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Varane: Real Madrid can’t give up on La Liga

Zinedine Zidane’s men suffered their fifth defeat of the season as they were beaten 1-0 by Espanyol

Raphael Varane says Real Madrid must not give up on their La Liga campaign despite a damaging defeat to Espanyol on Tuesday.

Gerard Moreno’s stoppage-time strike inflicted a fifth league defeat of the season on the reigning champions, leaving them 14 points behind leaders Barcelona, having played a game more.

The Champions League represents Madrid’s best chance to end the campaign with another trophy, with the holders taking a 3-1 first-leg lead to France on March 6 in their last-16 tie with Paris Saint-Germain.

But Varane insists they must keep pushing for better results in the top flight, even though their title defence appears to be at an end.

“We performed better in the first half than we did in the second,” the France international said. “We always have to give our best when we pull this shirt on.

“We can’t give up on La Liga; we have to show the same drive. We’re not looking at the points, we have to focus on the games and try to win them because that’s what this badge demands of us. You can never write us off.

“We always want to win and this won’t have any effect on the PSG game. Regardless of whether Neymar plays or not, it’ll be tough because they’ll come out all guns blazing. We’re ready for it and will continue with our preparations.”

Fellow centre-back Nacho Fernandez felt Madrid paid the price for a poor showing in the second half at RCDE Stadium and admits it has been a domestic campaign to forget.

“I don’t think that we deserved to lose, but it wasn’t one of our best performances,” he said. “We did well in the first half and were disciplined, but in the second half our performance levels dropped off and we weren’t as dominant.

“It’s not normal. We’re used to winning titles. We’re still involved in a special competition, in the Champions League, and have to prepare for it and go in to it full of confidence.”

Source: www.goal.com

Brazil legend Ronaldinho: Any team in the world would make room for Harry Kane

The Brazil great lauded the Spurs star, saying that any club in Europe would make room for him if given the chance

Tottenham star Harry Kane could walk into any team in Europe, according to Brazil great Ronaldinho.

Kane has enjoyed another prolific season at Spurs, scoring 35 goals in all competitions to mark the third campaign in four when he has netted at least 30.

The England international is linked to the likes of Real Madrid and Ronaldinho believes the 24-year-old is more than capable of playing for any of the world’s biggest clubs.

“Harry Kane has been a great player for a while now – but there is no doubt this season he has hit a new level,” he told the Mirror .

“He is now at the level where any team in the world would want him. He could walk into any team in Europe.

“Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, it doesn’t matter how strong the team. He is now one of those few players in the world that any team would have to make room for if they had the chance to sign him.”

Kane has won the past two Premier League Golden Boots and is on track to make it three this season.

While Spurs will want to keep Kane, Ronaldinho – a two-time FIFA World Player of the Year – said clubs had shown they would pay whatever was needed to sign the world’s best.

“Over the last windows we have seen that the biggest clubs in Europe have paid whatever fees needed to sign the best players in the world,” he said.

“For maybe four or five clubs, they are now at a stage where the fee is not important if they want the player, they pay what they have to.”

Tottenham sit fourth in the Premier League table but face a fight for a Champions League place next season, with Chelsea just two points back.

Spurs are still alive in Europe this term and head into their round of 16 second-leg clash with Juventus level after a 2-2 draw in Italy.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Swansea City at Wembley Stadium on September 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

Source: www.goal.com

Gareth Bale equals David Beckham’s record with 116th Liga appearance

The two Madrid favourites have made an identical number of appearances in the Spanish top flight, although Bale holds the edge in their head-to-head

Gareth Bale has equalled a record previously held by David Beckham after appearing in his 116th La Liga game.

The Wales international, 28, started for Real Madrid against Espanyol in Tuesday’s clash.

And in doing so, he reached a mark that only Beckham had previously managed.

Bale now shares the record for the most Liga appearances made by a British player, which Beckham had previously set while also playing for Madrid in 2007.

The former Tottenham man moved to Madrid in 2013 in a world-record transfer, and in his first season scored in the Champions League final as the Merengues lifted the much sought-after Decima.

In total he has scored 61 goals in a Madrid shirt, compared to Beckham’s 13.

Bale also boasts a far more impressive win ratio than the ex-Manchester United idol, having finished on the winning side 79 times, 13 more than Beckham.

