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Real Madrid C.F.

finalfantasy7 said:
great free transfer for madrid - not many players go to madrid on a free - any news on his new wage?

wont be surprised it will be between 350-420k a week

Have no idea - why bayern didn't sell him last yr - surely they new he didn't want to stay, would have triggered a transfer war between many clubs - easily lost out on £50-65m
Click to expand...

His contract with madrid is 12 million euros per year after the tax deduction.
 
Real Madrid have confirmed that Sergio Ramos is leaving the club after 16 years.
 
Marcelo to replace Sergio Ramos as Real Madrid captain

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has decided that left-back Marcelo will become the new team captain following Sergio Ramos' departure.

Los Blancos confirmed on Wednesday that Ramos will end his 16-year association with Real this summer after failing to agree on a new contract, with his refusal to listen to their demands earlier this year understood to have driven a wedge between the defender and the club.

On top of finding someone to replace Ramos in the team, Real must also decide who will fill his leadership void in the dressing room. Ramos had been captain since 2015, and according to AS, the next man to wear the armband will be Marcelo.

Ancelotti respects Marcelo's experience and sees the 33-year-old, who has been with Real since 2007, as the ideal man to take over from Ramos.

The Brazilian will become the first non-Spaniard to captain Real in over 100 years. Real have had a Spanish captain ever since 1904, when Guatemalan Federico Revierto gave up the armband.

https://www.90min.com/posts/marcelo-new-real-madrid-captain-sergio-ramos
 
End of an era. Another legend leaves the club. I thought they would reach an agreement. :/
 
ARK Rafay said:
End of an era. Another legend leaves the club. I thought they would reach an agreement. :/
Click to expand...

Ramos wanted a two year contract, real offered him a 1 year deal. Ramos then decided to accept the 1 year deal but was then told the contract offer had expired and was no longer on the table so he had no choice but to leave at that point.
 
Real Madrid say reports the club has looked in to leaving La Liga for the Premier League are "completely false, absurd and impossible".

On Saturday, Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo said Real had been "studying for weeks" the possibility of leaving Spain's top flight.

It added that club president Florentino Perez's favoured option was the Premier League but information had also been compiled on Serie A and the Bundesliga.

Real denied the reports in a statement.

It added such information "only intends to disturb, once more, the day to day of our club".

The reports come days after Real launched lawsuits against La Liga president Javier Tebas over a 2.7bn euro (£2.3bn) investment in the league from CVC Capital Partners.

Real, Juventus and Barcelona are the only sides not to have renounced the breakaway European Super League and have reiterated their intention to "keep developing the Super League project".

Real have debts of around £1bn, as do Barca and fellow La Liga side Atletico Madrid.

BBC
 
Club captain Karim Benzema has signed a one-year contract extension with Real Madrid keeping him at the Bernabeu until 2023.

The deal will take the striker into his 14th year with the Spanish club.

Benzema, 33, arrived at the Bernabeu in 2009 and has scored 281 goals in his 12-year spell, including more than 20 goals in each of the past three La Liga seasons.

The France international is the club's fifth-highest goalscorer of all time.

He has started the current campaign in fine form, scoring twice in Real's opening-day 4-1 victory over Alaves last week.

Benzema returned to the French national team for the delayed Euro 2020 this summer, scoring four times, and remains a pivotal figure at club level under Carlo Ancelotti.

His renewal follows that of Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who signed a new five-year contract with the club earlier this week to extend his stay until June 2026.
 
Real Madrid have made a £137m (€160m) bid to sign Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain.
 
Real Madrid secured a narrow win at Real Betis as they wait on the outcome of their ongoing efforts to sign Paris St-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe.

They were heading for a goalless draw when right-back Dani Carvajal volleyed Karim Benzema's cross into the net.

Benzema wasted a good chance when he fired wide with the game goalless, while Carvajal had an attempt tipped over the bar before scoring.

Betis went close through Nabil Fekir's free-kick.

Real are top of La Liga after three games, level on seven points with Sevilla, Valencia and Mallorca.

They have lost 300m euros in revenue because of Covid-19 and have only signed defender David Alaba on a free transfer from Bayern Munich this summer.

However, Real are keen to strengthen their attacking options by signing France World Cup winner Mbappe, 22, before next week's transfer deadline.

PSG sporting director Leonardo said the club would "not hold Mbappe back" but considered Real's £137m bid to be "not sufficient".
 
Real Madrid have emerged as favourites to sign Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger after positive talks with the 28-year-old German about joining on a free next summer. (Guardian)
 
La Liga leaders Real Madrid scored two goals in the final eight minutes to fight back from 2-0 down and snatch a draw at home to Elche.

Lucas Boye and Pere Milla put the strugglers on course for a shock win.

But Luka Modric's penalty brought Real back into the game and then Eder Militao levelled in added time.

Real's top scorer Karim Benzema, who missed a first-half penalty when the game was goalless, was forced off with a hamstring strain.

The France striker has scored 27 goals in 33 appearances this season for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Real will face Paris St-Germain in the Champions League last 16 in just over three weeks' time.

They needed extra time to overcome Elche in the Copa del Rey in midweek and once again found them obdurate opponents in the league, despite enjoying 65% possession and having 23 shots on goal.

The draw restores their four-point lead at the top of La Liga ahead of Sevilla, who also came from 2-0 down to draw against Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Before kick-off, all of Madrid's players came out wearing number 11 shirts in tribute to Real and Spain legend Paco Gento, who died aged 88 on Tuesday.
 
A thrilling comeback from Real Madrid, truly memorable win!

The 17-minute hat-trick from Benzema really was out of this world, on such an occasion at such a time.
 
<b>Carlo Ancelotti: Real Madrid manager on brink of history – so why is his job on line?</b>

His team are 12 points clear at the top of La Liga and preparing for a Champions League quarter-final with Chelsea, so why is Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti apparently still in serious danger of being fired?

To understand the Italian's precarious position, it's necessary to consider the context of his arrival at the club last summer.

Real were in a fair amount of turmoil, with a trophy-less season followed by the departure of iconic boss Zinedine Zidane along with captain Sergio Ramos and his central defensive partner Raphael Varane.

At such a precarious time in terms of morale, club president Florentino Perez needed a safe pair of hands, someone to lead the short-term task of calmly guiding the team out of choppy waters.

A sense of stability and continuity was required and nobody fitted the bill better than Ancelotti, whose experience and easy-going manner made him the perfect candidate to restore order.

He has unquestionably achieved that aim. Real have taken advantage of an inconsistent season from reigning champions Atletico Madrid, a dreadful start from Barcelona and a lack of firepower at Sevilla to establish a surely impregnable position at the top of La Liga - meaning that Ancelotti is poised to become the first manager in history to win the title in each of Europe's big five leagues.

Whether Ancelotti - who will be at Stamford Bridge after testing negative for Covid on Wednesday - will be given the opportunity to defend the crown next season, however, is a different matter.


<b>Is history about to repeat itself?</b>

Real's results over the course of the campaign have largely been better than their performances, with the team often over-reliant on Karim Benzema for attacking inspiration and Thibaut Courtois for goalkeeping heroics.

The absence of the former was particularly notable a couple of weeks ago when Real suffered a humiliating 4-0 home thrashing at the hands of a rejuvenated Barcelona, who are already looking capable of making a serious push for all silverware next season.

A major criticism of Ancelotti throughout the season is that he has shown a very limited ability to rotate his squad, repeatedly lining up with pretty much the same starting XI irrespective of how well they are playing.

With Benzema unavailable for last month's Clasico, Real's lack of strategic variety was exposed to an alarming degree as Barca cantered to an unimaginably easy victory - and Ancelotti only weakened his position by a disastrous half-time tactical change which had to be abandoned when the visitors scored two minutes after the restart.

For Perez, embarrassing performances of that nature are generally a signal to change the coach: Rafael Benitez was fired shortly after a 4-0 home defeat by Barca in 2015; Julen Lopetegui went immediately after a 5-1 loss at the Nou Camp in 2018, and Santi Solari was dismissed following a 4-1 Champions League home defeat by Ajax a few months later.

The suspicion that Perez doesn't entirely trust Ancelotti is strengthened by a simple fact: he has already fired the Italian once, in 2015, when Ancelotti was sacked a year after landing the club's 10th European title.

Back then, a humbling 4-0 mid-season loss against Atletico played a major part in turning Perez against the coach.

It looks increasingly likely history will be repeated in the coming weeks, with only another Champions League triumph or a perfect finale to the league campaign expected to be enough to persuade Perez against firing Ancelotti.


<b>Who could replace Ancelotti?</b>

So if the Italian goes (again), who replaces him this time?

As with Manchester United, Mauricio Pochettino has long been linked with a move to the Bernabeu, while Julian Nagelsmann of Bayern Munich is admired by Perez and Real legend Raul is coming increasingly into the picture after an impressive spell in charge of the club's B team.

Whoever is at the helm, they will have to oversee a period of transition. Long-standing stalwarts Benzema, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Dani Carvajal must be gradually replaced, while unwanted veterans Gareth Bale, Isco and Marcelo will leave at the end of the season when their contracts expire.

The midfield can be rejuvenated by more prominent roles for Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga, who have been largely sidelined by Ancelotti's ongoing insistence on starting with Modric, Kroos and Casemiro whenever possible.

Looming largest in the background, however, is Kylian Mbappe.

Real have done everything possible over the past few years to lure French superstar Mbappe away from Paris St-Germain, and it appears inevitable that the long-standing quest to bring him to the Bernabeu will finally bear fruit this summer.

His coaching preferences are bound to be taken into consideration before his eventual arrival.

With Borussia Dortmund's Erling Braut Haaland also targeted by Perez, who is desperate to retain his club's place among Europe's elite despite the financial advantages of clubs such as PSG and Manchester City, the starting XI for Real Madrid next season could look very different to the batch of players routinely selected by Ancelotti.

