RSSCristiano Ronaldo Related Content
Dropping Cristiano Ronaldo & 3 things Real Madrid must do to beat Barca at home
Real Madrid want to defend their Spanish Copa del Rey title at all cost. To make this wish a reality, they might need to follow the three rules mentioned in this article.
For Real Madrid, like for all clubs these days, beating Barcelona is a phenomenon. Joseph Guardiola’s Catalans have grown so mighty that opponents tremble in fear at the thought of facing them. Some downplay panic, but the outcome remains the same; Barcelona maintain their dominance at the end of the day.
Manchester United, AC Milan and Santos are some of the world’s top teams that have bowed down to the unrivalled power of the Blaugrana. It’s probably right to say that Real Madrid know even more suffering than Santos, Milan or 2009 and 2011 Champions League beaten finalists United. The routine of El Clasicos tells it all.
Since defeating Barcelona 4-1 in 2008, Real Madrid have managed only one victory against the Catalans. It occurred in the final of the Spanish Copa del Rey in April last year. A 103rd minute goal from Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo made the difference as Xavi, Lionel Messi and David Villa ran out of tonic. Madridistas described the victory as the beginning of a new era for Los Blancos and as the end of Barcelona’s dominance in Clasicos. Time and results, however, proved otherwise.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona Preview
Once again, the Santiago Bernabeu will be set to flames. It’s the first leg of the Copa del Rey’s Real Madrid-Barcelona tie on Wednesday, January 18. You just can’t miss it!
Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance in the latest Clasico was so appalling that many fans and pundits, non-Madridistas and Madridistas alike, suggested that the player gets benched in the next Barcelona meeting. However, this is very like not to happen. What every Real Madrid supporter can now hope is for Ronaldo to live up to expectations at the Bernabeu.With the absence of the injured Sami Khedira, Jose Mourinho could use Pepe in midfield to mark the untouchable three-time world player of the year, Lionel Messi. This tactic actually worked in the first leg of last season’s Champions League semifinal tie. It only collapsed when the referee dismissed the Portuguese defender for a challenge he never committed on Dani Alves.
Mallorca vs Real Madrid Report
Real Madrid are very serious about snatching La Liga’s trophy from Barcelona’s hands. They defeated Real Mallorca on Saturday night to open a temporary 8-point gap at the top of the table.
The game was as tight as the score line can suggest. The Spanish giants had to toil the ground until everything changed during the last quarter of match. Towards the end of the first period, Tomer Herned put the hosts in front. Real Mallorca were deserving on this lead. Anti-Madridistas could join the home crowd in anxiety; how long would Mallorca hold on to this victory?
At the break, the home team was still in front. Sergio Ramos’ 45th minute effort was not accurate enough to cross the line. His firm header clashed against the post.
Mallorca vs Real Madrid Preview
In Saturday’s penultimate fixture in La Liga, Real Madrid will be away to Real Mallorca. Mallorca vs Real Madrid will begin at 7:00pm GMT (2:00pm EST).
This game will be Los Blancos’ second encounter away from home this week. Fatigue may be an issue within the squad but Jose Mourinho has an array of top names to choose from. In-form striker Karim Benzema played just over 20 minutes against Malaga in midweek whereas Kaka, Marcelo and Özil went through 45 minutes of action each.Don’t be surprised if Mourinho doesn’t offer Cristiano Ronaldo 90 minutes of football against Real Mallorca. The Portuguese striker looked angry, frustrated and quite ineffective during Real Madrid’s last two matches in all competitions.
Málaga vs Real Madrid Report
Real Madrid played with 10 men but still went through at the expense of Malaga.
In the biggest surprise, Jose Mourinho opted for a 4-3-3 formation instead of his usual 4-2-3-1 format. Karim Benzema started from the bench as Kaka joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Higuain on the frontline. For Malaga, Van Nistelrooy led the attack as a lone striker.
