Capello insisted on his team's good performance in the first leg of the Campions League's Round of 16, despite Bayern Munich's late second goal. "The team played well in both halves, but these things happen in football," said the Italian coach.
Capello wasn't pleased with the media's opinions on his starting eleven. "I have lined up more offensive teams in the past... like whenever Reyes or Robinho play from the start," he added.
"We looked different out there tonight because the Champions League is always different. We are very focused in every match of this tournament," he continued, "The support of the fans also boosted our morale."
"I will keep working in my usual calm and serious way," said Capello, "This is important for us. We sometimes achieve our goals and other times we don't, but we must keep working down the same path."
The Italian coach praised his players' efforts but admitted that the German side was fresher in the second half. "I think Bayern Munich made three substitutions that really made a difference," pointed out the coach, who proceeded to say, "We had several chances on our counters, but they pressed a lot. They crossed ball meant to be headed by their forwards, especially Pizarro. He became their most important player as soon as he came on."
"I think they pressed, whipping the ball forward, looking for winning headers by Pizarro and Makaay," he continued, "Their new players were very fresh. A team that wins 3-1 normally doesn't want to throw away that advantage by risking too much and we were possibly blocked by that fear. It's hard to explain, but you know when you're in that situation. Maybe it's psychological."
When asked if the lineup was conformed only after consulting with Mijatovic, the Italian coach was adamant in his reply. "I have never spoken to the President and neither Mijatovic nor Baldini have ever questioned any of my lineups because they simply can't do that," he said, "If they ever told me who to line up I wouldn't do it. I decided the lineup this morning. When I do so, I think about the team, our opponents, etc. I balance things out and make my decision."
"I liked Beckham's output tonight," he added, "He performed excellently. I didn't like that he was sent off last Saturday, but he played a good game today."
"This is a very important week for the team because both the Champions League and the derby are very important," said the coach, "We'll see what happens at the Vicente Calderón Stadium. I think the team played very well today; we should keep it up."
"Both teams improved today," he said finally, "The fans helped us a lot and Bayern Munich played an excellent second half despite being 3-1 down. They improved even further in the last 45 minutes."
Real Madrid 3-2 Bayern Munich: TheWhites superior to Bavarians in a magical Champions League evening
3-2
The magic came by way of the fans, the drive showcased by a team that stepped out onto the turf convinced of its possibilities, and a skipper that always delivers as promised on big nights. Tonight, Raul scored twice, displaying the indomitable spirit for which he is famous throughout the Old Continent. But Bayern never surrendered and struck back twice. This way, the Round of 16 tie is wide open and as almost everyone predicted, it will be decided on 7 March at Munich's Allianz Arena.
As the anthem of the Champions League competition resounded on the PA system of the Santiago Bernabéu, the venue filled with an atmosphere of valour, drive, honour... history in the making filled the very last corner of the Madridista Colosseum. Two huge banners that spread accross both ends of the stadium summarised a shared feeling: “The Tenth beckons us” -as Madrid fight their way to the tenth European Cup- and “We are the 12th player.”
The fans showed great determination and verve as they witnessed their team come storming forward in the search for the first goal of the evening. Real Madrid's ideas were clear and concise: move the ball from side to side through Gago, the midfielder who orchestrated the game, and Guti, the playmaker. This worn down Bayern Munich, a side that had many doubts in defence. The Whites launched their attacks preferably down the flanks, with Guti playing it down the wings for David Beckham. With 4 minutes on the clock, Van Nistelrooy was the first to test one of Madrid's old foes: Oliver Kahn.
Real Madrid dominated all the facets of the game. Youth fullback Torres delivered the goods in his Champions League debut at the Bernabéu. But the first dent came by way of Real Madrid's number '7'. Beckham grabbed the ball in midfield. He fed it through the middle, where Van Nistelrooy pitched a wonderful control past his marker as he perfectly devised Raul losing his man and running across Bayern's box into the open space. His pass left Raul and Kahn to square off yet another in a long list of historical one-on-ones. The top scorer of the Champions League -56 goals, including tonight's two- did not falter and put the ball away on the back of Ollie's net: 1-0 only eleven minutes into the game.
Meanwhile, Bayern were unable to find their spot in the turf and only Van Bommel was able to get past the tight Madridista web in midfield testing his long range shot. After the first fifteen minutes, an overwhelmed Hitzfeld opted for a tactical change and repositioned Van Bommel right in front of his four-strong defense. This way the performance of the Germans hiked up a notch, but Real Madrid's push and shove continued to prove too much for the Bavarians to counteract. Their only option, as is customary in these situations, were the set pieces. And by way of a free kick came the equaliser: Lucio headed a lucky lob to Casillas' far post (min.23).
The crowd rage on: their team is no pushover
But uncertainty was not in tonight's menu during this first half and the reaction of the Whites was well worthy of Europe's elite competition. Whenever the Germans tried to play, the Bernabéu struck back with a loud angry roar and deafening whistles, which stopped Munich in their tracks and gave the locals wings to soar. They stole the ball, they drove it upward nimbly and they got their reward. Once again it was the Englishman who set up his teammates with a set piece. He took a corner kick and crossed the ball to Iván Helguera, who rose to the challenge and over two defenders. He hit the ball with the crown of his head past Oliver Kahn and over the defender on the far post. Raúl patiently waited for the ball to drop and lodged it in the back of the net (min.28).