And so could the figure in the dugout.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60919616
 
Carlo Ancelotti became the first manager to win the league in all five of Europe's major leagues as Real Madrid beat Espanyol to win La Liga.

Two goals from Rodrygo and strikes from Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema confirmed Real's 35th Spanish title.

They are 17 points clear of second-placed Sevilla with four games to play.

Ancelotti has also won titles in Italy's Serie A, France's Ligue 1, the Premier League in England and the German Bundesliga.

Real needed only a draw to win the title, but victory was never really in doubt once Rodrygo stroked home from just inside the area.

The Brazilian doubled Real's lead a minute before the break when he robbed Sergi Gomez of possession on the edge of the penalty area and fired low into the bottom corner.

Asensio finished off a rapid counter-attack before Benzema - rested with Wednesday's Champions League semi-final against Manchester City in mind - came off the bench to sidefoot home from Vinicius Jr's cutback.

Ancelotti makes history

Ancelotti was lured back for a second spell at Real last summer following the departure of Zinedine Zidane, quitting Everton after 18 months at the Premier League club.

The 62-year-old won five major titles in two years at the Bernabeu between 2013 and 2015, including 'La Decima' - their 10th European Cup - but the Spanish title eluded him.

His first league title as a manager was with AC Milan in 2004, the club where he won the league twice as a player in the 1980s.

The Premier League with Chelsea followed in 2010, before Ancelotti lifted Ligue 1 with Paris St-Germain in 2013 and the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich in 2017.

Ancelotti's season could end in more glory, although Real must overturn a 4-3 first-leg deficit against City at the Bernabeu.

If they do reach the final and lift the trophy Ancelotti would become the only man to win the European Cup or Champions League four times as a manager, having also led AC Milan to the trophy in 2003 and 2007.

BBC
 
Real have dominated the league this season.

Now onto the CL semi 2nd leg for them.
 
Madrid have been excellent this season across all competitions, thanks to the new leases on life that Modric, Kroos and most of all Benzema found, as well as the first proper breakout season of Vinicius. He is destined to be a star.
 
"The quality of Madrid is not by chance or luck. They have a high level in everything."

Was Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola just being polite in the aftermath of the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid?

City won a sensational game 4-3 and take that slender lead to the Bernabeu on Wednesday to meet a side that has since been crowned champions of Spain.

Winning La Liga sees Carlo Ancelotti become the first manager to win the title in Europe's top five leagues - and should he claim the Champions League, he will become the first to win it four times, moving clear of Liverpool's Bob Paisley and Real's Zinedine Zidane.

But still, the Spanish giants are often accused of winning despite of the Italian rather than because of him.

What is their gameplan? How many times have individuals bailed them out?

Los Merengues are in the middle of a rebuild and while they may be significantly better managed financially than competitors Barcelona, they still cannot boast squad perfection.

They simply do not have much money to spare. There are stadium renovations to think of and the purchase of PSG striker Kylian Mbappe to fund, not just because of his talent but because his marketing potential will generate another revenue stream.

As such, the squad consists of ageing stars and developing kids but little else in between. Their net spend in the transfer market in the past decade, according to the Football Observatory, is lower than that of teams such as Leeds, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa. In the past two summers, Real have only paid money for one player, Eduardo Camavinga who arrived for £28m from Rennes.

Considering the squad's deficiencies, Real president Florentino Perez was limited in his choices for a coach when he looked for a replacement for Zinedine Zidane in 2021. He needed a pragmatist, someone who made the best of what was already there as the club continued to rebuild.

In came Ancelotti for his second spell. The 62-year-old is a master at working with what he has and in putting the quality of the individual at the forefront of his plans but that wasn't always how he did things.

He trained under the great Arrigo Sacchi and grew up learning the art of a great playing strategy. The system was so important to him that he famously did not want Roberto Baggio or Gianfranco Zola in his side because they did not suit the system.

His time at Juventus and training France legend Zidane as well as his ensuing experience made him learn to adapt and he has since become a pragmatist who puts the players first.

Club Title
Juventus Intertoto Cup (1999)
AC Milan Champions League (2002-03 & 2006-07), Serie A (2003-4), Coppa Italia (2002-03), Italian Super Cup (2004), Uefa Super Cup (2007), Club World Cup (2007)
Chelsea Premier League (2009-10), FA Cup (2009-10), Community Shield (2009)
Paris St-Germain Ligue 1 (2012-13)
Real Madrid Champions League (2013-14), La Liga (2021-22), Copa del Rey (2013-14), Spanish Super Cup (2021-11), Uefa Super Cup (2014), Club World Cup (2014)
Bayern Munich Bundesliga (2016-17), German Super Cup (2016,2017)
Loyalty to the player means putting them in the ideal conditions to express their best. Let's take forwards Vinicius Jr and Karim Benzema as an example.

Against Borussia Monchengladbach in last season's Champions League, Benzema was caught on camera accusing Vinicius Jr of "playing against us", telling team-mate Ferland Mendy to not pass the youngster the ball. The Brazilian's inability to make the right decision under pressure was noted by many.

In December 2020, just a few weeks later, Spanish newspaper Marca asked their experts to explain why Real were not performing, especially in attack.

"There is a lack of a goalscorer to make the difference in matches. Cristiano [Ronaldo]'s departure has been more decisive than many thought," said journalist Felipe Del Campo.

Fast forward 13 months from when that report was published and ESPN reminded us in January 2022 that "Real pair Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior have outscored the entire Barca squad thus far, having shared 36 goals between themselves as opposed to the 35 goals collectively amassed by the Catalans".

Maybe Ancelotti just hugged them more, made them feel good?

Ancelotti always downplays how much he advises his players but clear data was collected and studied to help Vinicius Jr make better decisions and allow him to form a better partnership with Benzema.

Ballon d'Or and World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro once explained just how vital Ancelotti was to his own development.

"What I remember the most from Ancelotti is learning zonal marking," said the former Real, Juventus and Inter Milan defender. "I was accustomed to only tracking the man, but with him I learned the right movements and posture."

As for Benzema, when he missed his first ever penalty for Real in January 2022, Ancelotti absorbed all the criticism and told everyone it was his fault and not his striker's.

Allowing the individuals to shine is one thing but Ancelotti is also one of the finest readers of the game. He never stops working in a match, adjusting and forcing tactical changes that provoke mistakes from opponents while simultaneously putting his players in a better position to exploit.

Against Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-final, Real suffered deeply in the second leg. They were forced deeper and deeper but kept adjusting to increase the energy in midfield and maintain an attacking threat. The idea was to push Luka Modric closer to the attack and give him more opportunity to find a killer pass by bringing on Rodrygo. A goal was instantly achieved.

Against another great pragmatic strategist in Thomas Tuchel, Ancelotti's adjustments and substitutions were key - along with a large slice of luck.

In an interview with L'Equipe, France left-back Lucas Digne explained that his former Everton boss Ancelotti "is the best strategist, he analyses his opponents very well, he reads games very well.

"In every game he tries to adapt to the players at his disposal. He can vary his system with one snap of his fingers."

It would be remiss not to note how important it is for Real to have Antonio Pintus back as their fitness coach. How else would such a collection of ageing stars continue to perform at the optimum levels? Ancelotti takes care of their mentality and Pintus ensures perfect physical conditioning.

Make no mistake, Real deserve their La Liga title and to be contending for the Champions League final not only because of luck but because of clever strategies, attention to detail and the ability to convert fine individuals into great competitors.

BBC
 
Real Madrid want to sign Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling, 27, after being snubbed by Paris St-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe, 23. (Star)
 
Got a decent chance of nabbing Sterling if they want him. He is not starting regularly for City.
 
Salah is a better choice. But for the future they may look at the Juve striker Dusan Vlahovic.

The Mbappe chapter is over and hopefully forever.
 
This was supposed to be a dream seven days for Real Madrid.

Announce the signing of Kylian Mbappe - arguably the world's most coveted player - at the start of the week, and win the Champions League at the end of it.

That was the expectation from club president Florentino Perez, who had been ultra confident a deal for the World Cup-winning France forward would be done.

That Mbappe chose to stay at Paris St-Germain has not gone down well. The Madrid press have been apoplectic, to the point that in the early part of this week all coverage was about the non-deal rather than the small matter of Saturday's final against Liverpool.

The fallout has involved Karim Benzema courting controversy, but may actually end up being good news for some of the Bernabeu club's key players.

Either way, it has certainly not been the build-up to their bid for a 14th Champions League title that Real Madrid had been expecting.

While Liverpool's preparations for the Paris final have involved coming to terms with the disappointment of missing out on the Premier League title by a point to Manchester City, the Real Madrid squad have had an entirely different setback to contend with.

There is certainly an element of disappointment coming from within their camp at the failure to sign Mbappe, because many of the group were looking forward to the chance of playing with him, not least because they had been assured his arrival was a done deal.

The Madrid media felt the same, and the main reason for the subsequent furore is that all they had heard recently - or believed - was Perez's version of events.

According to sources close to the president, everything was agreed. Mbappe had started to look for a property in Madrid, his presentation to the adoring fans was already being organised and Perez had actually said in private meetings and dinners that it was all done.

Perez told everyone the player was counting the days before he came and the rejection over the past eight months of a new contract offer from PSG only served to confirm their beliefs that this was in fact the case.

But Mbappe always said unequivocally that he would make his decision at the end of the season.

Real Madrid told him he had to choose between money and glory, and there has been plenty of talk this week that he opted for money.

His motivation was certainly more than just financial, though.

Despite what you may have read or heard, in Mbappe's mind he did not say "no" to Real Madrid, but rather "yes" to PSG and to staying in his native France. That was clear to me when I met him in Paris this week to interview him for BBC Sport.

In the end there was very little to choose between the offers on the table from both clubs, and the player firmly believes he has unfinished business in Paris.

For the 23-year-old, money was of course a factor, but it is also about love - which he has in abundance in Paris - and power, the three things humans crave. The player will now become the focal point of the club and everyone is going to have to adapt to it. And yes, that includes Lionel Messi. Let's see how that works.

