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Tag: Real Madrid

  • Ancelotti refuse reign elsewhere but Real Madrid out of ‘respect’ for his team

    Ancelotti refuse reign elsewhere but Real Madrid out of ‘respect’ for his team

    In “respect” for the La Liga team, Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti is unlikely to weigh in on rumours of a move to Chelsea or Brazil while he is still in that position.

    Even though the Italian’s contract with Real Madrid still has one year left, in recent weeks, he has been mentioned as a possible option to fill open positions with the Blues and the Selecao.

    This week’s Champions League matchup pits Ancelotti against Chelsea, the team he previously spent two years with and helped win the Premier League and FA Cup double in 2009–10.

    But ahead of his quarter-final reunion, he has adamantly played down speculation of an exit from Santiago Bernabeu to take up the reins elsewhere.

    “There’s a nice saying which is just right,” he told Radio Rai 1. “[It is] the wind carries away the chatter.

    “That is it. I have a contract until June 30, 2024, and I would like to respect it.”

    Ancelotti returned to Madrid in 2021 and guided the club to LaLiga glory in his first season, completing a clean sweep of all five major European league titles in his career.

    The defence of an additional Champions League triumph has become the club’s main aim this season amid a widening domestic battle to catch Barcelona.

    Chelsea are searching for a permanent successor to Graham Potter, having turned to another former boss in Frank Lampard to guide them through the end of the season.

    Brazil, meanwhile, are yet to name Tite’s replacement following a disappointing quarter-final exit at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, with under-20 coach Ramon Menezes in charge on a temporary basis.

  • Mourinho hits some stray bullets at rivals, questions Juve’s points

    Mourinho hits some stray bullets at rivals, questions Juve’s points

    Following Saturday’s vital 1-0 victory for his Roma team at Torino, Jose Mourinho could not help but take a shot at Serie A rivals Juventus.

    When Milan and Inter drew on Friday, Paulo Dybala’s eighth-minute penalty gave the Giallorossi all the points they needed to move into third place.

    Juve’s 2-1 loss at Lazio left the Bianconeri with 44 points, nine fewer than Mourinho’s team, but the former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager is not sure that will still be the case.

    The appeal Juve lodged against their 15-point penalty for transfer fee irregularities will be heard on April 19, meaning the top-four picture could eventually look very different.

    Speaking after the win in Turin, Mourinho did not care about the quality of the performance, just the three points, before referencing Juve’s situation.

    “Matches are won when you score one more goal than your opponent,” he told DAZN. “This is the goal not only in football but in sport: you have to win by trying to exploit your qualities and try to hide the problems.

    “We are third in the standings? Are we sure that Juve don’t have 59 points? We are in Italy.”

    Since 2004-05, Dybala (11 goals, six assists) is only the second player to score more than 10 goals and record more than five assists in a debut season for Roma in Serie A, after Mohamed Salah in 2015-16.

    Roma have nine league games remaining as well as their upcoming Europa League quarter-final against Feyenoord, and Mourinho is hopeful of success on both fronts despite what he sees as squad limitations.

    “The opponent that worries me the most in the Champions League fight? Ourselves, the fact that we want to think like a great team but we have a squad with limits,” he said. 

    “We have three games a week and it’s hard for us, but I’m not capable of thinking small. We go ahead from game to game.

    “I’m not able to say that Udinese is less important than Feyenoord – let’s think game by game. Today we didn’t score a second goal, otherwise the game would have been completely different.”

  • Marco Materazzi finally speaks about why Zinedine gave him a vicious headbutt

    Marco Materazzi finally speaks about why Zinedine gave him a vicious headbutt

    After France’s 5-3 loss to Italy on penalties in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, Zinedine Zidane announced his retirement from professional football.

    After headbutting fellow goal scorer and Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the 110th minute, Zidane, who had given France the lead in the seventh minute, was dismissed.

    The Real Madrid star refused to change his mind about retiring as he had originally announced as he watched helplessly as France lost on penalties.

    Speaking on the incident in 2010, the former Real Madrid head coach said he would rather die than apologise to Materazzi, as reported by Independent.

    Materazzi opens up on Zidane incident

    The former Inter Milan defender has opened up on what transpired between the two before he received that vicious headbutt from Zidane. “Trash talking, my trash talking was nothing.

    He offered me his jersey, and I said no, I prefer his sister,” he said on IFTV Podcast, bursting into a bit laugh afterwards.

    Rumours in the football world had earlier claimed Materazzi, who stayed on after the assault and scored in the shootout, insulted Zidane’s mother.

    Materazzi swore at Mourinho

    The defender played under Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan and revealed he had a special relationship with the Special One and was said to see him go.

    As revealed by Football Italia, he swore at Mourinho when the Portuguese left for Real Madrid, claiming he was angry he left him with Rafa Benitez.

    “Mourinho was special. He knew the names of all our children and our wives. Nobody else had ever done that for me. For me it was not a big surprise, but for my wife, when he met her and said “hello Daniela”, ” he said.

    Zidane picks Ronaldo over Messi

    It was reported that Zidane chose Ronaldo over Messi while weighing in on the GOAT debate. The France legend who managed Ronaldo at Real Madrid branded the Portuguese as phenomenal and better than himself and Messi.

    Zidane won the 1998 World Cup. Messi matched the achievement by winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but Cristiano is yet to lay his hands on it.

  • Benzema, Modric and Kroos to stay till next season – Madrid’s Ancelotti

    Benzema, Modric and Kroos to stay till next season – Madrid’s Ancelotti

    Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos, according to coach Carlo Ancelotti, will remain at Real Madrid for the upcoming campaign.

    The contracts for the seasoned trio expire this summer, but Ancelotti claimed “they are talking” about fresh agreements.

    At Real Madrid since 2014, former German midfielder Kroos, 33, has won four Champions League titles, while former France striker Benzema, 35, and Croatian midfielder Modric, 37, have each won five.

    “I think that in the end they will look for a solution,” said Ancelotti.

    “There are advances because they are talking.”

    Real have begun to prepare for the future by signing Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde since 2016.

    Benzema, Modric and Kroos to stay next season, says Ancelotti

    And although Kroos and Modric have played slightly less often this season, Benzema remains the team’s top scorer and claimed a hat-trick in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey win over Barcelona, which all three started.

    “I think [they] will stay,” Ancelotti added. “We have to evaluate the players not by their age but by what they do.

    “You can think the three don’t have the physical profile or energy of the younger players, but what these three have in terms of game management is unique, you can’t buy it on any market in the world.

    “This is born with experience – age takes something from you, but it gives you something back as well.”

  • I have no reason to ditch Madrid for Barca – Carlo Ancelotti

    I have no reason to ditch Madrid for Barca – Carlo Ancelotti

    In Carlo Ancelotti’s opinion, managing Barcelona is “not a possibility” because of his allegiance to Real Madrid, the “greatest club in the world,” which he has called.

    While there are rumours that Ancelotti’s time at Real Madrid may be coming to an end and that Chelsea and Brazil are interested in the 63-year-old, he has won two Champions League titles and a LaLiga championship during his two stints with the club.

    Ancelotti ruled out ever joining Madrid’s Clasico rivals, despite all the speculation about his incredibly successful management career’s future stop.

    “For me, coaching Barcelona is impossible,” Ancelotti told reporters at his pre-match press conference ahead of Madrid’s LaLiga meeting with Villarreal on Saturday. 

    “After 1,272 games [as a coach], I don’t have to prove anything.

    “I wouldn’t change myself. You have to respect my personal history and that of the clubs.

    “I won’t change myself for anyone because I feel very comfortable here, where the people love me a lot. It’s the best club in the world.

    “I am loved and I feel secure, so there is no reason for me to change Real Madrid for Barcelona.”

    Ancelotti’s side thumped Barca 4-0 in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final at Camp Nou on Wednesday to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit and confirm their place in the final against Osasuna.

    Yet, Madrid lag 12 points behind the Catalan giants in LaLiga and their hopes of retaining the title look all but over.

    Ancelotti does not feel his side have been significantly worse than last season, and instead credited Barca for their improvement, saying: “We want to end the season well.

    “We only have four less points in the league than this stage last year… Barcelona has many more. We want to continue fighting for the league until the end.”

    Ancelotti’s potential Madrid exit at the end of the season may be one of several major departures at the club, with the contracts of veterans such as Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema set to expire at the conclusion of this campaign.

    The Italian believes the trio will extend their stays, though he remains confident Madrid will continue to enjoy future success even if they do opt to leave.

    “I believe they will stay, but the day they stop, something is going to change,” Ancelotti added. “[But] we have to look for the club’s future along a different line, not the way [they play] with Kroos and Modric.

    “We have fantastic youngsters like [Aurelien] Tchouameni, [Federico] Valverde, [Eduardo] Camavinga, [Dani] Ceballos, who are going to start an era, different from the others, of course.”

  • Madrid’s Ancelotti lauds players ‘perfect’ display in Clasico thrashing

    Madrid’s Ancelotti lauds players ‘perfect’ display in Clasico thrashing

    Real Madrid beat Barcelona 4-0 at Camp Nou to advance to the Copa del Rey final with a 4-1 overall victory, and Carlo Ancelotti thought they played the “ideal match.”

    Eder Militao’s own goal earned Barcelona a 1-0 victory in the first leg at the Bernabeu, leaving Madrid with a difficult challenge as they travelled to the home of their Clasico adversaries, who currently lead Ancelotti’s team in LaLiga by 12 points.

    But Vinicius Junior levelled the tie just before the break, before Karim Benzema fired in a second-half hat-trick to lead Madrid to a superb triumph and clinch their place in the final against Osasuna on May 6.

    Ancelotti was delighted with his side’s second-leg heroics, telling reporters at his post-match news conference: “It was a complete game. When you win 4-0 here, it is in every way.

    “We played a great game. The first goal changed the dynamics, we found more space in the transitions.

    “[It was] a bit hard at first, but in the second half we did very well. We did not panic when they pressed and we knew how to take advantage of the spaces in transitions.

    “We played the perfect match.”

    This season, Benzema has failed to match the same vein of form that saw him win the Ballon d’Or in October, struggling with injuries and not enjoying the same scoring output.

    But the striker has netted hat-tricks in back-to-back games since the international break, taking his goals tally for the season to 25 from 31 matches in all competitions.

    Ancelotti believes the striker is somewhat back to his brilliant best, saying: “He has done a very good job in the [international] break, he has found optimum condition and his quality makes the difference, without a doubt.

    “He has flicked the switch. He is still one of the best players in the world, without a doubt. If he’s fit, he’s one of the best.

    “He can win another Ballon d’Or because he is one of the best forwards in the world.”

  • Xavi laments as ‘killer’ Madrid hammers Barca in Clasico

    Xavi laments as ‘killer’ Madrid hammers Barca in Clasico

    As Real Madrid thrashed Clasico rivals Barcelona 4-0 at Camp Nou to suffer a 4-1 Copa del Rey semi-final aggregate loss, Xavi expressed disappointment in Barcelona’s inability to create “moments.”