The night was vibrant and Real Madrid were determined to show why they were the top scoring team in the group stages and Ruud Van Nistelrooy -third top scorer of the competition with 52 goals- wanted to join in the party. In his umpteenth set piece, Beckham -who played an outstanding first half- served a ball that combed Helguera's head and fell at the Dutchman's feet, who had made a wonderful diagonal movement into the keeper's box. Score Van Nistelrooy, score Real Madrid.
Van Bommel tarnishes the evening
Becks continued to stir things up with his long passes in the second act. He pitched a 40 metre-long ball to Higuaín on the 48-minute mark that the Argentine failed to reach having pulled a muscle that strained him in mid-run. The Englishman kept shining with his free kicks, forcing Kahn to make a great dive in the 51st minute. The bad news came thirty minutes to the end of the game when Roberto Carlos had to leave the pitch with a niggle to his calf muscles. The Whites pulled back, the pace to the game diminished and counterattacks started to take the spotlight of the encounter. Bayern never gave up, but their few chances were thwarted by Casillas, who first saved a shot by Makaay -completely lost is mediocrity all night long-, followed by the German's most dangerous play of the evening: Pizarro feinted in the box and kicked a complicated ground ball that Iker didn't hesitate to block (min.77).
Nevertheless, Real Madrid's output in 80 minutes made them falter with exhaustion in the final minutes of the clash. Munich stepped it up, with Van Bommel pulling rank and shooting a powerful ball into the back of the net, leaving the score atb a promising yet uncertain 3-2. March 7 will determine if Real Madrid will continue hosting any more magical Champions League evenings.
MATCH REPORT:
REAL MADRID - 3:Casillas; Torres, Helguera, Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos (Raúl Bravo, min.59); Beckham, Gago, Raúl, Guti, Higuaín (Robinho, min.52); Van Nistelrooy. BAYERN MUNICH - 2: Kahn; Sagnol, Lucio, Van Buyten, Lahm; Demichelis (Salihamidzic, min.45), Van Bommel, Schweinsteiger (Scholl, min.79), Hargreaves; Podolski (Pizarro, min.60) and Makaay.
GOALS:
1-0: (min. 10): Raúl beats Kahn 1-1: (min.23): Lucio heads in 2-1: (min.28): Raúl finishes off Helguera's header 3-1: (min.34): Van Nistelrooy taps it in 3-2: (min.88): Van Bommel from long range
REFEREE: Frank de Bleeckere (Belgium). Booked Demichelis (min.38), Schweinsteiger (min.55), and Hargreaves (60').
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:
First leg of the Round of 16 of the Champions League held at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in front of a capacity crowd of 82,000 spectators.
Match report by Cristina Monge Photos by AFP/AP/UEFA Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell & Luis Orueta
Fabio Capello: "The Champions League is always different"
Fabio Capello is confident that his team will play a great match against Bayern Munich on Tuesday. The Italian coach knows that everything from the crowd to the players changes when it comes to Europe's most elite competition, and that's why he's hoping for a positive result before heading to Germany for the return leg in two weeks.
Would it be better to play tomorrow's match in Munich? We've been playing better on the road, but tomorrow we're going to play a great match. The Champions League is always different than national competition.
Do you already know who will start, or is it still unclear? I already know. Our only problem is Sergio, who didn't make the squad list. I always make decisions based on who I think is in the best form.
What has the team improved on since you arrived? We're four points off the League leader and we're in the Champions League. We're not doing too bad. We just have to take each game at a time.
Do you have anything to say to the fans for tomorrow's match? The fans will be there supporting their team. I've seen many Champions League matches and they have always cheered the team on.
Does the team have a better chance of winning the Champions League or the Spanish League? We're right up there in both. We're only four points off in the Spanish League. The Champions is a very important goal for us.
Will Roberto Carlos play? He's not hurt any more and he's on the squad list.
Can Van Nistelrooy and Higuaín play together in attack? Higuaín is a young kid and he has a promising future. We'll see.
Reyes said that this is the most important match of the season. That's obvious. An entire season rides on matches like this one.
Is the fact that Bayern is doing worse than Real Madrid of any consolation? We're not doing so bad.
Is this the worst Bayern Munich team in recent years? They have very good players and can come alive all of a sudden for imporant matches
Did you just meet with Mijatovic and Baldini? Yes, we met to talk, just like always.
How is Cassano? He'll be on a squad list next week. He's getting back into shape and has lost weight. Report by Luis Navarro Photo by : AFP/AP Translation by Matthew Goltz
Capello post-match presser: "Visiting teams at the Bernabéu always insist on defending"
Fabio Capello gave a press conference after the match. He talked about his players, he gave his opinion on the referee's performance and said that his team have to concentrate on Tuesday's Champions League match against Bayern Munich. Did you prefer your team in the first or in the second half? We did some good things in the first 45 minutes. I didn't initially lineup Raúl because I wanted him to be fresh on Tuesday, but we needed him in the second half. Betis had two clear chances in the second half.