Mbappe is also more than aware of the fact that by the end of his lucrative new contract he will be just 26 and presumably at his absolute peak. Anything can happen then; never say never.

Real Madrid's current star man, Karim Benzema, is 37 and might not still be at the club when that deal expires. Perhaps that helps explain his bizarre Instagram posting of a picture of Tupac Shakur, with an image in the background of a 'friend' of the rapper who supposedly betrayed the artist before his murder in 1996. This was seen as a less-than-subtle signal to highlight Mbappe's own 'betrayal'.

The pair are France team-mates, of course, and Mbappe was quick to point out that in his opinion this infantile response had more to do with the powers that be at Real Madrid making mischief than something that had emanated from Benzema himself.

Certainly, Benzema has not been impressed with being embroiled in the saga and it actually took his intervention to change the mood this week.

He effectively pressed the reset button on Tuesday during a Champions League media day, saying the moment was long gone for discussing these minor matters and it was now time to concentrate on the match.

There are two people involved in Saturday's final who probably won't exactly be heartbroken at Mbappe's no-show in Madrid, namely Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.

Vinicius has played more minutes than any other Real Madrid player this season and has been a standout performer in the Champions League. Rodrygo has been used less regularly, but delivered arguably European football's moments of the season when he scored twice in the dying moments of their Champions League semi-final against Manchester City to keep the tie alive.

More backing for Vinicius, who incidentally was told as a 16-year-old that the club were looking to him rather than Mbappe as its future, is now inevitable. Suddenly his potential importance to the Spanish champions has grown significantly. Vinicius will probably benefit from not having to look over his shoulder.

New contracts for him and Rodrygo are being negotiated as I write. Neither are 'an Mbappe', but Real Madrid now realise this is the coat that they must cut their cloth to. They can no longer compete in the buying of superstars and will have to go down the road of signing prodigiously talented youngsters, like the aforementioned pair and also Eduardo Camavinga, turning them into superstars.

The big question now is where does this whole off-field saga leave Real Madrid and its president?

There is no doubt it is time for a reality check for Perez and the club as a whole. Neither are accustomed to coming off second best in any transfer negotiations, but even they have to accept the timing of these huge deals is now in the hands of the players, because Mbappe's handling of this situation - letting his contract run down and waiting until the end of the season to announce his decision - has changed the transfer landscape.

Perez is a supremely astute leader with a killer instinct, and previous dealings have shown the footballing world that what he and Real Madrid want, they invariably get.

The arrival on to the scene of state-linked clubs like Manchester City (Abu Dhabi) and PSG (Qatar) has brought a seismic change to European football. The pecking order has been transformed both on and off the pitch, with the game's two young superstars deciding to trust their future for the time being at least to these clubs - Erling Haaland to Manchester City and Mbappe to PSG - rather than the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Real Madrid's inability to get the Mbappe deal over the line means they have not only lost weight and prestige in the market in the eyes of the watching world, but most importantly they have lost face. That is not a nice feeling for a club that regards itself as the most important in the world.

But with all that said, the disappointment of missing out on Mbappe shouldn't hide the fact Real Madrid are still very well run, with manageable debt despite rebuilding the stadium, with a squad that is evolving and which will get younger this summer.

And let's not forget they are one game away from completing a La Liga and Champions League double.

When I spent time with them in Madrid on Tuesday they seemed to have the serenity of serial winners, the calm heads of those used to being in major finals. The players entered the biggest week of the season as if they were walking around a beach in flip flops. It is not arrogance. It is the feeling that, in a way, they have nothing to lose - but with the confidence they have a good chance to win.

Yes, they lack that extra dimension that a Galactico would give them in the commercial world.

But how much do they even need one on the pitch itself? We might find out against Liverpool on Saturday.

BBC
 
Liverpool 0-1 Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois hits out at critics

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says he does not get enough respect - having produced a stunning performance to deny Liverpool in the Champions League final.

The former Chelsea goalkeeper made several excellent saves, particularly in a first half the Reds dominated.

Vinicius Jr then scored the winning goal after the break for Real.

"I said that when Madrid plays finals, they win. I was on the good side of history," Courtois said.

"I saw a lot of tweets coming my way that I would get humbled today - it was the other way round."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61621174
 
Champions of Europe for a record 14th time, double the next club in the list (AC Milan).

This might be the most improbable, incredible run of the lot.
 
What an extraordinarily dramatic run to the final it was from Real, and thereafter a thoroughly robust, streetwise and resilient performance to take the trophy home with this 1-0. Real defended brilliantly, scored a good goal and Courtois was incredible. They all deserve this success and congratulations to them.
 
Real Madrid have agreed a deal with Monaco for the signing of Aurélien Tchouaméni
 
Aurelien Tchouameni: Real Madrid sign midfielder from Monaco

Real Madrid have signed France midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni from Monaco on a six-year deal.

Both clubs have announced the deal and Real say they will hold a presentation ceremony for the 22-year-old on Tuesday following a medical.

Tchouameni made 35 Ligue 1 appearances for Monaco last season, contributing three goals and two assists.

He has made 11 appearances for France since making his international debut in September.

The deal is reported to be worth 80m euros (£68.3m) plus about 20m euros (£17m) in add-ons.

Tchouameni had also been linked with Liverpool, Manchester United and Paris St-Germain.

Reports suggested that Tchouameni had agreed terms with Premier League side Liverpool.

Real Madrid will bring in Tchouameni having missed out on signing Paris St-Germain and France striker Kylian Mbappe earlier this summer.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61742709
 
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr set to sign new long-term contract which will include £1bn buy out clause to fend off interest from Paris Saint-Germain
 
Luka Modric scored a wonderful goal as defending champions Real Madrid beat Celta Vigo in La Liga.

Karim Benzema gave Real the lead but Iago Aspas equalised - both penalties following handballs - before Modric found the top corner from 25 yards from David Alaba's pass.

The Croatia midfielder, 36, then played a through ball to Vinicius Jr, who raced away and rounded goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin before slotting in.

Federico Valverde drilled in a fourth.

Real won a second penalty late on but Eden Hazard, who had only been on the pitch for a few minutes, saw his spot-kick saved by Marchesin. The former Chelsea player has only scored four goals in 50 La Liga appearances.

Madrid have won all three of their games this season, beating Eintracht Frankfurt in the Uefa Super Cup and Almeria on the opening day of La Liga.

Modric - who was applauded by the home fans when he was replaced by Dani Ceballos - has scored at least one league goal - in Bosnia, Croatia, England and Spain - every season since 2003-04.

Some 18 of the former Tottenham playmaker's 33 La Liga goals have been scored outside the box.

Real Madrid left Casemiro out with the Brazil midfielder, 30, close to a £70m move to Manchester United.

Young France midfielders Eduardo Camavinga and new signing Aurelien Tchouameni played alongside Modric in the middle of the park.

Carlo Ancelotti's side last lost a La Liga game to a team not from Madrid or Barcelona in January 2021.

BBC
 
Real Madrid continued their perfect start to the new La Liga season by inflicting a first league defeat of the campaign on Real Betis.

Vinicius Jr's sublime early finish was cancelled out 11 minutes later by Betis midfielder Sergio Canales.

Karim Benzema had an effort cleared off the line before Rodrygo prodded Madrid back in front in the second half.

The 21-year-old almost made it 3-1 soon afterwards but struck the post from Luka Modric's cross.

Betis, who had collected maximum points from their opening three league games, were denied another equaliser when Thibaut Courtois tipped Canales' dipping effort around the post with 15 minutes remaining.

Carlo Ancelotti's side have now won four games out of four as they seek to defend their La Liga title, and will begin the defence of their Champions League crown with a trip to Celtic on Tuesday.
 
Real Madrid are ready to beat Tottenham to the signing of Inter Milan's Slovakia defender Milan Skriniar, 27
 
Real Madrid were stunned 1-0 at Mallorca in La Liga with midfielder Marco Asensio missing a penalty against his former club.

Vedat Muriqi's header deflected in off Real Madrid defender Nacho to put the hosts ahead in the 13th minute at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix.

The champions were given a 59th-minute penalty when home goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic brought down Vinicius Junior.

But Rajkovic kept out Asensio's spot-kick, diving to his left to save well.

The defeat left Real Madrid second in La Liga, five points behind Barcelona who host Sevilla later on Sunday.

Mallorca's win over Los Blancos was their first since 2019 and only their second victory against the Spanish giants in 14 matches.

Los Piratas, who have also beaten Atletico Madrid 1-0 at home this season, stayed 10th, nine points clear of the relegation zone.
 
Real Madrid win Club World Cup in 8-goal final

Real Madrid beat Al-Hilal 5-3 in a remarkable eight-goal Fifa Club World Cup final in Rabat to win the trophy for a record-extending fifth time.

Vinicius Jr and Federico Valverde put European champions Real 2-0 up and Moussa Marega gave Al-Hilal hope before Vinicius set up Karim Benzema's goal.

Valverde netted again and Luciano Vietto scored before Vinicius' second.

Vietto swivelled in the box before firing in a second to for 5-3 but Al-Hilal rarely looked like coming back.

Carlo Ancelotti's Real added to their four cups from 2014 to 2018 - and ensured European teams have won the past 10 editions of the tournament.

They had brushed off Egyptian side Al Ahly 4-1 in the semi-finals, the round the European champions always enter the tournament.

Asian champions Al-Hilal, who are managed by former Oxford United boss Ramon Diaz, beat Brazilians Flamengo in the semis to become the first Saudi team to reach the final.

But despite the double from former Fulham striker Vietto they could not become the first Asian team to lift the trophy.

Chelsea won last year's final but were not able to defend it as only reigning continental champions - and champions of the host country - are invited.

Fifa plans to change the format of the tournament from June 2025 to feature 32 teams and be held every four years.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64612995
 
"We want this Champions League again," said Karim Benzema after masters of Europe Real Madrid produced another magic night beating Liverpool 5-2 to become "favourites" for a 15th crown.
 
