Real Madrid – Barcelona: The Clasicos are back...

...and there is no place to hide.

It was the 3^rd of May; Real Madrid just got eliminated from the Champions League in the semifinals by Barcelona. That game also brought an end to a tumultuous 18 days for the fans of Madrid and Barcelona in particular and the fans of football worldwide in general. A series of four clasicos in a span of just 18 days. It has never happened before. Judging by the tension, unsportsmanlike behavior from players on each side, coaches sniping at each other with verbal volleys and so forth, many a fan wished it never happen again. It was gripping drama that took so much out of the players and fans. It was the theater that showcased some of the best and the worst faces of all those involved. Despite all the negativity (that bordered on nasty at times) that permeated the days in the buildup to the games and the immediate aftermath of them, there was no doubt that the world was watching. It felt like one of those reality shows where you knew what was coming but still wanted to watch it anyway for the evil pleasure.

If you thought you had seen it all, fast forward 3 months to August and we are less than a week away from another Clasico. Madrid and Barcelona will resume their rivalry over two legs for the Spanish Super Cup on August 14^th at the Bernabeu and August 17^th at the Camp Nou. That’s two more clasicos in a span of 4 days. These games can’t come soon enough for hardcore fans. The neutrals are probably grumbling that they have to endure the blanket coverage and all the negativity that is associated with them. Yet, everyone will watch them because Real Madrid and Barcelona are arguably the two best football teams on the planet.

New signings

Both Real Madrid and Barcelona were involved in protracted transfer sagas this summer. Depending on who you talk to, Real Madrid have either missed out on Kun Aguero or it is a smart non-signing. The case of Neymar is a bit more complicated as the player and his current club have been sending mixed signals about when and if the player would move to Real Madrid. The latest on this is that Neymar will join Real Madrid in December after playing the Club World Cup with Santos. Apart from Neymar, Real Madrid have strengthened their side with Portuguese winger/left-back Fabio Coentrão from Benfica, Turkish midfielder Nuri Sahin from Borussia Dortmund and the young French defender Varane from RC Lens. They have also got Hamit Altinop for ‘free’ in the Nuri Sahin deal, who came in injured and after a undergoing a fairly complex back surgery will be about for at least 3-4 months of the season. Bizarre story, but anything is possible in the parallel world of football player market controlled by a few powerful and unscrupulous agents. Making way for them are Sergio Canales (loaned to Valencia), Ezequiel Garay (sold 50% to Benfica) and the impending departures Royston Drenthe, Pedro Leon and Lass. There is also a big question mark on the role of Kaka in this new Madrid but that topic deserves an article of its own. There is also the talk of Mourinho wanting to re-sign Emanuel Adebayor before the end of the transfer deadline.
All in all Real Madrid have strengthened their squad. There are more players that Mourinho can ‘count on’ than last year when he still had to do with mostly signings from a previous regime.

If Real Madrid’s transfer season has been protracted, Barcelona’s is worse. The new regime of austerity ushered in by president Sandro Rosell meant the negotiations for even the smallest of the pickups like signing a player for Barcelona B have taken forever. They signed Chilean winger/forward Alexis Sanchez from Udinese after more than a month of negotiations in a very complex deal laden with incentives. And then there is the soap opera of Cesc Fabregas. It feels like this has been running longer than Baywatch or Santa Barbara.

This issue can be explained in 3 simple sentences.

• The player wants to go to Barcelona.
• Barcelona wants to get him but not at any price.
• Arsenal are willing to sell but not at any price.

There hasn’t been a significant change in the positions of any of them for the past 3 years. A poster child of how and why negotiations fail. The United Nations must be proud of how they are trying to not find a solution here. Of all three, the player probably is the least to blame and Barcelona the most. But sadly, the worst affected by the impasse are the player and Arsenal respectively.

Jeffren (sold to Sporting Lisbon), Bojan (loaned to AS Roma), Gaby Milito (let go on a free to Independiente, Argentina) are the players who have departed the team.

While Barça have upgraded their forward line with the addition of Alexis Sanchez, they have done precious little to shore up their defence. But since they tend to dip into their ‘cantera’ (youth system), they might be ok but there is no doubt they have a thinner squad and lesser margin for injury compared to Real Madrid.

