Page 291

By -
1

Real Madrid are making plans to overhaul their squad next summer with Robert Lewandowski the marquee signing, according to reports in Spain.

The Poland international, currently with Bayern Munich, has been courted by Los Blancos in the past. And speculation has increased surrounding move for the prolific striker after his agent, Cezary Kucharski, was spotted at the Santiago Bernabeu during Real’s 4-1 win over Getafe at the weekend.

The future of Real’s current forward line is in doubt with Cristiano Ronaldo linked with a move back to Manchester United. Karim Benzema, a favourite of president Florentino Perez, has grabbed the headlines for all the wrong reasons recently and the club may look to cash in on him, while Gareth Bale continues to be linked with a Premier League return.

Lewandowski still has three and a half years left on his current deal at the Allianz Arena and there is even talk of a significant payrise to keep him out of reach of the likes of Real.

But at 27 years old, the striker could be forced to make a big decision in the summer as he weighs up where he wants to spend the most important years of his career.

With Bayern boss Pep Guardiola believed to be keen on a move to the Premier League, Lewandowski may decide the time is right to test himself away from the Bundesliga.

By -
0

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema says he hopes to play for France at the European Championships next summer amid reports he will be banned pending the outcome of the blackmail case he is involved in.

The Les Bleus forward was arrested last month after an investigation linked him with a blackmail plot against Lyon and fellow France team mate Matieu Valbuena to get rid of a sex tape he features in.

Benzema was dropped from the squad for last month’s matches against Germany and England, and the Prime Minister, Manuel Valls, has gone public with his belief that Benzema should not play for the 1998 World Cup winners because he is not a good role model.

On Thursday, the French FA will give an update on the situation surrounding the case and according to some French media, will confirm Benzema’s exclusion from the team.

Speaking to Telefoot, the 27-year-old said: “My goal is to play in France’s team. It always has been and I do not want to stop. I’m not afraid [of not playing at Euro 2016] because there are too many things in life to be afraid of. I dream because it is the Euro, a great competition and it is in France.”

The striker, who scored twice for Los Blancos in the 4-1 win over Getafe at the weekend, added he retains the support of national team boss Didier Deschamps. He commented: “I had a message from Didier Deschamps. I often talk to him and he supports me. My family and other players support me.”

By -
0

Real Madrid Castilla boss and legendary former France playmaker Zinedine Zidane says Les Bleus should not ban Karim Benzema from the international side because of his involvement in a blackmail plot against Matieu Valbuena.

The 27-year-old was arrested last month as part of an investigation into claims he was involved in an attempt to extort money from the Lyon midfielder to get rid of a sex tap Valbuena featured in.

Noel Le Graet, president of the French FA is due to hold a press conference on Thursday to update on events and what action is being taken. And both Le Parisien and L’Equipe say Benzema will be excluded from the squad pending the outcome of the investigation.

That would almost certainly mean he will not feature for France in the European Championships next summer which are being held on home soil.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Zidane said France need their best players available for the tournament adding that Benzema should not be banned.

“We have to wait until Thursday. But the best thing for France and the player is for him to avoid a suspension. We’re talking about a really important player for our team and I’m only focused on the sporting side of things,” he said.

And he added: “I expect that he can solve his personal problems. He really wanted to play this game, do well, and score goals. Doing well on the pitch will help him to deal with other things.”

By -
0

Real Madrid defender Danilo says the team will take each game as it come as they try to overhaul Barcelona in La Liga.

Los Blancos suffered a blip in recent weeks with defeats to Sevilla and their fierce rivals but have got back on track with wins over Eibar and Getafe since in the league. Their beat the latter 4-1 on Saturday evening at the Santiago Bernabeu with goals from Karim Benzema (2), Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

The win lifted the mood around the club after the 10-time Champions League winners were thrown out of the Copa del Rey on Friday after fielding Denis Cheryshev in the 3-1 triumph over Cadiz during the week. The Russian was supposed to have been serving a one-match ban.

Speaking to the media, Danilo said the players were pleased with the win but had to just focus on each game as the come after they closed the gap on Los Cules to four points.

“We’re happy with the performance. The fans were behind us throughout the match. We’re a great side full of great players and we have to continue working. Our goal is always to win. By taking it one step at a time we’re coming away with three points. I feel comfortable out on the left, it’s not my strongest side but I’m here to help the team,” he said.

About the expulsion from the Copa, he commented: “As for the Copa del Rey, the president has already spoken about the matter. We have to wait now and do our best out on the pitch.”

By -
0

Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas says the team was deserving of the three points they picked up on Saturday afternoon against Getafe.

Los Blancos ended a difficult week on a high with a thumping 4-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu. All the home side’s goals were scored in the first half, with Karim Benzema getting two, and Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale netting a goal each.

Real have now won their past four matches in all competitions – including the 3-1 win over Cadiz in the Copa del Rey which they were subsequently thrown out of for fielding an ineligible player.

Speaking to the media after the match, Navas expressed his delight at the performance put in by the team.

“Real Madrid gave a well-rounded performance. The team are aware that there are still a few things to work on, but we deserved the three points. We’re coming on a lot and putting important points on the board,” he said.

And the Costa Rican shot stopper went on to add that he hopes the players can keep the winning run going and get back on track in La Liga to challenge Barcelona for the title.

“Touch wood we can continue like this and march onwards. We have to push ourselves to the limit,” he commented.

By -
1

The latest Real Madrid transfer rumours include Xabi Alonso returning to the Santiago Bernabeu, Los Blancos offering 50 million euros for Alexis Sanchez and Manchester United planning a bid for one of Los Merengues forwards.