Look at the fifth goal. Modric wins the balls and breezes past Liverpool's midfield. The man is 37 and he is putting in these sort of performances. Modric is one of the greatest players of all time and he needs to be put in that conversation.
 
Real Madrid say they will support the corruption charges faced by Barcelona over money paid to the vice-president of Spain's referees' committee.

Real are prepared to "defend their interests" when proceedings are opened.

On Friday, a court heard Barcelona have been indicted for "corruption", "breach of trust" and "false business records".

Prosecutors allege Barca paid 8.4m euros (£7.4m) to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira and his company in return for favourable refereeing decisions.

Barcelona, who deny any wrongdoing, acknowledged the payments were made to Dasnil 95 between 2001 and 2018.

The Catalan club described the company as "an external technical consultant" which was paid to compile video reports related to professional referees "with the aim of complementing the information required by the coaching staff".

Former presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu and Sandro Rosell, as well as Negreira, have also been indicted alongside the club.

The lawsuits were brought by the Barcelona public prosecutor's office.

"FC Barcelona obtained and maintained a strictly confidential verbal agreement with Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira so that, in his capacity as vice-president of the technical arbitral committee (CTA) and in exchange for money, the latter carries out actions tending to benefit FC Barcelona in decisions by the referees," prosecutors said.

A senior Barcelona official said the club had expected the prosecutors' complaint and described it as "nothing more than an absolutely preliminary investigative hypothesis".

Real Madrid held a board meeting on Sunday to discuss the issue, outlining their position after having "inspected the serious accusations".

"Real Madrid wishes to express its utmost concern regarding the gravity of the facts and reiterates its confidence in the legal system," said the reigning Spanish champions.

"The club has agreed that, in defence of its legitimate rights, it will appear at the trial when the judge opens it up to the affected parties."

Barcelona president Joan Laporta responded by insisting the club is the "victim of a campaign" to "harm its honourability", urging fans to remain "calm".

"It is no surprise and we will defend Barca and prove that the club is innocent," he tweeted.

BBC
 
Coach Carlo Ancelotti believes Karim Benzema, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos will stay with Real Madrid next season.

The long-serving trio are all out of contract this summer but Ancelotti said "they are talking" about new deals.

Former France striker Benzema, 35, and Croatia midfielder Modric, 37, have won five Champions League titles with Real since 2014, while ex-Germany midfielder Kroos, 33, has won four.
 
Real Madrid chase Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Alphonso Davies transfers this summer

Real Madrid are interested in signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, Paris Saint Germain forward Kylian Mbappe and Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies this summer.

Sky Sports News reported earlier this month that talks were at an advanced stage for Bellingham - but as yet, there has been no official offer for the 19-year-old midfielder.

It has also been confirmed to Sky Sports News the three-year contract Mbappe signed last summer is broken down as a two-year deal, with the option of a further year. The extra year is a player option - meaning it is up to Mbappe whether he wants to trigger it or not.

As it stands, Mbappe is about to enter the final year of his deal. He was in a similar position last year before PSG convinced him to extend.

If Mbappe does not trigger the extra year, he can sign a pre-contract agreement with a club outside France in January.

It is understood Mbappe is not for sale and the France captain is an integral part of PSG's long-term future strategy.

Real Madrid are also in the market for a left-back and have a long-standing interest in Canada international Davies.

However, the 22-year-old has been described as 'unsellable' - with Bayern desperate to tie him down to a new contract. His current deal expires in the summer of 2025.

Real have often deployed midfielder Eduardo Camavinga ahead of Ferland Mendy in the left-back position.

Mendy has started only 15 LaLiga games this season, and has not played in the Champions League since November. It is thought Real will listen to offers for him this summer.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...ppe-and-alphonso-davies-transfers-this-summer
 
This humiliation should be the end of an era for Madrid. The signs are ominous - they couldn’t get anywhere near Barca in the league and got outclassed by City big time.

They look like a stale, tired team that is lacking hunger. Ancelotti, Modric, Kroos, Benzema, Carvajal etc. this lot looks done.

They need to build their team around Vinicius, Rodrygo, Camavinga, Tchouameni and Valverde. Like Liverpool, they need fresh legs in midfield and Bellingham will be a massive coup. He is exactly what they need.
 
"We want this Champions League again," said Karim Benzema after masters of Europe Real Madrid produced another magic night beating Liverpool 5-2 to become "favourites" for a 15th crown.
Click to expand...

After this pumping by City, it didn't seem like you and your team wanted it tonight Karim.
 
Poor season by Madrid standards, way off the La Liga title and only a Copa del Rey to show for it.

Mamoon said:
This humiliation should be the end of an era for Madrid. The signs are ominous - they couldn’t get anywhere near Barca in the league and got outclassed by City big time.

They look like a stale, tired team that is lacking hunger. Ancelotti, Modric, Kroos, Benzema, Carvajal etc. this lot looks done.

They need to build their team around Vinicius, Rodrygo, Camavinga, Tchouameni and Valverde. Like Liverpool, they need fresh legs in midfield and Bellingham will be a massive coup. He is exactly what they need.
Click to expand...

They have been very smart in transfer dealings and have been preparing for the end of this generation well. They transitioned from the Galacticos mindset to hoovering up the best young talent in world football, like the ones you've mentioned.

Now going back into the market chasing big buys like Bellingham, Mbappe, Alphonso. They will be back very soon.
 
Real Madrid are ready to splash the cash next summer after setting their sights on Paris St-Germain's France striker Kylian Mbappe, 24, and Manchester City's Norway striker Erling Haaland, 23.
 
Real Madrid change stance over Mbappé signing

In 17 days, on 1 January, 2024, the market once again enters the ‘Mbappé zone’. It’s the moment when Kylian can legally negotiate with any team he wishes. In this equation, Real Madrid is obviously the other major variable. The stance of the club is clear and firm, as understood internally. This differs from the past attitude, where the Bondy native was seen as the cornerstone for building the project.

The player’s quality is indisputable and current, with 18 goals this season, and his media impact is titanic. Therefore, the plan to acquire him in the Spanish capital remains active. As AS reported, Real Madrid’s offensive will indeed start in the New Year. That’s when they will make their move, when Mbappé, along with his mother and agent Fayza Lamari, will receive the club’s contract proposal.

However, after the experience of 2022, they seek a definitive response before a stated deadline of 15 January. It’s understood internally that this is sufficient time for Kylian to decide if he wants to play for Los Blancos. This approach also ensures that the planning for the 2024-25 season isn’t affected and allows for the necessary movements for backup plans, which include, for example, Erling Haaland.

Here is where the firmness on Madrid’s side comes in. The series of events since that photo of Kylian posing at Parc des Princes, wearing a jersey with a symbolic 2025 printed on it, have strengthened Madrid’s position of power. Firstly, that ‘2025′.

Out of respect for PSG, Mbappé agreed to pose in such a manner, but he was aware that the ‘plus one’ in his two-year renewal wouldn’t be as it seemed. He wanted the freedom to choose his future in 2024, and now he will have it. As in 2022, but now other factors have strengthened Madrid’s position in this endless signing saga: the growth of Vinicius and Rodrygo, along with the resounding success of Jude Bellingham.

Source : AS sports
 
Real Madrid’s veteran on MSL, Saudi Arabia radar

Real Madrid’s veteran midfielder Luka Modric is on the radar of Major League Soccer (MLS) and Saudi Pro League clubs as the Croatian’s current deal with Los Blancos is about to end in June 2024, reported Diario AS on Monday.

The club has decided to move on from the Croatian as they want the young core of Federico Valverde, Aurilien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Jude Bellingham to become starters.

While Modric has consistently resisted the idea of moving from the Spanish capital as he earned a renewal for one year in 2022 and 2023 courtesy of his fantastic performances, it might be time for the 38-year-old to make a decision on his future.

Modric received a whopping €200 million offer from the Gulf Country in the summer which he denied as he didn’t want to leave Los Blancos.

However, the Croatian might consider offers from MLS and Saudi Arabia this time as head coach Carlo Ancelotti has started to put faith in the youngsters and Modric’s role in the team has reduced to the bench.

Modric was struggling to get consistent playing time at the start of this season but Madrid’s ongoing injury crisis turned out to be a blessing for the Croatian as he has now started five of the last six league games.

Earlier, MARCA reported that Real Madrid wanted to extend Toni Kroos’ contract for one more year.

Kroos, 33, is still at the top of his game and the club doesn’t want to lose him especially since another veteran, Luka Modric, is likely to see his exit from the Spanish capital after 11 years filled with greatness and history.

The German has consistently repeated that he doesn’t intend to play football for long and would retire while he is still at his peak. Kroos, with six assists to his name, is the top-assister in La Liga and has shown no signs of decline.

Madrid would offer Kroos a new contract with their “eyes closed” due to his performances, experience, and mentality and one problem that stands in their way is that the German has not yet made any decision about his future, the report added.

Source : AFP
 
Real Madrid Receives ‘Five New Signings’ For January 2024

Los Blancos finish 2023 as La Liga leaders after their 1-0 win at Alaves put them level on points with unlikely title contenders Girona.

The victory sealed by a Lucas Vazquez header in injury time underlined more than just a never-say-die attitude commonly associated with the 14-times Champions Leagues winners, however.

For a start, head coach Carlo Ancelotti could only travel to the Basque region for the fixture with four defenders.

When center back Nacho was red-carded approaching the hour mark, midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni had to be brought on and put in the captain's position yet thankfully helped keep a hard-earned clean sheet.

This turn of events was thanks to a litany of injuries suffered by Ancelotti's troops. Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao and David Alaba have all kissed 'adios' to the 2023/2024 season, but have been joined on the sick list by Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr.

In January, it is expected that all five of those latter-mentioned stars will boost Madrid when it matters most, as they head towards the business end of a campaign in which they are still competing for four trophies.