Source: www.goal.com

Figo demands time for under-pressure Real Madrid boss Zidane

The Merengue coach has attracted criticism as a result of the team’s recent struggles, but his old team-mate is adamant he is right for the job.

Luis Figo believes some of the criticism levelled at Zinedine Zidane this season has been unfair, suggesting Real Madrid’s detractors have forgotten his previous achievements too quickly.

Zidane enjoyed a brilliant start to his coaching career at the Santiago Bernabeu, leading Madrid to Champions League success within five months of replacing the sacked Rafael Benitez in January 2016.

He then guided Madrid to a Champions League and LaLiga double in his first full season in charge, helping the club become the first to win Europe’s elite competition in its current guise for two straight years.

This term things have been somewhat more troublesome, with Madrid’s transfer activity coming under criticism and they head in to Tuesday’s away league clash with Espanyol 14 points adrift of leaders Barcelona.

And, although Figo acknowledges pressure is something every Real Madrid coach needs to accept, he is adamant his former team-mate is the right man for the club.

Speaking to Omnisport, Figo said: “The coach of Real Madrid is always under pressure and you know that you depend always on results.

“But sport is like that. For me, you can win every year. But since he picked the team, I think he did fantastic, great.

“But the problem normally in football is it depends on what you do in the last games.

“People forget very fast what you achieved in the recent past. But I think the people are happy, the players are happy with him and that is the most important.”

Part of the reason Madrid are so far behind Barca this season is the form of Lionel Messi, who has been sensational, scoring 22 and setting up another 12 in 25 LaLiga appearances.

And his impressive performances have not escaped Figo, who lauded him as “one of the greatest of all time”.

“It’s amazing what he is achieving and I think every time he doesn’t surprise us because he makes amazing things every game,” Figo added.

“So this is very beautiful what he does in terms of football and his career. He’s one of the greatest footballers of all-time.”

Source: www.goal.com

‘Neymar was asking for trouble!’ – Amavi blames PSG star for injury

The Brazilian forward is facing up to a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a broken bone during a feisty Ligue 1 encounter with Marseille

Neymar has been accused of “looking for things” during Paris Saint-Germain’s clash with Marseille, with his actions ultimately resulting in a broken metatarsal.

The Brazilian forward was forced from the field in tears on Sunday as Ligue 1 leaders PSG sought to see out a 3-0 victory over arch-rivals.

He had been subjected to eight fouls during an outing cut short 10 minutes from the end, with the 26-year-old having already entered the contest as the most fouled performer in Europe’s top divisions.

While there is no suggestion that anybody has ever intended to cause Neymar harm with the rough treatment, Marseille defender Jordan Amavi has suggested that the South American often asks for trouble.

He told RMC following a feisty encounter with PSG: “We played normally against Neymar. I found him looking for things [fouls].

“I am just telling you what I saw on the pitch. He waited for us to press and then released the ball at the last minute.

“What did he expect? Personally, I do not know, I think he was looking for things though. He reaped a little of what he sows.

“Everybody knows that he has the talent, but he waited for us to press before releasing the ball.”

It has already been reported that certain Marseille players warned the match officials during the game that they were growing tired of Neymar’s antics.

It was eventually a rather innocuous coming together with Bouna Sarr which did for the talented forward , though, leaving him writhing on the deck and awaiting a stretcher.

Post-game analysis determined that a broken bone had been suffered , although PSG head coach Unai Emery has denied his star player needs surgery, as was first feared.

Quite how long Neymar will be sidelined for remains to be seen, but it seems likely he will miss important fixtures in an ongoing Ligue 1 title bid and the second leg of a Champions League last-16 encounter with Real Madrid .

Source: www.goal.com

Zidane: I want Neymar fit to face Real Madrid

The Frenchman has said that he is “not happy” about the prospect of the world’s most expensive player missing next week’s big match

Zinedine Zidane expressed hope that Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar returns from his ankle injury in time to face Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Neymar was carried off the Parc des Princes pitch in tears during PSG’s 3-0 Classique victory over Marseille on Sunday after riding a challenge from Bouna Sarr before twisting his right ankle as he planted his foot on the turf.

On Monday, Neymar posted a photo of his foot in heavy strapping after being taken to hospital and, although head coach Unai Emery said in his post-match news conference that the injury is not serious, it remains to be seen whether the forward will be fit in time to face Madrid on March 6.