Preseason

Real Madrid have taken their preseason very seriously. They have won all the 7 preseason games and scored 27 goals in all. Benzema and Ronaldo are in mid-season form along with Mesut Özil. Fabio Coentrão seems to have gelled with the team quickly and could force either Marcelo or Di Maria out of the starting lineup very soon. One of the few sour notes are the injuries to Sahin, who injured one of his knee on the first day of training and when he was finally ready to play a preseason game last week in China, he injured his other knee. The lackluster displays from Kaka are a cause for concern too. Since he doesn’t have a starting spot anymore, Madrid would probably like to loan/sell him but suitors balk at his high wages.

In contrast, Barcelona’s preseason hasn’t been as smooth. They started the training camp one week later than Real Madrid, probably due to the fact that they played in the final of the Champions League. To make matters more complicated some of their main players like Messi, Alves and Alexis were involved in the Copa America and haven’t taken part in any of the preseason games. They have lost a couple of preseason games and drawn a couple more. All this makes it even harder to gauge their level at this point. Thiago Alcantara was by far their best player in the preseason. But it is evident that they are not at the same level of fitness or rhythm as Real Madrid are. The part about rhythm is very important because if any team needs to have their timing and rhythm going for playing well, it is Barcelona. Their short and triangular passing to move the ball up the field is predicated on timing.

The Games

While Real Madrid seems to have their starting lineup almost decided barring injury, it will be interesting to see if Guardiola will start the likes of Messi or Alves who haven’t played a minute in preseason. The key to the first leg will be the approach of Real Madrid and the tactics of Mourinho. If he chooses to play cautiously as he did in the first leg of Champions League last year, he will play right into the hands of Barça. I believe Mourinho should go for the throat in the 1^st leg as Barcelona will come in rusty and might need a game or two to warm up, especially someone like Messi. I would like to see the Real Madrid of Copa del Rey final. Barcelona would be happy with draw in this game.
Lineup highlights: Neither Messi nor Alves will start; Thiago will start in place of Messi. Coentrão will start in midfield in place of Di Maria.
1^st leg Prediction: 2-0 Real Madrid.

The 2^nd leg will be conditioned by the result of the 1^st leg. If Real Madrid comes in with an advantage, they might lineup very defensively and try to nick a goal on the counter. Since I predicted a Madrid win in the 1^st leg, I expect Barcelona to be much closer to their 100% but I doubt they will be able to overturn a margin greater than 1 goal.

Lineup highlights: Messi and Alves will start. Alexis will get his first minutes. Coentrão will start again ahead of Di Maria for Real Madrid.
2^nd leg Prediction: 2-1 Barcelona.

Conclusion

Real Madrid will lift the Super Cup

Who ever wins, will claim it as a moral victory and emphasize the positive impact it will have on the upcoming season. The loser will try to brush it aside as little more than a glorified preseason tourney. The truth probably lies somewhere in between.

Drama and excitement are assured. Hopefully the teams will tone down the negativity and the nastiness a few notches.

For more content about the transfers and the Spanish summer, check this out.

First Leg @ Bernabeu 4pm Eastern 1pm Pacific ESPN3.com & ESPNDeportes

Second Leg @ Camp Nou 5pm Eastern 2pm Pacific ESPN3.com & ESPNDeportes

Real Madrid v LA Galaxy ~LA Colisseum - match report

Last year, the LA Galaxy took the game to Real Madrid at the Rose Bowl and the end result was LAG 2-3 RM. But this preseason was a different matter. Game fitness against an in form LA Galaxy was the primary goal for RM. Galaxy aimed to attack and play on the counter with a very open game. Winning was not of the utmost importance, but to put on a show for the fans.

It was an exciting dynamic game for the neutral. This didn’t feel like a pre-season friendly. RM completely controlled the midfield. I thought Granero combined well with Khedria. The RM midfield were able to control the tempo, steal balls, and make decisive tackles. The first half backline was solid, which gave Marcelo the freedom to go up frequently.

I was extremely impressed with the way both Fabio Coentrao and Jose Callejon played and combined with the other players. Both were interchangeable, both consistently went forward and were pushing the game forward in attack. Kaka looked like the old Kaka of AC Milan. He was able to fly between the lines and read the game so well. His speed and movement was sublime.

