Real Madrid vs DC United: 3-0

Another convincing Madrid win if you just look at the scoreline, but there is so much more to the match than that and I'm here to discuss it all. I believe this is one of the best tests for Real Madrid for many reasons. It was hot. The pace of the game was great. But most of all, the match was just enjoyable, for me especially as a Madridista and being an American, seeing how the club football in my home country stacks up against one of the best teams in the world. Let's get started, shall we?

First, I want to clear things up for some people that seem to think that just because Real Madrid has Ronaldo and Kaka and a plethora of other stars, the squad should easily smash everyone 6 and 7 to nil. This is not the case. All the preseason hype is great but we have to keep things in perspective here. Real's players are the best of the best, but they are going to be playing against other professional footballers. Manchester United was a great team last year, but they didn't humiliate teams every week. Other teams will have chances. That's football. So just because Real Madrid gives up a corner on a quick break from the opposition doesn't always mean the defending on the team needs work. It means the offense on the other team did well to play some quality football. I think this was a great test for Real Madrid because they were constantly under pressure. I can totally applaud D.C. for the way they went about the match. When Real Madrid C.F. comes to town, it's intimidating. Player are a little hesitant to take on monsters like Pepe and company. Maybe the team wants to focus their strategy on defending for obvious reason. To my delight, that was not the case today! D.C. was very active and fun to watch play. They were not hesitant or shy by any means. One thing I was interested in seeing was how Madrid would cope with was high pressure from an opponent who likes to push on high and try to creative turn over in advanced positions. There were points where the team looked to react to it very nicely, stringing quick moving passes and evading danger by keeping the ball and play moving. That's the best way to beat that sort of system. Keep it simple until holes begin to breach. That wasn't always the case though. Some times, the pressure got to the team in the center of midfield and bogged down ability to hold possession, keeping the ball in Madrid's own half. It was a great test because if anyone has been tuning into the Barcelona preseason, they have been working on pressuring high up in every match. Barca is a far better side than D.C. United (with all respect to them), so you can see what los blancos are up against. Normally, this wouldn't worry me because there are times where the opposition will have spells in your own half. But when that happened, los blancos got away from the sweet and creative play we saw early in the first half and resorted to long balls over the top. I understand that we have the speed to do that. However, that's not the football we want to play. The type of game we want to play showed it's self in segments, especially in the first half. There were lots of great opportunities that came from possession spells with intricate passing. Higuain, Ronaldo, Granero, Kaka, and Sneijder all had chances in the first half. The D.C. United starting goalkeeper is my man of that match. He was wonderful with the save on Higuain's header and Granero's bullet. Brilliant display by him. Lot's of folks have doubted that all the new signings at Real Madrid would not be able to work together. Recent play has proved this to be very wrong. The quality of each individual is to account for the team's success. Players like Ronaldo know they don't have to take on the single superstar role because the faith in teammates as talented as Raul, Kaka, Benzema, Granero (this could take all day), ect. is evident. The team knows in order to be successful, they need each other.

What are all Madrid supporters talking about now? Pipita off the mark with not one but two goals! It was about time. Up until now, I was a bit worried about his preseason form but I never doubted him. This delights me. You could see how ecstatic he was to have scored on both occasions. The first goal was one for the highlight reels. He must have carried it 40 yards before slotting it past the goalkeeper. However, if you watch the goal, Robben was smart and dragged is defender right out of Higuain's path, smart. The second goal was scored on a break, and instrumental ball was played through to Robben from the "Pirate" Granero. Robben did the hard work and slid it across to an unmarked Higuain who danced past the keeper and rolled the ball into the back of the net. The third goal came from Robben himself. He deserved one after the performance he put on today. He came on as a halftime sub and really provided his own spark, as he usually does. Some believed the Dutchman to be on his way out of the club but he insists that he is staying. I'm sure glad he is after the goal he scored today. I just sat back and smiled. Pepe, with a rare, assist played a long ball in to Robben who sneaked in behind the defense from the right flank. He took three touches. One to trap, one juggle, and one looping volley chip that passed the goal line before the substitute D.C. keeper could pluck it away. Simply sublime. It's comforting to be surrounded by so much depth in the attack especially. You wouldn't even realize that Benzema and Lass were on French National Team duty (even though the FSC announcer seemed to be convinced we would be seeing them coming on. They need to step up their coverage if they are planning on doing the champions league seriously). With Lass away, Xabi Alonso was the one chosen to be the holding of the midfielders. I didn't notice him a whole lot during the match but when I began to look closer, he was doing a brilliant job of just doing a classic defensive center mid's job. He just help rotate and change the point of play. A few times Pepe ventured into the attack I peeked at the back line, and Alonso looked to be covering nicely as if he was a center back all along. He did well under the pressure of the D.C. United midfield. Many may have noticed at times we looked out numbered in midfield. That's because we played the same 4-3-3 as last match (3 midfielders) and D.C. played a 3-5-2 (5 midfielders). Drenthe's confidence rises another level in every game. You have to be impressed with his fitness and just pure athleticism. With the absence of Marcelo due to a sprained ankle, Drenthe played two 90 minute matches in 3 days after a transatlantic flight. He was as lively as ever. He worked up and down the left flank all match. You can tell the confidence is coming back to him. For example, the line drives he was hitting across the pitch to Arbeloa and the 4 or more scissors when he took on that defender in the first half. Many people thought he was going to be a flop, but has been quick to silence the hater's tongue in preseason. I know it's a little bit of a stretch but he reminds me of Roberto Carlos a little. The only thing that worried me with him today, is the majority of the D.C. attack came from long balls through in behind Drenthe or over the top of him. He just needs to keep a little better eye on that winger when the ball is on the opposite side of the pitch.

It was another positive Real Madrid result in the capital city of the United States on a summer scorcher. Shout out to my man Dave, (zidanechamp10) who survived the heat, got handshakes from majority of los blancos and got his picture taken with the engineer himself, Pellegrini. Anyone else catch the FA Community Shield today? You, the readers did pick Chelsea to win the Premiership this season in the last poll. You must know your stuff.

Viva el futbol y HALA MADRID!

Bobby

Real Madrid vs Toronto FC: 5-1

The people of Toronto were not let down by los blancos display tonight. Unless they were die hard T.F.C. supporters. It's hard to be disappointed when Real Madrid wins and scores 5 goals in a single match. Those aren't the only reasons to be pleased though. There are plenty of positives to take out of today's Canadian match up. Not to mention, after Barcelona's North America act was looking to be a tough one to fallow, the other Spanish giant didn't let anyone down.

I'd like to start with the few negatives. From a Real Madrid stand point it's hard to pick out negatives unless you're looking under a microscope like me. I tend to be a bit picky. Okay so it's not like Real was playing a real quality side, but I'm not going to bash a good result and a good performance. I'm actually not disappointed about the goal at all. It was a low hard shot that rebounded to another red shirt. It happens, unlucky. I think it was great for that T.F.C kid to score against a big club like Real Madrid. I believe the announcer on ESPN said he hadn't played a regular season game at all this year. So good for him. He is just a boy. I'd be just as ecstatic as he was. The one thing that made me cringe early was when Casillas, showing he is the best keeper in world (maybe a biased opinion), came out and saved the 1v1 opportunity early in the first half. A chipped ball over the top was played to a Toronto striker who was obviously in an offsides position. However, he let it go and the back line froze as second Toronto player went darting through only to be denied by Iker from close range. Those are the little things that we can't fall asleep on, especially against good sides. He was totally unmarked and 7 out of 10 times will score a golden opportunity like that. At times the Albiol/Metzelder partnership was a little shifty. But for the first time playing together, good. Pepe will miss the first couple games of the season due to a suspension he received at the end of last season. So the German and the new Spanish signing will see a lot of time together right away when the season gets started in a short couple weeks now. I too noticed that the play dropped a little at the beginning of the second half. We need to play a complete 90 minutes or it will comeback to haunt us. For example, Real Madrid vs Juve last week. Other than that it's very hard to pull mistakes from the match. Like I said, I'm a nit-picker and that's all I've got for you.