The match produced too much physical confrontation as both sides had an equal chance of going in front before the break. The scoreboard, however, displayed a 0-0 result at half time.
With the introduction of Mesut Özil and Marcelo in replacement of Khedira and Kaka respectively, Mourinho made his intentions clear: Los Blancos were going to push forward a bit more while keeping their eyes open in defense.
Landslide win for Messi over Ronaldo and Xavi in 2011 FIFA Ballon d’Or triumph
Lionel Messi can rest assured. The Barcelona and Argentina forward will most likely retire as a widely acclaimed legend.
The FIFA Awards gala took place on Monday night without the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid. In fact, the stage was set for Messi to create history. The explosive play maker scooped his third straight FIFA Ballon d’Or award to match the record of France’s great Michel Platini.Lionel Messi (44.78%) cruised to an emphatic win against the likes of nominees Cristiano Ronaldo (21.60%) and Xavi Hernandez (9.23%). Brazilian legend Ronaldo handed the prize to La Pulga, who stated afterwards:
“It’s a huge pleasure to win the third time, a big honour. I want to thank the teammates, players and coaches that voted for me. I want to thank my Barcelona and Argentina teammates, without them this would have been impossible.”
Málaga vs Real Madrid Preview
Do not count Malaga out just yet. They have a first leg deficit to overturn but the two goals they scored at the Santiago Bernabeu last week may mean a lot.
Malaga aren’t doing badly at La Rosaleda this season. That’s where they staged a late comeback to draw 2-2 against Getafe en route to the Spanish Copa del Rey’s Round of 16.But trace back Malaga’s home run in all competitions, and you’ll find an interesting fact. Manuel Pellegrini’s men haven’t lost any of their last five matches at La Rosaleda. Their most recent defeat at this venue dates from October 22; and it occurred in the hands of Jose Mourinho’s flying Blancos.
It was a thumping 4-0 defeat, which ended Malaga’s perfect home run. Prior to that, Los Boquerones enjoyed league wins against visitors Granada, Athletic Bilbao and Getafe.
FIFA Ballon d’Or 2011: Title holder Lionel Messi’s 2011 year in stats – Debate
The FIFA Ballon d’Or 2011 award ceremony is what football fans await, but can last year’s winner Lionel Messi triumph over Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi this time?
Undoubtedly, 2011 was a year filled with excitement for followers of the game. Messi fans would generally not disagree, considering that the Barcelona playmaker also excelled for the Blaugrana.
Looking at the fact that he won La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, the Spanish Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup, it is easy to conclude that he clearly deserves to be the Ballon d’Or 2011 winner. But fans interested in international football certainly have a different point of view.
The Copa America was a competition on which all eyes were set; and again, Messi was initially the main man behind the competition’s attraction. Unfortunately though, he was unable to prove himself for his country, leading many spectators to assume that he was simply a good player at club level.
No FIFA Ballon d’Or for award nominee Cristiano Ronaldo on Monday, January 9
Don’t expect Lionel Messi’s rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, to lift the 2011 FIFA Ballon d’Or award on the podium come Monday night.
The truth is that the Real Madrid and Portugal star winger will not even attend the ceremony. Along with his manager, Jose Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo will remain in Spain to respect the club’s fixture list.Real Madrid actually have a crucial match to play against Malaga in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday night. Barcelona, meanwhile, will engage in cup action on Thursday. The timing of the awards night definitely doesn’t interfere with the schedule of FIFA Ballon d’Or nominees Xavi and Lionel Messi.
Speaking about Messi, he is the hot favorite to triumph on Monday night. The skill of the reigning Champions League, La Liga, Spanish Supercopa and FIFA Club World Cup champion is approved by millions of football fans around the globe.
Real Madrid vs Granada Report
Real Madrid managed a straightforward victory at home to Granada on Saturday night.
