a lot,” he said at a press conference.

Advantage Sevilla

Sevilla managed to find some winning form in the run-in, winning six and losing three matches of their last nine. Atletico on the other hand have already proven this season they can win cup competitions and produce the goods in the games that really matter.

These two sides played each other twice this season with Atletico winning their home match 2-1 and Sevilla winning 3-1 at home as well.

You Can Bet On This Outcome: Atletico Madrid v Sevilla

The team news for Sevilla is that Brazilian forward Luis Fabiano is injured and will play no part in the Final. Fernando Navarro will be missing from the weakened defence and Avero Negredo is suspended.

Atletico face no major injury worries and welcome back their star players who were given a rest at the weekend.

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Can Real Madrid take Barcelona to La Liga wire?

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ChrisLa Liga 300x150 Can Real Madrid take Barcelona to La Liga wire? went some way to repaying the huge transfer fee Real Madrid payed for him in the summer with a dazzling display against a very decent Real Mallorca side.

Ronaldo (2.75 to score first) claimed a hat-trick in a 4-1 win for los Blancos on Wednesday night – which keeps the pressure on Barcelona in the title race.

Both sides will be playing at 8pm on Saturday night with Madrid playing at home against Athletic Blibao – a side they lost to earlier in the season.
Bilbao are chasing a place in next season’s Europa League as they currently sit in 8th place just two points behind Getafe in 6th position. However, they are on a dismal run of form and have not won in nearly a month.

Their away record is pretty poor too with only 4 wins on the road all season – compare that with Real Madrid’s fine home record of 17 wins and just 1 loss, Bilbao haven’t got a chance.

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Real Madrid will be hoping Champions League place chasing Sevilla can do them a favour by taking points of Barcelona as we play out the final two games each of the La Liga season.

Both Barcelona and Real Madrid have already exceeded the 90 points mark – an amount which would be enough to win La Liga in previous seasons. Whoever loses out now will be bitterly disappointed to say the least – but it is in Barcelona’s hands.

Sevilla though will not be in a charitable mood, they know defeat to Barcelona opens the door for Mallorca to slip back into the coveted 4th place – and with a 5-1 win away to Santander on Wednesday night showing what Sevilla are capable of, Barcelona might be worried.

The two sides have gone head-to-head four time in the last 12 months with Barca winning 3 and losing 1, there last meeting was a comprehensive 4-0 win for Messi and co at the Nou Camp.

  • Barcelona will have enough in their locker to stay on path to win this season’s La Liga so back a 2-0 in for Guardiola’s men at 6.50 with Partybets.com.

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Real Madrid Face La Liga Challange at Mallorca

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Ronaldo Kaka Real Madrid 300x218 Real Madrid Face La Liga Challange at Mallorca It took a goal in the 89th minute on Sunday night from Ronaldo to edge Real Madrid past an Osasuna side they were expected to beat comfortably. After that scare the trip to Mallorca is now looking an even more difficult obstacle in the way of los Blanco’s La Liga quest.

Mallorca have enjoyed a stunning campaign so far this season. They were tipped to be battling relegation at this point in the season, but currently remain in contention for a Champions League place as they continue to hold onto fourth spot with only three rounds of fixtures remaining.

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Mallorca’s success has been built on a solid home form, which has seen them win 14 out of their 17 previous matches at the ONO Estadi. Only Sevilla, Villarreal and Barcelona have left Mallorca empty handed this season, and Real Madrid will not take anything for granted as they prepare for what could be the toughest remaining fixture of their season.

Mallorca seem to have hit a rich vein of form in the run up to the conclusion of the season, which is worrying news for Real Madrid.

You can bet on this match: Mallorca v Real Madrid

After Sunday’s result there is the feeling that nothing can stop los Blancos from keeping the pressure on Barcelona until the season is finally over. Mallorca might be at the top of their game, but Madrid are a mission.

It seems Mallorca only relinquish any points at home to the big boys, so Real Madrid should be leaving with all three points and pressure re-applied on Barca in the title race. With no significant injuries for Madrid to worry about, an assured performance should see an away win for the Galacticos.

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