Real Madrid

[Rasputin]

Real Madrid - Barcelona

Real Madrid wishes to announce box office information corresponding to Matchday 7 of La Liga between Real Madrid and Barcelona on Sunday 22 October at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.





Members (non-season ticket holders):


Telephone sales (+34 902 24 48 24)
Starting 13 October. Due to the high demand generated by this game, only non-season ticket holding members have access to tickets.

Internet sales:
www.realmadrid.com ("next match section")
Same day as telephone sales

Box office sales:
Same day as match from 11 am. Due to the high demand generated by this game, only non-season ticket holding members have access to tickets.
Tickets will be available until sold out.



Real Madrid members will have a limited number of tickets available per person if tickets are sold out before the official box office sales date. These tickets will be sold on the same day of the match in the stadium ticket offices starting at 11 am.

Season ticket holders who will not be attending the game are allowed to transfer their seats via Real Madrid’s Members Service Line (+34 902 24 48 24) or www.realmadrid.com.

[Rasputin]

"All the better if the true Madrid shows up againt Getafe"

José Antonio Reyes was on the pitch and jogging today for the first time since abandoning Spain's training camp last week. During today's press conference, the Madridista forward spoke about the Spanish national team's current situation and Real Madrid's upcoming match against Getafe.





How are you dealing with the Spanish national team situation?
You can't really get involved. The coach has done some really good things and is being second-guessed without reason. We're all responsible. We have to stick together in both good and bad times.
What went wrong in Sweden?
Maybe the team was missing a little courage and heart. We didn't play like we had to. But things like that happen in football and we have to get our winning spirit back.

Are you already thinking about the Clasico against Barça?
We have two games before facing Barça, so we'll be in a tight situation if we start thinking about them now. Getafe is first up.

What are your thoughts on the surveys related to Luis Aragonés staying on as Spain's coach?
He shouldn't be taking all the heat. We are doing everything that we feel is best for the team. The players are sticking by his side, and everyone else can think what they want.

Some players like Joaquín aren't supportive of him.
Joaquín didn't criticise the team. He was misinterpreted. I don't have to defend him. Maybe things would go our way if we just stopped talking about him.



The fact that Aragonés said he was leaving two times and never did can't be good.
Maybe he was incoherent. The coach has his ideas. Perhaps he wasn't so lucky by saying he was leaving and then didn't. It didn't affect the dressing room.

Is there unanimous support for Luis?
Everyone I have spoken to supports him. The players have faith in him. I don't know who wouldn't stick by his side.

You've been with Real Madrid for two months. Is Capello as defense-minded as they say?
Every coach has his own way of playing. We have to adapt to his style.

Do you like playing on the right side of the pitch?
I don't mind playing on either side. I'm happy as long as I play, and I always give it my all.

Could Beckham's contract renewal affect you?
It has nothing to do with anything. [Beckham] is doing a great job.

Pretty soon you will experience your first Madrid-Barcelona.
It will be a pretty, well-balanced match. It will be very special being that it's my first one.



When will we see Capello's true Madrid?
Hopefully as soon as possible. All the better if it's against Getafe.

It looks like you have adapted very fast.
I had my heart set on coming to Madrid for so long that maybe I was better prepared than others. I think it depends on everyone's personal approach.

When you lift your head to see who's open, would you prefer seeing just Van Nistelrooy or someone else as well?
I would prefer seeing Van Nistelrooy and someone else as well.

[Rasputin]

"The team is going to fight for the three titles"

In an interview to Spanish radio station Onda Madrid, Real Madrid's Sporting Director, Pedja Mijatovic, looked back on his first 100 days at the Club. Mijatovic said he was satisfied with the work done so far, and is convinced that it will soon pay off.

Evaluation

"These first 100 days have gone by very quickly for us because we intend to stay at the Club many years. We had a very hectic summer, but it was short nevertheless. We managed to achieve important things, and now we just have to wait and see how the season unfolds."
"We are very happy with everything in general. One always thinks he can do more, but given the circumstances, I think we've done a good job and that the team is ready to have a good season."

"We intend to respect all matches equally. We have two important matches before we face Barcelona, one against Getafe, who are a complicated team, and another in the Champions League.