You have only scored one goal in the last four games at home. Teams that come here always insist on defending hoping to counterattack. We are having some trouble with this.
Ronaldo scored two goals in Italy today. In a different competition.
Are you thinking about resigning? I think we are moving on. This happens every time we don't win at home. We are doing a great season as a visiting team. I only think about Tuesday's match.
Who is responsible for the result? We are all responsible for both good and bad results.
Do you think the referre hasn't helped much? Referees haven't helped us much this year. I think Beckham shouldn't have been sent off for the tackle. I saw it on TV and I don't think it was that serious. Referees never help us when we play at home.
Do you think you can eliminate Bayern Munich? We are excited about doing so.
Did you replace Gago for Medical reasons? I replaced him because he was already booked.
What do you think about the crowd's whistles towards Emerson? I don't understand why they whistle at him. Every player needs to be cheered on and I don't know why they are fixated on booing at him. He is a quality international player and they start whistling as soon as he touches the ball...
Why did you bring Marcelo on for Ramos? I needed a player down the left that could reach the goal.
Could you say something positive to the fans? We hope to do many great things this season.
Is it harder to score goals in Spain than in Italy? I think the hardest football is played in Spain and in England. They have the best leagues.
Do you congratulate Ronaldo for his game today? Of course, he is a great player. He decided to leave.
You have been using older players in your most recent lineups. I configure the lineup depending on the game and on who is in better shape. I don't decide on personalities. We will play on Tuesday and on Sunday, so everybody will have a chance to play.
Real Madrid deserved better in a match they dominated from the start
0 - 0
Real Madrid drew against a Betis side that only looked to defend their goal, refusing to go against the Whites head on. Capello's men desperately looked to score a goal, but their lack of aim once again took its toll on the team.
Real Madrid wanted to put up a fight and to please their fans from the very start in a Santiago Bernabéu Stadium to capacity. During the opening twenty minutes they managed to make Betis disappear from the game. The Andalusian side had enough work trying to stop the Whites' attacks, which seemed to come from all fronts. Torres and Robinho held control over the left wing creating a lane for their team to get to their opponent's box. Sergio Ramos and Beckham did the same down the right, while Gago and Guti acted as playmakers in the midfield. They were able to do this despite Betis coach Luis Fernández's defensive design against the Argentine through Capi, who never gave him a moments rest.
Two different goals
Looking at this, it isn't surprising that Real Madrid's first chance on goal came as soon as the match began -in fact, it happened on their first run against Doblas' goal, who performed very well during the first half. Ramos shot near to the post, but he lacked enough power to cause an impression. Three minutes later, it was Van Nistelrooy's turn to put the goalkeeper's reflexes to the test.
It looked like the home goal would come very soon, but the Madridistas also had to fight against strong pressure accross the pitch and Betis' tough defending, particularly through Juande, who got off lightly from elbowing Robinho on the face. As time passed by, the Whites' game became slightly worse. They were finding it harder to reach the goal, although Ramos managed to have a chance of scoring on the 21-minute mark after running across the entire pitch with the ball on his own.
Betis focused on trying to stop the home side's advances and hardly ever tried to attack themselves. Casillas didn't touch a single ball until 30 minutes had gone by. The game then went to a standstill and it would take Real Madrid 15 minutes to attack again. The goal nearly came off a triangulation between Robinho, Gago and Van Nistelrooy, but the latter's shot crossed the goal and found no one to finish it off. Betis counterattacked with a shot by Solbis in minute 40 that Casillas managed to save, while Beckham (42') and van Nistelrooy (44') had more chances that made no difference to the scoreboard. Both teams went into half-time with a fair 0-0 score. It was obvious they both had different takes on the match: Real Madrid wanted to win and Betis wanted to avoid losing.
Change in the programme
Both teams' lineups slightly changed after half-time. Raúl came on for Gago and was placed in the attack, while the midfield was left in charge of Guti and Emerson. The game became much more open. Both teams looked to score with the same intensity in the opening fifteen minutes. Robinho was replaced on the 60-minute mark by Reyes, who intensified the Whites' attack. The match was very levelled and hardly saw any chances on goal during this time, except for two that were probably the best both teams had in the whole encounter. First, Van Nistelrooy sent a ball to the crossbar (61') that Doblas would have been unable to stop if on target. Then came Betis' chance from a corner kick. After it was hit by several players, the ball hit the inside of the post slightly aided by the wind and luckily bounced out while Casillas just stared and watched in astonishment (67').
By the time twenty minutes were left for the end the score was still 0-0. Marcelo returned to the team by replacing an injured Ramos in minute 73, just after Helguera shot a ball over the crossbar after receiving a long cross into the box by Guti. Two minutes later, Pancrate gave the Madridistas a scare in a one-on-one against Casillas, but, fortunately, the ball went past the far post.
No quarter
Neither team let go and both put up a fierce fight to score the winning goal in the final fifteen minutes. Anyone could score: Real Madrid were trying harder than ever to get a netting, and Betis now had more room in which to counterattack. Beckham, who made a great effort in his return to the Bernabéu -tonight was his 150th official game with the Whites- came close to scoring from a free-kick, but the ball was off target merely by inches.
