Barcelona edged their way into the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a 2-2 draw over Real Madrid. The cup holders, who were reduced to 10 men late on, lost 4-3 on aggregate in a pulsating affair. Despite Real Madrid looking the better side for the majority of the first-half, the home side grabbed the lead in the 43rd minute when Pedro coolly slotted home after an excellent Lionel Messi run….
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho believes his team can regain top spot in La Liga from rivals Barcelona by Christmas. Mourinho’s side lost 3-1 at home to Barcelona on Saturday and also gave up top spot on head-to-head results to the Nou Camp side, who have played a game more. But Mourinho believes that game in hand, against Sevilla, could prove crucial. Mourinho said: “If we beat Sevilla we will…
Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Oezil has thanked coach Jose Mourinho for playing a big role in his development. The Germany international joined Real Madrid from Werder Bremen in the summer of 2010 and has since developed into a key player under the guidance of Mourinho. “He has had a huge impact on me. I want to thank him for putting his faith in me. That has really helped me develop…
Karim Benzema is confident Real Madrid can strike the first blow of the season against fierce rivals Barcelona and win the Spanish Supercopa. Madrid head to Catalonia for the second leg knowing they will most probably need to beat their rivals after being held to a 2-2 home draw on Sunday. Jose Mourinho’s side were, however, the dominant team on their home turf as Barca were cast into an unfamiliar…
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has dismissed speculation linking him with Arsenal. The Frenchman is believed to be on the Gunners’ radar this summer, as his future at the Santiago Bernabeu remains in the balance. However, it appears the €35 million signing from Lyon is slowly but surely establishing himself in Jose Mourinho’s side after a strong finish to last season. And with his impressive showing in Madrid’s pre-season, scoring three…
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho believes he has succeeded in making Karim Benzema a potent force ahead of the new La Liga season. The France striker scored his second and third goals of Real’s pre-season campaign as they beat Hertha Berlin 3-1 on Wednesday night, serving notice of his threat this year, and said: “I have worked hard this summer and I feel good.” Mourinho, though, was happy to take…
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has leapt to the defence of his players ahead of the Champions League semi-final clash with Real Madrid, claiming they are examples of professionalism. Dani Alves, Pedro and Sergio Busquets were all accused of unsporting conduct by Madrid in a fiesty first leg at the Bernabeu, while the latter is reported to have racially abused Real full-back Marcelo. However, UEFA decided against taking additional action against…
There were plenty of things to dislike about José Mourinho during his three seasons in London, not least his thoroughly unpleasant baiting of Arsène Wenger.”It was a game decided on the sending-off, which looked a bit harsh,” he wrote in his programme notes on Sunday. Wenger, we know, is hardly a pal of Mourinho. In essence, nevertheless, he was agreeing with the Portuguese coach, who was incensed when the referee…