"Most of the fans have faith in the new project, but others don't. Fans are generally impatient, but I think that's normal."

"The President is also very happy and excited about the new project. He is showing he has complete faith in me and the squad. Let's hope everything goes well so that his trust in us pays off."


"The team is going to fight for titles, I'm sure of it. The team can improve, but you must remember we've just started the season in every competition. We can do very well this year."

Fabio Capello

"Before the election campaign started, the President and I got together to plan a stratergy, and we talked about many different coaches that could change the team's dynamic, because we found the lack of titles alarming. We decided that Fabio Capello was the pefect man for the job because he was here ten years ago, and managed to get the team out of a crisis. He is capable of solving problems in a short period of time."

"We found ourselves in a situation in which we needed to be organised from day one. Fabio follows a very special working method, full of discipline, in which he demands everyone to give their best. I already knew this. He always wants to win, and that's very important. The team's situation didn't allow us to plan a long term project, mainly because the fans are very angry with the lack of titles, so we decided to sign him and to give him full freedom in his work with the team in order for him to win a title this year. I have cmplete faith in him."

Ronaldo

"We didn't want Ronaldo to leave. We looked at all the offers we received out of respect for the teams that made them, but we never intended to sell Ronie. I let the player know that. I told him that we needed him to score goals and to play well."

"Milan didn't manage to convince us, mainly because their approach was all wrong. The meeting only lasted for five minutes! I think they wanted to sign him for internal club reasons at Milan. If they had wanted to avoid getting straight to the point, Milan's Vice president, Galliani, wouldn't have come. They eventually left and signed another player."

"Ronaldo always wanted to stay. He told me he was very happy, but that he didn't know if we were counting on him or not, that's it."

Possible winter signings

"One can't predict injuries. Cicinho's is a shame both for him and for the Club. Míchel Salgado started the season as a starter, but what seemed to be a simple injury at first, has turned out to be something much more serious. Nevertheless, we don't want to sign players too freely, because once they recover the amount of players we would have would be too much of a burden. We'll find the solution to the problem."

Guti

"Capello counts on all of his players. Guti is a very creative player that will prove very useful to us. He has a lot of faith in himself, and Capello has always told him he counts on him. He's never enjoyed regularity on the team, so now he feels important. Capello is counting on him."

"Atletico Madrid and other teams were interested in the player, but we considered him to be important for Real Madrid, and we weren't going to let him go. I've known him for many years and we get along very well. He is a true Madridista, and he is very happy here."



Reyes

"We started talking to Reyes nearly two months ago, but it seemed we weren't going to be able to sign him at first. We finally had the chance to do so, but other teams were also interested. What's important is that he's now here."

Capello, ten years later

"He hasn't changed one bit in what concerns his working method and his football philosophy. I now deal with him differently than ten years ago. We plan the future of the team. I'm getting to know him better now, but he still treats his football players the same way he used to."

"Football has changed, and one has to adapt. He is more flexible with his players' diets, but ten years ago we were starving most of the time."

"Suker and I didn't like Fabio substituting us all the time. He drove us crazy because he always took us off the pitch when we were winning and we could score even more goals. But, in the end, I was named second best European player, whcih proves that he was right."

[Rasputin]

"It's hard to come up with a starting line-up because I have twenty possible starters

Fabio Capello talked to the press about the forthcoming match against Getafe. He didn't hint at a possible Ronaldo-Van Nistelrooy pairing for the match, although he did say that there would be changes in the defence. When asked about their opponent, Capello said, "We are different teams with different ambitions."





Did Cannavaro return in good form?
He has a mild niggle on a knee. He's undergone physiotherapy, so we'll see how he feels tomorrow. We have four defenders that won't play tomorrow, but these things happen every season. We have to get over it. Those players ready for the match will play.
Will Ronaldo be one of them?
A few days ago Ronaldo was still recovering, and now everybody says he's fine. He still has to play some matches. He's ready to play, but we still don't know for how long.

Will Ronaldo and Van Nistelrooy play together?
I always think about that possibility because all my teams have had two strikers during a match. I like doing that. I can't say when they'll play together, but I know they will some day.

