Ramos: "It was essential to take three points here"

"Our opponent tonight pushed on, especially in the second half, and the match leaves a very good aftertaste"

Second team captain Sergio Ramos was satisfied with the victory against Real Sociedad.

"This is the type of game you remember at the end of the season as one in which taking the three points was essential. We're very happy. Real Sociedad are a complicated opponent and they always make things difficult for us at Anoeta."

"We won't always win with the large leads of our latest games. Our opponent tonight pushed on, especially in the second half, and the match leaves a very good aftertaste."

"Griezmann challenged me late. I touched the ball first and, thank God, I lifted my leg. I could have suffered a serious injury had I not."

"I'm very happy, just like I was a few months ago when I played as a right back. I'm gradually playing my best and I'll always be ready regardless of my position."

Xabi Alonso: "We found it somewhat hard, but we gave a good performance overall"

Arbeloa: "It's important to know how to win the way we won tonight"

Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa shared their thoughts on the match against Real Sociedad with the media.

Alonso
"The match was open despite the fact we didn't have too much trouble. We found it somewhat difficult, but we gave a good performance overall. Real Sociedad pressurised more, especially in the second half, and we failed to score a second strike that would have allowed us to be calmer."

"We're having a positive run and laying solid groundwork. We want everyhting to work and to dominate our games. I'm happy with the way we're playing."

Arbeloa
"You have to know how to suffer. This is a complicated venue and teams find it very hard to win here. We weren't as effective as in previous matches because Real Sociedad defended fierceley with five defenders, but we did a good job. It's important to know how to win the way we won tonight."
"Our objective is always to win no matter the effort. We had to give our all today. We're happy in the dressing room because the team is working well. There were changes to the lineup tonight that went basically unnoticed."

Mourinho: "The magnitude of the victory deserved such a celebration"

"Our opponent, spurred by a great atmosphere, made things hard for us to the very last minute"

Jose Mourinho was happy with his side's 1-0 victory against Real Sociedad at Anoeta Stadium.

"The magnitude of the victory deserved such a celebration. Our opponent, spurred by a great atmosphere, made things hard for us to the very last minute. We always controlled the game. We knew they were strong both physically and psychologically, and that they have a large squad that could bring changes to the game. We knew it wouldn't be easy in the last minutes. We managed to play united despite our exhaustion."

"This is nearly the fifth game we play every three days or so, which has deprived some of my men of their physical and mental freshness. My men lost some quality and danger after half-time, but we gained in collective efforts and psychological strength. We handled the score very well. Last year we suffered in the final minutes and we didn't control them too well this time around."
"It was tough because we faced a quality opponent. I made four changes to my lineup and I'm happy about it. The four of them deserved to play today, but I'm happy because the others brought things to the team. My men are having a good response and the squad is strong. We've just finished a difficult month and we have yet to play two more games before my men go around the world to play friendlies with their national teams."

"Throughout my career away games have always been tough. I like to win when my team controls a game both technically and mentally."

"Higuain played very well last year and he is simply fantastic this season. I'll never tire of saying we have two very good centre forwards who are in good form. I'm satisfield because they both perform well and for the team. We're tired but happy."

Real Madrid always win when Kaka scores

This is Kaka's third season as a Madridista and he's already tallied 20 goals in 65 official apperances. Real Madrid have won all of the 17 games in which he's scored (15 in La Liga, 2 in the Champions League).

The Brazilian's first goal for the team was, coincidentally, against Villarreal back in the 2009/10 campaign. The Whites won 2-0 at El Madrigal. The midfielder has scored 5 of his 20 strikes as a Madridista against the eastern side, turning them into his favourite victim.

In those 17 games, Kaka has scored three braces. The first was against Villarreal at the Bernabeu in Week 23 of he 2009/10 season (6-2). It was followed by those against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames (3-0) and Valencia at Mestalla (6-3) in Weeks 31 and 33 of the 2010/11 campaign. This season, Kaka has scored against Zaragoza (6-0), Betis (4-1), Ajax (3-0) and Villarreal (3-0).