While the absence of Neymar would undoubtedly weaken PSG’s star-studded attack, Zidane – whose Madrid side lead 3-1 from the first leg ahead of the return tie in Paris – expressed a desire for the Brazil star, who continues to be heavily linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, to play.

“No, I don’t like it when players get injured,” Zidane told reporters on Monday at a news conference ahead of Madrid’s La Liga trip to Espanyol on Tuesday.

“I’m not happy if Neymar is injured. Hopefully, he can play. I’m never going to want an opposing player to get injured.

“I do not think it influences next week’s game. There will always be a player who plays if it’s not him.

“I did not like it when he got injured, I was watching the game. I don’t think everything revolves around Neymar, but I hope it’s nothing serious.”

Cristiano Ronaldo has found his form at a potentially vital part of the season, having struggled in front of goal in LaLiga before the turn of the year.

The Portugal star has 10 league goals in his last six appearances and Zidane suggested there is an element of deliberation about him finding form in the second half of the season, with the World Cup coming up.

“It is a bit of everything,” Zidane said. “He knows his body very well. We talk often and it’s important that he’s at the top of his game, in the best shape possible.

“It’s important he rests sometimes too. It’s a long season and at the end of the season there’s a World Cup.

“Sometimes players don’t think about it and take it one day at a time, but at the back of their mind they know there’s a World Cup around the corner. I’ve lived it. It happened to me.”

Source: www.goal.com

Ronaldo: I want three more Ballon d’Or awards but would be happy if I retired now

The Real Madrid star remains at the pinnacle of the world game and has achieved everything he wants, but he is sure he can keep going for a bit longer

Cristiano Ronaldo says he has achieved all of his dreams in football, but would like to win the Ballon d’Or another three times before he retires.

The Real Madrid star was named the best player on the planet for the fifth time in 2017, pulling level with Barcelona rival Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo already has four Champions League and Club World Cup trophies to add to his Premier League and La Liga winners’ medals accrued in his sensational periods at Manchester United and Madrid.

And while the 32-year-old feels he would be perfectly happy in life if he were to retire from the game immediately, he believes he can still achieve a great deal more before he does call time on his career.

“I never dreamed of winning the Ballon d’Or five times,” he told Desimpedidos. “If I had to finish my career now, I would be super happy… [but] if I won another Ballon d’Or, two or three more times I’d be delighted with life.

“Even if I don’t win, I’ve already won five… but I still have the confidence and the strength to compete for the prize… it depends on the titles we win this year.

“Everything I dreamed of, I achieved.”

After guiding his national team to Euro 2016 glory last season, Ronaldo is preparing to lead out Portugal in their World Cup campaign in Russia this summer.

Although he feels his side are not looked upon as favourites to win the title, Ronaldo still has hope heading into the tournament.

“We are not the favourites, we have to be honest,” he added.

“There are teams with more names, like Brazil, Spain, Germany, Argentina… but in football everything is possible.

“We are going to try to advance from the group stage, then we’ll see. The main objective is the first phase.”

Source: www.goal.com

Man Utd-linked Bale still important to Real Madrid, says Zidane

The Welsh winger has long been linked with a Bernabeu exit, with Jose Mourinho’s side having previously been interested in signing him

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane insists Gareth Bale remains a valued member of his squad despite admitting to doubts over the forward’s durability.

Wales star Bale has only started one of Madrid’s last four competitive fixtures as speculation continues to surround his long-term future, with Manchester United often linked with signing him.

The 28-year-old, who has battled persistent calf and thigh problems this season, did complete 73 minutes in last weekend’s win at Real Betis, before being relegated back to the bench for the midweek trip to Leganes.

However, Zidane insists the former Tottenham man still has a part to play.

“He is an important player. He will always be an important player,” Zidane told reporters on Friday.

“He is training hard, working hard like the rest of my players.

“I want to see Gareth at 100 per cent. I do not want him to get injured again.

“We have got many games coming up and… I am sure Gareth will have an important part to play.

“Hopefully he will not get injured but you have got to be in tip top shape if you want to play every game.”

Los Blancos are on a six-game unbeaten run in LaLiga heading into Saturday’s visit from Alaves, scoring 26 goals in the process.

And Zidane praised his players for turning around their form after a terrible start to their title defence.

“I am proud of the team. Even when things have not quite gone to plan we have shown strong character,” he said.

“It is an impressive tally to have scored 26 goals in six games. We want to maintain this good run of form.”