Are you happy about having Raúl at your disposal for so many days?
He's been very happy these last two weeks, and so have I. It's always good to have your players around.



What do you think about Maxi's injury in the Spain-Argentina friendly?
It's tough. It's bad enough to be injured in an official match, but it's more normal and understandable than being injured in a friendly.

Are there going to be changes in the line-up?
I think changes are necessary in the defence.

Will you still insist on lining up two midfielders?
Every coach has a different way of understanding football.

How is Real Madrid different to Getafe?
We are different teams with different ambitions.

Are you and Schuster also different as coaches?
I know him very little, but every coach has a way of looking at football and exploits it one way or another.

Real Madrid will play three matches this week.
We are in good form right now. We trained well, despite the fact that I didn't have all my players. We'll see what happens tomorrow and work on it.

Is Beckham essential to the team?
They are all essential for me. We have twenty players, not only eleven. There's twenty starters on this team, and they all have to make it hard for the coach to come up with a starting eleven.



Is the team better or worse than you expected at this stage of the season?
We're improving step by step. Some players have recovered, others are recovering, and others are injured.

Do you think it necessary to bring in someone to cover for Cicinho?
We aren't going to sign a player drastically. We will do so when we find a good player that can make a difference to the team.

What do you think of previous matches against Getafe?
I haven't seen any of the previous matches. I will watch a tape of them this evening.

What's your opinion on the youth players?
I know the players on Castilla. Some of them train with us on occasions, and I have also gone to see them play live. The players on Castilla work to be on the first team, so their current good work is important.

Do you think the basketball team's example is a good one to follow?
They are a very important team, and we support them because they're also Real Madrid. We are the same team; we wear the same shirt and the same shield.

[Rasputin]

Restructured defence

Fabio Capello has included 18 players on his teamsheet for the clash with Getafe on Saturday. Sergio Ramos won't play because he was sent off in the match against Atletico, and Salgado and Cicinho are injured. Youth player Borja Valero has been called up.



Fabio Capello has been forced to make changes in the defence due to Sergio Ramos' red card in the match against Atletico. The team's defence will also suffer the absence of Salgado and Cicinho, who are injured. Cannavaro returned from playing with Italy with a niggle on one of his knees, and the coach won't know until tomorrow if he will be fit enough to play the match against Getafe.

Capello has called up youth player Borja Valero and Iván Helguera as reiforcements. The latter was also included on the teamsheet for the match against Atletico Madrid. Valero is performing very well with Castilla, and he will step in for Reyes, who is still injured.

TEAMSHEET:

Goalkeepers: Casillas and Diego López
Defenders: Roberto Carlos, Cannavaro, Raúl Bravo, Pavón, Helguera and Mejía
Midfielders:: Diarra, Emerson, Beckham, Borja Valero, Guti, Robinho and Raúl
Forwards: Cassano, Ronaldo, Van Nistelrooy

TRAINING SCHEDULE:

Sunday October 15, at 12 pm, Real Madrid City. Behind closed doors.

[aliansari10]

Hello

[Rasputin]

"We can improve our image by beating a good Steaua team"

Sergio Ramos will return to the back line after serving a one game suspension and missing Saturday's Getafe match. "Steaua are a good rival to get back on track," stated the centre-back in today's press conference.





What do you know about Steaua?
They have some important players and always play well in big competitions like this one. We'll try to play a great game, and our main goal is winning.
Would you prefer winning La Liga or the Champions League?
They are both important. It's a privilege to play in both, so we're going to fight for both, but right now we have to concentrate on the Champions League.

Can so many things change over the course of three days?
Everything can be improved upon. We didn't play well on Saturday, so we have to improve our image by correcting mistakes. Tomorrow will be a great day to begin.

Are you familiar with any of their players in particular or any dangers they present?
We're worried about the team as a whole, not just one player. [Capello] will tell us who to keep an eye on.

[Rasputin]

The 18-year-old Rio-born defender scored on his Selecao debut in the 2-0 friendly win over Wales at White Hart Lane on September 5.

Marcelo's agents, Richard Alda and Reinaldo Pitta, met with Real sport secretary Franco Baldini in Porto Alegre on Monday and Alda later spoke confidently about the status of the negotiations.