Spanish digital newspaper Voz Populi has revealed Florentino Perez is willing to seduce Xabi Alonso to return to Madrid next summer. The Basque midfielder’s contract with Bayern Munich will expire in June, and he is not in talks to extend it.

Many in Madrid believe the 34-year-old can still help Los Blancos conquer more titles, adding more experience to the squad. Yet, Alonso’s wife doesn’t want to return to Madrid, so Perez will have a tough job.

Meanwhile, the Daily Star has claimed Real are also willing to offer Arsenal 50 million euros and Jese Rodriguez’s transfer to sign Alexis Sanchez. The Copa del Rey elimination has been a big blow for Perez, and a shocking winter signing like this one could help the club regain confidence.

Arsenal have long been pursuing Jese, so including the Spaniard in the deal could be the perfect strategy to convince the Gunners.

Ronaldo and Bale a target for United

The Sunday Mirror Sport has stated Manchester United are planning a major transfer for next year, and they have three men in their wish-list: Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. The Red Devils want to become a Champions League candidate, and they now they need to sign a world-class star. Yet, neither Real Madrid nor Barcelona will be easily tempted to sell.

By -
1

Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez has hailed his forwardline of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo saying they can hurt any opposition in the world.

The BBC put in a virtuoso display in the first of the the match against Getafe on Saturday. Benzema grabbed two goals with Cristiano and Bale netting a goal apiece in a 4-1 win that saw Real close the gap on Barcelona to four points.

Talking to reporters at his media conference afterwards, Benitez admitted he was delighted to be talking about the football for once after a difficult few weeks with plenty of off-field issues surrounding the club.

“The team were really focused right from the off. They showed that they were at it and knew what they had to do. We got the three points with a great first-half display and have kept our recent form going. The first half showed everything this team has in its locker and everything they’re capable of doing in games where those players who’ve been coming back into the side can make the difference. We put in a really good 45 minutes,” he commented.

And about the role of the BBC, he continued: “By getting all three points with a great first-half display, we saw that when these players, who are so important to us, are getting into their stride and achieving good mutual coordination, they really hurt defences. The three of them found each other, got themselves on the scoresheet and worked hard for the team. They have every reason to feel pleased about that. It’s important that they play well and score goals, and that will help them keep their morale on a high.”

By -
1

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale says he is delighted to have scored in the 4-1 win over Getafe but is more pleased with the three points.

Los Blancos made it four wins in a row in all competitions and for the first time in a while the talk is about how well Real played. Karim Benzema grabbed a brace and Cristiano Ronaldo also joined Bale on the scoresheet in what was a good day for the BBC.

The 10-time Champions League winners also sit just four points off Barcelona after Los Cules drew with Valencia later on Saturday.

Speaking to the press after the match, Bale said: “Winning is the most important thing. The first half was incredible, we were all working for each other and we showcased our good form. What matters most is that the team are united, that we win games and try to get better every day.”

He continued: “Personally speaking, I feel comfortable with where I’m being played on the pitch and I always do the best I can. It’s nice to score but the most important thing is the team. I have a good relationship with Rafa Benítez. The fans were great and they always want us to win.”

By -
12
Denis Cheryshev

A group of Real Madrid fans are planning to sue the club for the negligence that has caused the Copa del Rey elimination, which will prevent these fans from benefiting from the special season ticket they bought.

It has emerged that a group of Los Blancos season ticket holders have contacted Spanish trade union Manos Limpias asking them to bring a lawsuit against Real Madrid, and they are already preparing the legal action.

Owners of the Euroabono -a especial season ticket that included the league, cup and Champions League matches- will not be able to attend a single Copa del Rey this season, as Los Merengues have been kicked off the competition for fielding suspended Denis Cheryshev in the away leg.

Manos Limpias have claimed this has caused an “economic damage” to these fans, and believe they should be given back part of the season ticket cost.

In a public statement, the trade union has revealed they are preparing “civil and penal action to correct the damage caused and demand criminal liability, if there was any.”

The Competition Committee judge decided to eliminate Real Madrid from the Copa del Rey for fielding Cheryshev, who should have been serving a one-match suspension after receiving three yellow cards in this competition last season with Villarreal. The judge has claimed the player was correctly notified of the sanction in March 2015 and should have known he was not allowed to play.

By -
3

Spain boss Vicente del Bosque says Real Madrid legend Raul would be a huge asset to have at the club if he returns one day in some capacity.

The 38-year-old brought the curtain down on an illustrious career last month, going out with a bang as he won the Soccer Bowl with New York Cosmos in the US. In his 16 years as a Los Blancos player, Raul won three Champions League titles and six La Liga trophies among many others.

Until recently, he was also the club’s all-time leading goalscorer on 323 goals in 741 appearances but was overtaken by Cristiano Ronaldo in October.

Raul says he will take time out to assess his future and spend more time with his family but there has already been plenty of talk about a return to the Santiago Bernabeu as a coach.

And speaking to reporters, World Cup winning boss del Bosque said Raul would be a brilliant addition for Real.

“Raul has profound feelings for Real Madrid just like all of us who have passed through the club. Raul would be a vital asset in whatever post he might be given at Real Madrid. Raul performed to an exceptional level both with Spain & Real Madrid. He has won respect & admiration the world over,” he commented.

 

1...290291292...733Page 291 of 733

www.gambleaware.co.uk or www.gamcare.org.uk
Please gamble responsibly