GAMES IN WHICH KAKA HAS SCORED
Season	Championship	Match	Kaka goals
2009/10	La Liga	Villarreal 0-2 Real Madrid	1
2009/10	La Liga	Real Madrid 3-0 Tenerife	1
2009/10	UCL	Real Madrid 3-0  Marsella	1
2009/10	La Liga	Atlético de Madrid 2-3 Real Madrid	1
2009/10	La Liga	Real Madrid 3-0 Espanyol	1
2009/10	La Liga	Real Madrid 6-2 Villarreal	2
2009/10	La Liga	Tenerife 1-5 Real Madrid	1
2009/10	La Liga	Zaragoza 1-2 Real Madrid	1
2010/11	La Liga	Real Madrid 4-2 Villarreal	1
2010/11	La Liga	Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad	1
2010/11	La Liga	Athletic 0-3 Real Madrid	2
2010/11	La Liga	Valencia 3-6 Real Madrid	2
2010/11	La Liga	Sevilla 2-6 Real Madrid	1
2011/12	La Liga	Zaragoza 0-6 Real Madrid	1
2011/12	La Liga	Real Madrid 4-1 Betis	1
2011/12	UCL	Real Madrid 3-0 Ajax	1
2011/12	La Liga	Real Madrid 3-0 Villarreal	1

Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid

Real Madrid earned a sixth straight win in La Liga thanks to a goal by Higuain. The great football showcased by Mourinho's team of late scared Real Sociedad, who built a wall around their goal to avoid a pour. Real Madrid had a chance to score three goals before half-time, but they were merciful. The locals were more aggressive in the second half, but the Whites stood their ground and took three points at Anoeta.

Four new faces made Mourinho's lineup: Higuain, Ozil, Lass and Coentrao. Real Sociedad defended fiercely and centre forward Vela was their only creative man in attack. The Whites didn't mind and took possession of the ball, playing in the locals' half of the pitch. Nine minutes into the game, Coentrao served a sensational pass to the box and Higuain sent the ball into goal with a slight touch as Bravo desperately tried to clear it.

The locals continued to play defensively. Casillas didn't intervene in the entire first half, while Bravo was forced to save his team at least two or three times. The Chilean goalkeeper cleared an amazing shot from Di Maria from inside the box on the 40-minute mark.

After half-time, Real Sociedad showcased a more aggressive style and pressurised closer to attack. Mourinho's men lost control of the game, but they never suffered. The manager looked for solutions, making Kaka come on for Ozil (63') and Khedira for Lass (68').

Griezmann took the pitch and put Casillas to the test with a powerful shot from outside the box. The Real Madrid captain strained himself to clear it and sent the ball to corner. It must be said the French player should have seen a red card for a very late challenge on Ramos, but the referee incomprehensibly only showed him a yellow card. The match went crazy from then on as Real Sociedad looked for an equaliser and the Madridistas tried to sentence the game.

Di Maria crossed the ball into the area on the 73-minute mark, but both Cristiano and Ramos failed to reach it, leaving it to pass by Bravo. Benzema came on for Higuain (81') while the locals continued to put a lot of pressure on the Whites. But Real Madrid withstood it and managed to stop their onslaughts with the extraordinary physical and tactical work done by Ramos and Pepe.

Real Madrid have had a perfect run in October, winning all their clashes. They showcased pride and hard work against Real Sociedad. They must now focus on their Champions League game against Olympique Lyonnais, in which a victory would give them a ticket to the Last 16.

Higuain returned to the starting lineup and scored the only goal in the match; the Argentine joins Cristiano Ronaldo as the team's top scorer in La Liga with 10 strikes

Real Madrid players having fun at Audi event

Karanka: "We work in order to be the best and we must keep it up"

Assistant coach Aitor Karanka expressed his satisfaction for Real Madrid's victory over Villarreal in the press conference that took place after the match.

Real Madrid 3-0 Villareal

Thirty minutes of splendid football and great goals from Benzema, Kaka and Di Maria knock-out Villarreal

Real Madrid scare their opponents. They step onto the pitch looking to seal matches from the very beginning. Mourinho's men asphyxiate rivals. Villarreal suffered Malaga's fate tonight, conceding 2 goals in the opening ten minutes. Real Madrid have already tallied 31 strikes in nine games, and they've only conceded six.

Every player pressurised the opponent after kick-off. Villarreal were scared and couldn't believe their eyes. Benzemamade the starting lineup and led the team's attack. The French striker scored the opener by subtly defeating Diego Lopez after receiving a long pass from Di Maria (5'). Five minutes later, Kaka controlled the ball outside the box with his back to goal, dribbled past Borja Valero and sent a powerful shot to the back of Villarreal's net. Real were winning 2-0 and there were still 80 minutes left in the game.

The Whites played a slower game, but Villarreal still didn't pose a threat. Real cleared a corner-kick on the 30-minute mark and the ball landed at Kaka's feet. The Brazilian gave it to Marcelo, who in turn passed it to Benzema. The French striker then assisted Di Maria with a spectacular long pass and the Argentine netted the team's third strike. The crowd simply went wild.

Real Madrid continued to dominate after half-time albeit at a slower pace. Villarreal still failed to take advantage of this and didn't even get close to the Madridistas' box. Mourinho made Ozil come on for Di Maria in the 69th minute. Villarreal had more possession but still failed to pose a threat on Casillas' goal. The locals simply waited to steal the ball and surprise Diego Lopez in a counterattack. 

Benzema received a standing ovation when he came off for Higuain on the 74-minute mark and the crowd extended it for the Argentine striker. Arbeloa had a chance to score five minutes later, but Lopez managed to clear his shot. Moments later, Alonso was replaced by Coentrao, who also received a standing ovation.

In the end, Real just needed a brilliant first half to earn their fifth consecutive victory in La Liga. They will look to seal a perfect run in October on Saturday against Real Sociedad in San Sebastian.

‎Cristiano Ronaldo: "What's important aren't my goals, but that the team wins"

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick against Malaga. It was his third in the present season and he's already tallied 10 goals in La Liga.

"I'm happy with my goals, but what's really important is that we win with or without my goals. I don't worry when I don't score, only when we don't win."

"We gave a fantastic performance; the first half probably had the best minutes we've played this season. My celebration with Marcelo was due to Brazilian music we both like."

Real Madrid 4-0 Malaga!

A first-half hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo helped Real Madrid to an easy 4-0 La Liga win over Malaga at Estadio La Rosaleda.

The title hopefuls opened the scoring on 11 minutes through Gonzalo Higuain’s ninth Liga goal of the season before Ronaldo – criticised for his recent form – gobbled up three goals in 15 minutes to put the visitors 4-0 up at the break.

Malaga were more competitive in the second period but could not pull a goal back, with Real comfortably closing out a win that keeps them hot on Barcelona’s heels.

Coming off the back of a confidence-sapping 3-0 defeat at Liga surprise package Levante, former Real boss Manuel Pellegrini had a job to motivate his charges against the free-scoring Merengues.

He was not helped by the referee’s decision to ignore a penalty appeal when Joaquinappeared to be tripped by Sami Khedira, although Ronaldo had just been denied in a similar incident involving Jeremy Toulalan at the other end.

Real did not have long to wait before opening the scoring as a clever diagonal run by Higuain allowed him to spring a trap rendered useless by Ronaldo and Kaka coming back from offside positions before rounding stand-in keeper Ruben and sliding home the finish from an acute angle.

Angel Di Maria’s pass created that goal and he was involved again when Ronaldo doubled the lead 12 minutes later, drilling in a low finish after the Argentine’s excellent cross and celebrating with a bizarre hip-thrusting celebration to the distaste of the home supporters.

Real’s third goal five minutes later was mostly Ronaldo’s work as he weaved in and out of the hapless home defenders on the edge of the box before finding space to rifle home his second of the night.

That was followed by an audacious third from the Portuguese forward as he flicked the ball past Ruben after Sergio Ramos headed Di Maria’s corner across the face of goal.

The scoreline was not flattering to Real, who had chances to extend their lead before the break as Ronaldo put a free-kick wide; Malaga, meanwhile, belatedly creaked into action as Santiago Cazorla hit the side netting and Toulalan was denied by a smart stop from Iker Casillas.

With the match already won, Madrid sat back for the second half as Malaga tried to restore some pride.

They were unfortunate not to score too, a hatful of missed chances – from Cazorla twice, Eliseu and Salomon Rondon – meaning it was somehow still 4-0 heading into the final quarter.