Let's discuss the formation. It's not what a lot of people expected. I have been all over websites and discussions about what we were going to be looking at tonight and the most common ideas, from what I could see were 4-4-2 with a staggered or altered midfield or 4-2-1-2-1. That wasn't the case. Pellegrini went with a very Barcelona like 4-3-3. Here was the team to start:

------------------Casillas------------------
Arbeloa----R. Albiol--Metzelder --Drenthe
------Lass--------Kaka-------Guti--------
---Ronaldo------Benzema-----Raul-------

That's what the formation looked like, but that is most certainly not how it stayed. The play from Real Madrid was very inventive and creative. This is the kind of football we have all been expecting. Ronaldo looks like a right forward but was often found in the center or left. Kaka was up top next to Benzema who seemed to drift to the left a bit. Raul, as you may have guessed by now, was seen high and even to the right at times. The midfield was having a bit of fun by tangling defenders because they were so hard to mark as they too frequently switched places, making it extremely hard for Toronto to pick up. I don't want to concentrate too much on individual performances because it was a team effort but there are certain things that must be addressed. Real Madrid supporters on forums in recent days have been saying that Raul should step aside and give someone younger a shot. Someone even said he should work to get out of his contract (What a ridiculous comment!). I've argued that he is still valuable and he didn't do me wrong tonight. Two goals of two very different nature. Who says he doesn't still got it? He chopped a defender who is probably 7-10 years younger than he is and roofed it off the cross bar into the back of the net. The years may be beginning to wear on him, but he still has a lot to offer. Good performance by him tonight. It was evident how excited Ronaldo was to score his first goal from open play. Scoring from the penalty spot twice is rewarding but your not truly off the mark until you get one from the run of play. The goal was well worked. I clapped to it in my own living room. A chipped ball into Ronaldo, who headed it on to Benzema. The French international took a touch or so forward and then cut it back for C. Ronaldo, who continued his run and met it in stride. One touch. Bang. Beautiful. Benzema played a major role tonight. Higuain will need to step up his stuff to find game time, but I'm sure at this stage in his career Raul, sadly, cannot play every match. Back to Benzema. He had a part to play in the 4th and 5th goal. He scored from close range after Negredo worked hard to reach the end line and poked a nifty through ball in from Robben who beat the goal keeper and slid the ball home. Well done. It was a luxury to have the Confederations Cup players back in action even though Pellegrini only gave them the first half. Kaka looks awfully promising as always. I feel like he will be an extremely influential part in the upcoming season after seeing him work well with the rest of the Real players today. Arbeloa was very active, filling in for Sergio Ramos who stayed in Spain to nurse an Achilles injury. He gave the ball away a few times, but you can't have a stunning performance every game. I have yet to be disappointed by Granero. He came on as a sub and was just as composed and solid as always. I'd really like to know his pass completion percentage. It's got to be up there. Long balls, through balls, short passes. He can do it all. Xabi Alonso did just the job I thought he would. I didn't expect any less but I'm beginning to get used to something that seems rather unfamiliar as a Madridista. Depth. The healthy competition for places will do the team good. There are so many options. I feel if one player is goofing up, Madrid has another player just as willing and talented to pick up the slack. I want to give an online applause to Drenthe. He has recovered from his confidence scare last year and is as lively and athletic as always. Him and Marcelo, as I have said before, will be truly duking it out for left back all season. Heinze got out at the right time. No real smack on Gago, but Lass looks a lot more comfortable and affective without the Argentine next to him. The last thing I want to briefly touch on is defending set plays. I can actually say something positive about it this time. Madrid's set play defending was much (much, much, much) better than matches previous. The team may have been scored against, but this time not from a free kick or corner, or a header for that matter. Finally.

In the end it is a performance I, as well as many other Madridistas should be excited about. Hopefully that is just a preview for what is to come in the new campaign. I'm looking forward to watching what should be a similar performance against a significantly better D.C. United in a few days time. Just remember, this is preseason, not La Liga, the Copa del Rey, or the Champions League.

Viva el futbol y HALA MADRID!

Bobby

Best Footballing Academies.

The game of football is filled with young whippersnappers. Every now and then we hear of the next protegy player coming up through the ranks somewhere or another. I mean that usually isn't the case when they grow older, for instance Freddy Adu. Jack Wilshire at Arsenal, though young is proving he can compete at a high level and is bursting with confidence. New exciting players are being bread everyday in all different parts of the world. The lucky ones, however, are developed in the finest footballing academies available. All the big stars had to start somewhere. Where is the player development capital of the world? Is it North London? What about Catalonia or Turin? Manchester United is a great club, how about them? Let's find out.

FC Barcelona are said to have the greatest academy in the world by many people who take time to study the game of football. How can these people be sure? What evidence do they have? All you have to do is look at some of the players that have come out of the infamous La Masia. The names such as Victor Valdez, Puyol, Messi, Iniesta, Xavi, Sergi Busquets, Pique, and FCB's burrent boss and former player, Pep Guardiola. They've also developed big names that are at other clubs. Liverpool goalkeeper, Pepe Reina, Everton favorite, Mikel Arteta, and Arsenal playmaker, Cesc Fabregas. La Masia is not hard to find. It's simply right next to the the Nou Camp. The historic building was built in 1702. The academy was started in 1979 It is made up of 90% Spanish players, and 50% are Catalonians. The 10% are foreign such as Messi. So it's not to far off to say that the Barcelona area could produce some of the best talent in the world. Barcelona are active in the transfer market as much as anyone but it is a priority for them to breed players into their first team. The more number of La Masia players in the squad the more Catalonia is represented, which allows the club motto to stay true. Mes que un club. More than a club. Perhaps that is the reason the academy is so successful. We are beginning to see the next generation of La Masia products poke their head above the surface in Barcelona's preseason campaign while former academy players such as Puyol, Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, and Valdez already have taken the reigns to lead the club, where they did so successfully last year being the first Spanish club to win the treble. Bojan Krkic has been the hype of the last few years as the future of Barcelona but new names are beginning to appear. Pedrito and Jeffran netted against Beckham and the L.A. Galaxy just a couple days ago. Dos Santos, former Barcelona youth product, helped Mexico steamrole the United States 5-0 in the gold cup final.

So if Barcelona has a great youth academy, than you would surely think their arch rivals Real Madrid would have one pretty close to being just as good. Sadly that is not the case recently. Real Madrid have developed plays and then are quick to ship them off because they have trouble breaking into a well established first team. For example, Javi Garcia to Benfica and Dani Parejo to Getafe just this summer. Perhaps it is because the academy isn't as strong, but the la madridista nation expects quality performances on every outing. That's a lot of pressure for youngster to handle. It's hard for the first teamers to handle at times. There are some faces on the Real Madrid side that are home bread though. Raul, Madrid's golden boy has been at the club since he was a boy. Iker Casillas the goalkeeper who has played in the youth ranks since age 9. Guti has also been brought up through Castilla. Madrid have been fortunate to reobtain some of their losses bringing back Granero from Getafe and Arbeloa from Liverpool, both of which were part of Madrid's system. It remains pretty obvious that Castilla does not campare well to La Masia in Barcelona. However in this summers U-18 World Club Championships it was Real Madrid who triumphed over Barcelona 2-1 in the final. That will leave a bitter taste in the mouthes of La Masia and continue to fuel the rivalry when these players reach first team action in years to come.

