Real Madrid University covers thirteen countries

In 2006 was born the Real Madrid University. An ambitious academic project that Florentino Perez conceived at the time, to transfer the sphere of influence of a club like Madrid to world's most prestigious universities.

Jorge Valdano was responsible for leading the School until June 2009 but, on returning to the club as general director with the return of Florentino, gave the responsibility to Butragueño: "Jorge proposed me it and I did not hesitate an instant. We work with almost 800 kids from five continents and the level of training is tremendous. Only River Plate have something similar in football. Even in that, Real Madrid is a pioneer ...".

The center of operations of the Real Madrid School is located in the "Universidad Europea de Madrid" (Villaviciosa de Odon, Madrid). The teaching staff is top qualification (30% of them are foreigners, meeting 24% of foreign students on a total of 744 enrolled). The partnership with Real Madrid allows students to meet Valdebebas Sport City activities (Physiotherapy, Sports Medicine, Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention uses the facilities of the first white team), as well as Bernabéu Stadium.

Butragueño baptizes as "white week" the most special days for students in the School of Madrid. "For a whole week they access to the facilities at the Bernabeu Stadium and have direct access to executives of the club. They saw how marketing or communication departments work".

There is also a Master "Detection and Development of Talent in Football", headed by Miguel Pardeza. Other Masters which complete the program are: "Management of Sport Organizations", "Sports Law", the Master in "Business and Entertainment", "Training and Sports Nutrition" and "Physical Activity and Health".

Also the Real Madrid Chair has been created, which includes support for research. In 2010 represented an investment of 150,000 euros. Programs include visits to London (future Olympic venues) and Ajax facilities devoted to its "quarry". Butragueño says: "In 2012, we will have one thousand students".

Apart from the modern "Universidad Europea de Madrid", the club has already opened its schools in Africa (Morocco), South America (Chile, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador), Central America (Mexico and Costa Rica) and Europe (Germany, Turkey and Cyprus). A total of eleven schools integrated into the university development program supervised by Butragueño, general director of the College, and Fernando Tomé who is the academic director.

The success of recent academic years and the requests that white club receives to join Real Madrid University, will force Butragueño to open in coming dates two new schools; in the United States (Chicago) and one in Malaysia, which will be the first in Asia. Butragueño explains the power of seduction of the project: "We were recently called from Singapore and there are offers of highly developed countries from the viewpoint of university, such as France, Italy or England. For Madrid is a luxury to be part of this".

Interview: Jorge Valdano

Jorge Valdano explained his current relationship with Mourinho. The general manager of Real Madrid has said that: "Since some time we do not talk. In the last three months he has a direct dialogue with the president, and he feels comfortable with that. What we are going to do experiments for?".

About his supposed poor or no relationship with the Portuguese, Valdano has said that: "What Mourinho wants is exactly what I want, that Madrid is great and the fans are happy". In addition, the executive has accepted that Mourinho does not travel with him and reports directly to the president: "It's a very jealous coach of his autonomy. He needs to have the control and handling the team. He is comfortable in this way. He declared that is very protected by the club and feels very well and can even renew his contract. So the target has been achieved. The coach is an important person and needs to feel protected by the club. It was agreed, it seemed that it was good and we have done it naturally. But everything was exaggerated at the time and was a media focus".

Jorge Valdano

In sports, Valdano says Real Madrid is going through one of its best moments, while acknowledges that Barcelona is still intractable: "It's a happy moment for the club. We came to April with options in all competitions. The starting point was to face a Barcelona that had won six titles. Last year we played for a title in the last day of the League. The young teams are also in a happy moment. The boys are part of all the young national teams and Castilla (Real Madrid B) is making brilliant football ..."

Valdano said that Real Madrid takes care of its "quarry", and has associated the good work of Barcelona with its youth football teams with "the good luck of taking a great generation of players". "We have more urgency and it shows. But Real Madrid is not suitable for young players. Many kids are working hard and they will have an important role in the future".

The general manager of Real Madrid has also spoken on two great Real Madrid myths, Raul Gonzalez and Ronaldo, recently retired from playing football. On the Schalke player said that "I talked to him four days ago. We talk a lot. He is part of Madrid and a now a great fan. He will have a role in Real Madrid in the future because he is the most intelligent. If he wants to use all his energy to coach, he will be the best but he will have to clarify where he wants to work in the future".

Raúl and Jorge Valdano

On the other hand, Ronaldo will be honored on Saturday at the Bernabeu in the game against Sporting Gijon: "The public will receive him with great affection. He is also a super nice person. We want the people dismiss him as he deserves, giving the kickoff and receiving a gift from Real Madrid". "I played with Maradona, but Ronaldo is not far away and we have to take into account the injuries he had. He looked like an adult playing with kids. His ability to imbalance was a show".

Benzema injured at the match France-Croatia

The alarm was raised last night in Paris. Karim Benzema, perhaps the fittest man of Real Madrid, retired injured on Tuesday friendly match that faced France and Croatia, which finished goalless. French striker requested the substitution as precaution. While he retired from the field, replaced by Gameiro in minute 74, he touched the back of his left thigh.

As soon as he arrived to the bench, this area was bandaged. In a first scan, French doctors had the impression that it could be a tear, not a rupture, which would be a injury estimate time from one week to 10 days. This Wednesday, after his arrival in Madrid, there will be more tests to determine the exact extent of his ailment.

Karim Benzema

If those first analysis are confirmed, Benzema would be out of the Champions League quarterfinal tie against Tottenham. He would lost the League match against Sporting Gijón, this day, and get very fair to play against Athletic Bilbao next week.

In other way, the player had no bad feelings after finishing the game, so even though it is possible that injury was more than a tear, everything can be a fright. However, it is difficult for the French striker, currently uncontested Mourinho's stiker, can play against Gijon at the Bernabeu on Saturday.

The concern last night at Real Madrid's technical team was evident. Although it is not a major injury, the two matches against Tottenham in Champions League tournament will play in just one week and Karim is considered essential.

Real Madrid Girlfriends: Carolina Celico (8)

She was born in Brazil on July 26, 1987. Her parents are Celso Celico and Rosangela Lyra Celico. They are important and well known in Sao Paulo. Celso is a major business man. In fact he is Christian Dior’s representative in Brazil and her mother is a famous person that helps and does very much for her church and charities.

Carolina Celico

She studied at St Paul’s School and she used to be a model in those years. She speaks French, English, Spanish, Italian and certainly Portuguese. Carolina Celico, who acts as pastor of the Evangelical Church, is "addicted" to fashion and is a regular at the fashion shows where she goes with her husband. They do not lost even one of the Armani collections since he design her wedding dress.