The last ten minutes saw Real Madrid seiging Doblas' goal with no quarter, trying to earn the victory they deserved, as they were better than Betis tonight. Nevertheless, they were incapable of scoring. Betis used these final minutes to waste time whenever they got a chance, which drove the home team crazy and eventually ended up with Beckham being sent off with a straight red in extra time.
MATCH REPORT: REAL MADRID: Casillas; Sergio Ramos (Marcelo, 73'), Helguera, Cannavaro, Torres; Emerson, Gago (Raúl, 46'); Beckham, Guti, Robinho (Reyes, 61'); Van Nistelrooy. BETIS: Toni Doblas; Ilic (Isidoro, 85'), Melli, Nano, Fernando Vega; Pancrate, Miguel Angel, Juande, Capi (Rivera, 46'), Fernando; Sobis (Robert, 65'). REFEREE Muñiz Fernández. Booked Juande (6'), Sobis (15'), Nano (31'), Pancrate (87'), Rivera (90'), Gago (38'), Sergio Ramos (44'), Guti (89'). Sent Beckham off with a straight red card (93') VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: Matchday 23 of the Spanish League. Venue: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, to capacity. One minutes' silence was held in honour of the late Eduardo Pérez, father of former Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez.
Report by Juan José López Soto Photography by Ángel Martínez and David R. Anchuelo Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell
Roberto Carlos and Marcelo are among the 20 Madridistas who will meet at 8:30 pm CET on Friday for pre-match preparations before Saturday's Betis clash. The two Brazilian left backs returned to group training this week and are available to play. Diarra was unable to recover on time and Torres is the only Castilla representative on the squad list.
A total of 20 players -coach Capello will make two scratches- will meet at the Mirasierra Suites Hotel at 8:30 pm CET tonight to begin pre-match preparations. Just under 24 hours later, the team will host Betis at the Santiago Bernabéu, and Roberto Carlos and Marcelo won't just be watching from the sideline. The two Brazilian left backs trained with the squad this week and the Italian boss wants their boots laced up with so many crucial encounters on the horizon.
Factory product Torres is the only youth teamer to find his way onto the list, while De la Red and Nieto will rejoin their Castilla teammates. We'll have to wait until game time to see which two flankers Capello gives the nod to now that Roberto Carlos is back. Other than that, there shouldn't be any changes to the lineup. Beckham is on the list for the second straight week, and Cassano, Raúl Bravo, Miñambres have been left off due to a technical decision.
Diarra was unable to recover from the tackle -which required five stitches- received by Real Sociedad's Skoubo last Saturday. The Mali international hasn't trained all week and is still questionable for Tuesday's showdown against Bayern Munich.
SQUAD LIST:
Report by Luis Navarro Photos by David R. Anchuelo Translation by Matthew Goltz
Fabio Capello gave his customary press conference after this morning's training, prior to tomorrow's League match. The spotlight hasn't been on Real Madrid this week thanks to the Eto'o controversy at FC Barcelona. The Italian coach expects tomorrow's game against Betis to be different from the previous three during this season, but like the others, he thinks it will prove "complicated."
It's been a relaxed week thanks to the Eto'o controversy. We have hardly made the covers of the newspapers this week. I don't want to talk about what happens at Barcelona. I've had many problems here so far.
The press has published that if you don't win any titles this season you will leave the Club. I haven't read anything, but I hear you. I have to finish the year and later think about everything else.
What would you have done with Eto'o? A similar thing happened to me with one of my players. Footballers sometimes react this way. They all do things in their own way. This happened to me with Panucci and we sorted things out between us. I think Rijkaard will do the same.
How much is at stake for Real Madrid in the next few months? The next two months are important because we will play some very important matches.
Do you have faith in Robinho? I do and figures show this. He played 90 minutes in five of the past six games, playing 76 in the other. I think the fact that I have lined him up five games in a row obviously shows that I have faith in him. I also have a large squad and I feel the need to rotate the team.
Cannavaro and Diarra have publicly asked you to forgive Cassano. Cassano is training with the whole squad and will make his return when he is in good shape, like Beckham. He's getting there. By good shape I mean both physical and psychological.
This is the first time I hear you say you may leave at the end of the season. I always say I do my job well but that we have to wait for results to see what will happen. It will depend on the trust the Club have in me, but we need time to go by in order to see what will happen.
What medicine would make you be more regular? We have always failed whenever we've had a shot at the first position, especially at home. We always have trouble playing against teams that defend well and surprise us on the counter. We have also been unlucky. The game against Levante could have taken a bit of the load off our shoulders. But these things happen in football. I am no doctor, so I can't say what medicine we need to take, but we'll try to figure something out.
Do you feel this game is like an test after the protests at the Bernabéu two weeks ago? We are put to the test every three or four days, with every game we play.
Will you line up Beckham out of conviction or out of obligation? No one has ever forced me to do anyhting. I am a free man that makes up his own mind about things.
Isn't it detrimental to use so many different players in the midfield? Gago is playing more now. They are all professionals who know what has to be done. Changes happen in every team. I don't see why we must have the same players in the midfield all the time.
Who will you line up against Bayern Munich? I don't know. Marcelo has made tomorrow's squad list, which is good news.
