Real Madrid CF [CM2006] (Real Madrid 1:0 Chelsea)

[MWaugh]

Crespo Fires Argentina Into Final

July 14, 2005

Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo put Argentina into the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States of America after a 1-0 victory over the host nation in Washington. Crespo netted a volley in the 36th minute to fire his country into the final where they will meet Mexico, who defeated Jamaica 2-0. Torrado firing a long range free kick past Ricketts in the 22nd minute before Alberto Mendina's long range shot clinched the semi final for the Mexicans in the 89th minute.

(Hernan Crespo celebrates his goal for Argentina)

 

[MWaugh]

Real Madrid CF vs Lyon at Stade Gerland

July 14, 2005

The Teams:



Lyon: Manager Gerard Houllier went with a 4-4-1-1 formation playing Brazilian striker Fred up front, using Wiltord, Diarra, Malouda, Tiago to attack and push forward through the midfield. The French champions have an wealth of talent, including Gregory Coupet starting in between the posts with John Carew and Sidney Govou on the bench

Real Madrid: Hiddink has again employed a 4-1-2-1-2 allowing Zidaine to roam free in the midfield. The only main change is Pablo Garcia coming into the defensive midfield role at the expense of Ivan Huelguera who sits on the bench. Raul and Ronaldo have again been chosen as the first choice strikers, with Beckham starting on the right hand side of midfield and Guti swapping to the left hand side.

 

[m_vaughan]

Well its a great midfield battle this. The solid and experienced one of Madrid versus the young and pacy one of Lyon. Obviously you are trying to experiment a lot of things in these games. After trying Beckham on the left, you have put him back at his preferred right midfield position. Also from the looks of it, you are relying on the Raul-Ronaldo combination to click.

I predict a draw in this one. I am obviously going to be supporting Madrid, but Lyon are a quality side themselves.

 

[MWaugh]

Real Madrid CF vs Lyon at Stade Gerland

July 14, 2005

The Match:

1st Half:

A very cautious first half of football in which neither side looked to push forward. Lyon slightly dominated the possession stakes with 53% of the football compared to the 47% enjoyed by Real Madrid. Malouda was the pick of the players for the home side while Michel Salgado has impressed for Real Madrid.

2nd Half:

45 min:


Cassano, Robino, Graverson
Ronaldo, Raul, Guti

Strikers Raul and Ronaldo are again pulled at half time to make way for Antonio Cassano and Robinho. Guti is also swapped for Thomas Graverson, Guti having worked extremely hard in the first half and showing signs of fatigue. Ronaldo and Raul are still yet to really impress so far under Guus Hiddink.



59 min: Juninho opens the scoring with a superb free kick after Sergio Ramos brought down Govou on the edge of the box. The 22 yard strike flying into the far corner after Casillas managed to get his finger tips to the ball.



64 min: Sidney Govou puts Lyon further in front with a devistating shot after a mistake by Michel Salgado. Casillas had no change as Govou smashed the ball into the top corner from just inside the box. Lyon looking in complete control at 2-0 up.

68 min:


Helguera, Pavon, Baptista
Zidane, Woodgate, Segio Ramos

68 min: Hiddink brings his central defenders Woodgate and Ramos off after the pair failed to impress. Zidane is also comes off after also failing to find his traditional touch, Baptista taking his place in the attacking midfield role.



68 min: No sooner had the changes been made then Baptista combines with Cassano to put Robinho into space infront of goal. The young Brazilian netting past Coupet to bring Real back in touch with the French champions. Robinho is continuing to impress his new manager and may find himself starting sooner rather than later.

79 min:


Diego Lopez,Munambres, Diogo, Rodri
Casillas, Michel Salgado, Cicinho, Beckham

Hiddink withdraws his keeper Casillas to give young up and coming substitute Diego Lopez a go with 10 minutes left on the clock. First match hero Beckham also comes from the field along with Salgado and Cicinho to give the reserves a short run on the pitch.



92 min: Deep into extra time Govou clinches the deal for the home side with an impressive strike, beating Deigo Lopez in goal as Lyon seel a 3-1 victory in front of a 34,000 strong crowd.

 

[MWaugh]

Les Murray Talks Football

July 14, 2005



This match was defiantly a match of two halves. The first 45 minutes was a typically cagey opening between two very strong teams, both just testing each other out in how they were going to approach the game. In the second Lyon produced some of their best football, using the speed of the midfield to over run the Real midfield while mistakes at the back proved costly for Real.



It was a disappointing performance from Madrid, arguably Lyon are a very tough team to break down and defeat, however if Real Madrid hope to have any chance of contesting the Primera Liga this season they will have to improve dramatically. Many of the players failed to impress, especially the strike power of Raul and Ronaldo.

(Robinho celebrates his goal against Lyon)

Robinho has been the only striker to impress so far on tour for Real Madrid. Cassano has provided a solid supportive role for Robinho while Raul and Ronaldo have been less than impressive.

 

[m_vaughan]

I knew Lyon were a tough nut to crack, especially at home. Ronaldo and Raul, even though the latter scored against Metz are yet to find top gear. Robinho scored once again which was a positive, and you clearly went for do or die in the final few minutes, although I am not too sure with the last set of substitutions. You should have probably left one between Cicinho, Salgado and Casillas right till the end. Just my opinion though, and in the end its still pre-season, so it does not matter that much.

 

[MWaugh]

Real Target Gerrard, Cannavaro

July 15, 2005

It has been confirmed today through Realmadrid.com that the Real Madrid coaching staff have formally made an approach and bid for Liverpool's Steven Gerrard and Juventus defender Fabio Cannavaro. It is beleived that the approach was made to the respective clubs over a week ago, however the deals appear to be only a signature away from completition.

"Yes we have made an offer for both Steven and Fabio and at the moment talks have been going extremely well. We will hopefully have some definite news on the issue in the coming days."
Real president Ram?n Calder?n said in his Realmadrid.com column.

"We have also made an approach to one other player that we feel confident that talks will progress further but at this stage we do not wish to name any names, in the best interest of both club and player. Hopefully these talks will progress and we can lure the player to Real Madrid in the very near future."
Calder?n added.

(Fabio Cannavaro could soon join the Bernabau)

Reports in are that Calder?n and his team have offered a massive ?30 million deal for Steven Gerrard, considered one of the worlds best midfielders, while Cannavaro has been offered ?12 million to sign.

It is believed that if the Gerrard and Cannavaro deals can be completed as soon as possible, that both may be available for the clubs final friendly in France, against club side Nice on Tuesday 26th of July. They will be welcome signings for the club after the first team received a huge wake up call after a 3-1 loss to Lyon yesterday.

 

[m_vaughan]

Thats a lot of money being spent, but rightfully so, and should the moves take place it will be well worth it.

I also wonder who the third player might be. I have a slight feeling it might be a striker, as Raul and Ronaldo have been far from impressive so far. But good to see the professional approach being taken by Madrid and their president Calderon, by not naming the player.

 

[MWaugh]

July 15, 2005

Despite talk of the potential transfers of Gerrard and Cannavaro, it was back to the training pitch for the team after a dissapointing showing in Lyon. The 3-1 loss will hopefully serve as a wake up call for all involved. Fitness was again the main priority on the training pitch, however attackers Raul, Ronaldo, Cassano, Robinho and Zidane spent a large amount of time infront of goal in an attempt to get our strikers finding some form.

(Raul and company spent more time infront of goal after an average performance against Lyon)

 

[m_vaughan]

Well its important that Raul finds his golden touch before long, because the team tends to struggle when the captain himself is out of form.

 

[MWaugh]

Real Madrid Sign Cannavaro

July 16, 2005

Real Madrid have announced today that they have signed Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro for a reported transfer fee in excess of ?12 million. Cannavaro has been signed from Italian champions Juventus and will add both experience and class to a Real Madrid backline that boasts the likes of Roberto Carlos and Jonathan Woodgate.

Cannavaro had this too say on his arrival at the Bernabau:

"Im absolutly delighted to be here. Ive so happy that we were able to come to a decision that has brought me to one of the biggest clubs in the world. The opportunity to play with players like Zidane, Beckham, Roberto Carlos and Raul is obviously a huge attraction for any player when Real Madrid make an approach. I really can only hope that my time here is both a happy and successful one."

(New signing Fabio Cannavaro is introduced to the spanish media)

Real Madrid president Ram?n Calder?n had this too say about his incoming defender:

"Its such a huge signing for our club. Everybody involved is over the moon that we managed to sign Fabio and im sure that he will prove a vital asset as our club looks to succeed this year both domestically and abroad. But we are sure that Fabio will prove an asset to us both on and off the pitch, he is a very professional player and person."

Cannavaro is expected to meet up with the team, who are currently traveling to Lille in Frrance, in the coming days. The defender will more than likely be given his first chance to impress his new team mates and manager against Nice.

 

[m_vaughan]

Great signing, just what Real needed. I am sure they will concede a lot fewer goals this season. Did you get him for ?12 million or are you keeping that a secret as well?

 

[MWaugh]

Gerrard Joins The Bernabau

July 17, 2005

Real Madrid have announced the years biggest transfer signing to day after Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard agree to terms with the Spanish giant overnight. The England midfielder has been signed on a 4 year contract, worth an estimated 130,000 per week plus a reported signing on fee of a whopping ?36 million.

The signing follows the announcement yesterday that Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro had signed on with the club.

Steven Gerrard arrived in Spain today to quickly settle in before he will travel to Lille to join his team mates for the remainder of their pre season friendlies.

"I am very pleased to be joining Real Madrid, the vibe I received from the management team and also through conversations with Becks (English team mate David Beckham) was that the mood is very up beat and the team is looking forward to a successful year under the new manager"
Gerrard said on his arrival in Madrid.

(Steven Gerrard speaks to the media in Madrid)

Guus Hiddink was spoke of his delight in signing the talented midfielder:

"This is a huge decision in terms of the clubs progress and also a huge boosts to our chances for success this year. Steven is a proven performer at both club and international level and his performances last year in the Champions League shows how vital he can be in European competition."

 

[m_vaughan]

Two days and two of the biggest signings ever. Gerrard's inclusion will beef up Madrid's already strong midfield. He will also give manager Guus Hiddink more options. He will also get to play alongside international team-mates, David Beckham and Jonathan Woodgate.

Real now hold the world's top three transfers. Zidane (?45.7), Figo (?37.0) and now Gerrard (?36).

 

[MWaugh]

Great signing, just what Real needed. I am sure they will concede a lot fewer goals this season. Did you get him for ?12 million or are you keeping that a secret as well?

sorry mate ive edited the post before with the details. it was roughly around the ?12 million mark but guus and his team dont generally like to let out the particulars of the signings.