For her simplicity and discretion, and because she seems that, with that good girl face, "has never hurt a fly" Celico is considered as one of the prettiest women of footballers. In fact when she and Kaka were married, was proclaimed the fifth "most beautiful girlfriend" of World Cup 2006.

She met Kaka at high school, in 2002 and they became really good friends and started dating right away. She was underage when they began their relationship and had to wait to marry when she came of age. They also happen to be Christians in the same church, "Rebirth in Christ Church", where they also got married on December 23, 2005.

They look like a perfect match so if they are photographed by the paparazzi, appear in loving attitude, although Caroline seems to hate the spotlight. They have been married for five years and they are parents of a son called Luca.

Caroline Celico and Kaka

Kaka: "This week is very important for my knee"

On 8 March, the Real Madrid issued a medical report which reported that Kaka would be out 15 days with left knee problems. The last deadline expired on day 23, but he still trains out of the group. Kaka yesterday gave clues to his recovery, through his Twitter: "This week is very important for my knee. I hope everything goes well. God bless you and good week for everyone!".

Ricardo Izecson Dos Santos Leite (Kaká)

At first, it was expected that Kaka would have reinstated training yesterday with the teamplate. However, the midfielder remained inside the gym working with the physios. If all the plan carried out by the Madrid medical services goes well, today or tomorrow Brazilian will return to the group.

The report of the club emitted on March 8 after the medical examination the player had been subjected, reported that Kaka suffered "a slight edema in the external side of his left knee compatible with iliotibial syndrome of the same knee". Previously, player had met with Mourinho and both had agreed that the Brazilian will not play again until he was in perfect condition.

Will have to see how the Kaka's knee responds when he starts working with the group, but if all goes well, the player could be available to Mourinho for the meeting next weekend against Sporting Gijón. So far this season, the midfielder has only played 11 games (8 in the League and 3 in Spanish Cup).

The last match in which Kaka participated, goes back to February 26. That day Madrid draw against Deportivo in the Riazor Stadium and the Brazilian played 60 minutes. He was replaced by Di Maria. After that meeting, only went back for the win (7-0) against Malaga at the Bernabeu Stadium, but he did not play any minute.

Interview: José Mourinho

The Portuguese coach went through all the news surrounding the club. He denied there is doping in football and tried to remove the pressure of winning everything.

Jose Mourinho

Money is everything in the world of football?

No. The essence of football is to play it, enjoy it and win. But it is a big business. From a social point of view is the most important global phenomenon.

Is immoral that players and coaches earn as much money?
I think we earn a lot compared to the difficulties that people have. The problem is how much you produce. Football is an industry that feeds a lot of people if it is well managed. There are situations where teams fail to succeed due to the mismanagement of managers.

Would you be happy if you failed in Madrid?
Sure. There are coaches who fail in all clubs. Why not me? When I have no success try to find the reasons.

The 5-0 against Barcelona is your worst nightmare?
No. Winning the Champions League semifinal against Barcelona remains one of the happiest moments of my life.

You told the players that fate would lead them to play against Barcelona in the Champions League and Spanish Cup final?
No. I told them that the season did not end there. We would meet again.

What about the strike?
I do not agree nor disagree.

Would be better to play against Barcelona in the League after the Cup final?
I do not mind. They are separate things. The first match will not have some influence in the second game. These meetings have always a unique meaning and have no influence.

What if Real Madrid loses against Barcelona in the three competitions?
Nothing. Barcelona will win the League and Cup and will be in the Champions League final. Good for them and bad for us. Reaching April and losing all three competitions would be unfair. The difficult thing is to get to April and fight for the three competitions.

Chelsea or Inter Milan in a Champions League Final?
It is the impossible question. Before the draw I said I did not want to face against them because it isemotionally difficult. Some Inter players asked me to apologize for celebrating the victory against Chelsea in the last quarterfinals. They are two important teams in my life.

Why is there doping in cycling and not in football?

It's a trick question. They are different sports. With another level of requirements and a different schedule. I think there is not doping in football, although one or two players have tested positive.

How many anti-doping controls are there?
I do not know exactly but I repeat that I think there is no doping. There are two or three players a year with a positive test... This does not mean anything.

Do you trust the referees?
Yes, I do not doubt their honesty. But they are men and sometimes disappoint me. I do not think they work against Madrid or anyone else. But sometimes they create bad feelings: a team is perfect and then in the same circumstances there is a card for my team and not for other.

Do you protect the Real Madrid players?
Yes, they are my family, my people.

Would you sign Messi?
There is not coach who said he would not want Messi. He would be crazy. But, it's impossible.

Is Florentino the best president you had?
I can not answer this question nor who was my best player. They are things that can not be answered. But I'm very comfortable with Florentino and when we finish work, I'm sure he will be my friend like Abramovich or Moratti.

Cristiano keeps on training to play against Tottenham

Cristiano has been proposed to reach the Champions meeting of April 5 against Tottenham Hotspur in perfect condition. So, the past weekend he did not have vacation and stayed in Madrid working hard on Valdebebas under the supervision of a trainer. The Portuguese have been exercised 6-7 hours a day, in morning and afternoon sessions.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano relapsed (March 19, at the Vicente Calderon) of the grade 1 muscle injury in the femoral biceps in his left leg that he suffered against Malaga three weeks earlier. At the moment, he is in the early recovery phase. This means that the striker only does strengthening exercises in the gym and undergoes physiotherapy.

Since the exact extent of the Cristiano's injury became known, he has set April 5 as the date of his comeback. The evolution of the disease is on the right track and would not be surprising that even he could play some minutes in the match against Sporting, if finally there is no strike. Anyway, Cristiano is willing to overcome the injury that drag him: "I hate not being able to train and play. I want to recover fully from this injury. The last few games I could not play in perfect conditions and I'm tired", said the striker last week.

Benzema vs Villa: Other duel

The excellent goalscorer sequence of Karim Benzema, 10 goals in the final eight games of Real Madrid, has enabled the French to match the scorer record of David Villa. At this point, both added 21 goals in League, Spanish Cup and Champions League. Real Madrid striker has balanced a battle that, not so long ago, seemed almost decanted for the blue and red striker.

Karim Benzema

The gap between Benzema and Villa has gone in a few weeks. The French is, with Messi, the best scorer in the second round of the League (nine goals), while the last goal by Villa came in week 25 in Mallorca. Since then, four matches of League and one of the Champions League without a goal.

Interestingly, the comparison between the two attackers was fueled by José Mourinho. It was October 26, 2010, at the press conference before the visit of Real Madrid to Alicante, while he explained the inclusion in the list of Benzema: "He is called, but is not playing well. But there are teams that have players that also have a hard time and not score a goal against anyone".