Let's get out of Spain for right now and travel north to the UK. One of the best academies in England you can go to is not, Man. Utd., Chelsea no, Liverpool nope, then surely Aresnal, wrong again. West Ham's The Academy of Football. Some of the greatest English players in the game today and off the past have trained there! Where do I even begin? Okay so West Ham isn't exactly a top notch club in the Prem but it certainly is a top notch place to develop players. In 1998-1999 the FA Youth Cup was won by a scoreline of 9-0 by this lot and featured players such as Chelsea's Joe Cole and Manchester United's Micheal Carrick. The likes of Harry Redknapp, England's 1966 World Cup winning captain, Bobby Moore (I rather like that name), Paul Ince, Glen Johnson who just arrived at Liverpool after a spell with Pompey, Chelsea's Frank Lampard, Rio and Anton Ferdinand, and Jermaine Defoe have all come out of the Hammer's system. Oh wait I forgot to mention John Terry, Sol Campbell, Alan Curbishley, Kieran Richardson, Mark Noble and Jimmy Bullard also spent time there. And I know I must be forgetting some. That's an unbeleivable amount of talent coming out of one place. The Academy of Football takes the prize for developing the most prestigous players.

As of lately, Arsenal, mainly because the ideals of coach Arsene Wenger have heavily relied on their youth system, even more than Barca does. Some say it's an attribute to the club and what kind of players they develop. I'm going to poke my nose in on this business because not a lot of people will. Does Arsenal develop great youngsters? Absolutely. However, I think the opportunities at which they are sometimes exposed to the harsh world of top class footballing is are mistimed. Throwing young Gibbs into the mix against Manchester United in the Champions League semi-final? That just isn't a smart move. What does Arsene Wenger think he will do? I mean if he has a great match, its a boost of confidence that will carry a player for miles but Gibbs experience level is not ready to take on that challenge. I do think playing some young players in the Carling Cup is a good idea because you are putting aside a competitive torunament to expose them little by little. And in the Carling Cup the young players look great. They play the quick moving interplay combination football we know from Arsenal, but often times it's against a League 1 or 2 side. With Adebayor and Toure out the door this summer, Arsenal hasn't looked to sign anyone of any signifigance. Wenger once again believes that his young boys can do the job. It doesn't seem to be the season to be toying around with Manchester City buying players like they've come from a vending machine. I think the Arsenal youngers are way above par footballers but they need leaders to help them grow. Arsenal have an unstable Gallas, and a young Febregas leading the team. If they fail to impress this year or even drop out of the big four, I think we will see the end of Wenger and the youth will sink back into the woodwork with a new coach except for a very select few like Jack Wilshire.

Where does one create a player like Cristiano Ronaldo? Well you simply can't. You just develop the potential he has been given by the good Lord. Well where did they do that? The Sporting/Puma Academy in Lisbon, Portugal. That is where Sir Alex picked him up from after he had made a couple appearences for their first team. Many people believe that United develop the greatest home grown players. This is a common misconception. The United youth is very good, however they aren't from Manchester. Sir Alex and his scouts often pick up players like Ronaldo and mold them into high class footballing machines. Prime examples are Ronaldo himself, Fabio and Rafael da Silva, and a soon to be breakout star Marcheda, who was controversially moved from Lazio's Academy to United's.

I hope I have enlightend some on where the best academies are incase anyone out there has amamzing tallent and might be accepted, or you were just curious. There are other programs I failed to mention such as Inter Milan, Bayern Munchen, Juventus and PSG as well as others. However, I also didn't want to leave you material-less for today.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Peace Cup Semi-Final. Juventus vs Real Madrid: 2-1

Real Madrid fell to Juventus in the Peace Cup semi-final today 2-1. I have plenty of thoughts to share on this match. I think it was a good way to see how Real Madrid has been stacking up to other big sides during preseason. Put some players under more pressure than against Al Ittihad or LUDQ. Some reacted well to the pressure, some did not unfortunately.

First off, am I disappointed about the loss? Always. Is it the end of the world? Not at all. Yes, the match was obviously a failure not progressing through to the final, but it was only a preseason match and I believe there are plenty of positives and even more lessons to learn from the Juve match up. My number one concern for the Merengue and has been all preseason is defending set plays. Both goals today were scored off set plays. To make it worse, the first happened only 4 minutes into the match. To make it even worse than that, it was tiny little Cannavaro that left the Bernabeu for Juve this summer with a header, completely unmarked, held onside by Ronaldo, who was far to deep on the back post side. Thats the 5th goal Los Blancos have conceded in the preseason and also the 5th from set plays. Defending free kicks and corners has to get better if Madrid are going to succeed. Simple as that. In a sense, if Madrid would have been tidy on defending set plays and corners, they could be unscored upon at this point. Interesting, yeah?

I'm gonna mix it up a bit now and throw in a couple pros rather than concentrating on the cons all at once. I'll mix and match them for you. Drenthe was full of energy today and I was completely impressed by his performance. He found plenty of free space on the left wing from his defending position and contributed to the attack often. He looks to be very fit for preseason, racing up and down, tracking back and starting forward. He is still young and has plenty to learn, but with confidence I have a feeling he and Marcelo will be dueling it out on the left wing all season for a spot now that Hienze has moved onto Marsielle. The partnership worked out well with Lass and Granero behind Guti in the midfield, at least for the first half anyway but I'll get to that in a minute. The more I watch Granero, I become more fond of him. I really think he was quite a deal coming from Getafe. He is a play maker. His vision is fabulous. He can really pick out players, but also keeps it simple. If the ball isn't on he doesn't force it, easily turning out and restarting the attack by going backward or square. Enjoyed him a lot today. For being the older veteran striker on Real Madrid, Raul still causes plenty of trouble. He drew the penalty from Chiellini, who I don't rate as a great defender. However, nonetheless, Raul still had a handful of chances throughout the match. Benzema didn't standout today like in previous matches. He drifted in and out of the game. He was brilliant for the first 15 minutes, very involved. However, he slowly slipped off until he was substituted midway through the second half. What is odd, that I noticed not once but twice is that the French striker, didn't even look at the goal before taking his shots that missed by a fair distance. It's very difficult to shoot blind. Perhaps it was just the two shots I witnessed but the fact that he doesn't really know where he is aiming could be detrimental to his career in general. Everyone is upset with Ronaldo's free kick form. Today he missed wide, hit the very center of the wall, and pretended he was Dani Alves with souvenir for some lucky fan in the third tier. He just needs to find his niche again. He can feel the pressure being put on him to score those, and the more he misses, the more he feels it. As soon as he catches his lucky break, they will start to find the net. That's my prediction. For his play other than the free kicks today, I thought he was useful. He wasn't just glued to the right flank all match. I spotted him in the center, up top, on the left. That's what he needs to do. It's very easy to mark a player that plays in one area of the field, but if he is constantly running around, different people will constantly have to pick him up. Eventually, someone will miss their cue, or he will open up space for somebody else. With Torres at right back, I'm so anxiously awaiting the return of Ramos or even newly, but pointlessly signed Arbeloa. He did not play well. foolishly gave up the free kick that lead to the first goal and fouled constantly. Madrid needs that Ramos energy back. The last individual performance I want to pick out of the crowd is Pepe. He was a mammoth today. I giant big defender. He gave no ground to anyone, picked up players, won headers and 1v1s, tracked back and frustrated Amuari all match. Pepe did scare me with the back pass that was picked off, but he and Metzelder quickly made amends. Superb from the Portuguese international today.