The first of those is the Spanish Super Cup, which bitter rivals FC Barcelona snatched from them in Riyadh in early 2023 through three unanswered goals over the opening 69 minutes of the final.

Reversing the 3-1 loss, in a possible Super Cup final meeting in just over a fortnight, will be on Ancelotti's mind after topping the Blaugrana in October and helping thrust them into their current fourth place standing in the Spanish top flight table.

Source : Forbes
 
Real Madrid's plans for January and summer transfer window emerge amid ongoing injury crisis: Reports

Real Madrid's January and summer transfer window plans have emerged amid injury concerns, particularly in the defensive department.

Los Blancos are reportedly eyeing a short-term fix in the January transfer window after David Alaba's season-ending ACL injury. Central defender Eder Militao is another absentee and is expected to return in March, prompting the Spanish giants to bring in cover in the position.

However, Spanish television program El Chiringuito has revealed that Real Madrid are planning to secure a long-term defensive option, with Antonio Rudiger and Alaba both over the age of 30.

Therefore, the Madrid-based side will sign a defender on a six-month loan deal in January, following which they will secure their long-term options in the summer. Los Blancos already have Kylian Mbappe and Alphonso Davies on their radar of potential summer signings.

According to the aforementioned report, it is believed that Lille’s teenage star, Leny Yoro is strongly being considered at the Santiago Bernabeu. The France under-21 international, who has 16 Ligue 1 appearances this season, has stood out at centre-back.

In order to secure the youngster's services, it is reported that Real Madrid would have to cough up €50 million. However, a deal for the defender will not be straightforward, with German giants Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain both interested in Yoro. He's made 37 senior appearances for Lille so far, bagging three goals and an assist across competitions.

As for January, Real Madrid are reportedly considering moving for one of Sporting's Goncalo Inacio, Zenit's Robert Renan and former star Raphael Varane.

Real Madrid yet to offer Ferland Mendy renewal - ReportsFerland Mendy (via Getty Images)
Ferland Mendy (via Getty Images)
Real Madrid are reportedly yet to offer Ferland Mendy a contract renewal at the Santiago Bernabeu (via Madrid Univeral). Although this report claims that Los Blancos are happy with the France international, injuries have plagued the 28-year-old's career in the Spanish capital.

He's made just nine La Liga starts this season, in addition to last campaign's 17. Mendy was absent for 23 games across competitions due to a muscle problem in the 2022/23 season and remained sidelined for six fixtures this year.

Amid reports suggesting that Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies' arrival is likely in the summer, Mendy's career in Madrid may be heading towards a close. Currently, he is contracted till the summer of 2025.

Since joining the Spanish side from Lyon in 2019 for a reported €48 million, Mendy has made 147 appearances, bagging five goals and 10 assists. He's won two La Liga titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy.

Source : SportsKeeda
 
Revealed: What’s Being Said Inside Real Madrid Ahead of Looming Mbappé Saga

Kylian Mbappé should receive an offer from Real Madrid once the January transfer window opens. The Spanish side will revisit the saga and hope that the player gives them the green light this time.

Nonetheless, Los Blancos have reportedly learned from the past, and there’s a 15-day deadline that comes with their pre-contract proposal to the Frenchman, whose contract expires in June 2024.

OK Diario recently spoke with some people within Real Madrid and shed light on the thought process. The first source told the Spanish media outlet they’ve done everything to bring the Frenchman.

“We have already done everything we could to bring in Mbappé,” a source from Real Madrid told the outlet.

Meanwhile, another source told the platform that it’s in the hands of the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner’s hands. It will be up to him to decide whether he finally wants to join Real Madrid.

“It’s up to him to decide, but my mother used to say that sometimes opportunities don’t come back,” the source told OK Diario.

As for the Ligue 1 side, CBS Sports’ Ben Jacobs reported details occurring within PSG on Thursday. According to Jacobs, the French giants confidently navigate Mbappé’s future. Despite the outcome, Paris ensures financial stability, even if Mbappé departs on a free transfer this summer.

Source : PSG Talk
 

Real Madrid will contact Kylian Mbappe in the first week of January​

Real Madrid plan to contact Kylian Mbappe in the first week of January to find out if he is still willing to sign on 30 June once his contract with PSG expires, as he assured them several months ago when they last spoke.

On that occasion they agreed to communicate again in the first days of January and they will do so. It is the same 'modus operandi' that they carried out three years ago with David Alaba, who also ended his contract in June with Bayern Munich and whose contract was signed in the first week of January. Why wait any longer?

If the answer that Jose Angel Sanchez receives from Fayza Lamari, the footballer's mother, or directly from Florentino Perez from the player himself is positive, they will consider closing the deal as soon as possible, including the official signature.

There are no more obstacles to doing just that as he is in the last six months of his contract with PSG. The sporting laws allow him to negotiate and even sign for another club.

The contractual documents have been drawn up, ready and awaiting the personal signatures since mid-May 2022, when the two parties reached an agreement on terms that the striker later refused to sign.

Same conditions
Los Blancos are willing to maintain the same conditions agreed then: a salary of 26 million net per year and a signing bonus of 130 million euros. It does not contemplate changing them either downwards or, of course, upwards.

Source : Marca
 
Real Madrid announce squad for La Liga match against Mallorca

Real Madrid have published their squad list for Wednesday’s home game against Mallorca, the first match of the calendar year and the return of Vinicius Junior to the team after the injury he suffered with the Brazilian national team.

REAL MADRID SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Lunin, Kepa and Fran.

Defenders: Carvajal, Lucas V., Fran García, Rüdiger and Carrillo.

Midfielders: Bellingham, Kroos, Modrić, Valverde, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Arda Güler and Nico Paz.

Forwards: Vini Jr., Rodrygo, Joselu and Brahim.

As expected, both Vinicius Junior and Arda Guler are available, and so is Dani Carvajal. Eduardo Camavinga will get a few extra days to improve his conditioning and make sure that he’s 100% ready to return to activity.

Date: 01/03/2024

Time: 19:15 CET, 01:15pm EST.

Venue: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain.

Source : SB Nation
 
Three answers and three questions from Real Madrid’s nervous win over Mallorca
Mallorca at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on a cold Wednesday night. The 1-0 win was courtesy of Antonio Rüdiger, with the German defender rising highest to head the only goal of the game into the back of the net with a powerful finish late on in the game.

Three answers
1. Who would play returning from injury?

The starting line-up featured Dani Carvajal and Vinícius Júnior all making returns from injuries. In addition, Aurélien Tchouameni was making his first start since the Clásico in October and was doing so out of position in defence. Carvajal was only out short-term, but Vinícius had spent a considerable time period on the sidelines. The Brazilian was afforded an hour on the field before being replaced by Brahim Díaz, and looked a little rusty. He recorded three shots, two on target, one impressively from outside the box, and completed three of his seven attempted dribbles. We saw flashes of Vini’s pace and cutting edge, but he didn’t seem to quite get out of first gear. In fairness to Ancelotti, he may be reluctant to have given him his return to action in the Copa del Rey against Arandina on a lower-tier field, or wait for the Super Cup next week, but some may question whether starting the forward in this tie was the right call.

2. Could Carlo Ancelotti match his record unbeaten at home?

With this victory, Real Madrid extend their unbeaten run at home to 19 matches including 16 wins and three draws. Only once before has Carletto achieved that many, between April 2022 and February 2023 as he recorded 14 victories and five ties. This was far from the most comfortable game of the 19-match streak, and Ancelotti may have expected it to be a little less stressful, but the side got the job done and secured his record. It’s an impressive feat which all Madridistas will be expecting to extend further when Almería arrive next up in just under three weeks’ time, with what seems like a winnable tie to extend the ru to 20 games.

3. Would we see Arda Güler in action?

There has been plenty of hype and expectation surrounding Arda Güler since the Turkish teenager joined the club in the summer but injuries have prevented him from making his debut even now, 181 days after his arrival was made official. On the bench for the start of the game, the expectation was that he would make it off the bench should the game progress as expected. The only problem for the Turk was that it didn’t quite happen as expected. Ancelotti made changes on 85 minutes but preferred to go with Dani Ceballos in midfield to see out the result which was still on the edge with only one goal between the teams. The wait for Güler’s first appearance in a Real Madrid shirt goes on, and will surely happen now against Arandina in the Copa del Rey this weekend.

Source : SB Nation
 

Man Utd target Girona defender, face competition from Real Madrid​

Manchester United are reportedly interested in high-flying Girona defender, Miguel Gutierrez, but they are expected to face tough competition from Real Madrid, reported The Sun on Friday.

Gutierrez, 22, is a regular part of Girona’s playing XI and is considered one of Michel Sanchez’s most trusted troops as the left-back has played 18 out of a total of 19 matches in La Liga so far.

Man United had to let go of left-back Sergio Reguilon, who went back to his parent club Tottenham Hotspur and the Manchester club wants to find a replacement quickly.

Gutierrez’s contract with Girona ends in 2027 and the possibility of the club selling one of their most important players is nonexistent but according to The Sun, the Catalan club may be forced to sell the 22-year-old for a £22m or higher bid.

Even if that happens, Man United are likely to face tough competition from Real Madrid as Gutierrez is a product of Los Blancos’ academy, La Fabrica, and the club still own 50% rights of the player and can bring him back for just €8m, unlike other clubs who would have to pay release clause worth €40m.

The Whites may need a new left-back in the summer as one of their full-backs, Ferland, Mendy gets injured very often and although he is trusted completely by head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who renewed with the club till 2026 recently, the injury concerns on the French defender have forced the club to think of some reinforcements in the summer.

According to the report, Madrid “could either buy Gutierrez back to sell at a profit or easily bring him back into the fold of their own team if they were to match United’s bid”.

It is worth mentioning that Real Madrid and Girona are going head-to-head for the La Liga title this season as both teams have 48 points each but Los Blancos sit on top due to a better goal difference.