Beyond the amounts paid by Madrid and Barcelona, 36 and 40 million euros respectively, the recipient of Mou's dart was evident. At that time, Villa totaled two goals in the League for only one of Benzema. However, the words seemed to spur “Guaje” Villa who, from that time, began to improve his numbers dramatically. In fact, now totals 17 goals in the League, with four doubles and shared the podium with the stratospheric top scorers Cristiano and Leo Messi. 

Benzema takeoff was delayed in time. In fact, after Gonzalo Higuain's injury, Mourinho insisted on signing a striker, considering that Karim did not offer sufficient guarantee for goals. And it was with the arrival of Emmanuel Adebayor when Benzema started to score goals more often. The day of Adebayor´s landing in Madrid, Benzema drew a jewel in the first semifinal macth against Sevilla and although 'Manu' seemed to take the lead with two goals, against Sevilla on the second leg and against Real Sociedad in League, Benzema had a chance and took it. Goal against Levante in a minor duel prior to the Champions League visit to Lyon. At Gerland, stadium that saw him become a footballer, reached the definitive turning point. Adebayor was supplied by Karim and in just a minute, he stole the ball and after a great slalom, made the 0-1. Florentino raised his hands to the head.

While in League Villa clearly wins the match by 17-10, Benzema exceeds "Guaje" in Champions 6-3 and Spanish Cup 5-1. The French has only played more minutes than Spanish in the KO tournament: 490-254. In the League the Barcelona player dominates 2305-1406 and in the European competition by 548-357. Which, at this stage of the season, made ​​Benzema a more effective striker: scores every 107 minutes and Villa needs 147.

Pepe: "I have not renewed, but everything is on track"

Pepe, who is concentrated in Obidos with Portugal national team, confirmed yesterday that has not signed his new contract with Real Madrid (now ends in 2012): "I have not renewed, but everything is on track". As was said by people close to the club, the player would earn almost four million euros per season: "The situation is much better than two months ago. I have one year left on my contract and I want to prove myself. I talked with the board and we are very close to reach an agreement. I think I will continue, as was my desire".

Pepe's first day in white

After a year of talks, the renewal of Pepe reached an impasse in which none of the parties was willing to reach an agreement. Pepe did not understand that the club did not assess that he accepted a low salary by how expensive was the transfer Oporto-Real Madrid (30 million). He earns less than other players of lower rank. The club offered the defense, who currently is one of the players with the lowest salary of teamplate (1.8 million), raising his salary to 3.5 million. The player's agent made a first counteroffer of 5 million euros which was quickly rejected by Real Madrid

The Pepe's renewal for the Real Madrid was in dead point and that had made the big European teams were interested in him. Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal were interested in the Portuguese central defender.

He also commented the criticism he received after the match against Lyon for his toughness with Lisandro: "I never injured anyone. I dispute every ball with maximum intensity".

Interview: Iker Casillas

Iker Casillas was again displayed, as a great captain, reviewing all topics of national team and Real Madrid. About the tributes that is receiving the members of the Spanish national team, the goalkeeper said: "If Iniesta had not score the goal in that World Cup final, this would not be happening. We have been champions and all that comes is great".

Although Spain has not offered its best performance in recent games, the ambition has not been lost: "After the World Cup it was hard to start and so the negative results we have picked. But we are living the golden age of Spanish football and is the desire to win the next European Championship, something that has never succeeded".

Iker Casillas

The strike that threatens to Spanish football is a black spot: "At the end there will be dialogue and it will be solved. We know that football has become a business but the views should be approached for the benefit of all". If there's League match against Sporting, it could be played on Friday, April 1: "We have to take into account the fans and I guess Sporting fans will prefer to play on Saturday because they have already planned the trip".

Mourinho is very critical to the development of the schedule and timetables of League: "I do not believe in conspiracies but it is true that there are dates that are a bit illogical. But it is mounted in this way". Mourinho's arrival has changed many things in Madrid: "Before I meet him, he looks weird, but now I'm 24 hours a day with him and I can say is an outstanding person and as coach you only have to see his data. I will stick up for him".

Iker Casillas and Mourinho

A crazy month of April is arriving, with four possible "classics" against a sweeping Barcelona: "It is true that we live a painful 2-6 at the Bernabeu, but that was also marked by the sporting trouble that Real Madrid was living. But we must not forget that Barcelona also went wrong in the first five years of this decade".

Real Madrid continues alive in three competitions: "The season is being good for us and if we win a title, it will be perfect". Tottenham is waiting in the quarterfinals of the Champions League: "I do not trust. Spurs have eliminated Milan and can also give us a scare. We have overcome the psychological barrier of last-16 and it has made us stronger". Spanish Cup final is approaching: "To win this competition has a special flavor. It is a beautiful moment, with both dedicated fan crows. And this time are cited the two biggest teams in Spain. It is the best final".

About the affair of doping, he was blunt: "It bothers me that Real Madrid was acknowledged on a subject as distasteful. I think that in a team-sport like football, players do not need this kind of substances".

Higuain works hard to help Real Madrid

There is no stoppages due to national teams games or days of rest for Gonzalo Higuain. The Argentine, since the beginning of the year, develops a routine apart from the rest of his teammates. "Pipita" is working every day to leave behind the aftermath of a hernia operation. On the horizon there is a date: April 20. And a dream: to be available to Jose Mourinho the day of the Spanish Cup Final.

Gonzalo HIguain

For Higuain, a simply travel to Valencia (Mestalla Stadium) would be as a prize. Operated in New York on January 11, the striker is now more than four months without being a footballer. Working alone both at home and in Valdebebas, gradually conquering small milestones, which have become big steps for a player in his situation. As the day he turned to walk on the grass, on March 2.

Since then, Pipita has continued progressing. Slowly, patiently, day by day. The challenge of the Cup Final motivates him, more collectively than individually. Because being able to play in that game is very complicated, mainly due to lack of pace. But Higuain dreams to travel, to be part of the group, to encourage his peers in a final full of attractions. When will he play? Surely, in early May.

A possible return against Barcelona, also will close the cycle of Higuain's injury. The first match he could not play was in the league, the first leg against Barcelona, on the famous 5-0. In the previous day, the twelfth, he lent his last service to Madrid, the goal that opened the scoring against Athletic Bilbao. That day, November 20, 2010, his back had enough. It was the beginning of a nightmare whose end is approaching.

Cristiano: "I'm sick of this injury"

Cristiano went yesterday evening to the Portuguese town of Óbidos (10:10 pm) to be reviewed by Henrique Jones, head of medical services of his national team, the relapse he suffered last Saturday at Calderon Stadium. After assessing his physical condition, Paulo Bento decided to release him so he could return to Madrid and continue with the rehabilitation. "I'm very limited. The doctor saw the pictures and the resonance and confirmed that I am not well. I want to recover one hundred percent, I do not want it any longer days because I'm sick of this injury", said Cristiano.