I've had enough of the individual stuff for now at least. Let's look at the game play. First off, the offsides trap seemed to be working. I didn't count the amount of time Juve were called off but it had to have been at least half a dozen. When Madrid were scored on so early, I was shocked, but wasn't going to remain so sour with 86 minutes still to play. I was right for the first half. Real Madrid looked the better team and even the most stubborn Juventus supporter's eyes. The possession was great. The quick fluent passes, the changes of directions, clever balls and fast pace was difficult to deal with. I quickly forgot about being a goal down and redirected my concentration to not if but when our equalizer would come. It came shortly before half with Raul drawing his penalty and Ronaldo fooling Buffon by easily placing the ball in the center of the goal from the spot. I was absolutely thrilled. This was the kind of football I had been waiting for, Real Madrid football, and it had finally arrived. Or visited should I say. The second half was a totally different story. The Merengue enjoyed the same type of play for about 10 or 15 minutes until one by one the wheels began to fall off the wagon. The scoring of Juve's second goal off the corner didn't worry me at first because I thought the squad would rebound the way they did so perfectly after the first goal but I was wrong. Panic mode set in and we got away from the basics and the possession. Without the ball, you cannot score (with the exception of fluke own goals). The wing play began to deteriorate and balls were being forced through the middle and over top. Those are mental errors. When los blancos needed to be patient they weren't and resorted to forcing it. The introduction of Higuain and Negredo did absolutely nothing for the team, both failed to make an impact or even be noticed at all. The game grew to be a little chippy and Lass always falls into that category when that happens but I was shocked at the tackle by Grygera in the closing couple of minutes that took Ronaldo out of action temporarily. The replay showed his standing tackle go studs well up into the number 9's knee and drag down his leg. It was very late. A yellow card was generous. Perhaps the Peace Cup isn't as peaceful as it may sound.

I would like to give me approval to both Camoranesi and Giovinco. I thought both were acceptional today. Very tidy, the two of them. Camernasi just created problems all match long and made Torres look a fool at times. Giovinco is young and has a lot to offer. He looks to be a promising player of the future.

I had a lot to say about this one. Hopefully you didn't need a water break to finish it. I will be looking forward to Madrid's trip to the States in hopes that they will not embarrass themselves against and MLS side but even more excited to see Kaka make his debut and the rest of the Confederations Cup players return.

R.I.P. Sir Bobby Robson

Viva el futbol y hala Madrid

Bobby

Real Madrid vs Al Ittihad: 1-1

As a Real Madrid supporter it is important for me to be patient. A lot of people, me included, have to look at Al Ittihad as a guaranteed win for a prestigious side like Real Madrid. We had a starting line up, that in mid season form would put the Saudi side to shame with Ronaldo, Raul, Benzema, Sneijder and others. However, los blancos skidded into a pretty evenly matched 1-1 draw. I watched the game online and struggled to find a feed that satisfied me. Although my expectations are high because I'd love to see it crystal clear. I missed much of the first half. The lag was dreadful even for spells in the second but there are a few things that caught my attention. I'm only giving my opinion on what I saw, there was plenty I would have missed. So please feel free to comment and tell me what you think.

Once again, Gago frustrated me. As soon as I got the feed to start working, my first image of the match was Gago giving the ball away. I sighed in dispare but continued to watch. It's my opinion but I think there are so many more solid midfielders at the club, that Gago really shouldn't have a spot, yet he started the match. He was definitely the player marking the Al Ittihad goalscorer on the set piece, which seemed to be scored in a sloppy fashion. Just terrible marking in general. Of course, I can't blame the entirity of the goal on Gago. Lass was the player who gave away the free kick which lead to the goal. That leads me to my next point. I only saw the match in segments as you know, but out of the few short clips I saw, Lassana Diarra was a frequent fouler. I think he is a great player with a lot to offer and very technically gifted, but he is a sloppy reckless defender. He brings plenty of pace and creativity, but doesn't hold down the fort in front of the back line very well. As a holding center mid, I'd love to see him composed and solid. I can see why Pellegrini still wants Xabi Alonso because he can do just what Lass doesn't. He isn't to fancy, but a solid player who plays the role he is given very well. That is what Madrid has missed dearly ever since the knee injury last season to almost forgot Mahamadou Diarra. He really did that holding job well and was just a driving physical force behind midfield. Occasionally he got forward, but only when there was the opportunity, much like Yaya Toure at Barcelona. I would hate to see Lass out of the line up but he is certainly a different kind of holding center midfielder than what I am used to seeing.

Back to the match. Madrid's back line has been somewhat makeshift in their first preseason matches. I know Pellegrini is trying to find the right partnership at the center back positions and with the absence of one of my favorite players, Sergio Ramos, right back has been up for grabs as well. However, no matter which players are working together back there, the defending has been sketchy? If that is the correct word. Especially on the flanks, far to many balls AND players get in behind the back line and aren't always dealed with in a tidy manor. That worries me because Madrid might be able to get away with it against Shamrock Rovers and Al Ittihad, but against solid La Liga and Champions League sides the Merengue won't be so lucky. I continue to heap praise on Benzema who had the eye to find Raul for the goal. I'm not too impressed with Raul's finish but that's only because I already know he is capable of that skill and so many more. For what I could see, Ronaldo didn't have a typical Ronaldo performance but I'm not going to doubt his abilities as everyone knows what he can do, he just needs time to settle in. I didn't know much about Granero, who returned to Real Madrid earlier this week for a 2 year spell at Getafe. I was surprised he was in the squad list so soon, especially because it appeared he bumped Van der Vaart out , who played very well for me against Shamrock. I soon found out what kind of player he was. I liked him at a first look. He seemed to be composed, although he only had 15 minutes or so. He manage to almost break the cross bar from a whopping 35 or so yards out too. Even though Robben came on late I thought he provided a spart to the team, a new energy. He had a couple chances and really helped strengthen the attack. Well done on his part.

Real Madrid is a team full of new faces and faces that haven't returned yet from International duty. Even though I'm disappointed with a draw I can accept it. There are so many players that need to find out each other's playing style and the coach needs to find the right mixture and formation with so many options. I'm convinced they will be able to make it work. The season is still over a month away and it's just a preseason match. Greatness doesn't come over night and I know that. I'm patient and accepting and eagerly awaiting the next match in two days time. i hope he isn't one to make way for new players.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

The Fall of Dinho

There is a footballer who revolutionized the game for a short time in our sport's history. He was unlike any other. I cannot accurately describe in words what his play meant to me. Foot skills were inspiring, blistering pace and agility, the mind of a genius. Always had a smile on his face, but passion for the game in his veins. He was a hero to all, a master with the ball, a demon on the pitch. Loved by all and hated by few, Ronaldinho Mania swept the globe. Nothing lit up a pitch like his horse-toothed smile. It's saying a lot for me when I consider a Barcelona player one of my personal heroes. Where did he go? He went from unbelievable, to untraceable. What happen to the favorite? I mean he is only 28 years old. He has plenty of career left. Did he run out of magic? Or does he just need to find it again? Four summers ago, Ronny was the Brazilian captain that lifted the Confederations Cup. This year he did not even make the squad list. Let's take a closer look of how he went from "the next Pele" to failing to even represent his country.