    Barca entered Wednesday’s return game at home with a one-goal edge thanks to an own goal by Eder Militao in the first leg at the Bernabeu.

    Thibaut Courtois made a spectacular save to deny Robert Lewandowski before a wide-ranging counterattack resulted in Vinicius Junior tying the game. But, Barca’s dominating first half came to an end with a brief spell of play that would prove pivotal.

    Madrid then sealed their progression with a brilliant second half, as Karim Benzema’s hat-trick put the 31-time winners out and set Carlo Ancelotti’s men up to meet Osasuna in the final on May 6.

    Xavi was left frustrated by his team’s failure to match their first-half display, telling Movistar+: “It is a difficult night to digest. This is football.

    “You have to compete better. We have competed well until 1-0. They are moments that we have to stop. We could have also stopped the 2-0 moment. In short, they are details that we have to control.

    “In the first half we were very good, but that’s what I said: football is about moments and we didn’t take advantage of them.

    “When football is so even, you have to take advantage of the moments. We didn’t do it in the first half and they did in the second. They have been superior, no excuses.”

    Xavi credited Madrid for their excellent second-leg display, saying: “I already said yesterday that Madrid were favourites.

    “We cannot argue that they are a great team. They are the LaLiga and Champions League champions and they do not forgive. 

    “When you don’t kill Madrid, they kill you.”

    Despite the elimination, Xavi’s men hold a 12-point lead over Madrid at the top of LaLiga, and he is hoping his team can put this setback behind them to kick on and claim the title.

    “We had a very bad second half, but we have to get up,” he said. “Tomorrow we will get up with all the hope to beat Girona.

    “It is a tough result, but we have to focus on the league.”

  • Endrick nip in the bud comparisons to Brazilian legend Pele

    Endrick nip in the bud comparisons to Brazilian legend Pele

    Endrick, a Brazilian forward, criticised the negative publicity that had been written about him and denied comparisons to Pele.

    When he turns 18 in July 2024, the 16-year-old will go to LaLiga after Real Madrid announced a contract to sign him from Palmeiras in December.

    After it was revealed that he would be moving to the Santiago Bernabeu, Endrick has battled with his form, scoring just once in 13 games across all competitions, and the heightened media attention he has been subjected to.

    “Sometimes I ask myself: Why are there so many stories about me? I didn’t ask for this. There are situations that cross a line,” he told GQ.

    “‘Ah, he’s the new Pele.’ Man, nobody is going to be Pele, he’s the king of football.

    “But there’s nothing I can do, I can’t ask people not to talk about my life.

    I always said I’d like all Brazilians to be able to be close to me, but I understand more and more that that’s not possible, there will always be people who attack me.”

    Endrick also criticised the false stories that have been published about him, adding: “I used to be aware of what people were saying about me. But not anymore.

    “I like TikTok, but when I see something about me, I move on quickly.

    “Recently a story came out saying that I was in therapy, but that’s a lie. The press don’t know what’s happening, and they publish it. But I can’t do anything.

    If I come out and contradict everything they say, I’d spend all my time doing it.”

  • “I will remain here for as long as Real Madrid want me to” – Ancelotti

    “I will remain here for as long as Real Madrid want me to” – Ancelotti

    Despite rumors linking him to the open position of head coach for Brazil, Carlo Ancelotti has stated he wants to stay at Real Madrid but has also acknowledged “the future is unknown.”

    Since previous coach Tite left after the 2022 World Cup, Ancelotti’s name has been closely associated with the Selecao, and some of his Brazilian players at Madrid have spoken candidly about it during the gap in international play.

    Ednaldo Rodrigues, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), recently expressed interest in naming the former manager of Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain as the future coach of the national team.

    Speaking at a press conference on Saturday ahead of Madrid’s LaLiga clash with Real Valladolid, Ancelotti seemed to pledge his allegiance to Los Blancos, though stopped short of confirming he would not ultimately take the Brazil role.

    “The only thing that concerns me right now is to be successful with this club,” he said.

    “I will remain here for as long as Real Madrid want me to. I feel affection from the president, from the players, from the fans.

    “Also the atmosphere here is quite calm, quite good, and we have two months ahead in which we will try to win some titles and hopefully I will continue here as Real Madrid head coach.”

    He added: “The truth is that the Brazil national team wants me, they are interested in me and I love that. But then you have to respect contracts and there’s a current contract with Real Madrid and I would like to continue here.”

    The 63-year-old has a deal at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2024, but despite winning LaLiga, the Supercopa de Espana and the Champions League last season, has come under some pressure after falling away from Barcelona in the title race this time round.

    “Everyone can think or say what they want, but reality is reality,” he said. “In this case it’s quite simple, I have a contract with Real Madrid and I want to continue here.

    “I love this club and everything that can happen later, I don’t know. The future is unknown.”

    Ancelotti also insisted the rumours about him and some of his players whose contract situations remain up in the air is not affecting preparations as the club aim to end the campaign strongly in the league, Copa del Rey and Champions League.

    “We do not talk about these rumours in the dressing room, all we are focused on is Valladolid, Barcelona, Chelsea – all these big games coming up,” he said.

  • Cristiano Ronaldo: Carlo Ancelotti is the reason why CR7 could not make his Real Madrid return

    Cristiano Ronaldo: Carlo Ancelotti is the reason why CR7 could not make his Real Madrid return

    Apparently, Carlo Ancelotti is the reason Cristiano Ronaldo turned down the opportunity to make a deal with Real Madrid.

    Ronaldo quit Manchester United in January to join Al-Nassr after a contentious interview with Piers Morgan in which he disparaged various aspects of Manchester United.

    The 38-year-old was thinking about returning to the Santiago Bernabeu, where he amassed 450 goals in 438 games to break the club goal scoring record.

    Ronaldo’s desired return to Spain, however, did not occur because Ancelotti preferred to stick with Karim Benzema as his lone striker, according to Spanish newspaper El Nacional.

    Considering the strong relationship the five-time Ballon d’Or winner had with the Italian manager between 2013 and 2015, the Portuguese considered it a betrayal, according to the report.

    Ronaldo went on to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr as a free agent and has since scored nine goals and provided two assists in 10 matches for the club.

    Perez says no to Ronaldo

    Meanwhile, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez also ruled out a move to sign Ronaldo.

    When asked by fans if he plans to make a bid for the legendary forward, whose contract was ripped apart at Old Trafford, Perez replied: “Sign Cristiano? Again? He’s 38 years old”, getting the age of the striker wrong.

    Ronaldo’s sister slams Perez

    Sports Brief also reported that Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister has slammed Real Madrid president Florentino Perez for laughing at the possibility of bringing him back to the Santiago Bernabeu.

    After the UEFA Super Cup game between Real Madrid and Frankfurt in Helsinki, Perez was asked by a fan about a potential return for the 37-year-old.

  • Jurgen Klopp and I had a couple of pints and smokes together ahead of Champions League Final – Gerrard

    Jurgen Klopp and I had a couple of pints and smokes together ahead of Champions League Final – Gerrard

    Since Jurgen Klopp took over the club’s management in 2015, Liverpool has advanced to three UEFA Champions League finals, lost two, and won the 2019 edition. Real Madrid, the 14-time champion, has been Klopp’s worst nightmare in this competition, having twice denied the German in the final in 2018 and 2022.

    Liverpool has also been eliminated from this year’s competition by Los Blancos.

    Last season, the club was managed by a former Borussia Dortmund manager, who guided them to the final of every competition they took part in, winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup while losing to Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

    However, days before the night in Paris, Klopp was caught up in a bar mood with former Reds captain Steven Gerrard who was still Aston Villa manager at that time, as reported by Sun UK.

    Klopp met Gerrard at bar

    Gerrard and Klopp met at a bar in Merseyside while the manager was walking his dog and decided to stay and spend some time with the former Rangers boss. “He was walking the dog, I was sitting outside with one of my friends having a couple of pints.

    I shouted over to wish him good luck, because he had a Champions League final days later. I thought he’d be in the zone,” he told The Anfield Wrap. “He said to me: ‘No, no, no. Go to the bar and get me a pint.’ So we got him a pint.

    He ended up having two or three, he had a couple of smokes, his dog waited patiently, and we had a good craic for probably over an hour about football, about life in Liverpool, his plans for the future.”

    Klopp could be friendly and could also get angry. He blasted a pitch invader who nearly injured left- back Andy Robertson during Liverpool’s 7-0 rout of Manchester United, as reported earlier.

    The fan evaded security and collided with the Scottish defender, who sat down a few seconds with what looked like he had been injured but could carry on.

  • Gareth Bale bids a tearful farewell to fans, hints on next move

    Gareth Bale bids a tearful farewell to fans, hints on next move

    After leading Wales to their first World Cup since 1958, Gareth Bale shocked the football world by announcing his retirement from the game in January.

    Possibly the greatest Welsh footballer of all time, the 33-year-old. When he moved to Spain in 2013, he was once the most expensive footballer.

    He had an impressive career at Real Madrid.

    Prior to Cymru’s 1-0 victory over Latvia in the Euro 2024 qualifying round, he made his first appearance in front of the Welsh supporters since the conclusion of the World Cup.

    Speech by Bale to the Wales fans

    According to Sun UK, the five-time UEFA Champions League champion broke down in tears in front of the crowd during his speech at Cardiff City Stadium.

    “Hello, I just want to say… what an honour it has been to represent this country and to play in front of the best fans in the world,” he said.

    ”You support me and my family and all the team through the lows and the lows, the highs and the highs.

    I can’t thank you enough and, honestly, it’s been the biggest pleasure playing in front of you for my whole career.”

    Bale admitted he would miss playing in front of his home fans. ”But make sure you keep supporting the boys.

    You, the fans, are Welsh football; you make it so special; you make it what it is today and obviously I’ll be cheering on like you lot and hopefully see you soon in the future, so thank you.”

    Bale drop hint about future

    It remains to be seen where the former Tottenham forward’s future lies. British GQ reported that he made his PGA debut in golf, shortly after his retirement in January.

    Mirror UK also reported that Bale had been offered a role in the Wales backroom staff by head coach, Rob Paige.

    The end of his speech hints this could be his next move.

    Guardiola hints Bale’s next adventure

    Sports Brief also reported on Pep Guardiola joking that Bale has a career waiting after the Welshman announced his retirement from professional football in January.

    The Spanish manager tipped the former Real Madrid star to take up golf full-time, making reference to Bale’s famous slogan of: ‘Wales, golf, Madrid. In that order.’

  • Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti says there are better players than Messi

    Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti says there are better players than Messi

    Carlo Ancelotti, manager of Real Madrid, has insisted that Lionel Messi is not the greatest footballer in history.

    On Thursday, Messi scored the 800th goal of his professional career against Panama, bringing him one goal shy of 100 for the national team.

    The Argentine sensation became the second-most prolific goal-scorer in history, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo by 30 goals.

    Following Argentina’s victory in the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup in December, many football fans and pundits dubbed him “the greatest of all time.”