Obidos: Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid star pulled out of the pitch on Saturday, accusing the injury that forced him to miss the games against Racing (1-3) at El Sardinero and Hercules (2-0) at the Bernabeu. After the scan he underwent hours later, it was determined that the Portuguese suffered a grade 1 hamstring injury in the femoral biceps of the left leg with edema and liquid component. The estimated injury time will be two to three weeks, so he will miss two friendlies with Portugal and probably the next league match against Sporting Gijón. At this time, the striker is undergoing physiotherapy.

Carvalho also traveled to Óbidos to be examined by team doctors because he ended the derby with a concussion in the lumbosacral region and a tightness in the right hamstring muscles. However, it was determined that his condition was not sufficiently significant to not recover in time to play the two games, so he was not released.

Real Madrid will pay tribute to Ronaldo Nazario

Real Madrid will pay tribute to Ronaldo Nazario next week in the moments before the match against Sporting. Florentino Perez had long been wishing to pay tribute to one of his galactics and one of the greatest strikers in the history of Real Madrid. Finally, Ronaldo will be in the the Bernabeu next week to receive the love of Real Madrid: "I will go to Madrid because Florentino called me to make me a tribute. It will do in the match against Sporting Gijon. If the match is played on Friday, I will arrive in the morning", said former Brazilian striker.

Ronaldo Nazario

Ronaldo Nazario broke his silence after announcing his retirement from football on 14 February. His first interview in Spain was last night in an evening radio program.

On 14 February, Valentine's Day, announced your retirement. Did it on purpose?

No, then I thought (laughs). I lived other things on 14 February. My second serious knee injury, for example. The no-wedding was on 12 February (laughs) ...

Has your life changed since you left football?
Yes, because I have lived all my life playing football and being a protagonist. Now I'm not going to be more. I shall miss it very much for those moments.

You cried in your farewell. Did you remember many things at that time?
It cost me a lot. Last year I played a few games because I am hurt a lot. Small lesions, but annoying. This year I prepared the season pretty well, but reinjured and always played with discomfort. I was a little tired of suffering, to reach the field without the conditions to be decisive. The head was fine, I thought I had speed, trying the dribble but the defense got before... It was hard because it has been my life.

Professional football has consequences, right?
Requires too much. My knees are bad. Now I attend many meetings, I see the executives who sit and cross their legs and I can not bend them...

Now that you're not going to train, there comes a game day and you are not there, that you do not go with the national team... Do you feel a little dizzy?
The first week I left the game, I tried three times to go to the gym and do some exercise, but at the last minute I decided to stay lying on in the couch. I thought: "I have trained hard in my life". It has been two months and still have not done any training. Sure I will do it again because I'm an athlete.

You just spend a few days in Madrid. Did you see Kaka? Is he sad?
Yes, he is a great friend. We were having dinner together. He had recurrence of the knee, so I gave him encouragement. The important thing is that the club and colleagues are with him. Being injured is already very difficult, and when a club and people do not believe it, is worse. Madrid believes him and gives him all the confidence in the world. He will recover, I do not know when, but will be decisive.

Ronaldo and Kaka

Do you see him the next season in Madrid? Teams in Italy and England want him...
A year ago was the best in the world. It has been a tough year, but he will recover. For me, he will not move becuase he is in the best club in the world.

Where have you been happiest?
I've been happy at all sites. When I was in a team, I wore the shirt and gave my life for it. Where I scored more goals was wearing the shirt of Real Madrid. I celebrated with them many goals.

Your heart is white?
Absolutely. I had a history of respectful relationship with Madrid. Inevitably, I have great esteem and affection.

And what about Barcelona?
I was only a year and it was spectacular, but I went wrong because the president (Nuñez) fool me and I went to Inter. The current team, how it plays, is a spectacle. How touching, how to play each other. And has a little boy who does incredible things...

Mourinho or Guardiola?
Mourinho. We live in Barcelona where he helped to Robson. I knew him well, is a great person, happy and fun.

What player do you like in Real Madrid?
Cristiano. I like players who are killers, if they see a space, shooting and scoring goals.

Do you mind the coincidence of names?
Why? It helps us that Ronaldo is out there in people's mouths.

People love you in Spain. Why he is booed?
People also whistled me, including Raul. The greatest there, the idol of Madrid.

Will Barcelona win the League?
I do not know, Barcelona is going well. Possibly will be champions but there will be many "classics" and that can change everything. I have to go to one...

Now what do you do? Do you work as manager?
I do not want to compete with players' representatives, there are many. My company runs a player's career in advertising and image. An important sector for the future. It will generate a lot of money. With the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, there will be many opportunities.

Who takes your heart right now?
I'm married. Bia is my wife and I have four children. Ronald measures 1.74m (11 years). He is encouraged to start playing. The others are Lex, María Sophia and María Alice.

Mourinho: World's highest-paid coach

Jose Mourinho is the coach who has won more money in 2010, 13.5 million euros in revenue, followed by Barcelona's coach Josep Guardiola with 10.5 million and the Spanish Rafael Benitez, the former Inter Milan coach, with 10.2 million. Fabio Capello (8.5 million), Alex Ferguson (6.9 million) and Arsene Wenger (6.6 million) who training in England, complete the top, but are far from what is paid in Spain.

Mourinho and Guardiola

The best coaches earn, therefore, almost a third part of the best players, but top earners athletes are not in world football. 'France Football' shows that with his 31 million revenue, Messi is the seventh highest paid athlete in the world, a ranking led by Tiger Woods with 53 million euros. The second highest paid athlete is also American golfer Phil Mickelson (40 million) and the third is the Formula One driver Michael Schumacher (39 million).

"France Football" also states that the classification of the highest paid footballers is the youngest since it is produced, with an average of 25.1 years in the top three spots. It also notes a drop in revenue from the podium of the list with 79.2 million compared with 93.4 last year, when there was an absolute record. However, to enter in the "Top 20" of "France Football" this year was necessary to win more money, 11.3 million compared to just over 10 in previous editions.

Real Madrid vs Tottenham: Prices from 60 to 250 euros

Against Olympique Lyon were a good number of people in the Bernabéu (78,500 spectators), but a thousand seats were left unoccupied. Many fans complain about the high price of tickets, but the club argues that it is in the Champions League where Real Madrid should reward the loyalty of the 38,000 subscribers to European parties (they are free access in this competition, having paid their dues in summer).