What is the atmosphere in the team like now that Beckham is back? Very positive. I see this in the effort everyone makes during training.
Are you going to rotate the team? I have been doing so lately because of injuries. I don't know if I will line up the same team as in last week's match at Anoeta Stadium. I have several ideas. We'll see.
Why do you find it so hard to win at the Bernabéu? It is easier to score if you attack down the wings and that is what we have to do in the Bernabéu. What will the team have to do to avoid the result you earned in the second leg of the King's Cup Last 16 against Betis? We were eliminated because they drew at the Bernabéu, but we won in the first half of the League, in the match at their home pitch. The League is different to the King's Cup. I'm sure we will face a very different Betis. I've seen their past few games. They are a very tight team with some very good players. It will be a complicated match.
Do you think Beckham should return to the English national team? I hope he does. He has always been a true professional. It is up to the England coach to call him back. I think Beckham can do good things for them.
Report by Luis Navarro Photography by David R. Anchuelo Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell
Cannavaro: "This month is decisive..It's the moment of truth"
The Italian central defender hides behind nothing and no one, both inside and outside the pitch. He confesses that he's not at his best “on an individual level” and that the team is not playing well, but he puts all his chips behind the team's show of character for the tough matches they will play in the next four weeks. “We have to try to do well. If not, we're outtie,” underlined Cannavaro. Fabio, you've got a complicated month lying ahead. Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, etc. We will face top teams and we will get to see by the end of this month what form Real Madrid are in and if they're in the short list for the titles.
Do you feel capable of pulling through such a succession of tough matches? It is true that we haven't played well in the last month, but we were also missing many players who were either injured or suspended. Slowly, they're coming back. Today, for example, Roberto Carlos trained with us. We are well aware that this month is decisive... the moment of truth. There are tough teams like Bayern who are beatable under a two-match tie format.
Would you like Capello to do with Cassano what he did with Beckham? Let's hope, but it's the Club who decides these things. We would like Antonio to come back with the group. He trains all week and then goes home. You have to respect Club decisions in any event.
We have yet to see the best version of Cannavaro in Spain. We shouldn't be alarmists. The season is not lost: we're five points behind the leader in the League. We know that there has to be a lot of improvement in relation to the last six months, both on an individual and on a collective level. This is where we're at and we have to try to do our best. If not, we're outtie!
What do you think about Samuel Etoo’o's reaction just yesterday, when he refused to play? Those are Barcelona's problems. Some newspapers have published that you could be part of the deal to sign Kaká for Real Madrid. Would you like to go back to Italy? Not now. I'm doing fine here. These are Club decisions that we will talk through at the end of the season.
Is it proving hard to adapt to La Liga It's been a tough last six months. After the World Cup, I have travelled a lot. A footballer does not only have to be physically fit, but he has to be mentally focused. Spanish football is different to all the rest.
Did you think so much was going to happen at Real Madrid in these six months? That's football for you. Things can't always turn out right. I knew that Madrid had not won anything in three years and that the going was going to be tough. We're here to try new ways, but you can't win all the time. That's the way football works.
Were you happy when you learned that Beckham was on the teamsheet on Saturday? Of course. We were all happy. We work together all week long. I don't like it when a teammate is excluded from the call-up. We're all here to do right by Real Madrid.
Do you think Capello is suffering with all the rumours about being fired? I don't know. Normal people don't like that. But he's not your average man. He likes things to be different. Maybe he likes the heat surrounding the team right now. Someone with his experience knows that football is tied to the results. If you win, everything's better.
Do you think Ronaldo will succeed in Italy? I hope he does. He's a footballer I really like. Let's hope he picks up his best form.
With Beckham back, it seems like Capello is not as serious and tough as he was ten years ago. The Club sees a player who's doing everything right. He trains and works hard. We can all make mistakes. It's normal. It's good and normal to make amends.
What do you think of the problems in Italy with the tifosi It's not good for Italian football after all the problems we had before the World Cup. There's social alarm after the dead policeman in Catania.
Your adversaries find it easy to create scoring opportunities. It's hard when you're coming from behind on the scoreboard ten minutes into the game. The team has to work twice as much and orchestrate more chances while the rivals have one opportunity and they score.
Report by Laura Navas Photos by David R. Anchuelo Translation by Luis Orueta
Capello press conference:"I thanked all my players for their game tonight"
After the victory at Anoeta, the coach of Real Madrid appeared before the press in his customary post-match presser. He was proud of the football displayed by his squad. "I never lost faith in my players," said the Italian manager, who also congratulated David Beckham on his free kick, stating, "His goal was essential for us. He's played a great game."
“I spoke with Beckham twice last week and only we know what we said to each other. Regarding my comment about his free kick efficiency, I said that he had not scored many set piece goals up to this point. However, today he scored an essential goal for us.”
“I have always said the same thing in my press conferences. I will repeat it again. Beckham is an intelligent person and he has always displayed a commendable attitude.” “Over the last few weeks, he has trained well and today he played a great match. I like to look ahead to the future instead of back to the past.”
“There was still a lot of time left in the game when they scored. I never lost faith in the players. They reacted perfectly. I thanked them all after the game for their performance tonight.”