We all remember when the name Ronaldinho ruled the footballing world. Every little kid wanted his jersey, every celebration in a kick about was two hang-loose hand gestures, or a poorly imitated samba dance. Everyone wanted to be a dinho, but why? Simply because Ronaldinho was the coolest footballer around. He was an icon. He appealed to so many because of his freestyle, intricate, and tricky way he played the game. His flare caught the eye of billions around the globe. Ronny did things with the ball you wouldn't dare dream about doing in an actual game. Did he really juggle over handfuls of defenders? Yes. Nutmeg at least 5 or 6 players a match? Sure did. Catch the ball on his chest and walk out of a pack of opponents? Yeah, he did that too. What couldn't he do? He was a freak of nature; he had it all, speed, moves, and a smile that touched everyone. The world could not get enough. Ronaldinho arrived at FC Barcelona, the club that made him famous, in the summer of 2003 from Paris St. Germain. It is there where he began to shine, started to turn heads. He scored in his debut that summer in a friendly against AC Milan and from there on out he was golden. People quickly began to notice his quick feet and athletic abilities. He began to make real noise at the club the fallowing season. In 2004-2005, Ronaldinho and the Blaugrana won La Liga and he himself picked up the prestigious FIFA World Player of the Year (WPOY) award in December of 2004. One WPOY wasn't good enough for the Brazilian, seeing as he won it the next year as well. He was a circus act like performance. He continually bamboozled defenders and played in a way that dropped jaws in amazement. His selection of tricks included stepovers, back heals, flicks, rainbows, the famous elastico, and simply things you had just never seen before. Not only was he tricky, but affective scoring 32 goals in his first two years in Catalonia. It wasn't until 2005-2006, where Ronaldinho mania came into full swing. That year Ronaldinho lead Barcelona to win La Liga and the Champions League. Ronaldinho was simply incredible. He was a one man force wearing blue and red. He single handedly had 24 goals and 18 assists for Barca in that single season. Ronny received a standing ovation from the Santiago Bernabeu crowd that season when Barcelona thumped Real Madrid at home 3-0. How many players can say the fans of their arch rivals stood up to applaud their performance? He scored 2 of the 3 goals, both times slicing through the Madrid defense, virtually untouched. The season represented the pinnacle on Ronaldinho's career. What happened to him?

It’s now the beginning summer of 2006, where the world sits anxiously awaiting World Cup Germany. The media has a frenzy with Ronaldinho. They overhyped him again and again, claiming time after time, he was going to bring Brazil their 6th World Cup triumph. The expectations were so high for the Brazilian to try an live up to. Especially since all of his opponents new all about him at this pint, and were sure to double, even triple team him, and on the national team he wasn't as free to roam where ever he liked on the pitch and had more of a midfielders role to play than a goal scorer. Opposition's mentality was shut down Ronaldinho, then Brazil. He was walking around with a big red target on his chest. Brazil made an early tournament exit, falling in the second knock out round to France where Zidane stole the talent show in the midfield from the Brazilian. After Thierry Henry put France up 1-0, Ronaldinho had a handful of chances to put Brazil level, from trademark "number 10" free kick positions. None were converted and Brazil left Germany empty handed. Ronaldinho's stats for the tournament read: 5 games started, no goals scored, and 1 assist. He was to many the disappointment of the World Cup, and he seemed to know it too. The season fallowing the World Cup seem to be going all right for Barcelona, they were winning La Liga and were 12 points clear of Real Madrid who were second. However, they gifted their rivals the trophy with a series of bad results and lost out to los blancos on the head-to-head rule, losing to Madrid at the Bernabeu and, drawing with them at home 3-3. The next season looked even worse for Barcelona as they finished in 3rd, 18 points astray of Real Madrid who won the title for the second year in a row. Ronaldinho's performances had been noticeably deteriorating for some time now. His magic was found only on occasion, and the majority of his goals came only from free kicks. His morale obviously down, over the last two seasons. Naturally Barcelona fans grew increasingly impatient and upset. If Ronaldinho brought them trophies, he's the reason they are not coming in now. At the time, Barcelona coach, Rijkaard, said there was a lack of motivation at the Nou Camp after so many successes in the years previous. There also seemed to be team chemistry problems involving Samuel Eto'o, Ronaldinho, and Rijkaard himself. The Cameroon striker finally came out and said publically "If I was called Eto'odinho, I would have won the Balon d'Or." Ronaldinho missed training sessions often, supposedly in the gym. He began to put on the pounds. Ronny was no longer his former, slender, muscular self. His waistline grew larger and many began to question his off pitch activities. Barcelona and Brazil teammate at the time, Edmilson spoke of Barcelona's "black sheep" claiming the character in question would only make about a third of the training sessions and spent his late nights out partying and enjoying Barcelona's night life. Partying seemed to always be an issue as Luis Fernandez, Ronaldinho's boss at PSG, complained that the Brazilian was too focused on partying in Paris and his Brazilian holidays never ended on time. He had been pulled out of a pair of matches under mysterious circumstances late in his Barca career. All this angered the club who refused to protect him from the public. It was Ronaldinho's own fault he was in these situations, and his teammates and club were the ones suffering for it. Finally Ronaldinho could escape from all of this Eastern Spanish chaos, with a bid from Milan. The Brazilian jumped on the deal right away hoping to regain a sense of self and football in a new destination. He completed the €21 million deal to the Italian giants. He was met by thousands of adoring fans. This look to be a new start for the Brazilian. The number 10 was already in use by Clarence Seedorf so he chose the number 80 because he was born in 1980. It was a new look Ronny. He seemed to be a hit with Milan, not quite his former self but making an impact in the Serie A, until he there too started to fall out of favor. Milan had so many attacking options, it was difficult to break in and stay in amongst Kaka, Pato, Inzaghi, Seedorf, Pirlo, and Ambrosini especially when Ronaldinho hadn't captured the form he once knew. When Milan finalized the Beckham loan, Becks was a hit, immediately grabbing a first team spot and pushing the Brazilian Ronaldinho further down the bench into despair once more.

This season things could be looking up for Ronaldinho. I sure hope that's true. What a miracle it would be to see those performances of several years ago back on football's main stage. Ronaldinho admitted this is a chance for him to regain what he has lost. Beckham is back at the LA Galaxy and Kaka has transferred to Real Madrid, leaving spots for him to jump into and impress the Milan new coach, Leonardo Nascimento de Araujo, another Brazilian. Ronaldinho and AC Milan took on the LA Galaxy in a preseason match last week where Dinho's performance earned him the Man of the Match award. I for one will be pulling for the return of the great Ronaldinho. It seems unlikely but this is football and I won't rule anything out. His performances will forever live on.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Zizou: One of the Greats.

Everyone remembers World Cup 2006 for the infamous headbutt incedent performed by one of football's most celebrated stars, Zinedine Zidane, on the scheming, slimy king of trickery and dirty tackles, Marco Materazzi who egged on the Frenchman with disgusting insults. (You may have guessed I'm not a great fan of his, but that is a tale for another day). An image of the French captain marching off the pitch, as ordered by the form of a red card, in the World Cup finals, passed football's most beloved trophy he dared not to look at, is one of the saddest sights football has ever seen. Can this single incident scar an entire career of greatness? For me it's a definite "no." Zidane or, Zizou was a hero to me. We shared the same number, 5. He will go down in world, French, and Real Madrid history as one of the greats., I'm hear to tell you why.