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

The fact is that for the great match on April 5, Tuesday, Tottenham (first leg of the quarterfinals of the Champions), the club has set prices that will discourage those with less purchasing power. The cheapest ticket, for the Fourth Amphitheatre, costs 60 euros. Also, the most expensive, located in the east and west side galleries, goes up to 250. However, these are just the tickets that are often sold before, becuase go to requests from sponsors and healthy companies that pay those prices. If you get into the website of Real Madrid and you click on the VIP tickets, prices go up to 1,000 euros.

The club has been sighted and you can buy tickets for the Real Madrid-Tottenham, despite the fact that there are still 16 days to the meeting. New technologies allow people to buy tickets from the home computer, but the club will also facilitate the purchase of tickets at the box office, which will be open every day at the Bernabeu until 5 April. (Open at 10:00 am and close at 7:00 pm)

Cristiano Ronaldo: Out for two or three weeks

Mourinho had warned of the risk if Cristiano played against Atletico and his worst fears have come true. Cristiano has fallen from the injury he suffered last March 3 against Malaga and in the medical examination was diagnosed that "He should remain out two or three weeks, depending on the clinical course". So that he will miss the two games that should play with Portugal against Chile and Finland, and surely not arrive in time for the visit of Sporting Gijón to the Bernabeu. In any case, it seems that Potuguese player will be in top condition for the Champions League tie with Tottenham (1st leg, Madrid on 5 April).

Cristiano has played injured the last games

Cristiano has stopped playing only 3 games of 45 of the season. He rested against Levante in the Spanish Cup and missed Racing and Hercules mathes due to injury. Should he play the last derby match? "The final decision is taken by the player" Mourinho and Cristiano cleared, then he added: "I'm not good ... and it shows".

The forward words came after displaying a distant level than usual against Lyon and Atletico."We reached the limit of risk, would have been better a day between games. But he had to play for the League not finished here", said Mourinho. Playing some games injured (as Mourinho admitted) achieved in January an average of 22 League goals in 18 games, approaching the record of Hugo and Zarra.

Whether by necessity or the desire to overcome Messi goals (37 vs 42 from Argentina player),Cristiano has tempted fate too much. His worst run since he came to Madrid, 458 minutes without scoring, between Espanyol and Deportivo including the first leg against Lyon, is explained in a couple of ailments. Against Espanyol received a hard tackle (did not train the next day and played with sore muscles against Levante) and then Cris fell on his left ankle in Lyon.

But Cristiano did not stop and neither did in the derby, where in 62 minutes Mourinho asked him if he wants to go out of the field. Portuguese player said "No". Nine minutes after, came out injured and without scoring his goal. But the most important are yet to be scored.

League (Day 29): Cristiano and Casillas reactions

CRISTIANO RONALDO: " IT WAS A DIFFICULT MATCH FOR ME"

"The team played very well in a complicated match, especially in the second half, during which we felt exhaustion. I was very nervous while watching the game from the bench when the score was 2-1 because I'm not used to following a game from there."

"I'm not 100% fit and it was a difficult game for me. Those who know me could tell I wasn't myself during the match, especially in the second half. I think I've got an injury of some sort. We'll see what shows up in the scan."

Cristiano Ronaldo visited today the clinic "Sanitas La Moraleja" where has undergone an MRI to check the status of his left hamstring, the muscle that is giving him problems in recent days.

Ronaldo ended the derby with pain and swelling in the affected area as the club announced in a medical report published on its website. The player's physical condition makes him doubtful for the call to Portugal, like Carvalho, although in principle they will travel with the medical report.

IKER CASILLAS: "WE WILL LOST AGAINST ATLETICO SOME DAY"

"We'll lose against Atletico some day, but I hope it arrives as late as possible. Atletico pressurised much more and had more chances on goal. The final score may be unfair."

"Goalkeepers are there to make saves. I managed to pull off most of them due more to positioning than to concentration. They weren't very spectacular. Atletico didn't capitalise on their chances and we did. We are good at scoring goals and used this to our advantage. Benzema has changed radically and we are all delighted about it because he is a phenomenal person. I hope he keeps it up for a long time."

"The team feels slightly tired after playing so many important games. We've earned numbers worthy of a champion side. We're solid and firm. We have to keep this up. Complicated away games against Sevilla, Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao wait in store for us. Tonight we won and took three points. We must now think about our match against Sporting Gijon."

Spanish League: Day 29

ATLETICO 1 - REAL MADRID 2

Intense, moving, passionate, great and in some minutes, the first and the last, exciting. This was the derby. Stressful even for those who do not sweat a drop. Glorious for Real Madrid, because enlarges its legend in these games, and honorable for Atletico, which had the final pleasure of feeling the fear of others, something is good, and against Madrid, that is a lot.

Those who wish may find reasons for hope. The visitor is hooked to the League and its pursuit is becoming obsessive. There should not be comfortable feel in the back the breath of the white team. For the host there is a consolation, to have cut a feet of the thousand that still separate the red-white team of the rich neighbor.

But let's go to the match. Now it's easy to say, but people suspect that Atletico did not make a realistic approach to the match. It was launched for the win with its eyes closed, its sword pointed at Cibeles and the horses galloping, putting the favourite application of Real Madrid on tray: the counterattack. With this scenario, every ball that was stolen by Madrid, placed team at advantage, with field in front and its players leading the race.

Contrary to expectations, the white steel trivote not hurt those actions. On the contrary, even better. Khedira joined the attack with unusual courage, to the point of having several scoring opportunities. The coach has a lot of blame for the team has won the spirit, the pressure, greed. Also belong to these four meters that distinguish the extraordinary and standard teams. Wild values when sound in the microphone, but rewarding if placed on the grass.

Real Madrid celebrates Özil's goal

 The white team had two chances on goal before scoring the opener on the 11-minute mark: Benzema controlled the ball passed from Khedira, entered the box and defeated De Gea with a slightly lobbed shot. Atletico reacted fiercely and forced Casillas to spectacularly save shots by Aguero and Reyes, amongst others. Ozil scored the team's second strike in the 33rd minute from a strange shot that confused De Gea and forced him to make a mistake.

Atletico tried to breach the gap after half-time. Forlan put Iker Casillas to the test again in the 47th minute and the goalkeeper made a sensational save. Real Madrid kept trying to net another strike to sentence the match and Cristiano came close on the 65-minute mark, but his header went over the crossbar. Ozil devised all of the team's counterattacks in pursuit of a goal. Mourinho decided to bring Adebayor on for Benzema, and two minutes later, Di Maria came on for Ronaldo.

Real Madrid started to show exhaustion from their Champions League exploits in the final 15 minutes of the match. Mourinho made Arbeloa come on for Lass to strengthen the defence (81') and, when everything seemed to be over, Aguero managed to defeat Casillas inside the box, adding tension to the derby. Mario Suarez nearly scored in injury time, but his soft shot was grabbed by Casillas just before the blow of the whistle.

