My Ten Day experience with Real Madrid...

Peggy van Huizen was deputized as an official representative of Forza Futbol for the Real Madrid LA Pre-Season Tour. Here's her amazing daily log. Enjoy!


I’m a Real Madrid fan… For me the following experience was something I would never ever dreamed of having. I’m happy to be able to share this. It was definitely something I will never forget. :D


The Beginning.

It happened in a matter of hours..Elisa from Forza Futbol offering to help get me a media credential with her for the upcoming Real Madrid tour back Los Angeles. Last year I had seen them, only twice though as I am not an autograph kinda person..I want to actually see them play etc. so I went once at a pay-for charity practice, the second time on a Sunday while the LA Open tennis final was on and of course went to the game at the Rose Bowl when they played the LA Galaxy. While that was exciting and all, I had no idea of what I was in for. Elisa sent off the paperwork and within hours it came back.. WE WERE APPROVED!!! Wow!..To say I was floored, excited, thrilled and just plain happy, probably wouldn’t sum it all up how I felt. Media credentials would not only get us in to see practices, we would get to go to press conferences each day, be on the pitch & in press room during the match if we chose to and in the mixed-zone after the matches. Basically we would get to see them up close and live each day..I thought I was in a dream.

They would be arriving on Monday, July 11th, 2011. That Sunday night we got word of the first press conference. It would be Tuesday, June 12th, at 12N at CAA with..gulp.. Cristiano Ronaldo, Iker Casillas, Jose Mourinho, Bruce Arena, Landon Donovan and David Beckham. Wow..They were starting off with a bang weren’t they!! I actually got nervous for a second..Why I don’t know. But again..WOW..This was going to be amazing. And yes, it was. I’ve been in presser’s before with work etc.. But never had I been in one where I was actually truly a fan of it all.

Tons of media from all over the world were there. Of course some Herbal Life people and CAA sports agent, Michael Levine has to talk first and get the rules out. Yes, there are rules to having a media credential. We could only ask questions pertaining to the RM/Galaxy game, the upcoming tour and such. (No, China, we can’t ask Cris if he changes his baby’s nappies because guess what..It doesn’t pertain to anything football/soccer relevant in the slightest ugh!). And Iker would only take and respond to questions in Spanish. Though I did find out he secretly can speak English better than any of us thinks he can, he just doesn’t want to. Ya know, that whole Spanish pride thing they have, but trust me, I was okay with it. :D

Then they all walked in..not gonna lie, I think I stopped breathing for a second or two.
Craziest thing happened next, after all the rules, schmooze talk etc., they announced that the floor was open to questions..and guess what?? No one had any! Maybe they were just all rendered a bit speechless like me, but have to say it was pretty humourous when you are in a room with that kind of star power and no one speaks for about 2 minutes..it really seems like 10.really.long.minutes. Whispers start..I just think no one really wanted to be the first person. But then the ice was broken with a question for…(drum roll) Landon Donovan!! And he broke the ice well with his opening answer of ..’With all the people up here I really didn’t expect to get the first question’..And with a room full of laughter, the conf. proceeded well. A few other highlight moments.. Cris teasing Iker for saying “soccer”, being his usual fidgety self. Iker just sitting there cute as anything while everyone spoke English. Beckham..Well just being the BAMF that is Beckham..No explanation needed on that one.


Day 2 (Wed, July 13th, 2011)

Wouldn’t you know it..Family obligations kept me out for this day…and what day is it..Oh just the day Sergio Ramos is in the presser! UGH! The sacrifices we make for family.


Day 3 (Thursday, July 14th, 2011)

I’m baaaack..::D Missed the morning practice but was there in time for the presser. Carvahlo and Coentrao are in todays. They will take questions in 3 languages, English, Spanish, and Portuguese as they have translators available for both and Fabio does not speak English or Spanish it seems.

By this time I have not only met the lovely Kay Murray from RMTV, but we are having some great times chatting at the practices etc.. She hints that later in the week she might possibly interview us! Very cool. The presser is mostly spent talking about the beginning stages of the practice sessions, how Fabio is adapting to the team, Cristiano helping him to adapt a lot.


Day 4 (Friday, July 15th, 2011)

So FINALLY I make the morning practice. Let me tell you..There is really nothing quite like the sight of these guys arriving to the field. UCLA is a great spot for all this. There is a long winding path leading to the field that the players get driven past with usually a pretty good amount of fans lined up along the drive to try to get autographs etc. But watching them walk on the field was a truly amazing moment for me. Never thought I would actually just be right there for this. They make this an open practice at the last minute I guess, on a 1st come 1st serve basis for the fans lined up outside, so we also get to watch the whole thing. Then move on to the Presser which today was the wonderful adorable Xabi & Granero, both whom can speak English quite well and answer a lot of questions to both Spanish & English press mostly about the game the next day.

We go back for the afternoon practice, which we only get to see 15 min of ☹ Still, to me, anytime I can see them, I will go and be there whether it’s for 15 min. or more. I also got to meet Stewart Wolfenson & Rafael Gomez, both of the Los Angeles Pena they have started and Elisa & I are part of, which was really great! Then Leora Conway, from the NYC Pena came into town and to celebrate an early birthday for her, we (Leora, Elisa & I) decide to go to the Polo Lounge for dinner that night. Not only was the food amazing, but getting to see Sergio, Arbeloa, Kaka, Granero, Albiol and Mourinho wandering around the hotel was pretty awesome also!


Day 5 (Saturday, July 16th, 2011

GAME DAY!!!! So excited for this match. It’s the first time I will ever be at a match with a press credential. It’s also Carmegeddon..Let me just tell you, I wish we had Carmegeddon every weekend!! As long as I have lived here I have never seen the frwy so wide open. It took us 12 min. to get to the Coliseum! Crazy! Went up to the press box to say hello to people, then went down on the pitch as we were allowed to go there. I was in such awe of it all I must say. I have never gotten to see the team walk out of the tunnel being RIGHT THERE..It took my breath away for a moment. Then to be on the pitch watching the game right behind the Galaxy goalie…WHAT!! How lucky could I possibly be..?I was actually dodging balls being kicked. It was possibly the most amazing thing for me ever! The action was literally happening right in front of my eyes. Then of course I get caught on TV tweeting..Oh yes, there I am in these really non-attractive vests that you have to wear, getting the camera full on me, tweeting. Hahaha I guess things could be worse because I loved every second of it. In the 73rd min. though they came and I had to clear off and go to my seat. That’s okay; I had a 6th row ticket so I was fine. REAL MADRID WINS
4-1!!

After the game, and much confusion as remember, this is our first time doing this I finally found the mixed zone area under the stadium where all the players come out of the locker room and do the press line. Mourinho holds a press conference in an area all on its own. I get to see all the RM players, plus Galaxy, whom I like a lot also and like quite a few of their players so this was great. They were VERY strict on the rules though. As a media person, if you do not have photographer credentials you are not allowed to take any picture, and also NO ONE with a press credential is allowed to ask for autographs etc. I saw quite a few people get their press privileges literally ripped off their necks. One girl went to ask Xabi to sign a shirt, and he actually had the pen in his hand starting to sign, and the PR girl ran over and ripped it out of his hand, grabbed the girl and her creds and threw her right out. Scary stuff, needless to say, I was not going to do anything to jeopardize this in anyway. After it was all over, I still couldn’t believe I had actually experienced a game this way. Wow..is all I can say.