A French boy of 17 made his debut for AS Cannes in Ligue 1 where he also bulged the onion bag for the first time in his career. From then on, the player of Algerian decent was destined for nothing short of legendary. At age 21 the rising genius, made the switch to Bordeaux. Zidane was eligible to play for the Algerian national team but decided for to play for the country that raised him (you hear that Rossi?). He made his French debut in 1994 against the Czech Republic where he came on as substitute. The score was 2-0 to the Czechs when he entered the match. It ended at 2-2; Zizou had both. He began to taste what it was like to lift silverware where his side won the 1995 Intertoto Cup and came agonisingly close to the UEFA Cup, placing as runners-up the fallowing season. Zidane decided to leave his homeland and travel to Italy where Juventus signed him for £3 million in the summer of 1996. The next season Juve went on to win the Serie A and reached the Champions League final only to be flushed out by Borrusia Dortmund 3-1. Zizou and Juve retained their Italian crowned the next season and also returned to the Champions League final to be edged by Spanish giants and Zidane's next Club, Real Madrid, 1-0. In the summer of 1998 Zidane was the hero in France's triumph 3-0 of Brazil in the World Cup final in France, scoring 2 of the 3 goals. In 2000, France won the Euro tournament with the help of Zizou making France the first team to hold the Euro and World Cup crown since West Germany in 1974. In the summer of 2001, he made the move to Madrid for what was at the time the highest transfer fee in history. Zidane would establish his name for himself on the club level in Madrid. He had entered the stage in his career that many player on can dream of standing on, performing on. It was here, wearing a white shirt, that Zidane would find his moment of European glory. He scored the winning goal of the Champions League final against Bayern Leverkusen in arguably the greatest Champions League goal to date. Brazilian left back Roberto Carlos was busy down the left flank with a bouncing ball he managed to loop to the edge of the area before it passed the endline for a goal kick. The rainbowing ball came falling toward an eagerly awaiting Zidane who thumped the ball with a left-footed side volley into the top left corner of the net. France's luck had long since run out in the 2002 World Cup hosted by South Korea and Japan. Zizou was injured for the first two games of the tournament and did not see action. The former world champions exited the tournament without a win. Zidane only ever enjoyed one La Liga success in the 2002-2003 season. He retired from international duty after France were knocked out of Euro 2004 by Greece. Zidane's international career was over, or was it? French coach, Raymond Domenech pleaded with Zidane to return for just one more tournament with France, the 2006 World Cup. After a sad trophyless season in Madrid, Zizou made it known that he would play in the World Cup, but those games would be the last of his a career as a footballer all together. Zidane was the best player at the tournament. Instantly he was reinstated as team captain. He played with elegance and class that may never be matched. In the France vs Brazil knock out round he easily outshined over-hyped Brazilian and Barcelona star, Ronaldinho. He played a key role in the knockout matches against Portugal and Spain sending his team eventually to the Final where he had the nerve to chip extremely highly rated Italian goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon, on a penalty kick drawn by French winger, Malouda early in the first half. As we all know, Zidane's moment in the sun which would have probably seen him go out on top and seal one of the greatest careers the world has ever seen, was sent off in flames as the captain was shown the infamous red card.

No one should let the last chapter in the fairytale of Zizou scar his entire career. Not all stories have a happy ending. He is a warrior for the game of football. He always played with desire and passion. He is a leader and a real personality. When asked if he was going to apologize to Materazzi, his answer was no. He then said, that would make what he said okay. He'll always be a hero to me and many others. Viva Zizou!

Team Honors:

• Uefa Intertot Cup 1995,1999


• Serie A 1996-1997, 1997-1998


• European Super Cup 1997


• Intercontinental Cup 1996,2002


• La Liga: 2002-2003


• Spanish Super Cup 2001, 2003


• European Super Cup 2002


• UEFA Champions League 2002


• FIFAWorld Cup 1998


• UEFA European Championship 2000

Individual Honors

• Ballon d'Or awarded to Zidane 1998


• Ligue 1 Best Young Player 1994


• Ligue 1 Best Player 1996


• UEFA Champions League Best Midfielder 1998


• UEFA Euro Player 1996


• Serie A Foreign Player of the Year 1997, 2001


• Serie A Footballer of the Year 2001


• Onze d'Or 1998, 2000,2001


• French Player of the Year 1998, 2002


• UEFA Club Footballer of the Year 2002


• UEFA Team of the Year 2001, 2002, 2003


• FIFA World Player of the Year 1998, 2000, 2003


• UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll 2004


• FIFA 100


• UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament- 2000, 2004


• FIFA World Cup Golden Ball 2006


• FIFA World Cup All-Star Team 1998, 2006


• FIFA World XI All-Star Team 2005, 2006

What a man...

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Derby Day

When there is more on the line than three points, when the opposition's supporters sing insults at your team in unisen, when the whole world stops for 90 minutes to watch two teams duke it out for battle scars and bragging righst, we have a derby on our hands. Not just any derby, I'm talking about the best of them. I'm talking about the matches that turn all heads torward the same pitch. The matches grandparents tell children about. A match for the ages, instant classics, changes in power, and legendary goals. Only a couple derbies in the world possess these kinds of powers. I'm here with 3 of my favorites to break them down, throw out a little history, and guess who is coming out on top this year.

AC Milan vs Inter Milan
Did this feud start because the two sides are in the same city or is their something more to this derby? Well for a matter of fact, there is. AC Milan was originally founded by British imigrants just before the turn of the century in 1899. At the time, only English players could be part of the club (maybe this is why Beckham was such a hit). Obviously, being an Italian based club, that infuriated many people. Protesters had enough of the all English nonsense and formed Internazionale, which is more commonly known as Inter Milan. The two clubs have been at it ever since. They have met 270 times when including all competions. The results are as fallowed. AC Milan have 106 wins, Internationale has 92 wins, and the side has drawn 72 times. For now, the Rossoneri, which translates to red and black, have the slight edge over their cross town rivals in derbies but who is more successful? Last season was a staple for the Nerazurri (black and blue) as they clinched their 17th league title, one more than rivals AC Milan has in their history. They are even on Coppa Italia's at 5 but AC Milan has really out-done Inter in Europe. The Rossoneri has totaled 7 European Cups, second only to Real Madrid, compared to Inter's 2. So yes over the course of history, letting the European Cups be the deciding factor, AC Milan has been better overall. Of course Inter could make the protest that they were established 9 years after Milan, but their was no European Cup between 1899 and 1908 and if their was it would be a bold statement to make saying they would have won it 5 times in 9 years. I didn't say it was impossible cause we've seen crazier things, but unlikely nontheless. Both sides play in Milan's famous San Siro. It is an awefully tense atmosphere at the derby I wouldn't dare say both teams are playing at home. It's more of both teams are playing away. Milan's most hardcore supporters, Fossa dei Leoni, are found at at the infamous "Gate 17", or more commonly known as "The Lions Den." Inter fans are known as the Boys SAN. One way to look at it is, Milan is the Red, Inter is the Blue, and they are fighting over the Black. Let me tell you the tale of Mazzola vs Rivera. Sandro Mazzola was an Internazionale playmaker in the 1960s. Gianni Rivera was the same sort of player but for Milan at the same time. Milan had tremendous success during this time. However, there still seemed to be a kind of rivarly between the clubs over which player was better. They hardly ever played side by side for the Italian National team, often being substituted for one another. National team coach Ferruccio Valcareggi started Mazzola over Milan's Rivera, depite his nickname "Golden Boy," in the 1970 World Cup Final against Brazil. Italy lost the match 4-1 to Pele and company and Rivera did not appear until the 88th minute. It is said by many if Rivera would have been in the place of Mazzola, Italy would have another star next to the national team badge. In recent years the Milan Derby, also known as the Derby della Madonnina, has been pretty even. The last 5 meetings between the clubs have issued out one draw and two wins a piece. What should we expect from the next derby? There have been dramatic changed at Milan this summer, losing a coach of 8 years in Ancelotti, Beckham, reuturning to the L.A. Galaxy and Brazilian Kaka to Real Madrid. Inter have strengthened their team with Bayern Munchen's Lucio. However, as of the last week, Ibrahimovic has been linked with Barcelona. Over the last four years Inter has been the stronger team overall. If I had to predict a winner I'd go with the Nerazzurri.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona

Where do I even begin when it comes this bloody affair? Catalonia vs the mainland Spain. As a Madridista, I'm going to do my best to state the facts and stay away from biasness. You can trace this rivalry back to when Spain was run by dictator Francisco Franco from 1939 to 1975. Franco frowned up Eastern Spain's region of Catalonia. He was stubborn and wanted Spain to be a united country. Because the Catalonians had their own language and a seperate culture than the rest of Spain, they were a target for Franco's criticism. The Catalan's often liked to support their way of life through football at Barcelona. Barcelona adopted the motto "Mes que un Club" which translates to "more than a club." Franco supported Real Madrid. Of course, being in Madrid, there is a pretty good chance you are a Real Madrid fan. They are one of the most supported clubs in the world. Nowadays, just under half of the entire Spanish population supports Real Madrid. In the early 1930s Catalonia along with a few other regions wish to exercise their right to autonomy, to stand as individuals, which started the conflict that enventually lead to the Spanish Civil War. They formed the C.E.D.A. (Confederacion Espanol de Derechas Autonomas). The dictator's goal was to fight for the country of Spain and bring all of its people back together under one language, one rule, on identity. The Republicanos headed by Franco, were supported by Mexico and the Soviet Union. The Nacionales, supporters of the rebellion, and C.E.D.A were teamed with Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. In the end, in the year 1939, Franco's Army over took Catalonia. The Catalans have never forgiven the capital for this. Catalonia had the right to autonomize by law, but the government wanted to unite it's people under one powerful regime. Despite having a dictator in the Spanish Capital, the influence of anarchism and communism that appears in Spains history started primarily in Catalonia. Presidents of both Real Madrid and Barcelona suffered losses at the hands of the nacionales. Both sides, in a way, were fighting for what was right, just not what the other wanted. This feud started one of the greatest football derbies of all time, El Clasico. The two sides have met a total of 158 times. Stats stand with 68 wins for Real Madrid, 60 wins for Barcelona, and 30 draws between the two. Los Blancos or the Merengue have performed ever so slightly better in El Clasico but the rivary does not stop there. The Copa del Rey has been dominated by the Blaugrana. They have 25 compared to Madrid's 17. However, Real Madrid has been more succesful in the league, claiming 31 to Barca's 19. Barcelona took down what was said to be one of the greatest sides ever, last season's Manchester United in the Champions League Final, when they went on to be the first ever Spanish side to win the treble. Barcelona have tallied up 3 European Cups in their history, 2 in the last 4 years. Real Madrid have the most European Cups of any team at 9. The most recent arriving in Madrid in 2002. Remeber earlier in the artical when I mentioned "crazier things have happened" when I noted the possibility of Inter Milan winning 5 European cups in 9 years? Well this is one of those crazier things. Real Madrid won the very first 5 European Cups back to back. Helping them triumph was Real Madrid great, Alfredo Di Stefano. The Argentine born player is often disputed because he originally signed for both clubs, finally choosing Real Madrid. Bad blood remains between these two sides to this very day. One of the most controversial transfers ever in football occured in 2000 when Portugese winger, Luis Figo, transfered directly from Barcelona to the capital. In a recent FourFourTwo interview, Figo said that Barcelona and him had no problems except for the fact that they did not want to pay him a fair ammount of money. He said Barcelona thought he was joking about transfering to Real Madrid. Obviously not as the winger made the move and enjoyed many successes at the Bernabeu. He was greeted at the Nou Camp by having a pigs head thrown at him from the stands when Barca hosted Real Madrid the next season. If you are looking for a prediction out of me here you won't get one. The match is almost impossible to predict at this given time, but as a Real Madrid supporter, I'll be behind los blancos at all times.

Paris St. Germain vs Olympique Marseille

This rivalry doesn't date back decades in history. It's not really that old at all. I mean Paris St. Germain or better known as PSG were only established in 1970. There is no massive, violent, political conflict or an exclusive club only kind of deal either. So what causes such a stir up between these two sides? This hatred is simply football related. In the 1988-1989 season, the two teams were tied at 70 going into the last match day. Their opponents? Eachother. The match was even at 0-0 up until the last five minutes of play when Marseille's Franck Suazee slammed one home with a blast from outside the area giving Marseille the title. That title was the first of five in a row for OM (although the 5th of which was stripped for a scandle). The Paris based club was crushed. I could never live down a loss like that and they haven't either. The rivalry is often times violent when supporters get to into it. I remember several years back, one of of the teams bus was attacked and a player said he had feared for his life. I watched the derby a couple years ago on TV and Marseille sent their reserves and youth players to play the derby to ensure the safety of their first team footballers. The game ended in a draw and the PSG fans were not best pleased. Violent crowd stories plague this football match, and it looks like they always will unfortunately. The two rivals have met 71 times and have been fairly evenly matched. OM has 28 wins, PSG has 25 wins and there are 18 draws between them. However, Marseille's history topples the Paris based club. OM has 8 leagues to PSG's 2, 10 French Cups to PSG's 6, and 1 European cup to PSG's 0. In all fairness to the Parisian club, Olympique Marseille was established 73 years before PSG. Paris St. Germain enjoyed some fun against Marseille with Brazilian Ronaldinho, before the PSG coach Luis Fernandez claimed Ronaldinho was too into the party life and his Brazilian holidays never ended when he thought they would. After two years with the club, Ronaldinho left for Barcelona. Marseille have traditionally just been all around better than PSG, and even though I fancy the Paris based club over the South of France's OM. The light blues have a stronger side and should handle PSG this year in the Classique.

Those are some of my favorite derbies. I hope you enjoyed them as much as me. Lots of history comes along when football is in a conversation. Never forget where we came from but let us strive for a brilliant future.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Pellegrini's Selection Headache

The Madridista Nation has much to be excited about this summer with the new personnel arrivals, Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul Albiol, and Karim Benzema, but perhaps the most important piece of the puzzle is the new boss, Manuel Pellegrini. Can he manage the stars and find a formation suitable for them? The truth is he can't play every galactico in the same line-up. However, I'm sure he has been turning these questions over in his head since the minute he signed the contract. Pellegrini is a coach that has seen pressure before, coaching in the harsh Argentine leagues' atmosphere and with Villareal in La Liga and in Europe, but knows he will have to deal with it again. The Chilean has been under close surveillance of his squad in their preseason camp base in Ireland this summer. He has studied newcomers Ronaldo and Benzema but will have to wait a bit longer for Kaka and Raul Albiol because like their new teammates Sergio Ramos and Casillas, played in the Confederations Cup this summer, granting them an extended vacation. I'm bummed out to know I can't get inside the boss's head and study his thoughts on the whole selection ordeal but like Pellegrini, I have been toying with the starting XI as well. Here is an idea of what I've come up:

• ------------Casillas------------
  --------Pepe----Albiol---------
  Ramos-----------------Marcelo
  -----Lass/Diarra---------------
  --------------Sneijder----------
  -----------Kaka----------------
  -Ronaldo--------------Robben-
  -----------(Any ST)------------
  