Summary

Stadium: Vicente Calderón

Attendance: 53,000

Goals: 0-1, m. 11: Benzema. 0-2, m. 33: Özil. 1-2, m. 84: Agüero

Preview: Atletico vs Real Madrid

Atletico vs Real Madrid

The first difference is clear and Mourinho had an impact on it: while Atletico was thinking in the derby for a week, if not more (a month, a year, a life) Real Madrid began to do yesterday afternoon, once assimilated the Champions League draw. And these are the psychological considerations. The physical left Atletico ahead and his rival with tired legs. This equates the match. There is no favourite. However, the history and quality are still playing for Real Madrid.

We must also remember to avoid excuses for present and future, that the templates have 22 members and Real Madrid's players are excellent. In case of injury or stress, Mourinho can play with players of such class (a couple of world champions included) as Adebayor, Lass, Granero, Canales, Arbeloa, Albiol or Garay. Their participation will depend on the training scheduled for noon today. It will be time to decide about the physical state of Cristiano who still has discomfort in the left hamstring. "Manolito" Adebayor will be his relieve, which would bring us back to double nine and better ball movement. And it does not rule out other changes, such as Lass by Khedira. Even Arbeloa by Marcelo or Sergio Ramos.

While in Atletico almost everything is quiet. The coach has all the template in good conditions and called all yesterday. The team has five games without a loss (two wins and three draws) and improved versions of Tiago and Forlan have joined recently to the best Kun Aguero.

Quique Sanchez Flores could even keep the same start-line after 57 days. If Dominguez plays by the uncertain Perea (only change to the side that drew in Almería), Atletico will get the same eleven which beat Villarreal (3-1) and end with a global run (and evil) of 73 league days without repeating team.

The uncertainty about Cristiano gets the derby in the hands of two lighted players: Kun Aguero and Karim Benzema. The Argentine (three goals in the last two games) was not so inspired from the start of the tournament, when was injured by Gurpegui in Bilbao what interrupted his magnificent performance (second day). In Almeria, seven days ago, Aguero gave the impression of being able to dominate everything and today also added the curiosity of potential interest of Real Madrid to sign him in summer.

Karim's case can be explained with goals, seven in the last four games. Processing, as revealed Mourinho inspired by Zidane and himself, has made him in a lethal striker. And that condition is multiplied if he plays in front of a shaky defense as Atletico's, a thousand times retouched by Quique.

Atletico are eighth on the table with 39 points and their goal is to qualify for next year's Europa League. The last time Atletico defeated Real Madrid at the Calderon was on 12 June 1999. Eighteen derbies have taken place since (nine at the Bernabeu, nine at the Calderon), and the Whites haven't lost a single one.

Champions League Draw

The quarterfinal and semifinal matches of the Champions League have been drawn today. Real Madrid will face Tottenham Hotspur in quarters. The Spanish team will play the first leg at home and the second outside. If team qualifies, will face Barcelona in the semi-finals, first at the Bernabeu and then at the Camp Nou.

Tottenham took a big fist on the table when knocked Milan. English team has all kinds of offensive variants, from the air game that offer Crouch and Pavlyuchenko to the fastest speed of Defoe. Behind them all with high quality plays Van der Vaart. The Dutchman is, with Modric, the most talented player of this team. But undoubtedly the most interesting value of Tottenham is the lefty Gareth Bale. Acting as left defense or midfielder, Welsh is a real dagger due to his physical power as he demonstrated in the double battle of the group stage against Inter. However, some problems are hurting his back in recent games. In fact, he started on the bench the second leg match against Milan and the role of spurs will depend on his recovery.

The other quarterfinal pairings are Inter-Schalke 04 and Chelsea-Manchester. The winners of both duels were measured in the other semifinal, first in Italy or Germany and then England.

Champions League Table 2010-2011

Real Madrid Girlfriends: Irina Shayk (7)

Irina Shaykhlislamova was born in Yemanzhelinsk, Russia (January 6, 1986). Her late father Valeri was of Tatar origin and her mother is Russian. Shayk says that she got her unusual looks from her father, and she has said that people often think she is South American. “My father was dark skinned, because he was Tatar. Sometimes Tatars can look Brazilian,” she says. “I get my light eyes from my mother”.

Shayk’s mother was a pianist who was the music teacher in a kindergarten, and her father was a coal miner. She has one sibling, an older sister named Tatiana. Shayk started playing piano at age six. At age nine she enrolled in a music school and studied there for seven years, both playing the piano and singing in the choir, as her mother wanted her to study music. Her father died of complications of pneumonia when she was 14, leaving her family with little money and forcing her mother to work two jobs to provide for the family.

After high school, Shayk studied marketing but was bored by it and entered a local beauty school with her elder sister. While there, she was noticed by a person from a local modeling agency who was struck by her unusual beauty. She was urged to participate in the "Miss Chelyabinsk 2004" beauty contest, and she won. The modeling scout Guia Jikidze noticed her and recommended that she become a model.

Irina Shayk

Shayk started her career relatively late for a model, at the age of 19, when she began modeling in Paris. In 2007 she replaced Ana Beatriz Barros as the face of Intimissimi and in the same year debuted in the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Since that time, she has appeared in every annual edition, attending photoshoots in such places as St Petersburg, Naples, Grenada and Chile.

After being the image of Intimissimi for three years (six seasons), Shayk was made the official ambassador for the brand in 2010. Her other modeling contracts include Beach Bunny (2009), and Guess spring/summer 2009. Her magazine covers include Annabelle, Bolero, Woman, Jalouse, and Paris Capital.

She signed with modeling agency IMG on May 2009, and since then has not stopped working. Recently, Shayk was the cover model for the 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. This is the fifth time she has been featured in the magazine, but the first time she has been on the cover.

At the end of the year 2010 she was pictured nude in the GQ Spain December issue; however, she claimed that she had not stripped for the photoshoot, and that the magazine had digitally altered the images to remove her lingerie.

Irina Shayk and Cristiano Ronaldo

Irina Shayk seems to have done what no woman before could reach, that CR7 establishes his head. And the white player, who seems to have found stability with this Russian model, has opened the doors to his girlfriend of his luxurious mansion in the exclusive area of Madrid 'La Finca'.

Far from the image of selfish player, the Portuguese has decided to share his wonderful home with who is his girlfriend for ten months: 'She spent many days here and there and that creates instability", said a friend of the top. The couple, who remains in the forefront of the media since their relationship became known, is a tandem model envied by many and wide open to speculation. Among the rumors of marriage and the regulars appearances of the couple, the gossip is assured.