Madrid did occasionally threaten on the counter as Higuain mistakenly shot wide when he had Ronaldo and Kaka free, but Malaga were piling it on – although to no avail in the end.

When it became apparent that there would be no miraculous fightback, Malaga lost interest and the latter stages drifted into a training-ground passing drill, although substitute Seba Fernandez rattled the woodwork with a savage half-volley.

Ronaldo went close to a fourth towards the end, his free-kick batted away by Ruben, while Casillas called into action in the dying seconds as he saved in quick succession from Diego Buonanotte and Fernandez.

No injury time was played as Malaga were put out of their misery, the Costa del Sol side sitting in sixth for now but set to drop a place or two after Sunday’s matches.

The entire Real Madrid squad received their new Audi cars on Thursday afternoon

The entire Real Madrid squad received their new Audi cars on Thursday afternoon in an event held at Madrid's Carlos Sainz Center. The event was preceded by a kart race and was attended by Real Madrid President Florentino Perez, Volkswagen Purchases Vice President Francisco Garcia Sanz. and Volkswagen Audi Spain President Ludger Fretzen.

The act started with an official photo. The players joked around before getting into a kart each for a race tournament. They went through two qualifying rounds to choose the ten best for a final race. Casillas, Ramos, Granero, Adan, Alonso, Arbeloa and Callejon raced first; it was then the turn of Ronaldo, Kaka, Pepe, Marcelo, Di Maria, Ozil, Benzema and Varane. The finalists were Granero, Marcelo, Benzema, Arbeloa, Callejon, Sergio Ramos, Di Maria, Pepe, Adan and Ozil. The race was won by Granero, followed by Benzema and Ramos.

Manuel Caballero, Audi Spain Director
"Audi is a European leader that works to achieve sales leadership worldwide, and Real Madrid fights to once again win titles it already has. We follow parallel roads and use the same methodology in our pursuit of success in sports and business."

Florentino Perez
"We have great hopes this season and I think we are doing a magnificent job in the sports arena."

Francisco Garcia Sanz
"I'm convinced we will be very successful together. I wish to express my best wishes for Real Madrid and I hope we can celebrate this event again next year with a guests of honour: trophies from the championships we participate in."

Mourinho: "I respect Malaga; the club has things in common with Real Madrid"

Jose Mourinho addressed the media the day prior to the match against Malaga at La Rosaleda.

"Malaga made a lot of signings and a great investment. Their objectives are clear and their quality as a team has increased. Their goal last year was to avoid relegation and they fight for something else this season. I'm very calm. I'd like to avoid losing tomorrow if possible. I expect and wish Malaga to achieve their goals for the season, such as playing in the Champions League next year. I respect Malaga. It is a club with things in common with Real Madrid, such as Juantio and Hierro. The fans of both clubs get along well with each other."

"Playing in Malaga is the same as playing in Seville or Valencia. I don't think Fabio Coentrao will be ready to play. We didn't recover any injured players after our match with Olympique Lyonnais and we lost Fabio."

"I've always said Cristiano Ronaldo is not a selfish player. I've also said it is impossible to change his DNA and that I don't wish to do so. I'm happy because practically all my forwards are scoring goals. Higuain, Kaka, Ozil, Benzema... they're all scoring."

"Carvalho has another year on his contract. he signed a two year contract with Real Madrid with an option for a third. He'd play if he had to, but we have enough defenders and shouldn't force his return. Sergio Ramos is strong psychologically and his work as a centre back is spotless. Only one month ago he was performing under par and experiencing difficulties, but now he's great in every aspect of the game. He doesn't mind playing either as a right back or in the centre. That's very positive for us."

Can Madrid finally step out of Barcelona shadow?

There is little doubt that Jose Mourinho will still be hurting from last season’s Champions League semi-final defeat to Barcelona. He would love to be the manager who brings the biggest prize of all back to the Santiago Bernabéu. After starting with two wins from their opening two group matches against Dinamo Zagreb and Ajax then they will be favourites on Tuesday night to make that three wins from three against Lyon.