  Here is why I like this as a first choice. Obviously Casillas will be in between the posts. We all remember the Pepe meltdown from last season, but I think Pepe is still growing and developing. He is a player with a lot of heart and has all the key elements for a center back. My other center back is Albiol, with the exit of Cannavaro this summer, the Spanish International new signing is a good fit for the job. And if I'm wrong, our youngster Garay, returning from loan at Santander is capable of stepping right in. Notice the outside backs are a little higher than their center backs. Here's why; take a peek at who I have selected, Ramos and Marcelo. Both players are good technically and love to get forward. Obviously when one goes thundering up the pitch, the other holds and tucks in and if necessary, my Lass/Diarra can slide into their spot temporarily. Now on to the midfield. I avoided the England problem by not putting the same types of players together. My Lass/Diarra player is the holder, the creator, the key to the team. He keeps the shape and changes the point of attack. Sneijder didn't have the best of years last season. However, I believe it had a lot to do with injuries. Being a Real Madrid fan, I know as well as any other Madridista knows, what he is capable of doing if healthy. Prime example: Season 07-08. He is my box-to-box midfielder, the Lampard job. Developes attacks and gets behind the ball defensively. He is a complete player so Madrid might as well use him as one. Kaka is right where he needs to be here, not a forward but hardly a midfielder with two center midfielder's already behind him, he is free to attack. It is the poaching job he has made famous. Ronaldo and Robben, both fast and quick, excel at taking on defenders 1v1, but I haven't glued them to the touchline. Ideally, that's where I want them to take on defenders, but in order to let them express themselves creatively, I'd give them the freedom to wander a bit away from the flank because sooner rather than later, Marcelo and Sergio Ramos will be storming up the side line in their place, allowing Ronaldo and Robben to drift into the middle awaiting service from the outside backs. Ahh, at last the forward. This will be quite the headache for Pellegrini. Any of the center strikers could do this job effectively. It is essentially the "Number 9" job. Benzema, Raul, Higuain, Van Nistelrooy if fit would all excel in this position working to create commotion with Kaka, Ronaldo, and Robben.

I'd love to hear what others think about this. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has been contemplating this for the last couple weeks. I know everyone has their own mouth-watering scheme cooked up somewhere. I know I didn't use it for my own blueprint, but why be afraid of the 4-4-2? It's an affective strategy.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid,

Bobby

Exclusive: La Liga Summer Peek

Next Season's La Liga looks to be heating up and it doesn't kick off for another month and a half. Unlike most summers, the transfer focus has been on two Spanish arch rivals, Real Madrid and Barcelona apposed to Premier League sides.

The Champion Barcelona have been slow to react this summer when it comes to the transfer window. However, why should the be so eager to change up a side that won the trebble last year? The team has made a couple contract extensions for players including goalkeeper Victor Valdes. Samuel Eto'o has been seriously linked with Manchester City this summer until lately when the Manchester United rival has said to have pulled the plug on deal. Back in Spain, the Catalan club offered the Cameroon International a two year extension on his contract but without increasing his salary. That is a bit odd considering he has scored 126 goals for the club in 5 years, approximately 25 goals a season average. Reports say that he is ignoring phone calls from the club who have now targeted Atletico Madrid's Diego Forlan and placed £ 40million bid for sought after Valencia striker, David Villa despite what Eto'o's decision is. The club has its own onslaught of attacking footballers already with some of the best goal scorers in the world, Eto'o, Henry, fan favorite Messi, along with substitutes Gudjohnsen, young gun Bojan Krkic, and Hleb. Barcelona was hopeful in recruiting a defender to bolster their backline. Oddly enough, Barcelona transfer target, Chygrynsky, a Ukrainian defender, has declined signing for the club in order to remain with UEFA Cup Winners Shakhtar Donetsk. The "magic" triangle in midfield including Yaya, Iniesta, and the man the never sprints, Xavi seems to be set for another season. If Barcelona play the brand of football we know from last season, they will be tough to beat. They look to build on their trebble at home against Sporting Gijon August 31st.

Real Madrid have went on a spending spree like never before bringing former World Players of the Year, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo to the Bernabeu this summer. Also signing for Los Blancos is French 21 year-old prodigy striker Karim Benzema, Ligue 1's top scorer last year, and Valencia centerback Raul Albiol. Of course quality players in means other players out. All ready out of favor striker, Javier Saviola, made an early exit to Benfica, leaving el numero 9 for Cristiano Ronaldo. Last winter's promising signing, Klass Jan Huntelaar, already has half a foot out the door with a bid from AC Milan. New boss Pellegrini arriving from Villareal is intent on bringing Xabi Alonso back to the homeland despite Rafa's hands off approach to the situation. If the Liverpool star lands in the capital, there will no doubt be more exits with three holding midfielders already at the club, Lass, Diarra, and Gago who has already given up his number for Kaka and snatched up el numero 5 due to the Cannavaro exit back to Juve this summer. The back up plan for missing out on Alonso looks to be Udinese's D'Agostino. Kaka, being an attacking style midfielder may leave some hopefull Dutch hearts in the midfield depending on the formation the squad goes with next season. Sneijder and Van der Vaart will be fighting eachother for a place along with Madrid vetran Guti. It would not be surprising if Los Blancos brought in another striker before the transfer window slams shut despite already having Higuain, Huntelaar, Raul, Ronaldo if he doesn't find himself on the wing as the same goes for Robben, Benzema, coming back from injury Van Nistelrooy, and Negredo who has returned from a two year loan at Almeria netting 34 goals in 2 seasons. The Club's general director, Jorge Valdano, stated today, July 13th, the team must sell 5 players in order to buy a new addition to the squad. "We need to trim at least five players from the squad. The priority over the next few weeks is the sale of players and not the signing of new ones." Las Madridistas kick off the new campaign against Deportivo La Coruna at the Santiago Bernabeu August 30th.

Everything must go! Valencia is in financial term oil and looked to be one big clearance sale with transfer links including the majority of their squad such as David Silva, Zigic, Marchena, Albelda, Albiol who landed in Madrid, Manuel Fernandes, and the ever popular David Villa. Villa has been a marked man all summer linked with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Premier League giants Manchester Utd and Chelsea. Villa had apparently made up his mind to leave the club and the club had made up their mind to harvest the funds in return. A move to Madrid looked to be in order until the club's stance on their player took a U-turn. Los Che President is quoted saying "We have taken the decision to not sell David Villa. We've taken this decision after some days of thought in which we studied the advantages and disadvantages..." Barcelona have made their bid for the player but it seems unlikely that Valencia shall change their minds. They start at home with Sevilla, August 30th.

The Yellow Submarine look for a more promising season depite reaching the Champions League quarter-finals last term. Villareal's New Jersey born, Italian International Rossi, showed his best stuff this summer in the Confederations Cup, especially against the country he was born in, the United States thumping two past Everton keeper, Tim Howard. Another American, Jozey Altidore looks to be returning to the club after a loan spell at newly premoted Xerez and runner's up medal in the Confederations Cup where he outmuscled Villareal teammate Joan Capdevila in the semi-final to score the first of two US goals. Last year's boss Pellegrini has left for the Capital with Real Madrid and Villareal have apointed Ernesto Valverde, who managed Greek power Olympiakos to a double last season. They begin the season away at Osasuna on August 30th.

Frederic Kanoute may have to have to play next season without strike partner Luis Fabiano at Sevilla. With the money AC Milan recieved for at the time was a world short-lived World Record transfer fee for Kaka, they have made a bid for the Brazilian, Fabiano, who looked to be the best striker at the Confederations Cup this summer. Sevilla will get to work early trying to qualify for the Champions League. They start their league play away against Valencia on August 30th.

Atletico Madrid have made the signing of highly looked upon goalkeeper, Asenjo, from Valladolid. Other than that they have been anxious to hold onto the tallent the team possesses. With starlet Aguero being linked with Manchester United and a confirmed interest in Forlan from Barcelona, they may want to build a back up plan for an attack next season. Defender Mariano Pernia was involved in a car accident last week in Argentina where he sustained multiple injuries including broken bones in his shoulder and back. Also Pernia suffered from a puntured lung. The Real Madrid cross town rivals begin the season away on August 30th against Malaga.

There is plenty of activity bustling about in Spain this summer. These six teams look to be the front runners in the pack of 20 that is called La Liga. Perhaps there is a sleeper that will surprise but only time will tell.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby