International football dominates the headlines still with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal facing an uphill struggle to qualify for the last 16 of the World Cup tonight. And his country could be on a collision course with Real Madrid over the striker’s fitness. The national team doctor claimed yesterday that Ronaldo is in better shape now that when he was in Madrid, while the club is concerned over his ongoing knee problems.
In Real Madrid news, we start with AS’ story about the Champions League money banked by each club this season. UEFA made the figures public and the records show that the Decima – the club’s 10th Champions League win – earned Los Blancos 57.4 million euros.
Although they had to experience the pain of defeat in Lisbon, Atletico de Madrid will be happy to have banked 50 million euros for their efforts in the competition. The other two Spanish clubs involved, Barcelona and Real Sociedad, earned 41.9 million and 17.2 million respectively.
ZInedine Zidane’s appointment as boss of Real Madrid Castilla was confirmed yesterday and Raphael Varane, the France and Real central defender, was quick to praise his compatriot. He said it was good news for the young players hoping to make the break through at the top, and that Zindane will do a great job.