“Yesterday, they asked me how I felt and I said that I was calm because I know the work I am doing here. That is why we're still there. Our chances are intact and now we're looking ahead to the upcoming Champions League game. We want to do well in both competitions. I don't really mind what other people think.”
“It was a good game. I really liked the spirit. We started giving away a goal to Real Sociedad, but I liked the team. Our rival was physically strong and they are also fighting to avoid relegation, so that complicated things during the match."
“I saw the play where the fans demanded the second yellow card for Cannavaro and it would have been unfair. Cannavaro stopped in front of the player and he did not foul him. He stayed put and never stuck his foot in, as they claimed.”
Report by Luis Navarro Photos by Ángel Martínez Special correspondents to Saint Sebastian Translation by Luis Orueta
Beckham and Van Nistelrooy seal Real Madrid's comeback
1-2
Saturday 10:
Anoeta Satdium. 8:00 pm.
Pivotal turnaround victory for Real Madrid at Anoeta. The strikes by Beckham and Van Nistelrooy mended a game that had turned into an uphill struggle by minute seven of the first half, with Aranburu's goal for the Basques. Then, in the second half, Real Sociedad tried to make their particular comeback until the bitter end, but this time around, the Madridista scoring luster did prove crucial. Madrid are back with a win after a disappointing two straight defeat run. Indeed, it is a morale booster for the team, who continue their fight for final glory.
Much was at stake on the pitch of Anoeta. It was evident from the start, as all 22 players on the turf delivered courage and guts. The battle was mostly fought out in the middle of the field, precisely where Capello had introduced two new players: Beckham and Emerson. The Englishman played on the right flank and although most of his hopes were set on improving the delivery up front, he also tendered a helping hand in ball transition. Precisely in the orchestration position was Argentine Fernando Gago -he missed the last game due to a minor muscular niggle- who premiered Emerson as his midfield sidekick.
The Brazilian holding midfielder was the first one to try his luck with a long-range shot that flew well over the crossbar (minute 4). The first few minutes had no clear dominator, with both teams testing the waters... quite literally, because it was pouring. In the seventh minute, a speculative cross from the perimeter by Xabi Prieto caught Casillas unaware. Iker failed to hold on to the ball. His spill gave Sociedad's attacking midfielder Aranburu the chance to head the first one of the night into the back of Madrid's net. One would have expected the keeper to grab the ball, but his mistake was the final touch to a most unfortunate play which began with a ball loss in midfield.
The goal certainly buoyed the Donostiarras who had two new chances staged by Kovacevic and Savio. But this time, Casillas was quick to save the day, getting into the spirit of his true self. Real Madrid were unable to find their way to the opponent's goal and Capello looked for solutions from the bench, asking Beckham to take hold of and drive the ball forward. But Real Madrid's danger could be summarised in one word: inexistent. The Whites were content to pump it long to the front men, but in the last third of the pitch and under these conditions, Raul and Van Nistelrooy were bound to be on the losing end always.
Beckham trademark goal
And in came the Englishman. Sociedad's stopper Bravo had not had to touch the ball until that moment, with Madrid unable to achieve any shots on target. But it was time for Beckham to try his luck with a free kick a few metres outside the box and tilted to the right. The first attempt on target was a goal. The turf was wet and the bounce tricked the Basque keeper, who was unable to make the save. It wasn't written in the stars that this would be the goalkeepers' night. It was the second goal of the number '23' of Real Madrid against Real Sociedad this season: he scored the second at the Bernabéu in September.
Turnaround
Drawn game. It was time to start again. The blue-and-whites tried with an amiss header by Xabi Prieto. This last chance of the first act gave way to the break. The Madridista performance was far from the best spectacle, but they had managed to tie the match and still had ample room for improvement, with the entire second half ahead of them. Said and done. Just three minutes after halftime, a phenomenal tic-tac-toe play by the Merengues was rewarded with their second goal of the evening. Guti-Torres-Van Nistelrooy, in other words, the playmaker delivers it to the fullback on the sideline, who in turn executes a perfect cross for the Dutchman, who heads the ball in.
The hardest chore had been completed and it was time to sit back and strike on the counterattack. But the Realistas had not said their last word. The Anoeta crowd put their shoulder to the wheel and pressed their team to go for the equaliser... which it almost did. Lotina attempted to up the tempo by introducing fresh legs. The Basque clearest chances were by way of the left flank: first with a cross-over which Xabi Prieto did not seal, and second following a corner kick, but Casillas responded with a stunning point-blank save.
Capello also looked for solutions inside his bench. He brought in Diarra to underpin the Madridista defence and Higuaín to endow the attack with added mobility. Real Sociedad kept at it with another scoring opportunity by Herrera, but their strength was waning and their spirit flailing. Reyes came in for Guti with 11 minutes left on the clock, but the die were cast and that was all she wrote. Real Madrid have regained the path of victory with this win. They will have another chance next Saturday, when they play hosts to Betis.
MATCH REPORT:
1 – REAL SOCIEDAD: Bravo; Garrido, Mikel González, Juanito, Gerardo; Aramburu (Herrera 58’), Elustondo (Estrada 85’), Xabi Prieto, Savio; Rivas and Kovacevic (Skoubo 58’). 2 – REAL MADRID Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Helguera, Cannavaro, Torres; Beckham, Emerson (Diarra 65’), Gago, Raúl (Higuaín 72’); Guti (Reyes 79’) and Van Nistelrooy.