    But the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is yet to convince the Italian tactician, who has named three football greats who are ahead of Messi. “Messi the best in history? He’s a great player but I can’t say who’s been the best,” Ancelotti was quoted as saying via GOAL. “There have been so many wonderful players… Maradona, Di Stéfano, Cruyff.. I don’t know.”

    Van Gaal picks Ronaldo over Messi Louis van Gaal is among a number of high-ranking members of the football fraternity who have now delved into the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate.

    Speaking on the legendary duo, the former Netherlands coach heaped praises on the two iconic superstars as the best players of their era. Van Gaal, 71, then disclosed his preference for the Portuguese legend in the GOAT debate.

    “And the big question, Messi or Cristiano? The best players of this period are Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Choosing between them is difficult,” Van Gaal told Onda Cero, via Sportskeeda.

    Gary Cahill speaks on GOAT debate

    Elsewhere, former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has weighed in on the Ronaldo versus Messi debate but struggled to choose the better player.

    Cahill’s indecision looks quite honest as the two are close first and second in most football metrics and hard to separate.

    The two are defying age and going strong.

    Both scored freekicks for their countries, Argentina and Portugal, in their last international games against Panama and Liechtenstein.

    Heinze snubs Messi in GOAT debate

    Sports Brief earlier reported that Gabriel Heinze snubbed Messi in the GOAT debate and instead went for Portugal international Cristiano Ronaldo.

    The former Argentina international played with Ronaldo for three years at Manchester United and with Messi in the national team but ignored his compatriot.

    The 42-year-old said Ronaldo could not get better as he is already next to God in his abilities.

  • Modric’s wish is to stay at Real Madrid amid rumours of being Ronaldo’s Al Nassr’s target

    Modric’s wish is to stay at Real Madrid amid rumours of being Ronaldo’s Al Nassr’s target

    Luka Modric has reaffirmed his commitment to Real Madrid, despite reports that he is being pursued by Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.

    The 37-year-old is in his 11th season at Real Madrid, where he has won 22 trophies, but his contract expires at the end of the season.

    He has been mentioned as a possible target for Al Nassr, who signed Cristiano Ronaldo on a free transfer from Manchester United in December.

    However, when questioned about his future while on international duty with Croatia on Friday, a frustrated Modric stated that his top priority is to reach new terms with Real Madrid.

    “My wish is known: to stay at Real Madrid,” he said at a pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Wales. “I believe and hope that it comes true. 

    “The rest of what’s said is just assumptions and rumours. I repeat the same thing for the hundredth time: I hope and believe that I will stay at Real Madrid.”

    Modric, who has previously said he wants to feel as though he has deserved a new deal, also rubbished claims Madrid have asked him to retire from Croatia duty.

    “Short and clear – no,” Modric said when that suggestion was put to him.

    The former Zagreb and Tottenham midfielder is in line to earn his 163rd cap for Croatia when they face Wales in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier in Split.

    Having elected not to retire following Croatia’s World Cup semi-final defeat to France, Modric will overtake Drazen Ladic as his country’s oldest ever player.

    “I didn’t know that before the conference and I don’t know if it’s good or bad!” Modric said. “I feel great with the national team and I’m glad to be here. I feel happy when I’m here.

    “We are all focusing on the Wales game. Hopefully we can get a positive result and take that confidence to Turkey.

    “The most important thing is that we win tomorrow. We know we are the favourites and are expected to win, but football is unpredictable and you need to be at 100 per cent.”

  • Mesut Ozil says he chose Madrid over Barca under Jose Mourinho’s influence

    Mesut Ozil says he chose Madrid over Barca under Jose Mourinho’s influence

    Mesut Ozil has revealed the vital decision that led to his signing for Real Madrid in 2010 despite  a long-standing interest from rivals, Barcelona.

    After a stellar career that included stints at Real Madrid and Arsenal, the 34-year-old German midfielder recently announced his retirement from football.

    According to Football Espana, Ozil has now admitted that Jose Mourinho was the deciding factor in his decision to leave La Blaugrana and join Real Madrid in his biggest career move.

    “He took me to see the stadium and all the trophies they had won. That gave me goosebumps.

    The visit in Barcelona was less enthusiastic and what was more disappointing is that Pep Guardiola didn’t bother to meet me.”

    Ozil said Mourinho was undoubtedly the most important element of his choice. “After my visits, my decision was one hundred percent clear: I wanted to be a Madridista.”

    Ozil would go on to make 159 appearances for Real Madrid, winning one La Liga title and one Copa del Rey before joining Arsenal in 2013.

    Ozil cried after Madrid exit

    Meanwhile, Ozil has revealed he had tears in his eyes when he boarded the flight from the airport in the Spanish capital following his departure from Real Madrid in 2013, Marca reports.

    The German midfielder had fallen down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and after a conflict with president, Florentino Perez, decided to look for another team.

    Ozil would later pen a lucrative deal to join English Premier League giants, Arsenal but not without regretting leaving Real Madrid where he was undoubtedly loved by the club’s fans.

    Essien pays tribute to Ozil

    Sports Brief also reported on former Ghana and Chelsea midfielder, Michael Essien paying tribute to Ozil following the German’s retirement.

    The former Real Madrid star announced he would be hanging up his boots on March 22 after a successful 17 years in football at all levels. The 2014 World Cup winner played together with Essien during the Ghanaian’s brief loan spell at Spanish giants, Real Madrid.

  • Vinicius Junior’s relationship with Carlo Ancelotti likely a fuel of manager to Brazil

    Vinicius Junior’s relationship with Carlo Ancelotti likely a fuel of manager to Brazil

    Vinicius Junior is delighted to be working with Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti and the Brazilian national team in the future.

    Ancelotti has been linked with the vacant managerial role following Tite’s departure after the South Americans’ heartbreaking World Cup exit, despite still having a contract with the La Liga giants.

    Vinicius has risen to prominence under Ancelotti’s tutelage at Real Madrid, according to Madrid Universal. The veteran manager is now interested in becoming Brazil’s next manager, according to the forward.

    Fellow Los Blancos star, Rodrygo earlier revealed he would love the Italian to take over as the national team manager after showing his admiration for the coach.

    Ancelotti has been widely tipped to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season and perhaps an announcement on his future is not far off.

    Ederson backs Ancelotti for job

    Meanwhile, Manchester City goalkeeper, Ederson also believes Ancelotti will most likely be named as the next Brazil coach, Daily Mail reports.

    The shot-stopper urged Brazil’s FA to seal the move after revealing he had spoken to national teammates, Casemiro, Eder Militao, and Vin Junior.

    All three of these stars have worked under Ancelotti at Real Madrid but the Italian manager has never managed at the international level.

    Real Madrid shortlist Ancelotti’s replacement

    Sports Brief also reported on Real Madrid beginning the search for Ancelotti’s replacement as Real Madrid manager, following the club’s recent slump in form under the veteran Italian.

    Club president, Florentino Perez is leaving no stone unturned as he tries to arrest Los Blancos’ poor run of results and will reportedly not mind a change in coaching if it is seen as needed.

    It was reported Real Madrid have since shortlisted Castilla coach, Raul Gonzalez and former Chelsea manager, Thomas Tuchel as Ancelotti’s potential replacements in the club’s hot seat.

  • I was upset with Barcelona – Andres Iniesta tells why he was a Madrid fan for a while

    I was upset with Barcelona – Andres Iniesta tells why he was a Madrid fan for a while

    Andres Iniesta is a Barcelona legend, but he wasn’t always a fan of the club. In fact, he once backed their bitter archrivals, Real Madrid.

    According to Barca Blaugranes, Iniesta briefly supported Los Blancos as a child because he was upset with La Blaugrana.

    Why was Iniesta upset?

    Iniesta grew up in the Spanish province of Albacete and was part of Albacete Balompié’s youth set-up before he joined Barcelona.

    Iniesta grew up in the Spanish province of Albacete and played for Albacete Balompié before joining Barcelona.

    As a member of the team, he was a loyal supporter of both Albacete and Barcelona.

    That changed after the Catalans thrashed his team in La Liga, which caused him to dislike the team a bit. “It was one of those things you could have as a child.”

    One day Barca scored seven goals against Albacete, and I got angry at Barca. There was some time where I was a bit confused with my own mind,” he said.

    The game in question took place in 1992 in La Liga when Iniesta was only seven. Barcelona won the match 7-1 and the midfielder started telling people that he supported Madrid.

    Iniesta is a Barcelona legend Five years later, Iniesta joined Barcelona and the rest is history.

    He went on to play 674 games for the Spanish side and scored 57 goals and notched up 137 assists, according to Transfermarkt.

    Iniesta won four UEFA Champions League trophies, nine La Liga titles and won the Spanish Cup six times with Barcelona.

    Iniesta’s struggles with depression Sports Brief also reported that Barcelona icon, Iniesta wants everyone to realise that footballers are humans too.

    The ex-Spanish international has opened up on how stars struggle despite making mega money from the sport.

    Iniesta spoke about his depression struggles and revealed he had been in therapy over mental health issues.

  • Pedri to miss Barcelona’s Copa del Rey semifinal matchup against Real Madrid due to injury

    Pedri to miss Barcelona’s Copa del Rey semifinal matchup against Real Madrid due to injury

    After the international break, a source has told ESPN that Barcelona midfielder Pedri won’t be ready to play against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinal.

    The 20-year-old Pedri hasn’t played since tearing his hamstring against Manchester United on February 16 in the Europa League, but there was optimism that he would play against Real Madrid in LaLiga last weekend.

    He started group training again on Thursday, but Friday’s session did not feel right, so Barca chose not to press the matter.

    There is no set timetable for how long he will be out, but there is no urgency to have him back given that Barca leads LaLiga by 12 points after beating Madrid 2-1 on Sunday.

    A source told ESPN that it could be “three to four weeks” before he returns, which rules him out of the Copa Clasico on April 5. Barca go into that fixture at Camp Nou with a 1-0 lead from the first leg.

    Pedri’s aim is to be back before the end of the season and to be able celebrate a potential first LaLiga title for Barca since 2019 — and his first as a player — on the pitch alongside his teammates.

    The Spain international also has an eye on the Copa del Rey final in May, if Barca can get past Madrid in the semifinal, and the UEFA Nations League Final Four in June, with Luis de la Fuente’s side facing Italy in the semifinal.

    Barca also have fitness doubts over Ousmane Dembele, Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong ahead of April’s Clasico.

    Dembele has not played since injuring his thigh at the end of January but is expected to return at some point early next month.

    Araujo and De Jong both ended Sunday’s win over Madrid with minor issues which have forced them to drop out of upcoming matches with Uruguay and the Netherlands respectively.

    However, both hope to be ready to face Elche on April 1 after the international break, with Madrid due at Camp Nou four days later for the third Clasico in a month.

    Barca won the previous two and have now won three in a row in all competitions — including their Super Cup victory in Saudi Arabia in January — for the first time since 2011-12.

  • Mesut Ozil ex-Madrid, Arsenal player retires from football

    Mesut Ozil ex-Madrid, Arsenal player retires from football

    Mesut Ozil, a former midfielder for Germany, Real Madrid, and Arsenal, has retired from football at the age of 34.