Source : SB Nation
 

Should Brahim Diaz retain his starting role at Real Madrid?​


On this week’s world famous Real Madrid mailbag that goes up every week exclusively for Managing Madrid Patrons, Kiyan Sobhani and Lucas Navarrete spent an entire episode answering questions from fans. Topics this week included: Can Girona sustain their title race? Who was, Marcelo or Roberto Carlos? Is Hugo Sanchez the 2nd best pure goalscorer in Real Madrid history? And much more.

The clip we’ve uploaded for free on YouTube this week is a question asking us to give our thoughts on how we ca measure Real Madrid’s ‘mentality’. There’s also bonus segments on whether or not Brahim Diaz should continue to start with Vinicius’s return, and how Real Madrid can possibly compete with only two center-backs.

Source : SB Nation
 
The Debut of Arda Güler Raises Expectations at Real Madrid

Six months after officially signing with Real Madrid from Fenerbahce and overcoming his injury problems, Turkish player Arda Güler finally made his debut in a Copa del Rey match. In the 59 minutes he played, he was active, lively, and came close to scoring with a free-kick that hit the post.

This debut had been eagerly anticipated by Madrid fans since he arrived in the summer as one of Europe's biggest talents at just 18 years old, but it took longer than expected to happen.

In fact, Güler hadn't played an official match for six months and 16 days, since June 19, 2023, when he played 31 minutes, scoring a goal, for his national team against Wales.

He had a rough time, undergoing knee meniscus arthroscopy and sustaining two muscle injuries, one per leg, which he had just recovered from before the match against Arandina. Despite that, he was one of Real Madrid's standout players during his time on the field.

Carlo Ancelotti handed him a starting spot. Wearing the number '24', he showcased glimpses of his quality as a Real Madrid player right from the start.

Within seven minutes of the game starting, he attempted a shot from outside the box, but it was blocked, marking the first of three dangerous attempts he made.

By the 14th minute, Arda Güler demonstrated that despite favoring his left foot, he's adept with his right too. A powerful shot towards the near post, following a good run inside the box, was saved by the local goalkeeper for a corner.

Five minutes later, he displayed his authority by taking a free-kick from a position usually favored by right-footed players, hitting the post himself.

Aside from his near misses on goal, Arda Güler actively sought the ball, injected pace into the game, and threaded passes to his teammates.

Overall, Arda Güler had a commendable debut for Real Madrid, becoming the third Turkish player to officially wear the white jersey after Hamit Altintop (12 matches) and Nuri Sahin (10).

Source :beIN Sports
 
We had been linked with Guler last summer, don't think it was realistic considering his talent

It's a shame he got an injury early on because the kid is ridiculously talented, he's going to be class
 
Everton centre back Jarrad Branthwaite is on Real Madrid's radar ahead of a potential summer move.

The 21-year-old has had a stand-out season alongside James Tarkowski at the heart of Everton's defence and has played himself into the reckoning for Gareth Southgate's next England squad and earned a new contract that ties him to the club for another three years with the option of another year.

A number of Premier League and foreign sides have taken note, Manchester United and Tottenham in particular, but it is the interest of Real that will excite the young Cumbrian.

He is no stranger to Real boss Carlo Ancelotti of course as the Italian gave him his first team debut while coach at Everton and he has often received further messages of encouragement from Carlo's assistant and son, Davide.

Real want a centre back for the summer as they make contingency plans for the recovery of Eder Militao and 31-year-old David Alaba following anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

Surce: Daily Mail
 
Alphonso Davies: Real Madrid want to sign Bayern Munich left-back for next season

Real Madrid want to add Bayern Munich and Canada left-back Alphonso Davies to their squad for next season.

Davies, 23, has a contract until June 2025 with German champions Bayern.

He has played in all but one of their Bundesliga games this season and started all six Champions League group-stage matches.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has tended to rotate between France's Ferland Mendy, 28, and Spain's Fran Garcia, 24, at left-back this campaign.

Ancelotti has just signed a new deal with Madrid until June 2026 despite interest from Brazil.

The Italian is now looking at how he can rebuild and refresh his squad after only winning the Copa del Rey last season.

Real Madrid are still targeting France and Paris St-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe but Davies is also a key target and they are hopeful he will end contract negotiations with Bayern.

Last summer saw them sign England midfielder Jude Bellingham, but lose their main striker Karim Benzema to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad.

Davies, who was born in a refugee camp in Ghana in 2000, joined Bayern from Vancouver Whitecaps in January 2019.

He has made 176 appearances for Bayern and won 13 trophies, including five Bundesliga titles and the Champions League in 2020.

Davies made his Canada debut aged 16 and has been capped 44 times, scoring 15 goals, including their first at a World Cup finals at Qatar 2022.



BBC
 
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid to face each other in the Copa del Rey and also in La Liga over the next few weeks.

Real Madrid predicted XI: Lunin, Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy, Tchouameni, Kroos, Valverde, Bellingham Rodrygo, Vinicius.

Atletico de Madrid predicted XI: Oblak, Savic, Gimenez, Hermoso, Nahuel, Lino, Koke, Llorente, De Paul, Griezmann, Morata.

You know that expression "a picture is worth a thousand words"? That started because of Brandi Chastain. Probably. You know the picture I'm talking about. She had just won the '99 World Cup with a penalty kick, and in a moment of unfiltered elation fell to her knees, ripped her shirt off, and screamed with a joy most of us can only hope to one day feel. Today, it's universally regarded as a symbol of women's strength, and fearlessness, and ability. And while some saw it that way at the time... many, very loud people, did not. Let's view this photo, and Chastain herself, through the prism.

Ancelotti has plenty of options to choose from for his midfield, with players like Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modric also having a chance of featuring in the starting lineup. Bellingham, Rodrygo and Vinicius will lead the offensive line while Rudiger and Nacho will start in the center of the defense.

Date: 01/10/2024

Time: 20:00 CET, 02:00pm EST.

Venue: Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Source : Managing Madrid
 
Real Madrid star Toni Kroos has mocked football fans in Saudi Arabia with a tweet made following his team's Spanish Super Cup semi-final win over Atletico Madrid.

The German put in a typical midfield masterclass against Los Blancos' crosstown foes but was jeered throughout his participation in the 5-3 win that required extra time.

"That was fun today! Amazing crowd," Kroos tweeted late on Wednesday night in reaction to the frosty reception, adding a sarcastic emoji with love heart eyes.

The 34-year-old and model professional was just as cold-hearted on the pitch, however, completely unfazed by the noise and shutting it out to deliver passing accuracy of 95%.

Post-match, Kroos' head coach Carlo Ancelotti claimed that he didn't "understand" why Kroos was booed.

"I don’t think Kroos understood it either," the Italian added.

Neither man should be too surprised, though, considering recent remarks made by the outspoken number 8 who regularly voices his opinion on the topics of the day in a popular podcast with his brother.

Reacting to the decision of many Europe-based players - including former Real Madrid teamamtes Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo - to head to the Saudi Pro League for lucrative pay packets last year, Kroos said that this trend was "against football".

Source : Forbes
 

Real Madrid vs Barcelona, 2024 Spanish Supercup Final: Predicted lineups​

Real Madrid play their first Final of the 2023-2024 season against big rivals FC Barcelona. With Xavi’s men currently sitting seven points behind Madrid in La Liga table, Barça know that they need to make a statement in this game to turn their season around.

Real Madrid predicted XI: Kepa, Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy, Tchouameni, Kroos, Valverde, Bellingham, Vinicius, Rodrygo.

Barcelona predicted XI: Peña, Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde, Gundogan, Roberto, De Jong, Raphinha, Torres, Lewandowski.

Bellingham, Rodrygo and Vinicius need to keep building their chemistry and it will be important for Real Madrid to create quality chances, as Barcelona could try to control the tempo of the game.

HOW TO WATCH, STREAM SPANISH SUPERCUP FINAL

Date: 01/14/2024

Time: 20:00 CET, 02:00pm EST.

Venue: Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Source : SB Nation
 
Turkish Real Madrid rising star Arda Güler captivated Spanish journalists during his remarkable 69-minute stint on the field against Arandina and Atletico Madrid.

The young Turk, who made his mark with Fenerbahçe and the Crescent-Stars before joining Los Blancos during the summer transfer window, is quickly becoming a household name in Spain.

Güler, who earned a spot in the starting lineup for the Spanish King's Cup's last 32 rounds against Arandina, showcased his prowess with an impressive 59 minutes on the field.

His second act came against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semifinals, where he entered the game in the 112th minute, leaving an indelible mark with his skills during the extra time, totaling about 10 minutes on the pitch.

Real Madrid clinched the Spanish Super Cup title by overpowering Barcelona 4-1 in the final, and even though Güler was among the reserves, he celebrated his first trophy with the prestigious club.

Sports enthusiasts and reporters, including Fernando Sanchez Tavero from Diario AS Newspaper, Ivan Martin from Okdiario Newspaper, Eduardo Cornag from La Razon Newspaper, and Jorge Picon from Relevo, have already dissected Güler's "69-minute."

Fernando Sanchez Tavero of Diario AS Newspaper, a staunch follower of Güler since his Fenerbahçe days, praised the young talent, noting, "You can see that he is a different player."

Tavero highlighted Güler's training courage and standout performances against Arandina and Atletico Madrid.

According to Tavero, the Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has expressed confidence in Güler, emphasizing the player's potential for greatness.

Ivan Martin from Okdiario Newspaper chimed in, expressing his satisfaction with Real Madrid's decision to acquire Güler.

Martin envisioned Güler becoming a world-class player, appreciating his personality and qualities, especially evident in the Arandina match.

Martin cautioned against comparing Güler to legends like Luka Modric, asserting that Güler should be celebrated for his unique identity.

Jorge Picon from Relevo, despite not watching Güler's matches prior to his Real Madrid transfer, hailed the acquisition as a positive move.

Picon admired Güler's performance against Arandina, highlighting his personality on and off the ball.