Day 6 (Sunday, July 17th, 2011

After all the excitement of yesterday and such a great game, everyone has the morning off. Lounging around, went to Sunday brunch at BHH, and then went to see the afternoon practice which was only a quick 15 minutes they let us in, but still, better than nothing! The presser was going to be the Dynamic Duo!! Arbeloa & Albiol!!! Yay! So we just all hung out waiting for that to start. It was a really slow day there, not a huge fan turnout everyone was pretty laid back so Leora actually got to come into the presser with us..Yes, I think she was pretty happy! Ha! Good day to pick to be there right.. The Duo was just as charming as you would expect them to be. Arbeloa speaks English so answered quite a few questions about the game the day before as did Albiol, though only in Spanish. They were both very happy with the outcome as was the team.


Day 7 (Monday, July 18th, 2011)

I feel like I am getting into a routine now. Get up in the morning, head to UCLA for practice, wait to see who will be in the presser, do the presser, go to lunch, come back in the afternoon for 2nd practice. I have to say, I am liking this routine..ALOT! :D Practice was interesting today as I walked in all 4 goalies were jogging right by me. Grabbed a few pics of that, and then watched as Mourinho puts the team through their stretches & drills. Presser was Benzema & Varane. So basically an all French presser. While I can understand most of the players who speak Spanish, I am completely clueless on French. I know maybe 10 words. But ya know what, it’s still really nice to be there and they have translators so I am good. (Girls—this comment is strictly for you..In person Benzema is just flat out sexy as all..well..you know..Might not be that great in photos..but in person. Uh..wow ☺) Varane is still so shy and so quiet you can barely hear him speak. You can tell he is not used to this kind of thing at all. As well as he has been playing, I think he will need to adapt very quickly! :D

Also, there was supposed to be a big Adidas event open to the public at Hollywood & Highland which they ended up cancelling.


Day 8 (Tuesday, July 19th, 2011

So I get to practice in the morning. It’s the last practice before the game the following day in San Diego against Chivas. Unfortunately Sergio Ramos is injured and is not there along with Sahin who we know injured himself in one of the 1st practices in LA. We also find out that Sergio will not be playing for sure in the match the following day. ☹ From this point we watch for our 15 min. time period and then move onto the presser. It’s our new 2nd goalie today, Antonio Adan, and our comeback from Espanyol canteranos, Jose Callejon. Elisa called it the ‘hair day’ ☺ which was actually appropriate. Jose’s questions/answers were mostly about his goal that he scored, how he likes being back at Real Madrid and that he is adapting well. Adan is of course mostly asked if he thinks he will play at all during the season and he replies how much more he can still learn from Iker.

Also, just a note..I got quoted on the Real Madrid website today. Was pretty cool to see that and give a good shout out for Forza Futbol!
http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1330062866460/noticia/Noticia/Praise_for_Real_Madrid_in_the_US.htm


Day 9 (Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

It’s the 2nd game of the friendlies. Drive to San Diego which for those of you that don’t live here, is about 2 – 2 ½ hrs away. A lot of the drive is quite scenic as it’s along the coast..But with traffic an always consistent factor here, it took almost 4 hrs to get there. Now that I have had some experience with the LA, I know how it works. Go on the field, watch the game from the pitch, take as many pics as possible and just be awed by this team and that I get to do this! Also, I am going to try and NOT get caught on camera tweeting! Ha! So set up our spot with Leo, Elisa’s husband, who is a fantastic photographer as I’m sure you all know by now as his pictures were great! Kay is next to us, and not only does she really know her football, but she is a hoot as well to hang out with. (Kay this is for you..gum is now and forever a ‘chewy’ ☺ )

So I had a feeling this match was going to be completely different than the Galaxy and I was right. Chivas style of play is completely different from that of the Galaxy and much more challenging to Real Madrid. The 1st half proved that theory. To be honest, I don’t know that much about Chivas and their players, but they definitely played well and even scored a goal, though called offside. It wasn’t till the 72nd minute of the 2nd half that Cristiano scored and then it was all Real Madrid from there on. A hat-trick for Cris just capped off an amazing game. Got to watch the whole thing from the pitch this time, and yes even got hit with a ball and let me tell you.. it hurts! Ha! Real Madrid wins again 3-0.