    During his time with his club, Ozil won nine awards, including four FA Cups and the 2012 La Liga championship in Spain.

    Additionally, he played for Germany on 92 occasions and was a member of the squad that won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

    “It has been an amazing journey filled with unforgettable moments and emotions,” Ozil said in a statement on social media.

    “I’ve had the privilege to be a professional football player for almost 17 years now and I feel incredibly thankful for the opportunity.

    “But in recent weeks and months, having also suffered some injuries, it’s become more and more clear that it’s time to leave the big stage of football.”

  • Karim Benzema has to be benched – Former Lyon forward

    Karim Benzema has to be benched – Former Lyon forward

    The 35-year-old played in Sunday’s El Clasico, which Los Blancos lost 2-1 to Barcelona in a game they needed to win at Camp Nou. 

    With 12 games left, Carlo Ancelotti’s team now trails the Camp Nou team by 12 points in the race for the championship.

    Despite Benzema’s outstanding performances during the previous season, which earned him the Ballon d’Or, he has faced criticism. 

    In the match against Barcelona, the Frenchman had trouble contributing because he couldn’t effectively communicate with his teammates.

    The ex-Lyon forward, who has 19 goals and 5 assists through 29 games this season, had 36 goals and 15 assists at this point last year.

    Meanwhile, Real Madrid correspondent Kiyan Sobhani called on Ancelotti to consider using Rodrygo Goes rather than Benzema given his current state of fitness.

    He tweeted: “Why the obsession with playing Benzema every second that he’s able to walk. Camavinga was one of the bright spots again, he should’ve been allowed to see the game out until the end.

    Rodrygo played with purpose off the bench. Deserves more. Starting XI shouldn’t be so unshakeable.”

    Karim Benzema surpasses Raul

    Karim Benzema can’t stop scoring for Real Madrid. The French attacker grabbed his 10th and 11th goals of the season against Elche and made a little history in the process, Sports Brief previously reported.

    Benzema has now surpassed Raul on the club’s all-time goalscoring list in La Liga.

    Benzema wins 24th Madrid trophy Karim Benzema has been crucial to Real Madrid’s success over the years, and he’s closing in on more history with the club.

    The French attacker is edging closer to becoming the most decorated player in the Spanish giants’ history, but one player stands in his way. With the addition of the FIFA Club World Cup trophy, Benzema has now won 24 trophies with Los Blancos.

  • Real Madrid dressing room angry over the ‘unsportsmanlike’ attitude of Barcelona players

    Real Madrid dressing room angry over the ‘unsportsmanlike’ attitude of Barcelona players

    The El Clasico has come and gone, but the Real Madrid players still carry a bitter aftertaste from the significance of the biggest match in Spanish football.

    At Camp Nou, a dramatic goal by Frank Kessie in the 92nd minute gave Barcelona the victory over Los Blancos, a heartbreaking loss for the eternal rivals.

    Madrid Universal claims that the Real Madrid locker room is furious with the Barcelona players for their disrespectful actions both during and after their team’s El Clasico loss.

    The Barcelona midfielder Gavi, who tangled with Dani Ceballos and Dani Carvajal during the pivotal game in Camp Nou, particularly infuriated Real Madrid.

    Carvajal and Arnau Tenas also had to be separated by several members from both teams after the final whistle that left Real Madrid 12 points adrift of Barcelona in the race for the 2022/23 La Liga title.

    Xavi reacts to El Clasico victory

    Meanwhile, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandes says the Catalans do not feel like champions yet following a 2-1 win over Real Madrid on Sunday, Daily Post reports.

    Barcelona moved 12 points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga standings thanks to Frank Kessie 92nd minute winner which sent fans inside the Camp Nou into wild celebrations.

    With 12 games left to play for the remainder of the season, Xavi has remained cautious as he has revealed there is still more work to be done in order for Barcelona to be crowned champions.

    Real Madrid fans want Ancelotti sacked Earlier, Sports Brief reported Real Madrid fans are understandably angry following their 2-1 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish La Liga and they want Carlo Ancelotti sacked.

    The defeat dents Madrid’s ambitions of retaining the title and leaves the Catalans close to lifting the trophy for the first time since 2019.

    Los Blancos took the lead through a Ronald Araujo own goal but Barcelona pulled level when Sergi Roberto tucked home just before half-time.

  • Barcelona’s Pep Guardiola spotted at Camp Nou for Real Madrid vs Barcelona game

    Barcelona’s Pep Guardiola spotted at Camp Nou for Real Madrid vs Barcelona game

    Barcelona may have lost Pep Guardiola to greener pastures, but the team will always hold a special place in his heart. The manager of Manchester City is still a staunch supporter of the Catalan giants after having played for them and later coaching them.

    In the audience before La Blaugrana’s match against Real Madrid in the El Clasico, Guardiola showed his support for the team.

    The Spanish manager was spotted in the stands with Johann Cruyff’s wife before the game started. Widely considered as Barcelona’s greatest manager, Guardiola was no slouch as a player either.

    As noted by the club’s website, he played 479 games for the side and scored 16 goals. He won six league titles as a player, four Spanish Super Cups, two Copa Del Rey trophies, two European Super Cups, and one European Cup.

    Guardiola scouting Real Madrid?

    Guardiola’s presence at Camp Nou may have been twofold. The former Barcelona manager could have also been there scouting Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid ahead of a potential clash.

    Manchester City have been drawn against Bayern Munich in the quarter-final of the Champions League. The winner of that game will face the winner of Real Madrid and Chelsea in the semi-final of the competition.

    Barca move 12 points clear Barcelona snatched a 2-1 win over Real Madrid with Franck Kessie’s late goal Sunday to move 12 points clear at the top of La Liga, Sports Brief reported.

    The victory dents Los Blancos’ ambitions of retaining the title and leaves the Catalans that much closer to lifting the trophy for the first time since 2019. Carlo Ancelotti’s charges took the lead through a Ronald Araujo own goal, but Barca pulled level when Sergi Roberto tucked home just before half-time.

  • Real Madrid fans call for Carlo Ancelotti’s sacking after defeat to Barcelona

    Real Madrid fans call for Carlo Ancelotti’s sacking after defeat to Barcelona

    After losing 2-1 to Barcelona in the Spanish La Liga, Real Madrid supporters are understandably furious and want Carlo Ancelotti fired. Madrid’s hopes of retaining the title are dashed by the loss, and the Catalans are now in position to win the trophy for the first time since 2019.

    Ronald Araujo’s own goal gave Los Blancos the lead, but Sergi Roberto’s tuck just before halftime gave Barcelona the equaliser. Both teams had chances to win the game. Marco Asensio scored for Madrid, but VAR disallowed the goal because it was offside. Then, in the 92nd minute, Alejandro Balde set up Kessie to score.

    After the game, Madrid fans took to social media to criticise Ancelotti for losing his third El Clasico game in the trot. Social media reactions

    @deftonesIuvr tweeted: real madrid has 2 weeks to sack ancelotti and bring tuchel if they’re a serious club @MartinKlaus__ tweeted:

    Now La Liga is over for us… let’s sack ancelotti and move on.

    @KhaledM79788508 tweeted: If Perez is serious he’d sack ancelotti and sign tuchel within 24 hours.

    @thearmah_ posted: Perez go start dey draft Ancelotti sack letter from the Camp Nou embarrassment today

    @Anassyn said: We need to sack Ancelotti because of Barca. Three straight win against him. Haba.

    @AvfcTomYoung tweeted: Madrid are boring to watch now, the quicker they sack Ancelotti the better!

    Pep watches El Clasico Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola showed his support for the Blaugrana as she was spotted in the stands ahead of their El Clasico encounter with Real Madrid.

    Pep was spotted in the stands with Johann Cruyff’s wife before the game started. Widely considered as Barcelona’s greatest manager, Guardiola was no slouch as a player either. As noted by the club’s website, he played 479 games for the side and scored 16 goals.

    Vincius consoles Araujo Sports Brief reported earlier that Vinicius Junior demonstrated a touching gesture towards Ronald Araujo during Real Madrid’s weekend top liner against fierce rivals FC Barcelona at Camp Nou.

    The Madrid winger has been in blistering form for Los Blancos this campaign, almost invincible against any defender, but often struggles whenever he comes up with Araujo.

    In their latest clash on Sunday, the Brazilian duo came face to face for the umpteenth time this season, and it was Vinicius who appeared to have won the battle of wills.

  • Chelsea’s spending spree continues as club is willing to pay more than €100m to sign Madrid’s Valverde- Reports

    Chelsea’s spending spree continues as club is willing to pay more than €100m to sign Madrid’s Valverde- Reports

    In order to sign 24-year-old Uruguayan sensation Federico Valverde for Real Madrid, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is preparing to make a huge move in the transfer market. Boehly reportedly has a blank check ready for the star midfielder and is willing to pay more than 100 million euros to get his man. According to reports, money is no object for Boehly.

    This is Boehly’s next move, according to El Nacional, and it follows a spending spree that saw Chelsea spend a whopping 600 million euros on new hires. There is no such thing as too much talent, however, for the ambitious West London club, who are looking to add to their roster after signing players like Mykhailo Mudryk.

    Despite their impressive array of signings, the Blues’ owner is still not satisfied with the team’s competitive level, particularly in certain areas of the pitch. The midfield, in particular, has been identified as a key area where improvement is needed. This is due to the injury struggles of N’Golo Kante and the lack of faith shown in players like Carney Chukwuemeka and others by manager Graham Potter.

    For Boehly, the list of transfer targets is set in stone, and at the top of his list is Valverde, a player who has also caught the eye of Manchester United and Liverpool. The Reds even made an attempt to sign the midfielder after the Champions League final, but were rebuffed by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.

    Valverde is considered a fundamental player in Carlo Ancelotti’s schemes at Real Madrid and is seen as a cornerstone of the club’s long-term plans. According to El Nacional, he is also not looking to leave La Liga, as he and his wife have repeatedly expressed their contentment with life in the Spanish capital.

  • Vinicius Junior suffers another abuse from Barcelona fans as they chants ‘Vinicius Die’

    Vinicius Junior suffers another abuse from Barcelona fans as they chants ‘Vinicius Die’

    The latest group of fans to verbally abuse Vinicius Junior are the supporters of Barcelona. This season, opposing teams’ fans have frequently singled out the Real Madrid attacker, with some fan bases going further than others.

    Even though the El Clasico is frequently a contentious contest, some Blaugrana fans escalated the situation with their chants. During their most recent El Clasico match, Barcelona supporters also yelled obscenities at the Brazilian, per reports.

    Vinicius, die’ was a chant heard from the crowd during the game.

    Vini’s performance during the game

    The Brazilian played a part in Real Madrid’s only goal of the game as his attempted cross was deflected into the back of the net by Ronaldo Araujo.