Real Madrid's excitement for Güler's potential to become one of the world's best players fueled their pursuit of the young talent.

Eduardo Cornag from La Razon Newspaper acknowledged Güler's transfer as a positive move, emphasizing Real Madrid's commitment to nurturing young talents.

Cornag recognized Güler's challenges as a young player in a top-tier club like Real Madrid but stressed the importance of hard work, patience and continuous improvement for Güler to carve his path to legend status.

In the whirlwind of Güler's emergence, the consensus among sports pundits is clear – Arda Güler is not just a promising talent; he is a player with the potential to redefine the landscape of football.

Source: Daily Sabah
 
Brazil defender Eder Militao has signed a contract extension to 2028 with Real Madrid, the Spanish giant announced on Tuesday.

Militao, 26, arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu from Porto in 2019 but has played just one game this season due to a knee injury.

Militao has won the Champions League once and La Liga twice during his spell in the Spanish capital.

According to Spanish media, Militao’s new contract includes a release clause worth hundreds of million euros, similar to those of team-mates Vinicius, Rodrygo, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde.

Last month Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti signed a new deal to stay with the club until 2026, ending speculation that he would take over the Brazil job.

Brazil defender Eder Militao has signed a contract extension to 2028 with Real Madrid, the Spanish giant announced on Tuesday.

Militao, 26, arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu from Porto in 2019 but has played just one game this season due to a knee injury.

Militao has won the Champions League once and La Liga twice during his spell in the Spanish capital.

According to Spanish media, Militao’s new contract includes a release clause worth hundreds of million euros, similar to those of team-mates Vinicius, Rodrygo, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde.

Last month Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti signed a new deal to stay with the club until 2026, ending speculation that he would take over the Brazil job.

Source: SportStar (The Hindu)
 
Real Madrid, once again, came from behind to win another crucial La Liga game that took them to the top of the league with goals from Vinicius Jr and Aurelien Tchouameni in the second half.

Here are my observations from the game.

A tale of two halves
Like many of the games we have seen from Real Madrid, this was a tale of two halves. In the first half, we saw Real Madrid struggle to create chances, and in the second half, Las Palmas were mostly pinned in their own half because Real Madrid made the right adjustments and started to dominate a little bit. Eventually, they scored the first, and then, Tchouameni scored the winner in the 84th minute to make sure Real Madrid keep winning.

The first half saw a sheer lack of creativity on the ball. Chances weren’t being made. Runs into the final third were inefficient as the ball was not getting to the players making those runs. This is a problem that has been present in the last two or three games. Sometimes, the players look lethargic, even if they haven’t played all that much in games past. Dani Ceballos, for example, did not play that well today. He looked sluggish and out of ideas except for that one chance for Rodrygo in the first half. Brahim — in probably his most ineffective game of the season — barely saw the ball in the first half before being subbed off in the second. I am not worried about Brahim, I am sure he’ll pick it up next game, but perhaps Real Madrid would want to start games better so that they are not in this situation so often.

Real Madrid did force Las Palmas into turnovers (while also seeing Las Palmas make some unforced ones), but the chances were wasted.

Things changed in the second half, and it felt much smoother and more fluid. More good chances were created. There were also better runs into the box and fresher legs.

One big, big factor that changed the game:

Eduardo Camavinga was immense, and everywhere
I’ll just get this out of the way: This was my favourite Camavinga performance of the season, and there have been plenty of awesome Camavinga performances this season.

Camavinga was, quite literally, everywhere; You would see him create a defense-carving run with the ball in the final third, and, when Las Palmas regained possession and started a counter, you’d see him close the man down and break the counter with an interception in Real Madrid’s half. And, yes, this was what we expected from him, but it wasn’t just that.

One observation I made was Camavinga’s presence and contribution in the attacking third. In the second half, he was given a more advanced role with more freedom to create chances. Camavinga was doing so many things offensively — including the beautiful assist to Vinicius’ goal — and all this was something we haven’t seen him do, at least at this rate, with this much involvement in the final third.

It’s the one thing I’ve always thought Camavinga could improve on, and to see him finally take risks and make those passes everyone knows he can make, is beautiful. He has tried to create offense on a number of occasions, but there was a sense of maturity with each of his passes and his surgical runs that I haven’t seen before, at least in recent memory.

I absolutely loved this Camavinga performance. I really wish to see him play like this more, imposing himself not just defensively but also offensively.

Fede Valverde’s contribution to Dani Carvajal’s game is bigger than everyone thinks
Not a huge pointer, but this is more of a tactical wrinkle that I have thought of while watching the game, which I might want to explore even further in a future article.

This may seem harsh, but the first half of the game vs Las Palmas, in my opinion, was Carvajal’s worst half this season, and I mean that very positively because it wasn’t even that he played poorly. He was OK, but his other performances have been a lot better.

The second half saw a massive improvement from Carvajal, and he was his usual self after a mini-blip. But I just feel like Fede Valverde’s role this season helps Carvajal a lot more than we give him credit for. Carvajal was pinned back because of a lack of coverage from Dani Ceballos, which usually is not the case when Fede plays. Fede offers plenty of defensive coverage, which allows Carvajal considerable freedom to do stuff on offense, sometimes even playing as a right-winger. In the attack, without Fede Valverde’s darting runs, Carvajal also loses that extra yard of space that he usually has because of how explosive the Uruguayan is, so his impact was lessened in the first half.

Dani Carvajal has had a phenomenal season — his best in years. And, of course, the gluten-free diet and his resilience have a lot to do with it. Ultimately, it is him that is performing, and not someone else because of him. He has been awesome, with or without anyone else’s help. My point is not to disregard his incredible improvement. But, this game made me realise Fede Valverde has helped elevate his game to a level that we did not think was achievable, and he deserves a lot of credit for that. I know everyone talks about it, but I still think it’s a very underrated part of Real Madrid’s entire system — the brilliant, nonchalant chemistry between Carvajal and Fede.

Source: Managing Madrid
 
Joselu scored a goal in each half as Real Madrid beat local rivals Getafe to return to the top of La Liga.

The former Stoke striker headed home Lucas Vazquez's cross to put Carlo Ancelotti's side in front after 14 minutes and a clinical finish early in the second half secured the win.

Mason Greenwood and Borja Mayoral hit the post for Getafe but Real held on to move two points clear of Girona.

The loss leaves Getafe 10th in the table.

Madrid, buoyed by the return of Jude Bellingham after suspension, started well and were deservedly in front when Joselu planted his header past Getafe goalkeeper David Soria after good work by Vazquez down the right.

The home side kept Los Blancos at bay for the remainder of the half but offered no threat themselves, prompting Jose Bordalas to make a triple change at the break.

It almost worked as Greenwood, moved out to the right, cut inside and saw his near-post effort bounce wide off the post.

However, that only served to jolt Madrid into life and they promptly doubled their lead as Joselu finished crisply from the edge of the box after collecting a pass from Vinicius Jr.

The Brazilian should have made it three soon after when Joselu, having been put clean through by Bellingham, unselfishly squared it. Vinicius sat Soria down with his first touch but then inexplicably shot at the goalkeeper's legs with the goal at his mercy.

Getafe had the opportunity to set up a grandstand finish but Mayoral thumped the ball against the post after Luis Milla had won possession on the edge of the visitors' penalty area and Madrid were able to see the game out, condemning the hosts to just their second home league defeat of the season.

Madrid's attention now turns to another derby game against Atletico on Sunday.

Source: BBC News
 

Real Madrid defender on track to earn contract renewal​

Real Madrid will be conscious of the need to invest in a new right-back before long, but may be starting to feel that they can postpone doing so for another year. Currently Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez have been trusted, and both have put in valuable performances this season.

The former has been enjoying something of a comeback year, defining Real Madrid’s agression in defence, but when Carvajal has been missing, or as was the case on Sunday when he was moved to centre-back, Vazquez has done well.

Source: One Football
 
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger is set to miss important upcoming matches against Girona and RB Leipzig as the club confirmed Saturday he has a thigh injury.

With Eder Militao and David Alaba sidelined, and Nacho Fernandez also a doubt, Ancelotti is down to the bare bones at the back.

Germany international Rudiger sustained a knock against Getafe last week and although coach Carlo Ancelotti expected him to recover quickly he said he would not take risks.

Madrid said he has a muscle injury in his thigh and Spanish media report Rudiger is expected to miss two weeks.

Rudiger will not be available for the La Liga leaders’ clash with second-place Girona later Saturday, or the Champions League last 16 visit to Leipzig on Tuesday.

The centre-back could also miss Madrid’s crosstown trip to face Rayo Vallecano on February 18 and might be able to return for Real Madrid’s league game against Sevilla on Febuary 25.

Ancelotti has used midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and right-back Dani Carvajal in the heart of defence at times this season as emergency cover.

Source: The Sportstar
 
Jude Bellingham scored twice before going off injured as leaders Real Madrid thumped title challengers Girona to go five points clear in La Liga.

A sensational long-range drive from Vinicius Jr gave Madrid an early lead at the Bernabeu.

Bellingham then scored his first of the game from a sublime Vinicius pass before converting his 20th of the season after half-time.

Rodrygo made it 4-0, before Joselu struck the post with a late penalty.

Bellingham has now scored more La Liga goals for Real Madrid than any other midfielder in a single season this century - but the England international's night ended on a sour note as he was forced off with an ankle injury.

He fell to the ground after colliding with Pablo Torre and was treated on the pitch for several minutes before gingerly getting to his feet.

Determined to continue, the 20-year-old struck his second of the game after Paulo Gazzaniga had saved Vinicius' initial effort, but he was too hurt to carry on and was replaced by Brahim Diaz moments later.

He was pictured on the Madrid bench with an ice pack strapped to his foot, but manager Carlo Ancelotti says the injury is nothing more than a sprained ankle and is "hopeful" Bellingham will recover in time for Tuesday's trip to RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

'They are in awe of Jude'
Bellingham has exceeded all expectations since joining Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in an £88m deal last summer.