Source: www.goal.com

Bayern made mistake selling Kroos but Madrid move was right for him – Sammer

The 28-year-old midfielder has enjoyed even more success since leaving the Bundesliga club, leaving them to regret letting him go after the World Cup

Matthias Sammer has admitted that Bayern Munich made a mistake in selling Toni Kroos to Real Madrid, but feels it has worked out for the best for the midfielder.

Kroos won three Bundesliga titles and the Champions League over his eight-year spell at the Allianz Arena before a reported €30 million move to the Spanish capital in 2014.

The Germany international remains a pivotal player for Madrid almost four years later and gone on to dominate Europe even further as he chases a third consecutive European crown with Zinedine Zidane’s men this season.

Often regarded as one of the game’s top midfielders, the World Cup winner is still sorely missed by former side Bayern, according to Sammer, who says he tried his best to keep him.

“Sometimes there are situations that you have to analyse honestly in retrospect,” the ex-Bayern sporting director said in an interview with Sport Bild , which hosted Kroos as a guest editor this week.

“Who can say they have done everything right in life? Maybe Bayern Munich would have won the Champions League more often with Toni or at least reached the final.

“I can say today that, in my role, it was a mistake to let Toni go. I was sitting on Toni’s couch trying to change his mind.

“I’ve been able to work with him for a long time and have known him since he was 16 or 17.

“His departure didn’t shake Bayern, but when you talk about whether it was good or bad to let Toni go, you have to say it was bad, very bad.

“But for Toni’s personal development and value, the change was definitely the right one.”

Kroos has made 29 appearances in all competitions for Madrid this season, scoring four times, and is contracted to the club until 2022, althoug he has been linked with a summer move to Manchester United.

Source: www.goal.com

Real Madrid Team News: Injuries, suspensions and line-up vs Leganes

Everything you need to know ahead of Los Blancos’ Primera Division clash at Butarque on Wednesday night…

Real Madrid visit nearby Leganes in La Liga on Wednesday in a match that sees Los Blancos make up the game in hand still pending since their participation in the Club World Cup in December.

During their trip to Abu Dhabi, Zinedine Zidane’s side missed one round of the competition and, having featured in the Champions League against PSG last week, they will play the oustanding fixture at Butarque on Wednesday.

Real are 17 points adrift of league leaders Barcelona, but a win or even a draw in this match will see the defending champions move above Valencia and up to third place in the table.

The fixture is also an opportunity for some revenge after Leganes surprisingly knocked Zidane’s side out of the Copa del Rey in January, when Madrid won 1-0 away but lost the return 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu to exit on away goals.

REAL MADRID INJURIES

Defender Jesus Vallejo is still sidelined with a muscle problem and midfielder Toni Kroos is also out after picking up a knee injury against PSG that could make him doubtful for the trip to Paris in the Champions League on March 6th.

Marcelo also misses out after limping off in the weekend win at Betis, while Luka Modric is sidelined with a hamstring problem and both of those players will also be doubtful for the game at the Parc des Princes.

REAL MADRID SUSPENSIONS

Dani Carvajal was suspended for the Champions League clash against PSG, but he returned at Betis on Sunday and Zidane has no players banned for the game away to Leganes.

REAL MADRID POTENTIAL STARTING LINE-UP

With Marcelo out, Theo Hernandez will start at left-back for Real Madrid against Leganes, while Zidane could opt to start Kiko Casilla in goal in order to give Keylor Navas a rest.

In midfield, Isco is in line for a start after featuring mainly from the bench in recent weeks. The absence of both Modric and Kroos means Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez could both feature again on the wings.

In attack, Karim Benzema should return to the line-up after coming on and scoring at Betis on Sunday, while Zidane hinted he may rest Cristiano Ronaldo when he addressed the media on Tuesday. If the Portuguese sits out, Gareth Bale is likely to start in his place.

LEGANES TEAM NEWS

Leganes are down in 13th place in La Liga, 11 points clear of the relegation zone ahead of their game against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

After kocking out Los Blancos, the capital club saw their Copa del Rey run end at the hands of Sevilla in the semi-finals and have since lost their last two games in the Primera Division: 1-0 at home to Eibar and 3-0 at Girona.

Winger Alexander Szymanowski is sidelined, while central midfielder Darko Brasanac is doubtful.

Source: www.goal.com