However under Rémi Garde then Lyon will prove no easy pushover for Madrid and have Champions League pedigree of their own with some strong performances in recent seasons. Real will take one huge step to towards the knock out stages should they win on Tuesday as that would take them to nine points and only one win away from another last sixteen spot. After having won the Champions League at Porto and Inter Milan then Mourinho has this competition in his blood and wants to win it again but Lyon were semi-finalists in 2009-2010 and they too have started the group stage relatively well with a 0-0 draw away to Ajax and a 2-0 win at home to Dinamo Zagreb.

Mourinho: "We're doing our job very well; that's why we have nine points"

Jose Mourinho shared his satisfaction with the team's performance in the press room.

Real Madrid swept aside Lyon, a third consecutive victory leaving them clear at the top of Champions League Group D.Goals by Karim Benzema, Sami Khedira, Mesut Ozil and Sergio Ramos made sure José Mourinho's side had a comfortable evening.

The France striker Benzema tapped in at the far post in the 19th minute to leave his former club on the rack as Madrid were utterly dominant at the Bernabéu.

The midfielder Khedira scored from Benzema's cross in the 47th minute and his fellow German Ozil bagged the third soon afterwards, the Lyon keeper Hugo Lloris helping the ball into his own net. Ramos also smashed in a volley near the end.

Lyon, who have four points from three games, showed little ambition and sat deep in their own half for most of the time. Cristiano Ronaldo glanced a corner towards the back post and Benzema slid in to score the opener as Real threatened to overwhelm the visitors.

Lyon's Bafetimbi Gomis had a goal ruled out for offside in the 28th minute but it was a rare attacking foray as the chances stacked up for Ronaldo and company.

Soon after the second-half restart Benzema broke away down the left and crossed low into the centre for Khedira to stroke in the second. Lloris then helped in Ozil's cross-cum-shot in the 55th.

Lyon seemed concerned about avoiding a heavy defeat towards the end as Real's in-form pair, Kaka and Gonzalo Higuaín, entered the fray. The French team's defence was static when Ramos won a header at a corner, waited for the ball to bounce and then volleyed in the fourth.

Marcelo: "It's difficult to score so many goals against a team like Olympique Lyonnais"

Marcelo and Di Maria shared their views on the game against Olympique Lyonnais in the mixed zone.

Marcelo
"All of us players help each other out and that helps us improve. It is difficult to score so many goals against a team like Olympique Lyonnais. We were compact in defence and pressurised in attack. Nevertheless, it was never easy."

"Mourinho is a great coach and you feel his presence on the pitch when he's on the bench. Cristiano Ronaldo is happy for the team. He always helps, even when he doesn't score."

Di Maria
"Lyonnais waited for us in defence and we kept possession and made good use of our chances to score. The team's level of performance never fails regardless of who's on the pitch. I like to play, we all do, but the coach decides. I do my best when I get a chance and try to convince him."

Real Madrid 4-0 Lyon

FT: Real Madrid C.F. 4-0 Olympique Lyonnais (18' Karim Benzema, 47' Sami Khedira, 45' Mesut Özil, 81' Sergio Ramos). ¡¡Hala Madrid!!

Casillas: "Our objective is improving on our last year's performance in the Champions League"

Iker Casillas spoke to the press ahead of Real Madrid's clash with Olympique Lyonnais tomorrow night at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium (20:45 CET).

"We made a great improvement last year by reaching the quarter-finals and then the semi-finals in the Champions League. Our record against Olympique Lyonnais is not in our favor but we managed to defeat them last year and also break the quarter-finals jinx. They change players every year but still qualify. They are a tough opponent and this is going to be a great match. Getting the six points out of both the home and away games will be very important for us". 

"The goalkeepers at Real Madrid feel safe thanks to our defenders. Our defense is extraordinary; we have both young and experienced players. Ramos has the talent and the physique; he does well as a right-back and also in the center of the defense like he showed with Spain in the World Cup in South Africa".

"Higuain is in a good shape. I've known him for a long time now and his objective is always to score goals. We are happy with the excellent run he is having at the moment, but also Benzema is scoring goals and assisting his teammates. It's good for the team that both of them are doing well".

On how the team is received by fans around the world: "I have no complaints, I've always been treated well both with the Los galacticos eight years ago and now it's the same. The fans are always close to the team". 

On being the best goalkeeper in the world: "Things come with hard work and ehtusiasim, but the rest of the team have also to help and support you. For the last three consecutive years, I've been chosen as the best goalkeeper in the world and we will work to win that title for the fourth consecutive year".