In November, he became the first player to score 14 goals in his first 15 appearances for the club in a 3-0 victory at Cadiz, surpassing the previous record held by Cristiano Ronaldo, Alfredo Di Stefano and Pruden Sanchez.

He is also the first Madrid player to score in each of his first four Champions League appearances for the club - and remains La Liga's top scorer this season with 16 goals.

He had only found the net once since the turn of the year, but Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague feels the former Birmingham player has blossomed into a "complete midfielder" at the Bernabeu, attributing Bellingham's lack of goals to a change in position.

"They are in awe of Jude in Madrid," Balague said. "He is, perhaps with [Antoine] Griezmann, the best player in La Liga at the moment.

"[His recent lack of goals] is partly down to the fact that he's asked to be more involved in both offensive and defensive work - and a little bit deeper.

"But [he is] in the top seven in goals scored, actions finished, and in defensive stats [like] recovering the ball. He's been outstanding."

Vinicius, who registered his 12th goal of the season against Girona, was just as effusive in his praise of his team-mate, telling Real Madrid TV: "Jude is a star.

"He scores a lot of goals and I hope he can keep going. Jude has been the best this season. We're doing things well and we're happy because we're a family."

The victory extends Madrid's unbeaten La Liga run to 18 matches - their longest stretch without defeat since 2021.

Girona, meanwhile, remain in an excellent position in the top four despite slipping to just their second league defeat of an outstanding campaign.

Source: BBC Sports
 

Real Madrid’s offer to Mbappe will be lower than their previous offer — report​

Kylian Mbappe, one of the best players in world football, has informed Paris Saint-Germain of his decision to leave the club at the end of the season. While neither the player nor the club have said anything publicly directly, PSG did release a statement to the French media outlining the news that club and player have decided to part ways after a long meeting between the two parties prior to Wednesday’s Champions League encounter against Real Sociedad.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid’s offer to Mbappe this time around will be significantly lower than the one they made to French star in 2022. The salary will also be lower than Mbappe’s current wage. It is not entirely surprising to hear this news given that Real Madrid don’t have the same financial muscle as PSG, nor do they have the same salary structure. Romano reports that Real Madrid ‘want Mbappe to join on their own conditions following the rejection in 2022’. If Mbappe is to join Real Madrid, he will have to come accepting a pay cut, while buying into the exciting Real Madrid project.

It is still unclear what will happen next, despite many pointing to the obvious and ongoing connection between Real Madrid and Mbappe. According to reliable media in Spain, Real Madrid are still waiting it out and won’t push beyond their limits. There is also a chance other clubs may get involved, though their project(s) won’t be nearly as enticing on a sporting level.

Mbappe’s departure will be a huge blow for PSG, who have invested heavily in building a squad capable of winning the Champions League, the only trophy that has eluded them so far.

Source: SB Nation
 
Real Madrid beats Barcelona with late Bellingham goal; moves closer to La Liga title win

Real Madrid has taken a huge step toward winning the Spanish league after beating Barcelona 3-2 with a stoppage-time goal by Jude Bellingham in the final “clasico” of the season

Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s third goal during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, on April 21, 2024.

With a late strike by Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid took a huge step toward winning the Spanish league.

Bellingham, who quickly became one of Madrid’s most important players after his transfer last year, likely sealed the title on Sunday by scoring a stoppage-time winner in a 3-2 victory over Barcelona in the final “clasico” of the season.

Source: AP
 
Brahim Diaz starred as Real Madrid moved closer to the La Liga title with victory over Cadiz.

The former Manchester City winger netted a sublime strike, firing into the top corner from just inside the box in the 51st minute.

Diaz was influential again when Jude Bellingham got on the end of his cutback to double Real's lead by ghosting into the box and poking home from close range.

The England midfielder started on the bench but scored just three minutes after entering the game.

Joselu scored a tap-in to wrap up the victory in added time after Nacho raced through into the box and squared for his team-mate to finish with ease.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois returned to the side for his first match of the season following a nine-month injury lay-off because of a knee ligament injury.

With four league matches remaining, Real Madrid need just one more point to seal the title.

Source: BBC
 
hassan918 said:
Brahim Diaz starred as Real Madrid moved closer to the La Liga title with victory over Cadiz.

The former Manchester City winger netted a sublime strike, firing into the top corner from just inside the box in the 51st minute.

Diaz was influential again when Jude Bellingham got on the end of his cutback to double Real's lead by ghosting into the box and poking home from close range.

The England midfielder started on the bench but scored just three minutes after entering the game.

Joselu scored a tap-in to wrap up the victory in added time after Nacho raced through into the box and squared for his team-mate to finish with ease.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois returned to the side for his first match of the season following a nine-month injury lay-off because of a knee ligament injury.

With four league matches remaining, Real Madrid need just one more point to seal the title.

Source: BBC
Click to expand...

Real Madrid won their historic 36th La Liga title after Barcelona lost 4-2 against Girona at Estadi Montilvi on Saturday.
 

Real Madrid to get LaLiga trophy behind closed doors - sources​

Real Madrid will receive the LaLiga trophy in a behind-closed-doors ceremony at the club's Valdebebas training ground on Sunday, sources have confirmed to ESPN.

The Spanish football federation [RFEF] -- which is responsible for the league trophy -- had initially planned to hand over the trophy at Madrid's next game, away at Granada's Nuevo Los Cármenes stadium on Saturday.

However, Madrid were reluctant for the ceremony to take place away from home, after a game which could mathematically seal hosts Granada's relegation from the first division, and rejected that proposal.

Sources said that instead, the trophy would be handed over by RFEF president Pedro Rocha to Madrid's players, staff and president Florentino Pérez in a private event at Real Madrid City on the morning of May 12.

The squad will later present the trophy to fans and the city's local authorities, although details of the celebrations are yet to be made official.

"On Saturday we were happy to have won the league," Ancelotti told a news conference on Tuesday. "But we had to control our happiness because we had to prepare for this game. Now the league is put to one side. On Thursday we'll think about celebrating."

Source: ESPN
 
Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos will retire from professional football after Euro 2024.

The 34-year-old has enjoyed a trophy-laden career with Real since he joined them from Bayern Munich in July 2014, winning both La Liga and the Champions League on four occasions.

Kroos was also part of the Germany team which won the World Cup in 2014.

He quit international football in July 2021 but came out of retirement in February after talks with Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.


BBC
 

Real & Ancelotti confirm Club World Cup involvement​

Real Madrid and manager Carlo Ancelotti have clarified the Champions League winners will compete at next year's Club World Cup despite the Italian earlier saying the club would "refuse the invitation".

Ancelotti's comment appeared in an interview with Italian newspaper Il Giornale, external which was released on Monday.

But the 65-year-old later posted on social media to say his words were "not interpreted in the way I intended".

He added: "Nothing could be further from my interest than to reject the possibility of playing in a tournament that I consider could be a great opportunity to continue fighting for big titles with Real Madrid."

Real are one of 12 European teams already qualified for the 32-team Fifa tournament to be held in the USA between 15 June and 13 July 2025.

In a statement, the La Liga champions said: "Real Madrid would like to announce that at no time has there been any question regarding our participation in the new Club World Cup to be organised by Fifa in the coming 2024/2025 season.

"Our club will therefore take part, as planned, in this official competition and we are proud and excited to be involved in it and we will once again inspire our millions of fans all over the world with another trophy."

In the interview with Il Giornale, Ancelotti was quoted as saying: "FIFA can forget it, footballers and clubs will not participate in that tournament.

"A single Real Madrid match is worth 20 million and Fifa wants to give us that amount for the whole cup. Negative. Like us, other clubs will refuse the invitation."

The European Club Association (ECA) had distanced itself from Ancelotti's interview remarks.

Last month. Fifa rejected claims that world players' union Fifpro and the World Leagues Association (WLA), which includes the Premier League, were not consulted over plans.

Fifpro and the WLA called on Fifa to reschedule the tournament amid a threat of legal action.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has previously said the football calendar is "getting to a tipping point" with the amount of matches that teams are being asked to play.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino last month said he hoped Fifpro and the WLA would stop this "futile debate".

"Even with the new Club World Cup of Fifa with 32 teams and 63 matches every four years, Fifa is organising around 1% of the games of the top clubs in the world," he said.

"All other matches, 98, 99%, are organised by the different leagues, associations, confederations, by all of you - and that's good.

"But here comes the thing - the one or two per cent of matches that Fifa organises is financing football all over the world."

Source: BBC
 

Captain Nacho leaves after 23 years at Real Madrid​

Captain Nacho has left Real Madrid after winning 26 trophies including six European Cups.

The Spain defender, 34, joined Madrid's youth academy aged 10 and made 364 appearances following his senior debut in 2012.

His final appearance was the 2-0 Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund earlier this month that saw him become one of five players to win six European Cups with the club.

Nacho, who is with the Spain squad at Euro 2024, is expected to now join Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah., external

"It has been months of reflection, indecision and doubts, but I come to tell you that I need to live one last and different experience with my family, and this is the perfect time," said Nacho, who has 26 international caps.

Nacho also won four La Liga titles, two Spanish Cups, five Club World Cups, four European Super Cups and five Spanish Super Cups with his only senior club.

"Since he arrived at our youth academy as a child, Nacho has been an example to everyone and has earned the affection, recognition and admiration of everyone," said Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.

Source: BBC
 
Jude Bellingham, at 20 years old, has officially ended his debut season winning:

- La Liga
- SuperCup
- UCL
- La Liga player of the season
- UCL top assister of the season, including one in the final
- 3/3 El Classico
- 3rd top scorer of UCL

Kopa trophy winner
Golden boy winner
UCL young player of the season winner

Only Zidane and modric had better seasons if we count both individual and collective achievements for a midfielder.
 
🚨🚨 BREAKING: Real Madrid are interested in signing Riccardo Calafiori [La Gazzetta dello Sport].

IMG-20240628-WA0019.jpg
 
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