Champions League (Last-16, 2nd Leg): Marcelo reactions

No matter that he leaves gaps for his side or does not defend. All offsets. His significance in attack reminds Roberto Carlos. He is not expected and creates many holes in opposing defenses. With the ball makes almost everything right, when dribbling, when he assists to a teammate. He opened the scoring with a remarkable goal that had everything. He linked with Xabi and Cristiano, sat a Lyon player in the area and Lloris could not get his shot. Gave the scare about the break but was able to finish the game.

Marcelo scored the first goal

"We are very happy with the victory. It's been a very important triumph for team and fans alike following tough seasons. We had a debt with Madrid fans and, thank God, we reached the next round. We are calmer now."

"We played like the coach asked us to and we played hard from the start. We're not thinking about which opponent we may face in the quarterfinals. We will try to win and thrill our supporters regardless of whom we face."

"I wish to express my support for Abidal and his family. Rivalry steps aside when things like this happen. What matters is that he recovers as soon as possible."

Champions League (Last-16, 2nd Leg): Mourinho reactions

Jose Mourinho was very satisfied with his team's performance against Olympique Lyon. "We're in the quarterfinals because we were better. Lyon are a great opponent, which adds merit to our victory. We played very well in attack and defence in both legs. I'm happy and I'm also quite relaxed because I think it's normal for us to be in the quarterfinals."

Mourinho and Benzema

"Football is like life. You must live now because you never know if you'll live tomorrow. If we'd been eliminated tonight we wouldn't have reached the quarterfinals, so we had to take risks. Cristiano is mentally strong and he told me he was ready to play. Our fitness trainers said he could play. Our next game is around the corner, so he may not be able to play. Maybe he'll miss the start of it."

"We've achieved small challenges. If you win these stages, work hard and believe, titles eventually come your way. We do collective work that will make titles eventually come our way. We are on the right path and titles will come either this season or the next. My teams usually do better in their second season. Real Madrid will win titles eventually."

"I don't have any preferences regarding our next opponent, but I would like to avoid facing Inter Milan or Chelsea because it is emotionally difficult to face your own people. If it must be, then it must be. We are professionals, but I wouldn't like that."

"Regarding Abidal, these things go beyond rivalry. We all stand together for problems of this sort. I doesn't matter who he plays for, who he is or if you like him or not. We all want him to be well and to play again. Real Madrid simply expressed what everybody thinks."

Link

Champions League (Last-16, 2nd Leg)

REAL MADRID 3 - OLYMPIQUE LYON 0

Tomorrow will be the draw for the quarterfinals and Real Madrid will be there. Finally, after six editions without reaching that level. Will be others, including Barcelona, but today Real Madrid back to close to its site. Madrid always returns, fans know it. The curse of the last-16 and the curse of Olympique Lyon left behind after a night that began with an unbridled attack and no prize, went through a phase of disconcerting good game by French team, was clarified by Marcelo's goal and finished with a second part wich was a party at Bernabéu Stadium.

Benzema celebrates his goal

Marcelo, impressive before and after the goal. Benzema, awesome, who is definitely different with all the lights on. Comes, pushes, removes, combines, smiles, gets angry ...Alive. Dusting this striker is something that Florentino has to thank Mourinho, who has done the miracle. Now lack that Cristiano is recovered, so Real Madrid will have even more formidable attack, as Di Maria and Özil continue to find cracks for which strain the balls or to sneak themselves. And in defense, the team just given a chance.

Although there is a negative comment to make: Pepe. He was the bad note of the night. He saw a yellow card very soon, necessary and inevitable foul. No objection. But after that he contested to an orange and two reds, for those lacks of control, avenging offenses or trying to intimidate. He finished the match by miracle.He will not always be so lucky. And a beautiful detail: the gesture to Abidal, hampered by UEFA to preserve their rites but could not prevent. Football creates rivals, but not enemies.

As mentioned, Mourinho's men took the pitch like a thunderstorm and had many chances on goal, forcing Lloris to become his side's best man. Cristiano Ronaldo tried to score several times, but it was Marcelo who eventually netted the opener with a sublime dribble against Lovren and a powerful shot that defeated Lloris with ease (37').

Lyon took risks after half-time by looking to score repeatedly. Puel made Gomis come on in order to deepen the team's attack. This proved fatal, as Real Madrid are lethal whenever they find room to attack. On the 66-minute mark, Marcelo served the ball to Ozil, who had to fight for it with a Lyon man. Benzema then managed to control the ball, overtook Cris and nutmegged Lloris with an incredibly confident shot. The Bernabeu crowd roared loder than every and gave a standing ovation for their new idol.

Mourinho replaced CR7 with Adebayor in order to give the Portuguese some rest before the derby with Atletico. Di Maria then scored the third and final strike of the night following an incredible mistake by the French defence (75'): the Argentine stole the ball with ease and comfortably defeated the keeper.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 78,000
Goals: 1-0, m.37: Marcelo. 2-0, m.66: Benzema. 3-0, m.75: Di María

Mourinho: "The past does not play the match"

Jose Mourinho addressed the media the day prior to the UCL Last 16 second leg against Olympique Lyon. "The past does not play the game. My Champions League baggage is not in my favour, and neither is Real Madrid's bad run in recent years against them. Champions League games are unique and each has its own history. The tie is open. We may have a slight advantage because we currently have the lead, but it's minimal. Tomorrow's match will be the decider, not the team's history in the championship."

Mourinho in press conference

"Real Madrid have nine European Cup titles and don't need any more to be the champs of all European champions, but they still want to win more. Mourinho is one of three coaches who have won the title with two different teams, but he wants a third. You can't disregard history."

"I have a clear idea of what I want for the game and I've drawn out a game plan. If Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't play in the end, we will lose a phenomenal player, but we have a proper team, and it is as a team that we've reached this far. We will play to finish at least 0-0 because it's enough to reach the next round. We expect Casillas to make a lot of saves. That's the analysis Aulas made, but I think he spoke as a coach rather than as a president. He may be right..."

"This is the first time Lyon play at the Bernabeu without an aggregate advantage. They've never lagged behind against us, so the game will be different this time around. We qualify with the current aggregate, which forces them to play in a different fashion. We will be defensive and wait for them to play their game."

"Lisandro is a great, dangerous and important player, but Lyon are more than just Lisandro. They are a very good and well organised team with a very good coach. We know how they play. We're ready for them.This is very exciting. The crowd must also play. I've been told the Bernabeu crowd plays with its team when the moment of truth arrives. Tomorrow is the moment of truth. Tomorrow, we will either be in the quarterfinals or out of the Champions League. It will be much better, and much more important, for us to feel their support."