GOALS:
1-0, min. 7: Aranburu after a faulty deflection by Casillas.
1-1, min. 36:Beckham with a free kick.
1-2, min. 48: Van Nistelrooy heads a cross from Torres.
REFEREE:
Rodríguez Santiago (Castille-Leon Refereeing Association). BookedCannavaro (20`), Van Nistelrooy (58’), Rivas (63’), Gago (68’), Helguera (73’)and Beckham (75’).
HIGHLIGHTS: First fixture of the 22nd matchday of the Spanish Primera Liga played in Real Sociedad's Anoeta stadium.
Match report by Luis Navarro Photos by Ángel Martínez Special correspondents to Saint Sebastian Translation by Luis Orueta
Fabio Capello explained the reasons for Beckham's return to the team
It was the talking point of the day. The return of David Beckham to a Real Madrid squad list became the star attraction of the press conference that Fabio Capello held prior to the departure of the Madridista detail up north, to Saint Sebastian. The Italian trainer assured that “realising one's mistakes is a trait of intelligent human beings” and he confirmed that the doubts that he may have had in the past regarding the English midfielder's “dedication and commitment” have been dispelled in view of the unswerving show of professionalism displayed by the footballer.
Beckham is back on the squad list. Beckham's back. Let me explain the ins and outs of this decision. We had our doubts, after he signed such an important contract with Los Angeles Galaxy, regarding how committed he would be to training and playing. Three weeks ago I said that I saw that he was training full fledge. This is how things have unfolded. This week, he has been absolutely perfect at training. He has always had the support of his teammates, so our only doubt was from a sporting perspective. He has acted as a true professional would and he's back.
It view of the doubts, wouldn't it have been better to wait a little bit before taking the decision? Realising one's mistakes is a trait of intelligent human beings. We all know that we make mistakes, but amending them cultivates virtue.
Have the shows of support from all his teammates influenced your decision? No, only Beckham's hard work and attitude. He's a top professional. I spoke to him. He's very happy and so are we.
Will you count him in until the end of the season? Yes, that's right. He will be here until the end of the season and we are counting on his contribution, starting with this call-up.
Do you think that this decision puts your authority into question vis-a-vis the rest of the team? I don't think that this affects my authority at all.
Will he play against Real Sociedad? We'll have to talk to see how he feels. We'll wait to see what happens.
Do you feel you could be dismissed if you lose against Real Sociedad? I work every day with enthusiasm, serenity and with a clear mind... then it's the President who decides what happens. All this talk makes no sense because in the last few years, at this point in the League, Real Madrid was ten or twelve points under Barcelona. This is my job although it is evident that the President has the final say. The players are working hard and training very well. Against Levante, we were unlucky, but I want to thank them for their effort.
After the Levante match, the Sporting Directorship talked about your future. The President has told me that I have their full support.
What do you think of Míchel as your substitute? He's a good coach. We're friends too. When we're sitting down here, everyone is good.
The Spanish Antiviolence Commission has criticised your statements after the Levante game. If any time I say something you take it out of context, I'm going to start talking in Italian. I meant I wanted to thank the people who had supported me, the fans... I didn't say Ultra Sur [Real Madrid Ultras group]. I just think that every time that Fabio Capello speaks, it's news. I am the epitome of antiviolence, so I cannot accept the criticism of these gentlemen. I don't simply because I didn't say that the ultras were good. I have always battled organised groups, both in Italy and here. I am a champion of sportsmanship. I made it very clear where I stand on the subject on Italian TV.
You have said that in Spain one of the sports practiced is ‘Capello shooting’. People make things up more and more every day, things that are unfair and just plain wrong. It's not only Capello shooting, it is also Real Madrid shooting.
Gago didn't play against Levante due to injury and two days later he played the entire 90 minutes with Argentina. On Saturday, he said he needed one more day and the doctors concurred. He wasn't happy because he wanted to play, but we couldn't risk it. We asked him to be very careful with the Argentinian national team. The injury wasn't a big deal, just a strain.
Do you think you are being unfairly treated? Everyone has to look inside him or herself. Beside that, I don't think anything else. It depends on your conscience, whether it's clean or guilty, both yours and mine. When one has the power of words at his or her service, it's up to him or her to think things through and decide if the things he or she says are right or fair.
Can we speak of Kaká? He's always been an objective the President. I didn't speak about this with Galliani. We spoke of old times, when things were simpler, when Milan was doing great and they were winning, and when we won the League.
The match against Real Sociedad is complicated. I have seen three games of theirs. It isn't easy scoring against them, but they have a lot of problems scoring themselves. It will be a hard match.
Report by Laura Navas Photos by Ángel Martínez Translation by Luis Orueta
Milan Want Diarra, Cannavaro, Robinho…And Money For Kaká
The good news for Real Madrid fans is that there does seem to be light at the end of the tunnel in the long-lasting soap opera that Merengue President Calderón kicked off when he promised to bring Kaká to the Bernabéu. The bad news is that the price is exorbitant.
Reports published in Madrid daily ‘AS’ (Ace){AS.com} place Kaká in the White House as from August, basing the information on talks that Galliani and Mijatovic had during the hard-bitten Ronaldo negotiations.
Galliani answered Mijatovic’s inquiry about the Brazilian 22 in simple terms.
Kaká, who’s already commented “Only God knows where I’ll be in future”, could make the switch to Madrid but at a price that some see as nothing short of ridiculous.
The Rossoneri want Cannavaro, Robinho and Diarra plus a significant quantity of money that’ll nudge over into double figures with six zeros. A hefty total price of 97 million Euros at current values.
Galliani and Silvio Berlusconi are both ready to see the Brazilian go – but the end-game here is to take advantage of Ronaldinho’s first unsettled patch at Camp Nou to bring Dinho to Milanello as compensation for the exit of the idolised Kaká.
‘AS’ claim that the player’s brother and rep Roberto de Assis has already given the green light to the Rossoneri after the agent was spotted in Milan recently.
The recent Blaugrana interest in Cristiano Ronaldo may well have everything to do with a potential exit by R10, the Catalans seen by some as eager to evolve a new 2007-8 front line formed by Ronaldo, Eto'o and Messi.
To placate the expected fury of the Rossoneri faithful, the idea is to present a Canarinha front line formed by a ‘Triple R’: Ronaldinho, Robinho and Ronaldo.
Backing this up would be the Italian Captain who hoisted the World Cup and a Malian midfielder that Milan almost bid for but were pipped to the post by a Capello who knew of the Rossoneri intentions.
The real stumbling block revolves around Diarra, whom the White House consider a diamond in the rough that can be polished into the finest holding midfielder in the world.
The idea of seeing that happen at Milan would turn Diarra into a metaphorical conflict diamond rather than the jewel in the Merengue crown that Capello expects.
The AC Milan official site has already released a knee-jerk reaction denying that the deal existed...exactly the same move that they made with Ronaldo days before he signed with the Rossoneri...the plot thickens...
Capello calls up twenty players for the Real Sociedad match tomorrow
David Beckham, who last featured in a squad list over a month ago, is the main attraction of the Real Madrid detachment set to depart to the coasts of northern Spain in a short while, where they will measure up against Basque side Real Sociedad. The twenty-man detail selected by Fabio Capello will look to secure a convincing victory in Anoeta stadium.
Cassano is the only player who stays behind owing to a coaching decision. That and the injuries of Cicinho, Marcelo, Roberto Carlos, Raúl Bravo and Mejía have forced the Madridista manager to select all available players for the hour-commute by plane to Saint Sebastian, home to Real Sociedad. The third game of the second half of the Primera Liga is scheduled for an 8:00 pm CET kickoff. The list includes two youth players, fullback Torres and third keeper Adán.
However, the main attraction of the call-up ballot is David Beckham. The former English skipper has made a comeback to squad lists, not having made the cut for over a month. The exact date: 6 January, when whe travelled to Galicia to play Deportivo, a match that the Whites ended up losing 2-0.
Therefore, one month and three days later, Beckham is back in a League game call-up. This great piece of news for the Englishman was greeted with noteworthy plaudits and approval as Real Madrid's number '23' was congratulated by his teammates during this morning's training session.
The other main talking point of the day was Óscar Miñambres, who made the squad list for the second consecutive week. As a reminder, the defender has made a recent comeback after his knee injury torture, which had him on dry dock for two long years. The Club decided to register him with the Spanish FA as a Real Madrid first team player for the second half of the League once he had made his full recovery. Being one of the chosen ones comes as a reward for the youth-system player's sacrifice and hard work.
Not called up: Cassano (coaching decision),Roberto Carlos, Marcelo, Raúl Bravo, Mejía and Cicinho (injured).
AGENDA:
# Friday 9: Squad meets at Real Madrid City, in Valdebebas. 6:15 pm CET # Saturday 10: Real Sociedad-Real Madrid. Anoeta Satdium. 8:00 pm. # Monday 12: Training at Valdebebas. 11:00 am.
MEDICAL REPORT:
# Cicinho: Torn anterior cruciate ligament of the right knee. Surgery (26/09/06). # Guti: Right ankle sprain. Has returned to training with the squad. # Marcelo: Right ankle sprain. Medical and physiotherapeutic treatment. Specific recovery combining gym and pitch work. # Roberto Carlos: Partial tear of right sural triceps muscle. Medical and physiotherapeutic treatment. Gym work. # Raúl Bravo: Right leg quadriceps strain. Gym work. # Mejía: Left hamstring spasm. Medical and physiotherapeutic treatment. Specific recovery combining gym and pitch work.
Report by Laura Navas Photos by Ángel Martínez Translation by Luis Orueta
When asked if the lineup was conformed only after consulting with Mijatovic, the Italian coach was adamant in his reply. "I have never spoken to the President and neither Mijatovic nor Baldini have ever questioned any of my lineups because they simply can't do that," he said, "If they ever told me who to line up I wouldn't do it. I decided the lineup this morning. When I do so, I think about the team, our opponents, etc. I balance things out and make my decision."