"A love has begun," said Alda to the GloboEsporte website.

"Today (Monday) there was a preliminary discussion and we will meet again later this week.

"We cannot finish a transfer like this in only one evening."

Fluminense president Roberto Horcades said that he would wait for official contact from Real Madrid before commenting, although he added: "The interest on Marcelo is not new.

"We've been aware of this for some time but I want to make it clear that he (Marcelo) is not sold yet."

It has been speculated that Marcelo will join Real in January for a transfer fee of between 6 and 6.5 million euros (£4.04 - 4.38 million).

[Rasputin]

[Rasputin]

Roger Federer visits the squad and receives a shirt from his friend Cannavaro

Making the most of his stay in the Spanish capital for the Masters Series of tennis, Roger Federer found some time to make his way to Valdebebas to visit with the Madridistas. A big football fan, the Swiss star had the opportunity to watch the team train and visit the facilities.


It's quite common to see football players in the stands at tennis tournaments, but the reverse is also true. Rafa Nadal is frequently spotted at the Santiago Bernabéu being that the Spanish tennis player loves escaping to see Real Madrid play. His on-court rival, Roger Federer, also wanted to get to know Real Madrid up close and in person, and the world's number one tennis player got his chance on Sunday.
Federer is in Madrid for the Master Series of tennis that will take place between Monday 16 October and Sunday 22 October. The Swiss star took advantage of a few hours of free time to go to Valdebebas to get to know the “magnificent facilities” that play home to Real Madrid's training sessions and to personally greet players of the first team. Ronaldo, Raúl, Van Nistelrooy, and Beckham were just a few of the player who met with the ATP's number one.



Federer also had the chance to watch the opening minutes of the final training session before the White expedition heads to Bucharest for Tuesday's Champions League match against Steaua. Federer was also introduced to Fabio Capello, who he invited to go watch some of the Masters Series tennis matches later in the week.

The tennis player was delighted with his football outing and he even confessed to wanting to have been a footballer. “I'm a huge football fan. I never had the chance to meet any of the players during my first two trips to Madrid. I am thrilled that I finally got the chance to meet them and to visit the facilities. This is a dream come true. I would have liked to be a footballer had I not become a tennis player. This is very special,” he said.

Not only does Federer love football, according to him, Real Madrid “is one of the best Clubs in the world. It's amazing how they organise everything. Unfortunately, I have never had the chance to see the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, but it's on my list.”. He also invited to the squad to go cheer him on during the Masters Series, stating, “I would love it if they could come to a match. It's a great tournament. I hope they can enjoy a good tennis match some day. There's a great atmosphere in Madrid.”

Federer, who might face Rafa Nadal, a huge Madridista, if they meet in the final, also analysed the tournament that begins on Monday. “I hope to get off to a good start and play well. Getting through the first rounds is the first important step. I remember playing well here three or four years ago. I hope to maintain that rhythm. Rafa has the advantage of playing at home. He's the reigning title holder and he has to defend it. Let's see if we can both play well. It's a difficult tournament for everyone.”

[Rasputin]

"I have always thought it's the game every footballer wants to play"

Countdown to the Clasico kick-off. The new signings of Real Madrid will feel something special. They know just how important this match is and Cannavaro summarised this feeling, stating, “I want to play already. I want it to be Sunday.” The centre back thinks his team is ready and hyped up, although he doesn't want any over-confidence after the defeat of Barcelona in the Champions League. “We are ready, calm, mentally prepared and willing to give our all,” says the Italian defender.

Has Barça's defeat in the Champions League changed the outlook for Sunday's match?
I don't think so. They are two different competitions. Real Madrid and Barcelona are the two strongest sides and I am sure it will be a very special match. Prior results really don't matter.

Did you watch the Clasicos in Italy?
I loved these games. I've always thought that this is the game every footballer wants to play, like a Juve-Inter… But even back then I rallied for Real! I want it to be Sunday already because I amdying to play.

Is Eto’o's absence important?
Barça have many top quality players. So, Eto’o will not be playing, but Messi, Ronaldinho and other will be there… It won't be easy defending this cast of players.