Link

Preview: Real Madrid vs Lyon

After six years falling in the last-16 round is impossible not to feel a slight uneasiness. It is true that Real Madrid, in each of these disastrous antecedents, was forced to recover from a defeat. And now is different. By the tie of the first leg, the general feeling and also by the overwhelming statistics. Real have won the 21 games at the Bernabeu this season, fourteen times without conceding a goal. And Mourinho adds 150 games without losing at home. Too many merits to imagine a catastrophe.

Real Madrid hopes to celebrate a victory against Lyon

In addition, Cristiano will play the game; 40 goals in 44 games season (with Madrid and the national team) Yesterday, he trained with the group and will play today although with some discomfort. Caution is a word that is not in his vocabulary and Mourinho will not discuss the pulses. Fans will follow very closely the developments of his left hamstring.

More changes in the rest of the lineup. Marcelo retains his position (in France played Arbeloa) and Khedira will put steel in midfield. Above, Benzema will be the only reference. A real reference (three doubles in a row) and symbolic (dreaded and beloved son of Olympique).

Lyon will attack that mountain. French team does it with the confidence of those players who emerged victorious a year ago, so fear is not among their ailments. Gourcuff will play, who in recent days seemed to recover from a shot and really only lost a nail. But this is not the name of concern. Lisandro is the man; one of those forwards that mix playfulness and talent (four goals in the last two games). Delgado also, another dose of Argentinian blood.They will be the edge of a team without Gomis, the scorer of the French goal at Gerland.

However, the mood of the visitor is its greatest danger: 7 matches unbeaten, a wins and 1 draw in its last 5 games, 16 goals for and 2 against. And a tip: while in Real Madrid only three players repeat from the last-16 second leg of the last year (Casillas, Ramos and Cristiano) in Lyon will return to play seven: Loris, Reveillere, Cris, Cissokho, Toulalan, Delgado and Lisandro. The base of the team that reached the semifinals in 2010.

The event is high rank. If Real Madrid goes to the quarter-finals, will be freed of a great weight. Otherwise look so gloomy that is not covered. Real Madrid has to win.

The new Real Madrid third kit jersey (2011-2012)

Adidas continues to work on the development of the three official jerseys of Real Madrid for next season. The big news is that the third kit of equipment will be copper colored. Both the jersey and pants. A radical change that will turn heads in all the Real Madrid fans.

Players, especially those who wear Adidas, have given the go ahead for this great new (this year the third kit is blue). In the club's history, Madrid has never played for copper, yes in red. It was in three matches in European competitions. Against Cardiff, Dynamo Kiev and PSV Eindhoven.

The third kit is only used by the team in European competitions. In national competitions (League and Spanish Cup) team usually uses the away kit (second kit) for the matches away from the Bernabeu Stadium.

Update: 08/11/2011

Real Madrid third kit jersey (2011-2012)

Bernabeu Stadium also plays against Lyon

Real Madrid will have an advantage against Olympique Lyon and not just the 1-1 of the first-leg that the white team caught at Gerland. Real Madrid play at the Bernabeu Stadium whose support the Mourinho's players need. On Wednesday must leave smoke from the stands although they do not need a comeback. The fans have to sweat like players in the field. It's time to reclaim the magical European nights at the Bernabeu to end the jinx of the last-16 and once and for all, to be among the top eight clubs in Europe after too many years of failure and damage to the shield.

Real Madrid Fans

In the club know that they need the most boisterous version of its fans. The game started at the press conference after the match against Hercules. Mourinho spoke of Real Madrid's people: "With people at the Bernabeu would be easier. The fans must decide whether to play or watch the game. We will be much stronger if we play with twelve".Jorge Valdano, in the VIP area of the stadium, agreed with the Portuguese: "We are very confident in our team and the power of our stadium. Together we will be able to move forward".

Iker Casillas, captain, knows what the Bernabeu Stadium feels in these night. The guardian of the gates of heaven warns: "The best moment I remember from the Champions League was a Real Madrid-Bayern in which we had to overcome a 2-1. The crowd went wild to support the team". Casillas, better than anyone, knows the support of the fans in life or death nights, on nights of the European Cup: "We know the Champions atmosphere is different, we need the public who lives these parties differently. People have to help us and, together, we will be in the quarter-finals".

Xabi Alonso who supports the cuff in the dressing room but does not carry in the field, was also clear: "We will play the most important match of the season and we would like the Bernabeu presses because it is very important". Granero, all his life in the Real Madrid, enjoyed these games in the stands and now he will play on the field: "We hope that the Stadium will be filled, hot and all the fans will come to animate. The stadium has to be one player". Even Adebayor, the last to arrive said: "The Bernabeu has to be the twelfth player. Everyone, as a team, will earn the qualification".

The club's official website has launched an awareness campaign to Real Madrid fans. The players, Iker Casillas, Xabi, Benzema and Cristiano, proclaim: "You do not have to see this game, you have to play". Real Madrid will play against Lyon and team can play with one more. The stadium will be transformed in the territory in which it forged its legend. Against the French, Real Madrid will have divine help.

Cristiano: Will make the final test today

Cristiano will be in cotton until the start of the match. The Portuguese finished yesterday training with a good feeling, but today he will make a final test (intense race and kicking ball exercises). Then, the doctors, the player and Mourinho will take the decision. A dozen days after working in double sessions, Cristiano is recovered from the muscle tear in the left hamstring, but has not met the deadlines set for return to work and to ensure that there will be no relapse. That's the risk.

However, Cristiano has decided. He wants to play and help the team pass to the quarter-finals seven years later. And he has told it Mourinho. With his return, the coach would play with the 4-2-3-1 system, with Benzema as striker and Adebayor on the bench. If the Portuguese falls, bet on the double nine.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid doubts Spanish anti-doping systems

As several Spanish media announced last night, Real Madrid could talk in the coming hours to the Spanish Football Federation to address two fundamental issues. The first would be to protest for the low level of refereeing. The whites believe that referees are notoriously damaging to the Real Madrid team in the league and benefit to Barcelona.

The second would be on anti-doping controls. Real Madrid considers that just exist and there is very low quality, without any guarantee. The whites are wary becuase some doctors, whose names are at stake in this issue, are getting to the Spanish football.

Xavi Hernández

Real Madrid does not understand that doctors with "dubious reputation" are working for Barcelona and Valencia. Also last week, a second division team announced the signing of Dr. Eufemiano Fuentes (accused by organized doping in Spanish cycling).

The information comes after Florentino Perez came out publicly to defend his coach Jose Mourinho, in this case for his complaints about the schedule. In those words, Florentino said that is a target for Real Madrid "to denounce what is unjust, illegal and arbitrary".