The Galaxy were simply outclassed. LD was very aggressive defensively but clean. I did enjoy the little scuffles Landon had going on with both Marcelo and Kaka. Kaka of course tried to make a meal out of it. Marcelo tried to get a little payback. Nothing nasty though, all good fun. Beckham had several opportunities for glory with several set pieces but was unable to connect.


The first goal was a beautiful sidewinder by Callejon, who received a pinpoint perfect pass from Kaka. Love the "piña" celebration by the team. Pepe lifted Callejon up and the others joined in the celebration. Jose Callejon has returned to RM after 3 solid years at Espanyol. He came through the RM youth system.



The second goal was a cheeky beauty from young canterano Joselu. Beckham passed the ball to Marcelo, who found Joselu on the left. The young striker hit the ball through Becks legs and it ricocheted into the goal. So is that counted as an assist for Becks or Marcelo?

The second half brought on a lot of changes. Raul Albiol wore the captian’s arm band this time and he was surrounded by young canterano Nacho, new signing Varane and Arbeloa in the backline. Adan replaced Casillas in goal. Ozil, Alonso, Ronaldo and Benzema came in for the attack. It took a little while with all the changes, for the team to gel, but Ronaldo soon got his groove on with a brilliant bit of skill. Two step overs led to a goal from an impossible angle! Cris followed up with his "I’m the man" celebration, but that’s Cris.




Benzema played extremely well. He looks fit, light and fresh this preseason. During the game he was quicksilver and looked a bit like Kaka starting his attack through the middle, behind the wing play. After several shots, he connected on a exquisite cross by Fabio Coentrao with a lovely header.



RM went into game over mode at 4 nil. More canteranos came in: Jese upfront and Casado in the back. While asleep, the Galaxy were able to steal a goal off a rebound shot, by Cristman. Adan’s positioning was a little questionable, but he was left out cold by his backline as well.

The final score was RM 4-1 LAG. Fabio Coentrao was voted man of the match. My choice as well. Coentrão started left midfield, then moved over to the right and ended up a defensive midfielder alongside Alonso! A complete performance by the versatile Portuguese International.


Real Madrid: Casillas (Adan, 46 '), Ramos (Arbeloa, 46'), Pepe (Albiol, 46 '), Carvalho (Varane, 46'), Marcelo (Nacho, 46 '); Granero (Xabi, 46') , Khedira (Cristiano, 46 '), Coentrao (Casado, 74'), Kaká (Özil, 46 '), Callejon (Jese, 64') and Joselu (Benzema, 46 ').


LA Galaxy: Saunders (Perk, 46') Franklin (Jordan, 46'), DeLaGarza, Berhalter (Thomas, 77'), Dunivant (Davies 61'), Birchall, Beckham (Kirovski, 61 '), Juninho (Keats, 70'), Donovan (Hector Jimenez, 46'), Juan Pablo Angel (Cristman, 46'; Barrett, 77') and Lopez (Cardozo 70').


Goals: 0-1 (30'): Callejon. 0-2 (39'): Joselu. 0-3 (52’): Cristiano Ronaldo. 0-4 (57'), Benzema. 1-4 (66'): Cristman.


Referee: Jorge Fernandez. Yellow caution to Miguel López (37').


Stadium: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. 56,211 spectators



PRESS CONFERENCE – MOURINHO

Mou was asked about his thoughts of the game and why he likes to come out to the US and face MLS teams, why LA and why the LA Galaxy, to comment on Coentrao's game and his versatility and he gave the same answers on Forza Futbol readers have seen on previous reports. He basically thought it was good open game, which is why he likes to play against the Galaxy and MLS teams. They attack, they don't park the bus, and they play fair with little fouls. He talked again about the sense of privacy and freedom to be normal here. He also stated that Coentrao had a good game and he wanted to try various tactics with him as he is new to the team. All in all, Jose was happy with the team and their performance.

The most important questions were when they asked about Zidane's role and the cantera. Regarding Zidane, he said that it was important to have someone who is an insider, who played at RM, who knows the system and structure. Who understands the ups and downs of the players, their problems, characteristics, personalities, and daily life. Someone also who can handle the press, security, along with the dressing room.

As mentioned Jose was asked about the cantera, especially since the first two goals scored were by canteranos. What do they offer to the team?