The home crowd could expect a flood of goals right from the start of the game as Jose Mourinho paired Higuain and Benzema in the starting XI.The latter didn’t lose much time to assume his duties. He broke the deadlock after 19 minutes to complete Özil and Ronaldo’s excellent team work on the offensive.
Granada equalized through Mikel Rico quickly after but Sergio Ramos put Real Madrid back in front inside the 34th minute. The Spaniard, who returned to action earlier than expected, sent the ball home with a bullet header.
Real Madrid vs Málaga Report
Real Madrid redefined team work and character last night in their comeback victory over Malaga.
Jose Mourinho picked up a strong starting XI as Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain led the forward line with the assistance of Kaka and Callejon. Lass and Xabi Alonso combined in the defensive midfield area as Real Madrid’s back four missed the services of Sergio Ramos. For Malaga, former Merengues Ruud van Nistelrooy started.
The first goal in 2012 at the Santiago Bernabeu went the visitors’ way. Sergio Sanchez was too strong to beat in the air and his header from a corner ended up crossing the line.
Real Madrid vs Málaga Preview
Top tier football in Spain will kick-off with Copa del Rey fixtures. At the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid will be fired up to open the year 2012 with victory over Malaga.
The Merengues can look at the first part of the 2011/12 campaign with satisfaction. Their 3-1 defeat to Barcelona in La Liga stands out as the only major disappointment as the overall analysis looks rather positive. Real Madrid managed to end 2011 as leaders by 3 points over second-placed Barcelona in the Spanish Primera Division. In the Copa del Rey’s Round of 32, they successfully overcame Ponferradina’s underdog threat with a 7-1 aggregate win. What result will Los Blancos achieve in the Last 16?
Sevilla vs Real Madrid Report
Real Madrid got back to their best on Saturday night, putting their defeat in El Clasico behind. 10-man Los Blancos forced 10-man Sevilla to a 6-2 defeat.
Following his impotent display against Barcelona at the Bernabeu, Cristiano Ronaldo became the center of attraction ahead of the Sevilla encounter. But the Portuguese number 7 responded to his critics with an energetic performance throughout.Ronaldo broke the deadlock inside the 10th minute after combining well with assist maker Di Maria. Varas was left with absolutely no chance. A couple of minutes later, Manu went extremely close to leveling the score for Sevilla.
Casillas, however, had the last word. The Spaniard’s acrobatic save denied the hosts from getting a goal. Javi Varas suffered punishment for a second time in the game as Callejon continued his great form by netting a 37th minute strike.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s credibility under fire after Clasico fiasco. How great is CR7?
In-form Cristiano Ronaldo produced a terrible performance against Barcelona last Saturday. He got tipped as the flop of the match by the majority of football fans, including Madridistas.
The Portuguese superstar was jeered and whistled for missing a number of glorious chances to put Real Madrid on the right path during the game. No reason could excuse Ronaldo’s failure as his fitness and his goal scoring form ahead of El Clasico were in very good condition. Eventually, avid supporters of the Spanish giants joined the voices of proud Barca fans who confidently underlined the following: Cristiano Ronaldo cannot rise to the occasion – and particularly against Barcelona – when it matters most.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Players to watch and El Clasico comparisons
2011’s last Real Madrid vs Barcelona match kicks off on Saturday evening in Spain, and Casillas, Valdes, Marcelo, Dani Alves, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi cannot be ignored.
Yes, both Real Madrid and Barcelona have their strengths and weaknesses. Thus, when it comes to naming the true favourites, it is largely a matter of management.
Certainly, trying to determine who has the best players only raises issues of personal taste. It is not wrong however to assess both teams’ positives and weight their advantages along with their expectations. This puts into question the form and aim of each key player in El Clasico.
All 22 active players on the field after the referee’s opening whistle will surely be ready to put on a good show for a million reasons. But then, each player will be having his challenges; and one could identify these challenges as the results of both teams’ close standards - which eventually increases the excitement ahead of El Clasico in the Spanish capital.
Cristiano Ronaldo v Lionel Messi & stats – who will have the edge in El Clasico?
Although there’s so much involved in Saturday night’s El Clasico, the duel between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is once again what has captured the public’s attention the most.
Lionel Messi
The two 2011 FIFA Ballon d’Or nominees are fully fit for the match so there would be no excuse should any of them underperform.
Overall, Lionel Messi clearly has the edge over Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi developed the habit of scoring against Real Madrid since the day he opened his goal account with a hat-trick which stunned Los Blancos.
The Argentine playmaker is simply uncontainable. His trademark runs incite defenders to commit fouls. Sergio Ramos and Pepe will have to be on the alert. Unless Lionel Messi uncharacteristically flops on Saturday, expect Casillas to have yet another busy night.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona Preview
Millions of spectators across the globe will watch Real Madrid vs Barcelona come Saturday, December 10, 2011. The greatness of El Clasico would want to be felt everywhere.
Thankfully for the public, this titanic clash is coming at a right time. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona are fresh from a series of successive victories in all competitions. There have been no major injury report so far. El Clasico’s top stars like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi Hernandez are all fit. Carlos Puyol is even expected to take part in the match after racing against time to be fit enough. The biggest name who may not be given a big role this weekend is David Villa. The striker is seriously struggling to find consistency.
At Real Madrid, the issue is different. The attackers are all in good form. Higuain, Callejon and Benzema have a multitude of goals between them in all competitions this season. Now Jose Mourinho is facing a headache over his starting XI selection.
Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo & Xavi make 2011 FIFA Ballon d’or shortlist
The 2011 FIFA Ballon d’Or winner will be Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo or Xavi Hernandez. Luis Suarez and Robin van Persie can forget about receiving it.
Portugal and Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo, Argentina and Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi and Spain and Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez have been nominated above the rest to make the Ballon d’Or’s three-man shortlist. The announcement was made on Monday morning by France Football director Francois Moriniere and FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke. Lionel Messi, who is the hot favorite to grab the prize, could emulate Michel Platini’s record of three consecutive Ballon d’Or triumphs. His team mate from Catalonia, Xavi Hernandez, has never won the award despite receiving worldwide praises for his majestic attitude on and off the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, succeeded in the voting of the 2008 edition.
Sporting Gijón vs Real Madrid Report
Real Madrid successfully passed their tricky test away to Sporting Gijon tonight. Angel Di Maria, Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo provided the goals.
Real Madrid started slowly at the dislike of the home crowd. Cristiano Ronaldo, however, found his foot early in the game despite receiving a knock in the initial stages. The Portuguese winger eventually inspired Los Blancos’ attacks down the flanks with the help of Marcelo and Di Maria. It’s no wonder if these three players ended up settling the score line.
The referee experienced a busy night, especially in the first half, as Eguren, Callejon, David Barral, Trejo and Mate Bilic all entered into the book.
Two minutes after the half-hour mark, Higuain banged in a fierce shot which got ruled out for offside.
Cristiano Ronaldo insists Real Madrid are cautious despite 6-point gap over Barca
Matchday 13 ended with Real Madrid creating a 6-point gap over Barcelona at the top of La Liga’s table. Cristiano Ronaldo, however, believes Madrid’s advantage is not really decisive.
The winger scored twice from the spot and provided the assist for Di Maria's goal as the Spanish giants trounced city rivals Atletico Madrid 4-1 last Saturday. Barcelona, meanwhile, lost 3 vital points away to Getafe later that same day. Eventually, Real Madrid have 34 points whereas the Catalans are on 28 points. Los Blancos have been tipped to enter January as La Liga leaders, but Cristiano Ronaldo prefers not to look too far ahead.
“There's still a long way to go, we don't think we have already won La Liga. We want to win everything,” Ronaldo reportedly told AS.
Newsletter Signup »