    Vini was also involved in a few arguments with the referee over fouls during the game, something that has become a common occurrence this season. The Los Blancos star has accused La Liga’s referees of giving him yellow cards for fouls while letting fouls against him go unpunished.

    Real Valladolid fans abuse Vini Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior has found himself at the centre of more racial abuse in La Liga. The Brazilian attacker has endured a difficult season in La Liga when it comes to racist fans, and that continued against Real Valladolid.

    Madrid took on Valladolid as La Liga action returned after the World Cup break and secured a 2-0 win thanks to a Karim Benzema brace, Sports Brief reported. Vinícius calls for harsh punishments Vinícius Júnior wants harsh punishments for football racists.

    The Real Madrid forward believes that those found guilty of racist abuse should learn a lesson the hard way. Vini Jr called for those individuals to be given lifetime bans from football games, Sports Brief reported.

  • Madrid’s keeper wants to avoid these two teams in the Champions League Quarter Finals

    Madrid’s keeper wants to avoid these two teams in the Champions League Quarter Finals

    Goalkeeper Thibault Courtois of Real Madrid claims he wants to avoid playing any of the remaining English teams in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

    On Wednesday night at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the Belgian keeper was in net as Los Blancos defeated Liverpool 1-0.

    In their quest to retain their European championship, Carlo Ancelotti’s team easily advanced to the round of eight after defeating the Reds 6-2 overall.

    After crushing RB Leipzig 7-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, Manchester City advanced to the next round. Chelsea also advanced after defeating Dortmund 2-0 at Stamford Bridge last week.

    Napoli, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Benfica, and Bayern Munich are among the other teams that are still in the running.

    Real Madrid could therefore be paired together with any of the teams in the quarter-finals but their safest pair of hands, Courtois is hoping his side will avoid Chelsea and Manchester City. “I would like to change a bit,” he said, via Daily Mail. “Last year we already faced City and Chelsea, let’s see if we play other teams this year.”

    He added: “Last year we made it clear what character we have in the team, with comebacks, we earn respect, we show that Real Madrid is always there.” Real Madrid eliminated both Chelsea and Manchester City from the Champions League last term, before beating Liverpool 1-0 in the final to win their 14th European title.

    Ancelotti doesn’t want AC Milan

    Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti is seeking to win back-to-back Champions League titles with Real Madrid, but the veteran manager is afraid of meeting one team in the quarter-finals.

    The 63-year-old manager guided the Spanish giants into the last eight with ease after Los Blancos swept aside Liverpool 6-2 on aggregate, as they push to defend their European title. According to Sempremilan, Ancelotti revealed he would prefer to avoid playing his former club, AC Milan when the draws for the UCL quarter-finals are conducted on March 17.

    Real Madrid respect Liverpool

    A familiar tune rang out at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium after Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Liverpool on Wednesday night, Sports Brief previously reported.

  • Real Madrid, Napoli complete quarter-final line up

    Real Madrid, Napoli complete quarter-final line up

    On Wednesday night, Real Madrid and Napoli easily advanced to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League, completing the field of eight teams.

    Real defeated Liverpool 1-0 on the night to finish with a 6-3 overall triumph over the Reds, while Napoli defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 to win with a 5-0 overall victory.

    Real Madrid and Napoli join Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Manchester City and Benfica for Friday’s draw.

    The Reds, who lost the first leg 5-2, lined up with four forwards at the Bernabeu as they looked to add another famous comeback to their fabled European history.

    But that rarely looked on the cards and legendary Real striker Karim Benzema put the tie beyond doubt when he tucked in from Vinicius Jr’s cutback late on.

    In Naples, Victor Osimhen scored twice as Napoli cruised into the last 8 for the first time with a comfortable win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

    With Luciano Spalletti’s side two goals up from the first leg, the Nigeria striker’s thumping header in first-half stoppage time dispelled any lingering nerves at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

    Champions League: Real Madrid, Napoli complete quarter-final line up

    Osimhen doubled the Italians’ lead on the night with a close-range finish from Giovanni di Lorenzo’s cross eight minutes after the break and, having been brought down in the box, Piotr Zielinski converted the penalty himself to make it 3-0.

    The draw for the quarter finals and semi finals of the Champions League will be held at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon.

  • Benzema to be present for Liverpool clash

    Benzema to be present for Liverpool clash

    Karim Benzema has recovered from an injury in time for Wednesday’s Champions League match between Real Madrid and Liverpool, but Carlo Ancelotti has warned Los Blancos to forget their victory at Anfield earlier this month.

    Benzema and Vinicius Junior both scored twice when Madrid thrashed Jurgen Klopp’s team 5-2 in the first leg of the round of 16 in February, but the striker’s form has dipped since then.

    The Madrid captain has gone three games without scoring in all competitions, and this season, injuries have only allowed him to play in 15 LaLiga games.

    Ancelotti claims that Benzema is ready to go for Liverpool’s visit to the Santiago Bernabeu despite missing Saturday’s 3-1 victory against Espanyol due to an ankle injury.

    “Benzema is 100 per cent recovered. He has done good work in training sessions since Sunday,” Ancelotti said at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.  

    “He has great enthusiasm for this game. For me, for the players, for the club and for Karim, this is a massive competition.”

    Asked about Benzema’s lack of form in recent weeks, Ancelotti said: “We’re not talking about criticism. We’re talking about his condition, how he’s doing… I see him looking good, motivated and excited for tomorrow’s game.”

    Madrid became the first visiting team to score five goals in a European fixture at Anfield last month, and they have progressed from 26 of their 27 European Cup/Champions League ties when winning on the road in the first leg.

    However, with Liverpool one of just four sides to have overturned a first-leg deficit of three goals or more to win a Champions League tie, Ancelotti remains wary of their threat.

    “We have to work on our defence and what we do in the final third. We’re not focused on that first leg,” he said.

    “We’ve got our game plan, which we’re going to stick to. We’ll try to start off strongly, play with plenty of tempo and look to win the match.

    “We’re going to approach this match like its just 90 minutes, we’re not going to get the calculator out and work out how many goals we need. We can’t focus purely on defending.”

    Madrid were involved in several dramatic Champions League ties last term, including when they squandered a 3-1 first-leg lead over Chelsea before sealing a 5-4 aggregate win in the last eight in extra time in the home leg.

    Ancelotti is determined to enjoy a smoother passage to the next stage on Wednesday, saying: “Maybe people don’t see me that stressed, but of course I suffer a lot and against Chelsea, I did! 

    “Everyone played their part on that day and it was a remarkable victory. We’ve got to make sure it’s a very different game this time.

    “That’s why I said we’re not going to get our calculator out. We’re going to make sure we book our place in the next round.”

  • La Liga’s Javier Tebas wants Kylian Mbappe to switch to Real Madrid

    La Liga’s Javier Tebas wants Kylian Mbappe to switch to Real Madrid

    Javier Tebas has stated his strong desire to see superstar Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain play in the top division of Spain soon. Last summer, Kylian Mbappe was just about to sign with Real Madrid when he decided to make a stunning U-turn and sign a new contract with Les Parisiens.

    The 24-year-old has broken PSG’s record for goals scored since deciding against joining Los Blancos, and the Spanish powerhouses have added another Champions League and league title to their collection of trophies.

    But the head of La Liga believes that Mbappe and Real Madrid will soon work together.

    “Real Madrid is the only La Liga team that could sign Mbappe. He should play in La Liga, please “Javier Tebas, the league’s president, has disclosed to Movistar as quoted by Tribuna.

    This is not the first time, Tebas has suggested Mbappe join Madrid, having earlier made it clear that only the White Angels could land Kylian Mbappe and Man City goal-poacher Erling Haaland.

    Perhaps, the 60-year-old administrator is sorely missing another big name in the Spanish top flight following the departures of superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Tebas eyes Mbappe-Madrid union La Liga president Javier Tebas hopes superstar forwards Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland will someday play in Spain and already knows the team they could play for.

    Mbappe and Haaland are two of the most valuable strikers in world football at the moment due to their current form for Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, respectively. According to Sportskeeda, Tebas believes if both stars were to switch to Spain in the future, only Real Madrid can sign both players.

    Tebas slams EPL transfer spending Sports Brief earlier reported that Javier Tebas has aimed a swipe at the English Premier League, sensationally claiming it is not a financially sustainable model.

    Tebas has cut a controversial figure in European football, continually criticising Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain for their funding.

    The 60-year-old’s criticism of the Premier League stems from last summer’s spend by clubs from the most marketable league in the world.

  • Hazard plans to remain at Real Madrid

    Hazard plans to remain at Real Madrid

    Eden Hazard has made the decision to remain at Real Madrid for the upcoming campaign as the team’s misunderstood superstar holds out the slim possibility of restarting his Santiago Bernabeu career.

    In his final season at Stamford Bridge, the Belgian winger was named Chelsea’s player of the year after scoring 16 goals in 37 Premier League appearances and assisting the Blues in their Europa League victory.

    Nevertheless, after departing London at the age of 28, when he was at the height of his abilities, Hazard has endured a deplorable string of injuries that have marred his Madrid career.

    Although he has been healthy for the majority of this season, Ancelotti appears to view him as an afterthought in his plans, and there is no sign that this will change.

    Hazard has played only 98 minutes in LaLiga this term and just 297 minutes across all competitions, and he has one season left on his contract before the club can discard the €100million man.

    All the same, Hazard hopes that one year can be transformative, and he told Belgian broadcaster RTBF: “I would like to stay here. I have always dreamed of this club. I’m only waiting for one thing. That is to be on the pitch to prove that I can still play football, even if people doubt it, which is normal.

    “There is only one thing that could get me out of the spiral in which I am, and that it is to play. After months without a game, I know I wouldn’t score five goals in my first game. I need time. But at Real, we don’t have the time.

    “I see in training that I can bring something. I feel good physically. But there are other players who are doing well.”

    Hazard is destined to be watching on as Madrid tackle Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday before facing Barcelona in LaLiga on Sunday.

    Addressing his relationship with Ancelotti, Hazard said: “There is respect between us. But I’m not going to say that we talk to each other, because we don’t talk to each other.

    “But there will always be respect. I have to have respect for a guy like Carlo Ancelotti. What he represents for football, what he has done in his career. There is no problem.”

    Hazard was such a special player in his prime, that to be reduced to effectively begging for a chance to reignite his career at the age of 32 is a desperate fall from grace.

    He continues to be paid well by Madrid, but his professional pride has been jolted.

    “I’m not asking to play 90 minutes but just to feel useful,” he said. “Last season, my situation was difficult to live with. It affects me less now.”

    He claims some Madrid team-mates have urged him to move on and find a team where he would play.

    “But that’s not my option,” he said. “I remain convinced that I can bring something.”

  • Been 17 years, Real Madrid release videos of former referee mistakes against them

    Been 17 years, Real Madrid release videos of former referee mistakes against them

    Real Madrid’s complaints against Iturralde Gonzalez have intensified as a result of a compilation of the mistakes made by the former Spanish referee that was shared on social media.

    Real Madrid was upset with Iturralde Gonzalez after he criticised the La Liga champions for making videos of frequent refereeing errors against them.

    Real Madrid’s actions, which come after Barcelona was accused of paying referees by Spanish prosecutors, were described as “gross and indecent” by the former referee, according to SB Nation.

    Real Madrid responded by releasing a video of the former referee’s errors against them over the course of more than 17 years. Iturralde has also defended Barcelona in the Negreira case.

    Real Madrid in their post revealed Iturralde as a referee who has finally taken off his mask and is now dedicated to attacking the club from the media.

    Real Madrid to be involved in Barcelona’s refereeing case

    Meanwhile, Real Madrid has revealed they will be involved in legal proceedings of the Barcelona referee payments scandal after the Catalan club was charged by Spanish prosecutors, Goal reports.

    Los Blancos issued a statement revealing their stance after discussions between president Florentino Perez and the club’s board of directors after their board meeting on Sunday, March 12.

    An investigation revealed Barcelona had made payments to former vice-president of the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA), Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira.

    Barcelona unhappy with Real Madrid Earlier, Sports Brief reported Barcelona and Real Madrid may be bitter rivals on the field of play, but at a boardroom level, they’re not against working with each other.

    Presidents, Joan Laporta (Barcelona) and Florentino Perez (Real Madrid) have worked together in the past, despite the animosity between the two sets of supporters.

    The Catalan club are deeply upset by Madrid’s latest statement. Los Blancos have since put out a statement that they will be present against Barcelona in the upcoming hearings.

  • Vinicius experiences more racist abuse at Real Betis, and LaLiga files a complaint

    Vinicius experiences more racist abuse at Real Betis, and LaLiga files a complaint

    After Vinicius Junior endured racist taunts once more during Real Madrid’s goalless draw with Real Betis on Sunday, LaLiga filed a complaint at a Seville court.

    Two games this season against Atletico Madrid involved racist taunts directed at Vinicius, and matches against Real Mallorca and Real Valladolid have also been the scene of alleged incidents.

    During Sunday’s scoreless draw at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, a Betis fan was caught on camera shouting racist epithets at Vinicius, prompting LaLiga to once more turn to legal action.

    “This is the seventh complaint made to the relevant authorities by LaLiga regarding racist insults against Vinicius Junior.”

    Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti last month said racism was a problem throughout Spanish football, adding: “Vinicius is the victim of something that I don’t understand. It must be solved.”

  • Real Madrid lambasts UEFA’s refund plan calls it ‘insufficient’

    Real Madrid lambasts UEFA’s refund plan calls it ‘insufficient’

    Real Madrid has criticised UEFA’s “inadequate” plan to reimburse some fans who attended the Champions League final in May, and has demanded that the governing body take responsibility for the chaos that surrounded the game.

    A recent independent investigation concluded that UEFA was “primarily responsible” for the “numerous near misses that almost resulted in disaster” at the Stade de France.

    French authorities initially placed the blame on Liverpool fans during chaotic scenes that put fans at risk of crushes as the start time in Paris was delayed.

    Only a portion of the Madrid supporters will be affected by the UEFA’s plans to refund all 19,618 Liverpool fans who purchased tickets to the championship game on Tuesday.

    However, a response issued by the European champions on Thursday called on UEFA to extend the offer to all attendees, describing overall conditions at the game as “unacceptable”.

    “Given the conclusiveness of the experts’ findings and the seriousness of the events described, Real Madrid has been holding talks with UEFA with the aim of assessing the compensation that will be offered to fans,” the statement read.

    “Our club was entirely confident that these solutions would be in line with the seriousness of the events, the extent of the damage caused and UEFA’s responsibility for them.

    “Regrettably, our club believes that UEFA’s proposal, officially announced last Tuesday, is insufficient. 

    “The content of the report stresses that all fans attending the final were victims of its inadequate organisation and their safety and security were compromised. 

    “The fact is that all the fans experienced an unacceptable delay in the start of the match. In addition, there was unacceptable insecurity both in accessing and leaving the stadium, as well as additional harm such as theft, assaults and threats.

    “For this reason, Real Madrid has decided not to cooperate in the restricted compensation procedure proposed by UEFA, which we ask to redress the situation and assume full responsibility.”

  • Messi, the toughest opponent I have ever faced – Madrid’s Marcelo

    Messi, the toughest opponent I have ever faced – Madrid’s Marcelo

    Lionel Messi is the toughest opponent that legendary Real Madrid defender Marcelo Vieira has ever faced. During their time in Spain, Messi, who was then playing for Barcelona, and the 34-year-old, who spent nearly two decades with Los Blancos, frequently ran into one another.

    In one of their 2017 matches, Marcelo claimed credit for Leo Messi’s last-second goal on a counterattack, which led to a heartbreaking loss for Real Madrid.

    “It was a mistake, it could happen to anyone, but I take the blame for the goal,” the Brazilian said via MARCA.

    It thus comes as little to no surprise Marcelo picked the former Barcelona talisman as the toughest opponent he has encountered during an interview session at his unveiling as a new Fluminese player. When quizzed about his “toughest opponent”, the Madrid icon answered: “Messi.”

    Marcelo’s successful stint in Spain

    The 34-year-old’s career truly blossomed once he swapped his native Brazil for Spain.

    He became Real Madrid’s most decorated player, winning 25 trophies during his time with Los Blancos, per Reuters. Marcelo played 546 games for Madrid, notched 38 goals and provided 103 assists.

    He spent 16 years with the Spanish giants before signing as a free agent for Olympiacos in Greece, which lasted for only 10 games.

    Marcelo terminates Olympiacos contract

    Meanwhile, Marcelo’s stint in Greece after leaving Real Madrid ended abruptly following the termination of his contract with Olympiacos.

    The Real Madrid legend joined Olympiacos on a free transfer last summer after bringing an end to his 16-trophy-laden years at the Santiago Bernabeu.

    In his brief stint in Greece, he made 10 appearances and scored three goals in all competitions for Olympiacos this season, according to Transfermarket.

    Marcelo copies Ronaldo’s ‘Siuu’ celebration

    Sports Brief also reported that Marcelo Oliviera stole Cristiano Ronaldo’s infamous ‘SIUU’ celebration as he scored for Olympiacos in the Greek Cup on Wednesday night. Olympiacos advanced to the quarterfinals of the Cup competition after drawing 2-2 with Atromitos at the Peristeri Stadium.

    The 34-year-old paid a tribute to his former Real Madrid teammate, Ronaldo, by hitting the legendary forward’s iconic goal celebration.

  • I’m focused here at Arsenal – Mikel Arteta refutes Arsenal exit rumours to Real Madrid

    I’m focused here at Arsenal – Mikel Arteta refutes Arsenal exit rumours to Real Madrid

    The manager of Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, has addressed rumours that he will leave the club to join Real Madrid. This season, Arteta has had a fantastic run of results with the north Londoners, and the Spaniard has put his team in a strong position to contend for the Premier League championship.

    Arsenal currently enjoys a five-point advantage over Man City at the top of the standings, making them the clear favourites to win the domestic championship.

    The team from the Emirates has reportedly won 20 of its last 26 Premier League games this season, leading the league with 63 points.

    Real Madrid and Arteta are connected. But given that Real Madrid is reportedly interested, it appears Arteta may not stay long at the Emirates Stadium.

    Speaking on the speculation, Arteta insisted that his focus is on the Arsenal job.

    “Managers and players can’t control what is written by the press,” Arteta retorted. “What I can tell is that I’m fully focused on what I’m doing here and extremely proud and grateful to do what I’m doing in this football club. That’s it,” he added, as quoted by Metro UK.

    Conte speaks on leaving Tottenham

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte has addressed his future with the club following his side’s elimination from the Champions League. Tottenham were bundled out of the European elite competition on Wednesday night by Serie A giants AC Milan.

    The north Londoners had suffered a 1-0 defeat in the reverse fixture played in Italy and were hoping to overturn the scoreline when they hosted AC Milan in London.

  • UEFA promises Liverpool fans ticket refunds after Champions League final chaos

    UEFA promises Liverpool fans ticket refunds after Champions League final chaos

    Following the chaos that ruined last May’s championship game in Paris, Liverpool supporters will receive a full refund for their Champions League final tickets from UEFA.

    The “large number of near misses that almost led to disaster” at the Stade de France were “primarily responsible” for, according to an independent report published last month, by UEFA.

    Authorities initially placed the blame on Liverpool fans during chaotic scenes that saw police use tear gas and others crowded in perilous bottlenecks outside the stadium.

    After taking responsibility for a number of administrative errors that occurred prior to Liverpool’s 1-0 loss to Real Madrid, UEFA has now decided to reimburse all 19,618 Liverpool ticket holders.

    UEFA general secretary Theodore Theodoridis said: “We have taken into account a huge number of views expressed both publicly and privately, and we believe we have devised a scheme that is comprehensive and fair.

    “We value the input from the Liverpool FC supporter organisations Spirit of Shankly and Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association as well as the open and transparent dialogue throughout this period.

    “We recognise the negative experiences of those supporters on the day and with this scheme we will refund fans who had bought tickets and who were the most affected by the difficulties in accessing the stadium.”

    The final, won by Vinicius Junior’s 59th-minute strike, was delayed by 38 minutes due to the crowd issues outside the venue.

    A large number of supporters with genuine tickets were refused entry because of faulty scanning devices, with many accused of possessing fake tickets.

    In a joint statement released on Tuesday, Spirit of Shankly and the Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association said: “We welcome today’s announcement from UEFA.

    “This unprecedented move is the result of tireless work, alongside FSE [Football Supporters Europe] and Ian Byrne MP, to hold those responsible for the catastrophic events in Paris.

    “With a promise to reimburse supporters, UEFA have gone some way to acknowledging their part in the fiasco.

    “But it does not excuse UEFA, exempt them from criticism or lessen the need for them to implement all of the recommendations made by the independent inquiry.

    “We will work alongside Liverpool and publish details once we know how and when refunds will be processed.”

    The cost of refunding nearly 20,000 supporters is expected to be in the region of £3million (€3.4m), according to reports.

  • Zidane assists Balotelli’s Swiss team’s executive to land the top position

    Zidane assists Balotelli’s Swiss team’s executive to land the top position

    Zinedine Zidane interrupted his hunt for a top job to give the glowing reference that secured his former Real Madrid assistant a first head coaching role in Switzerland.

    David Bettoni has been appointed boss of Sion, the club where Mario Balotelli plays, and that may mean Zidane will be looking for a new second-in-command when he returns to football.

    Zidane recently has made no secret of his eagerness to get back into work, having walked away from the Madrid hotseat after the 2020-21 season.

    A post with a big club likely awaits the France great, while Bettoni begins his life as a head coach with a ringing endorsement from his friend and former boss.

    Bettoni has been appointed on a short-term basis initially, taking the job until the end of the season.

    Sion president Christian Constantin told newspaper Le Matin he spent over an hour on the telephone with Zidane, joking that was more than former French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet was willing to give of his time.

    Le Graet caused uproar in France at the start of the year when he said he would not even have answered his phone to Zidane if he had called to enquire about the France job. That was after Zidane saw his hopes of being made boss of Les Bleus scuppered by Didier Deschamps signing up for another World Cup cycle.

    Constantin said of his chat with Zidane: “It made me very happy to be able to talk about football with him for an hour and a quarter. He had a much better reception with me than with Le Graet!

    “He told me how loyal David had been to him, that he had never sought to find fault with him in his mission. Without him, he told me again, I would never have succeeded in doing what I achieved at Real during all his years.”

    Sion sit ninth in the 10-team Swiss Super League and have not won a game in the competition since October.

    Bettoni, who first got to know Zidane when they were teenagers at Cannes, initially joined Madrid when Zidane was in charge of the youth side, before stepping up and helping his compatriot lead Los Blancos to three Champions League triumphs.

  • Guimaraes feeling more at home at Newcastle each day amid Real links

    Guimaraes feeling more at home at Newcastle each day amid Real links

    Bruno Guimaraes feels “at home” with Newcastle, despite reports of interest from European champions Real Madrid.

    Guimaraes was Newcastle’s flagship signing in January 2022 in their first transfer window following the takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

    The Brazil international had a huge impact and has impressed again this season in a team battling for Champions League qualification, having also reached the EFL Cup final.

    This form is said to have caught the attention of LaLiga giants Madrid, but Guimaraes appears committed to Newcastle.

    The ex-Lyon midfielder accepted the North East Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award on Sunday before posting on social media.

    “When I said yes to Newcastle, I was sure I was choosing a big project,” Guimaraes wrote.

    PSG hold extravagant ceremony to mark Mbappé goal scoring record

    “From the bottom of my heart, I didn’t expect to live the wonderful things I’m living here.

    “Respect for the team, love for the fans and each day feeling more at home.

    “Thanks for everyone that made [it] possible to live all of this.”

    Guimaraes has three goals in 18 league appearances this season, although he missed much of February through suspension.

    Newcastle have suffered a dip in form since the Premier League restarted after the World Cup, with just two top-flight wins from their last nine games.

    Back-to-back defeats against Liverpool and Manchester City, either side of their EFL Cup final loss to Manchester United, have stalled their momentum.

    The Magpies will hope to return to winning ways when they face Wolves on Sunday.

  • Guimaraes ‘feels at home’ with Newcastle amid Real rumours

    Guimaraes ‘feels at home’ with Newcastle amid Real rumours

    Although rumors that Real Madrid, the current European champions, are interested in Bruno Guimaraes, the player feels “at home” with Newcastle.

    In January 2022, during their first transfer window after being taken over by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Guimaraes was Newcastle’s most notable acquisition.

    The Brazil international made a significant impact last year and has done so once more this campaign for a squad that is competing for Champions League qualifying after also making it to the EFL Cup final.

    The LaLiga powerhouse Madrid is rumored to have expressed interest in this shape, but Guimaraes seems devoted to Newcastle.

    The ex-Lyon midfielder accepted the North East Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award on Sunday before posting on social media.

    “When I said yes to Newcastle, I was sure I was choosing a big project,” Guimaraes wrote.

    “From the bottom of my heart, I didn’t expect to live the wonderful things I’m living here.

    “Respect for the team, love for the fans and each day feeling more at home.

    “Thanks for everyone that made [it] possible to live all of this.”

    Guimaraes has three goals in 18 league appearances this season, although he missed much of February through suspension.

    Newcastle have suffered a dip in form since the Premier League restarted after the World Cup, with just two top-flight wins from their last nine games.

    Back-to-back defeats against Liverpool and Manchester City, either side of their EFL Cup final loss to Manchester United, have stalled their momentum.

    The Magpies will hope to return to winning ways when they face Wolves on Sunday.

  • Real Madrid supporters accuse Barcelona of corruption in a pre-El Clasico protests

    Real Madrid supporters accuse Barcelona of corruption in a pre-El Clasico protests

    Ahead of El Clasico, Real Madrid supporters voiced their opinions to Barcelona about the recent payment allegations.

    In a tense first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal, Barcelona defeated Madrid 1-0.

    Prior to the match, however, Los Blancos supporters staged a protest outside their stadium, TalkSport reported. The protest was in relation to the recent news that Barcelona paid the former Vice President of the Referee’s Committee, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira.

    The Blaugrana have maintained that there was nothing untoward about the payments. Madrid fan’s don’t agree, and carried fake Euro notes to the game with Barcelona president Joan Laporta’s face on it. They also displayed a banner with “Corruption in the Federation” written on it, Goal noted. Following the game, Madrid fans continued to claim that Barcelona had paid off the referee, because they were unhappy with some of the decisions in the game.

    Details about Barcelona refereeing payments

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported things are not looking good for FC Barcelona. The club have denied any wrongdoing after allegations surfaced that they have been paying the Enriquez Negreira over the years, but new information could suggest otherwise. A registered letter from Negreira to Barcelona in 2018 has been made public. In the letter, Negreira threatened Barca after they tried to stop the payments.

    Tebas wants Laporta to resign

    Sports Brief reported that Joan Laporta’s reign as Barcelona president could be set for an abrupt end following the latest financial scandal rocking the Catalan club.

    The five-time Champions League winners have been accused of paying more than €1.5 million to a company owned by the former Vice President of the Referees Technical Committee in Spain from 2016-18 La Liga president Javier Tebas has now called for Laporta to step down as the Barcelona president if he cannot explain the club’s 33 payments.

  • Real Madrid, every player’s ‘dreamland’

    Real Madrid, every player’s ‘dreamland’

    Agent to Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Rafaela Pimenta, says Real Madrid is still the “dreamland” for all footballers.

    Incredibly, Haaland has 33 goals for City this season, four more than any other player in the top five leagues in Europe. He has also broken numerous records.

    The Norwegian international is currently playing at Etihad Stadium in the first year of a five-year contract, but he is still linked with a transfer to LaLiga powerhouse Real Madrid.

    Haaland reportedly has a release clause in his contract that will allow him to join Madrid at the end of the upcoming season, but City manager Pep Guardiola previously denied those rumours.

    But Haaland’s agent did little to quash talk of a future switch to the Spanish capital when asked about the 22-year-old’s future at the FT Business of Football Summit in London.

    “There is the Premier League, and there is Real Madrid. Real Madrid has something of its own that makes it the dreamland for the players,” Pimenta said. 

    “Madrid keeps this magic going. They don’t have the league competition every week, but they do have the Champions League.”

    Haaland has previously said the attractiveness of playing under Guardiola at a club where father Alf-Inge once played was too much to turn down.

    However, Pimenta suggested the former Borussia Dortmund star already knows which club he will join next.

    “We have to make a plan, we need to have a goal,” she said. “Maybe we won’t achieve it, but if we don’t know where we’re going, then for sure we don’t get there.

    “We make plans, yes, we make plans even if they are a 15-year-old. We cannot be sitting down and waiting.”

    Haaland is one of a number of high-profile clients represented by Pimenta, along with the likes of Paul Pogba, Matthijs de Ligt, Marco Verratti and Ryan Gravenberch.

    All of those players have either played in or been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League, which Pimenta feels is still the elite division in world football.

    “When I started in this business, if I told [a player], ‘you’re moving to England’, they would ask me, ‘what did I do wrong?’,” she said.

    “Now when we talk to players, and ask them what is their goal, they say the Premier League. They don’t say a team, City, Chelsea, Arsenal, they say ‘the Premier League’.

    “This is the first time in 25 years that I hear so many players say I want to go to a league, not to a club. This is the place to be for an agent.

    “An agent needs to be where a player wants to be. It’s a fantastic league. It’s so competitive, every game is a challenge, everyone wants to watch it.”

  • Defeat hurts but we are confident of a progress – Madrid’s Ancelotti

    Defeat hurts but we are confident of a progress – Madrid’s Ancelotti

    Real Madrid lost the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final 1-0 to a Barcelona team, according to Carlo Ancelotti, who is confident that Real Madrid has the strength to recover.

    Thursday’s smash-and-grab victory by Barca at the Santiago Bernabeu gave them a slim lead heading into the second meeting at Camp Nou the following month.

    The game-winning goal was scored by Franck Kessie in the 26th minute after Thibaut Courtois blocked his initial shot. Eder Militao assisted on the play.

    Barca had the least amount of ball possession in a single game since Opta records began, with just 35.3% of the time, while Madrid dominated the other areas (2013-14 season).

    Similarly, Barca had less than 50% of the ball in a game for just the third time since the beginning of last year.

    Ancelotti was unimpressed by Barca’s performance and remains confident Madrid will reach the final, despite Los Blancos failing to get a single shot on target for only the third time in a decade.

    “The team played well,” he told reporters. “Barcelona played like they didn’t want to play.

    “We haven’t been good in the last third. Defeat hurts, but if we do the same in the second leg, we have a chance to progress.

    “We played the game we had to play: pressing, playing with intensity. We lacked a goal, but they did nothing to score. They were lucky with the rebound. We have 90 minutes [to turn it around].”

    He added: “We’ve failed, but we did not deserve to lose. But in 90 minutes we can score a goal in Barcelona.”

    Despite the obvious frustration in his voice, Ancelotti was undoubtedly impressed with how Madrid managed to control the majority of the game, forcing Barca to play mostly on the edge of their own box.

    “It’s a very bad result, undeserved, but it was a game well played on our part, with intensity and commitment.

    ‘

  • Barca beat Madrid in Copa del Rey semi-final first leg

    Barca beat Madrid in Copa del Rey semi-final first leg

    After defeating Real Madrid 1-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal on Thursday at the Santiago Bernabeu, Barcelona will head to Camp Nou with a slim edge.

    The only thing separating the two Spanish powerhouses was an own goal by Eder Militao, despite Carlo Ancelotti’s team controlling the majority of the possession but failing to create many chances.

    Only one other own goal has occurred in a Clasico this century, and three of them, Ivan Helguera’s in May 2002 and Raphael Varane’s in February 2019, have gone in Barca’s favor.

    Yet, Madrid may feel fortunate not to have lost by a larger margin as Ansu Fati unintentionally prevented Franck Kessie from scoring during a second half that was mostly dominated by the hosts.

    Karim Benzema had the ball in the net early on when he chested down a cross from Vinicius Junior and volleyed home, only to be flagged offside.

    Despite Madrid dominating early on, it was Barcelona who took the lead in the 26th minute.

    Ferran Torres played in Kessie, whose shot went in off Militao after Thibaut Courtois had initially saved from the Barca midfielder.

    Vinicius saw an effort blocked by Ronald Araujo early in the second half, while the visitors should have doubled their lead 18 minutes from time.

    Kessie met Torres’ cut-back but saw his goal-bound shot deflected wide by substitute Fati with Courtois stranded.

    Nevertheless, Xavi’s men held on despite Madrid’s desperate late onslaught.

  • Lewandowski, two other big shots missing in Barcelona’s squad to face Real Madrid

    Lewandowski, two other big shots missing in Barcelona’s squad to face Real Madrid

    Avi Hernandez has announced the roster for Barcelona’s Copa Del Rey match against rival Real Madrid. The Catalan powerhouses will travel to the Spanish capital to face Los Blancos in the first leg of the match on March 2 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

    The Barcelona trio of Robert Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembele, and Pedri won’t be making the trip to Madrid for the upcoming El Clasico, claims Sports Mole. Lewandowski suffered a left hamstring strain in La Blaugrana’s unexpected 1-0 La Liga loss to Almeria on February 26.

    Due to separate thigh issues, Dembele and Pedri are also out of the running and not on the 21-man roster.

    Youngster, Ansu Fati is expected to deputise for Lewandowski through the middle but Ferran Torres should get the nod as the number nine, allowing Raphinha to return out wide after his peculiar post-Manchester United injury – damaging his foot by kicking a fridge out of anger following his substitution.

    Lewandowski’s absence huge for Barcelona

    Barcelona missing Lewandowski’s goalscoring services for the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid is regarded as a big problem, Goal reports. The Polish international is the Catalan club’s top scorer this season, with 25 goals in 31 matches, despite only joining the La Liga leaders in August.

    Xavi’s team travels to Madrid to face their rivals in the first leg of a cup match that could also set the tone for the title run-in, following back-to-back losses to Almeria in La Liga and Man United in the Europa League.

    Five memorable El Clasico games Real Madrid and Barcelona will once again serve football fans another spectacle when both teams clash in the Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg on March 2.

    Sports Brief reported on the 252nd meeting between the Spanish giants defining both their seasons as Barca chases a domestic double and Real seeks redemption. Over the years, this fixture has given both sets of fans something to cheer on and has consistenly produced some of the best and most heated matchups in Europe.

  • Diaz excluded from Liverpool squad to meet Real Madrid

    Diaz excluded from Liverpool squad to meet Real Madrid

    Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Luis Diaz won’t be ready for Liverpool’s Champions League second-leg trip to Real Madrid.

    Since sustaining a knee injury during the Reds’ 3-2 Premier League loss to Arsenal in October, Diaz has been sidelined.

    In an interview with Sky Sports two weeks ago, the Colombia international seemed to hint at the last-16 second leg on March 15 being a possible return date, saying: “Let’s wait a little to see when I can come back to the pitch, and if it’s the [Santiago] Bernabeu, it will be no problem.”

    The winger has not yet returned to training, according to Klopp, and will miss that critical game. Liverpool is trying to pull off the unbelievable after losing 5-2 to Madrid in the first leg at Anfield last week.

    Despite the 26-year-old’s long absence, Klopp is confident he can have a big influence on the team when he does return, adding to reporters: “It’s estimated that maybe next week he will be warming up with the team and then maybe a week later being in team training.

    “I’m positive about him that there’s a good chance to have a real impact in 10, 11, 12 games, maybe. We will see how long it exactly takes.

    “When he is back, he will be really good and very impactful, of course. That is clear. How quickly, I don’t know. We have to see.

    “That’s the big challenge in these moments. There’s no time for being patient, but you have to be patient.

    “But you always have to wait. On Tuesday, I saw a very intense session, a lot of change of direction and stuff like this. If there is no reaction from that, then he can make the next step.”

  • Real Madrid goalkeeper Canizares renews contract

    Real Madrid goalkeeper Canizares renews contract

    Lucas Canizares, the goalkeeper for Real Madrid, has extended his contract with the LaLiga behemoths.

    Canizares hasn’t taken the field for Madrid in a senior match yet, but he has been used as a substitute 10 times this year and was a member of the team that won the Club World Cup.

    The 20-year-old, who is the prodigal son of former Madrid and Spain goalkeeper Santi Canizares, is ranked third in the hierarchy, behind Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin.

    He reportedly came close to leaving the team in January to pursue regular football, but he revealed on Monday that a new contract had been signed on his Instagram page.

    “I’m very happy to expand my link with Real Madrid,” Canizares said. “Eager to return with work the trust deposited. Let’s go!”

  • Carlo Ancelotti says title race ‘difficult’ for Madrid despite Alvaro’s derby heroics

    Carlo Ancelotti says title race ‘difficult’ for Madrid despite Alvaro’s derby heroics

    Real Madrid was forced to fight back in a frustrating 1-1 draw with 10-man rivals Atletico Madrid, and Carlo Ancelotti admitted it will be “difficult” for Los Blancos to win LaLiga.

    When Atleti substitute Angel Correa was controversially dismissed with Saturday’s derby tied at 0-0, Madrid would have liked their chances of closing the gap on league leaders Barcelona to five points.

    Atleti then appeared to be heading for a memorable victory when Jose Gimenez gave them the lead at the Santiago Bernabeu, but late in the game, 18-year-old forward Alvaro Rodriguez saved Madrid’s face.

    Ancelotti is aware of the difficulty of Madrid’s task given that the draw gives Barcelona the opportunity to extend their lead to 10 points when they travel to Almeria on Sunday.

    Asked about the title race by DAZN, Ancelotti said: “It was already very difficult before this match, now it’s more. We are going to fight until the end, that’s what I can say.

    “We lacked a bit of freshness. But mentally more than physically. At 1-0, it took us 10 minutes to compose ourselves, to reposition ourselves.

    “In the first half there was a lack of intensity and in the second, we reached it at the end, but we didn’t fully take advantage of the numerical superiority.”

    However, Ancelotti did reserve praise for Alvaro, who became the youngest player to score in a Madrid derby in LaLiga this century (aged 18 years and 226 days).

    “It was very important for him, a young man with an enormous dream of playing for Real Madrid,” Ancelotti said of the Uruguayan forward. “This will be a special night in his life.”

  • Atletico’s De Paul suffers thigh injury ahead of Madrid derby

    Atletico’s De Paul suffers thigh injury ahead of Madrid derby

    Prior to this weekend’s derby match against Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid’s midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has been sidelined for an unknown period of time due to a thigh injury.

    The Argentina international was taken off the field just before the hour mark of his team’s LaLiga victory over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

    It is now known that De Paul, a member of La Albiceleste’s World Cup-winning team in Qatar 2022, had a thigh injury.

    “Rodrigo De Paul is suffering from a thigh injury, according to the medical tests he has undergone after ending up with muscular problems in the match against Athletic Bilbao,” read an official statement.

    “The midfielder will begin to receive physiotherapy sessions, rehabilitation training and is pending evolution.”

    Though no timeframe has been given for De Paul’s potential return, Atletico will hope he is not sidelined for a prolonged period as Diego Simeone’s side fight for a top-four finish in LaLiga.

    However, it would seem unlikely De Paul will be fit for Saturday’s trip to the Santiago Bernabeu.

  • All about the 2023 Champions League final

    All about the 2023 Champions League final

    The knockout round of the 2022–23 Champions League tournament has begun, and the top teams in Europe are competing for a place in the quarterfinals.

    Real Madrid advanced significantly to the round of eight with a 5-2 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, while Napoli, the undisputed Serie A champion, now leads by a score of 2-0 after defeating Eintracht Frankfurt.

    To defeat Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea must overturn a 1-0 deficit, and Tottenham must do the same after losing to AC Milan.

    In other matches, Bayern Munich will try to hold onto its 1-0 lead against Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg, and Benfica should eliminate Club Brugge with a two-goal cushion.

    We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 final as the teams strive to get one step closer to the prestigious continental trophy.

    When is the 2023 Champions League final?

    The 2023 Champions League final will take place on Saturday, June 10.

    This date is later than last season’s showpiece, held on May 28, due to the change in the domestic football calendar thanks to the World Cup held last November and December in Qatar.

    For supporters at the stadium, the game will kick off at 10 p.m. local time. For fans watching in the UK, the match will start at 8 p.m.

    Where is the 2023 Champions League final?

    Turkey will host the 2023 Champions League final, with the game held at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul.

    The venue was opened in 2002, initially built for the country’s attempt to host the 2008 Olympics, which was ultimately awarded to Beijing, China.

    Home to the Turkish national team, it will be the second time the ground has held the Champions League final, having been the location for the epic 2005 encounter between AC Milan and Liverpool.

    Known as the Miracle of Istanbul, the Reds came back from a 3-0 half-time scoreline to win 3-2 on penalties after extra-time.

    Istanbul had been scheduled to host the 2020 showpiece, before the coronavirus pandemic resulted in the match being played at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal.

    Then in 2021, the marquee fixture was once again moved to Portugal, this time to the Estadio do Dragao in Porto.

    According to UEFA, the stadium has a capacity of over 75,000 people and is named after Turkey’s first president, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

  • Real Madrid broke 6 records against Liverpool in Champions League last-16 throttling

    Real Madrid broke 6 records against Liverpool in Champions League last-16 throttling

    Real Madrid defeated Liverpool 5-2 at Anfield on Tuesday in a historic Champions League performance after falling behind by two goals.

    Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah gave the Reds an electrifying start to the last-16 match with two quickfire goals, giving Los Blancos a lot of trouble early on.

    But a brilliant performance from Vinicius Junior launched a powerful Real Madrid comeback.

    All the records Real Madrid broke during Tuesday’s eventual 5-2 victory are examined at GOAL.

    First visiting European team to score five at Anfield

    Actually, Real Madrid became the first visiting club to put four goals past Liverpool at Anfield when Karim Benzema’s shot was deflected in off Joe Gomez, and then they added another for good measure with Benzema rounding Alisson and shooting into an open net.

    It was also the second time this campaign that the Reds conceded at least four times in the Champions League after doing so against Napoli on September 7.

    Benzema first to score six in European career vs Reds

    With his brace at Anfield on Tuesday night, Benzema has now scored more goals against Liverpool in European Cup and Champions League history than any other player (6). He entered play level with Didier Drogba for the record.

    Meanwhile, with his pair of strikes earlier in the game, team-mate Vinicius Junior is now in second place in that category (5).

    Vinicius Junior youngest since Cruyff to score twice as Anfield visitor in Europe

    Vinicius Junior broke Liverpool hearts last year with his winner in the Champions League final, and he hurt the Reds again in the first leg on Tuesday.

    At 22 years old, he became the youngest player since Johan Cruyff to score at least twice as a visitor in a European match at Anfield.

    Benzema equals Messi for consecutive UCLs scored in

    The French forward was injured for much of the group stage, but after breaking through with his first goals of the European season, he has now netted in 18 consecutive Champions League campaigns.

    That’s level with Lionel Messi for the all-time record.

    Real Madrid first to turn two-goal deficit into three-goal UCL win

    Carlo Ancelotti’s men, revered for their ability to stage dramatic comebacks, became the first team to win a Champions League match by three goals after trailing by at least two. The record applies to both home and away fixtures.

    Their five goals came between the 21st and 67th minutes – a remarkable average of a goal every nine minutes.

    Vinicius Junior second-youngest Madrid player to score in three straight UCL games

    He added two goals on Tuesday after also scoring against Celtic and RB Leipzig, with his streak of three Champions League games in a row the best in Real Madrid history after Raul.

    Raul was 22 years and 163 days old when he achieved the feat in 1999.