In the mixed-zone afterwards, I went to the Mourinho conference while Elisa did the press line and spoke with Iker and Raul Albiol. Of course there is always someone who has to ask one really dumb question and this one was if Mou thought he could compare himself to Phil Jackson, basketball coach. *Sigh* with a slight laugh, and look of complete puzzlement on his face, Mou answered with, ‘Basketball is Basketball, Football is Football, you can’t really compare the two. Good job Mou!


Day 10 (Thursday, July 21st, 2011

So there was supposed to be an afternoon practice followed by a presser with Khedira & Ozil. As we know Khedira got injured so I guess they just decided to call the whole thing off. Closed the practice and no presser.

Last day before they leave for Philadelphia is Friday, July 22nd, 2011. Again, supposed to be an open morning practice and presser with Kaka & Marcelo. Sadly, both were cancelled and I never got to ask my question I had ready for Kaka.

So I almost went to Philly, but then realized it would be a 24hr turn-around and just decided not to go. They left LA Friday afternoon and arrived in Philly that evening where then the next day they played and won another game!

My last observations on the whole experience. I met so many wonderful people during this experience and had such a great, amazing time. I will never ever forget it and hope that I can repeat it again next year, though they say your first time doing something like this can never be replicated, I feel it could only get better!

I can never express how grateful I am to Elisa Uranga (Forza Futbol) and her husband Leo, for taking me along on this wonderful ride with them. Thank you Thank you Thank you..I am forever in your debt.

Peggy van Huizen for Forza Futbol

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

VARANE & BENZEMA: The French Connection

As part of the Mourinho's new policy of bringing in younger players into the club, today the press conference focused on Karim Benzema and young Rafael Varane. Rafa is only 18 years old, with one senior year at Lens under his belt was a surprise signing, recommended by new sporting director, Zinedine Zidane. He is a central defender, but can also play as defensive midfielder and sweeper. His parents are from Martinique in the Carribbean.

Rafa is a very soft spoken, intelligent footballer who answered each question thoroughly and honestly. He had a translator and took his questions in French and responded the same. Benzema was very brief and curt with his answers, in contrast. He had a strong command of Spanish and conducted his portion accordingly.

Rafa Varane was asked of all the teams in the world, why RM? How do you see yourself developing at RM? Rafa replied, " In this team I can evolve as a player. I also chose RM because of the coach, I can feel I can grow and progress in my career best."

Rafa was then asked to tell us about himself. Why he become a footballer? What defenders or players do you base your game on? Rafa Varane recanted that he was proud to be a part of RM. "It is the greatest club in world." Regarding his footballing history, in 1998 he experienced the world cup in France as a 5 year old boy. "I witnessed the greatest team ever for France, a multicultural, multi-ethnic team, (Love the insight from the youngster.)

Karim Benzema was asked if the money for Cesc would be used for his signing by Arsenal. Arsenal wants you. Have you talked to them? With a smile, Karim answered, "No, I haven’t talked to anyone. I am going to stay at RM and nothing more." (Good answer!)

Rafael Varane – So young what do you think of people comparing you to Fernando Hierro. "I am flattered to be compared to Fernando Hierro, a winner with 3 champions league trophies. I hope to have a great career like him." (I think it is a little over the top to compare him to the Hierro, a RM legend.)

Trainings resume at 9:30a and 5p tomorrow with a press conference at noon. Who is left? I hope to see Kaka and Marcelo. Then San Diego game day against Chivas de Guadalajara, and final training and press conference at UCLA starting at 5pm. Rumor has it that it will be Ozil and Khedira. More to come.

Training/Injury News: Sergio and Pepe missed training. Precautionary measures on Sergio for his back spasms. Pepe hurt his right knee in the game against the Galaxy. He also is being rested.

Per norm, you can find more fotos at our forza futbol facebook page!

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!