"Our objective this season is to be promoted. Castilla must be promoted from Second division B to Second division A. This would help them and make it easier for the canteranos to be promoted to the first team. We are adopting conditions for them to succeed and meet this goal. Nacho, Alex, Morata and other players that came last year, but were not here, worked with the first team well and are much more prepared to advance Castilla to Segunda A. At the same time, players like Juanfran, Mateos, Juan Carlos and Sarabia are players that people think RM gave up on, which is not true. RM controls them in a way. We let them go and play in La Liga. Give them a chance to play a lot. RM has them under our control. In that way, they can come back to us."

In other words, some youth players are not prepared to play at the Segunda A level, but are given the opportunity to return, should they improve their skills at other clubs. (Interesting that Jose used the words control, when referring to the buyback clause.)

Bruce Arena also talk to the press and said that the better team won on the day. Nothing further to add really. (Typical Bruce)

The mixed zone was a frenzy. Joselu, Cristiano, Beckham and Dunivant came out to talk to the press. Beckham talked an awful long time to yours truly, Kay Murray. He got an awful lot of face time with the Spanish press.

The attendance was a bit disappointing at the Colisseum. I blame this on the choice of facility, along with Carmeggedon (closure of the the 405 freeway) which was overhyped and scared last minute game goers. There were no problems at all, by the way.

San Diego is going to be a sell out.

Training continues this week, Sunday through Tuesday. Game on Wednesday, more training on Thursday and then the team flies out to Philadelphia on Friday.

As usual plenty more photos at our forza futbol facebook page, including sequence by sequence fotos of each goal!

Midfield Magicians: Xabi & Pirata RM @ UCLA day 4!!!

Finally Real Madrid, at the last minute, decided to have a training practice open to the public in the morning. It was on a first come, first serve basis and nearly 500 Madridistas were in attendance, a lot of families and fanaticos. Los Blancos also allowed the press to attend the entire time, which was very nice indeed. Rumor has it there will be one more, possibly next Thursday before they leave LA, so get their early!

Before the training, the players made a special effort to stop for an autograph and take a picture with a handicapped fan. Zizou, once again, stopped to sign for autographs for some of the fans waiting along the golf cart path.

The boys performed their normal stretching, then followed up with some shooting practice in teams of four. They rotated so that fans and the press would get a good view of all of their idols. Concurrently, the goal keepers performed their special exercises and drills. Afterwards, the main training event was a set of scrimmages (20 minutes each) or mini games, played on half of the field. The squad was divided up into two sets of teams. It was interesting to see how Mou utilized Fabio Coentrao as a pivot in the midfield and sometimes as a trivote. Coentrao is a very versatile player. I hope this doesn't mean that Granero is not going to get a lot of playing time. Marcelo looks to be the favored left back once again. I never doubted it, as he is one of Mou's faves. During one of the scrimmages, Arbeloa looked like he pulled a muscle, but it was nothing. He was able to play through it. Nuri Sahin was the only player missing from training.


MIDFIELD MAGIC: Xabi Alonso & Esteban Granero talk to the press!

Always a personal highlight for me is the daily press conference. This time one of my absolute favorite players in the world, Xabi Alonso was there. Strangely, both Xabi and Granero kept us waiting for a long time, which was a first. We soon found out the reason, both Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa were doing a promotional shopping video at the UCLA Store.



I now have a huge admiration for those journos who are able to tweet while attending press conferences or games. I mean it was impossible.

What do you get when you put Xabi & La Pirata behind the mic? You get a lot of political correctness. I felt like I was at an elections press conference, not a sporting one.

The boys were asked about the Zidane effect, Kaka (again), the LA Galaxy game, the US fans, how Coentrao was fitting in, and the usual who would you rather have in the team Neymar, Aguero or Adebayor? Funnily enough, Xabi punted on that question and let Granero take it, who basically said that they were used to summer rumors with every player and they just wanted to focus on the players on the pitch, work hard, and get fit. Should a new player come into the squad, they will do their best to acclimate him into the team. The Spanish journalist wanted both players to answer. Xabi just shooked his head and laughed. He didn't even want to go there.