Training-17/10/11

Mourinho & Iker Casillas together before speaking to the media ahead of our clash against Lyon. All they are thinking about is winning the match! Hala Madrid!!

Preview- Madrid Vs Lyon

New Rivalry

In a match that has developed into a sort of European rivalry in recent times, Real Madrid welcome Ligue 1 outfit Lyon for midweek continental Champions League action. In good form following a string of decent results, Jose Mourinho and his men will want to come away with maximum points and consolidate their domination of Group D.

Following an impressive away win at Espanyol a fortnight ago, Real Madrid picked up right where they left with an equally eye-catching victory over visitors Real Betis at the weekend. Having scored a hat-trick of goals against the Catalan club and away on international duty with Argentina, club hitman Gonzalo Higuain was the star of the show yet again with another three goals against Madrid’s Andalucian guests, a feat that was welcomed by Mourinho himself, who dismissed the idea of a conundrum concerning his attack options. 

“[Karim] Benzema started the season very well and Higuain not so much because he missed pre-season, but now Higuain is back in form and it’s lucky for the team to have the two. I know that many people will say that to have two strikers in good shape is a problem, but I think anything but that. The problem is to have only one or none", explained the former Inter boss.

With Madrid grabbing good results, it will be hard for them to throw this game away. However, Lyon have proven to be their “black beast” in the past, beating them on several occasions in the 2006, 2007 and 2010 editions of the competition. Los Merengues will have to be extra careful approaching this one.


Getting Back on the Saddle

Seven consecutive league titles spanning from 2002 to 2009 established Lyon as the best French side of the first ten years of the new millennium. Since then however, Les Gones have lost their spot to the likes of Bordeaux, Marseille and Lille. Remi Garde’s team are not showing any signs of surrender though, and a win against Madrid at the Bernabeu would skyrocket their morale. After all, they are no strangers to victory at the White Castle, having won there on previous recent occasions.

Second-placed behind their opponents and just three points off Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain, Lyon are in good shape. The return from injury of key men Yoann Gourcuff and club captain Cris will undoubtedly strengthen the side. Particularly, the 34-year-old stopper stepped on the pitch against Nancy after time on the sidelines, and will be keen to add his extra value to the team.

“I’m coming back with a huge desire to play. It’s difficult to go two months without playing”, commented the Brazilian. In his absence, the team has forged an admirable centre-half pairing of Dejan Lovren and Bakary Kone. Yet against a team of Real Madrid’s magnitude, Garde might go with experience ahead of form and start Cris in the centre of defence.

Lyon are aware that Mourinho’s Madrid are improving by the game, yet a win for the French is not an impossible task by any means. Still impervious at the Santiago Bernabeu this season, Les Gones will need to come up with something special however.
Recent form

Real Madrid:
Real Madrid 3-0 Ajax Amsterdam (27/09; Champions League)
Espanyol 0-4 Real Madrid 
(02/10; La Liga)
Real Madrid 4-1 Real Betis 
(15/10; La Liga)

Lyon:
Lyon 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb 
(27/09; Champions League)
Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 Lyon (02/10; Ligue 1)
Lyon 3-1 AS Nancy-Lorraine (15/10; Ligue 1)

Key absences

Real Madrid: Ricardo Carvalho (doubt); Nuri Sahin (doubt); Sami Khedira (doubt)

Lyon: Lisandro Lopez (doubt); Clement Grenier


Players to watch

Real Madrid – Gonzalo Higuain: The France-born striker is a hot commodity at the Bernabeu now, finding goals galore easy to come by. His record against Lyon remains a poor one, and he will have to answer a few critics come the occasion. Also, Karim Benzema meets his former side in an emotional game, and should Higuain fail to show up, he will be eager to pounce.

Lyon – Yoann Gourcuff: The former AC Milan playmaker is back after a spell on the sidelines. Gourcuff’s presence in the centre of the park will be a breath of fresh air for the team as they play this hard fixture away from home. Hugo Lloris is another man who has excelled whenever the two met, and the goalkeeper will make sure to keep Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuain and Kaka at bay.
Last time the two met it ended 1-1... on the 22nd February, 2011.