Some of the more meatier questions was when a Spanish journalist asked about Sahin. How did they see him fitting into the midfield? Did they think he would change the RM style of play or game? Xabi admitted that he hasn't seen him play much and unfortunately now, he is injured. It's a long season and RM needs reinforcements in the midfield. He has heard that Sahin is a dynamic player and his is confident that he will adjust to the RM (Xabi as conductor!) style of play. Granero was asked to respond about Sahin. The journalist added did he think that he would get more playing time and more opportunities, as opposed to last season? Granero answered that both he and the coach have confidence in his abilities. He will fight for his position. He welcomes Sahin to the team. He is confident that there is a role for him. (I hope he hasn't conceded to being a bench player!)

Xabi was asked if they don't win Liga, Copa, and Champions this year, would it be considered a failure? Xabi, smooth operator he is, answered that this is our 2nd year, we know each other better. It is tough to win all three, as injuries occur. Our primary aim is to improve every year. We shouldn't be obsessed with winning, it should come naturally with hard work.

Granero was asked about Castilla and the cantera, being that he is a product of the RM youth system. The journalist stated that Mou hasn't promoted anyone to the first team and asked what opportunities does this current crop have? Granero replied that he believed that they had plenty of opportunities, but it was up to the coach. He addedd the relationship between the first and second team is much closer. They train and play with us. It is much better than before. He is confident that they will get plenty of chances.


FUNNY MOMENT OF THE DAY

The last question was in English by RMTV's Kay Murray. As you may recall we had problems with the previous interpreter, so there was a new, much improved translator doing a great job translating Spanish to English. Well, when Kay asked her question. The translator got stuck in robot mode and translated her English question into English. (Does Kay hypnotize or what?) Xabi turned to the side and said "Spanish." The translator apologized and translated her question appropriately. However, Kay asked two questions, one for Xabi and one for Granero, and this time, the translator couldn't remember the second question. (I blame Kay's bedazzlement again) Xabi once again turned to the side and said "Fichajes" (or transfers). Hey, at least Xabi is paying attention. Both Granero & Xabi had a chuckle with us all.


Unfortunately the media access was cancelled to the second training at 5pm. But guess what the boys were up to post training? A bit of water exercise and cool down at UCLA and a bit of wannabe water polo. (Let's not get our hair wet now!) How do we know? Why Arbeloa tweeted a foto!


TRAINING DAY 4 ~ 07.15.11

As always you can find two photo albums of the training and the press conference at Forza Futbol's facebook page!

The Fabio Coentrao & Rikki Carvalho Show

You probably have figured out that Forza Futbol has been following Real Madrid in LA in full force, there are three of us taking turns going to training, taking photos, meeting people, attending the press conferences, meeting fans and reporting on the pre-season. We are just living the life and loving it. I apologize to the non Real Madrid fans. I know this is a La Liga and Spanish Football website, but just bear with us over the next two weeks because Forza Real Madrid Futbol has temporarily taken over your football blog, until our boys leave town next Friday!


I am going to delve into today's press conference first and comment on some of the craziness that occurred around the UCLA training, and then give a tribute to some of the loyal, dedicated and crazy fans in LA.


THE PRESSER AT UCLA

The press conference stars were new boy Fabio Coentrao, the new left back, Portuguese International, with el abuelo aka Football veteran defender, Ricardo Carvalho. (Many refer to him as the guy who looks least like a soccer player.) Portugal in da house!

A translator was provided who attempted to convert everything from Portuguese to Spanish & English, from Spanish to Portuguese & English and from English to Spanish & Portuguese and had a very difficult time. Portuguese and Spanish are very similar and really don't require translation, in my opinion. Plus,her translations were not very accurate. I don't understand why tri-lingual Ricardo Carvalho ex Chelsea, ex Porto, in his 2nd year in Spain, needs a translator. What can you do. The translator missed questions, sometimes failed to translate or address questions. She even translated Kay Murray of RMTV's question asked in English to English.

Some of the more interesting questions were "Why is Mou's 2nd year his best year?" Rikki said he didn't really know, but maybe it was because he knows the players and we know his system and methods. Also the fact that we keep improving and doing everything to win.

Fabio was asked if being signed for 30M euros is an honor or a bit of pressure? Fabio answered that he was going to work hard to prove that he is worth 30M euros.

No new revelations at the presser. Fabio commented that he was acclimating well. They were asked about Kaka again (this will be a daily question), as well as their thoughts on the friendlies. Rikki said that it was kind of early to train for just a few days after a long vacation and then to play a game, but they would do their best.

Rikki was also asked to comment on his role as a veteran and he refuted that he didn't like to be called a "godfather", but that that he, Pepe, Cristiano and Fabio were all from the same cultural background and that they would do whatever they could to help Fabio out, just like they would do for any other player.



TRAINING MISHAPS & ODDITIES


So.....soccer balls are hard. One of the foreign press guys got hit, with a shot gone wide, when he wasn't looking and got knocked down cold, flat off his feet. (Ow!)

We really didn't notice that USMNT coach Bob Bradley was in attendance (again), until we uploaded the pictures. The most important thing to note is that, Bob Bradley was watching the Real Madrid training session. GOOD. We hope he is learning to train and manage creative players and is changing philosophy, instead of the stilted robotic college style of play the USA have now.

As and Marca didn't have much to report on today, so the headliner was "Fan run over by golf cart at RM training!" You gotta check out this video. This crazy fan walks straight into Sami Khedira and Xabi Alonso's cart and falls flat to the ground. The players all yelled "Heeeeeyyy!" But she just was so determined not to walk through their golf cart. The cart stopped. They saw that she was okay and drove away. Lots of chuckles from the other players in the RM golf cart procession. Sergio Ramos seemed more concerned about his teammates. Marcelo and Pepe gave another nearby student, who was walking on the golf cart path, a hard time a la the Marx brothers. Crazy brain dead UCLA student! Oh and great security too.





More injury news: Casado, el canterano has been training in the gym, with a groin knock.



ODE TO THE LOYAL (LOCO) FANS


I mentioned in a previous post that we are in the midst of forming our official Real Madrid penya in LA. We have a little community on facebook (La Peña Madridista de Los Angeles) where we post articles, pictures, videos, and chat about the club etc. Well there is a big group that goes to UCLA in search of an open training session, picture or autograph. (I met Bryan there on Tuesday). There is also a hardcore group that hang out at the Beverly Hills Hotel for their idols too. They get their very early, some of them have hung around for 6 - 12 hours a day!!! A lot of them have been quite successful, others not. It really is just random luck. Well here's to loyalty, dedication and madriditis. A shoutout to Rafael, Karina, Andres, Spartak, Jordan, Priscilla, Martel, Bryan, and all you stalkers in the RM LA peña!


As always you can find plenty of pictures from the training, press conferences, and fan atmosphere this whole week at our Forza Futbol facebook page!

Another Portuguese to Madrid?

The actual start of the transfer window hasn't yet begun, but Jose Mourinho has certainly been busy bringing a few players to the Real Madrid. Nuri Sahin, Hamit Altintop and Jose Callejon have already been picked up by the club looking to build on the Copa Del Rey success this season. Most followers agree that it was a great piece of business considering the money he payed for Sahin (10M), Altintop (free) and Callejon (5M). Does Jose has the highly rated left back amongst his plans for next season, is the crucial question as Fabio Coentrao won't be allowed to leave unless Real meet Benfica's asking price( believed to be around 30M).

In a recent interview, Coentrao stated his desire to play for Madrid, saying that its his only destination if he was to leave Lisbon, he added that its up to Madrid and Benfica to reach an agreement on his hefty price tag. By the look of things Madrid may get their man if Mourinho shows interest and Real agree on a fee with Benfica.

As always, with a new player coming into the team, the speculation starts to surround current left back Marcelo. The Brazilian has been spot on this season and is one of the most improved players this season. However Jose is sure to be aware that he can play just as good in attack as in defense. With this option, he can choose to play Marcelo higher up the flank to support the striker and at the same time drifting back to help out Coentrao when they come up against a team with a dangerous right winger. Whatever happens throughout the summer, one this is certain, Mourinho looks to have a plan for next season, learning from the failures against Barcelona this season. Comparing November's 5-0 beating back in November to the 1-1 draw in the league, then a victory in the cup final, he has definitely made progress for Madrid this season. With regards to Fabio Coentrao, the decision all rests on Jose Mourinho whether to take the decision to pull out 30M for him or whether he finds the price tag too hefty for the player who has already stated his desire to be a Blanco.