What have they told you about last year's game? The fans even gave Ronaldinho a standing ovation.
This year, everything is different... so we're thinking that the score will be quite different. Ronaldinho is one of the best players in the world so it's normal if people applaud him. We have changed our mentality. We're looking for the right balance, to be calm and play well.

You have lived through everything in ten days: defeats, victories, criticism, euphoris…
I think it's normal. That's the way football is throughout the whole world. Bad results entail a number of problems; the team is conscious of what's being said but we're only thinking of working hard. We understand that criticism after a match like Getafe's is very understandable.

Has your attitude changed so much in three days?
It is true that our incentives were different for the Getefe and Steaua Bucharest matches. Same as for Barça, where we are all very tuned in. What's important is to be regular in all competitions. You can't be having ups and downs if you aspire to win titles.

Have you spoken to Thuram?
Yes, during the pre-match preparation with Italy… but tomorrow I will give him a direct call (laughs).


Yesterday, the President said that you were the best in the world.
We have to prove that. We have a good team, but facts on the field of play are everything, not words. We'll see at the end of the season.

On Tuesday, Real Madrid controlled and moved the ball around more.
Yes, we did. We want this every game, but they are all different. It is true that we played well on Tuesday, but we need to keep improving and do a prefect match on Sunday. We allwant to play like that every game, but there's a lot of new players, a new coach, a different mentality, so we're overcoming these difficulties.


On Wednesday, Barcelona's weaker points were apparent…
I just think that Chelsea were stronger. We have to play with our hearts and minds fully in it.

How did it go with Helguera?
Iván is a great defender. I've always liked him. When I got here, he had a few problems, but now the coach has decided to line him up: he's ready and he did a good job. He's a great athlete and has a lot of balls. He has many qualities going for him. He stays calm and he thinks things through quite a lot.

How can one defend Ronaldinho?
When Ronadihno starts charging or begins a sprint, uuuffff!. You have to start praying. He's just great and always dangerous. You can count on him fabricating something marvelous. But we also have our fair share of that because Robinho, Cassano, Raúl and Van Nistelrooy are all great.


Has your performance diminished since the World Cup?
If one watches my games during the World Cup, it's simple to see that I was just perfect. It's different now. It's a new experience, but my performance is fine. I played better or worse, but that's normal. I know I have to keep on working hard. But I haven't noticed many changes from the Italian Serie A.

Are you Sunday's favourites?
We play at home… but I think it's a 50-50 affair right now.

If you lose, the point difference would be preoccupying…
Eight points would be harsh. On Sunday all we need to focus on is winning; forget the point difference.

Are you thinking of the Golden Ball?
Not really. I know I did really well during the World Cup and all throughout last season, but it's hard for a defender or a keeper to win this trophy. I hope they give it to an Italian player because of the World Cup.

There are no easy games in this League, right?
We know how tough and strong all teams are. The level of the Spanish League is extremely high. All teams have quality. The problem is there are many teams.

[Rasputin]

Last session confirms all is ready to face Barcelona

It was the last training before the match tomorrow. Capello decided to call a closed-door session just before the Clasico match. This last and definitive meeting allowed the coaching staff to finalise all details and ensure that the machine is perfectly ready for the clash against Barcelona.

It rained during the last training session, which was held behind closed doors, just before the imminent Sunday encounter against Barça. On Friday, Capello scheduled a combined gym and field session, but today he opted for a tactical session with every available player. Also present was Míchel Salgado, who is working on his recovery.

Key concepts in today's session included speed exercises, pressurising practice and passing and ball movement in a squad that displayed obvious signs of comradeship, rapport and positive vibes. The morale is soaring and preparation work has been finalised; with just over 24 hours to kick-off, the Italian manager wants his players to focus on the key points that they have been working on all week prior to this all-important meeting.



After Fabio Capello addressed his squad during the customary chat, players began warming up under the supervision of Massimo Neri. Some 15 minutes of combined exercises were followed up by the traditional piggy-in-the-middle rounds to tone up before the demanding session that was awaiting them. After their success in Bucharest, the Madridistas returned to training on Wednesday with their minds and souls set exclusively on the Clasico. Four days of toil in an intense week of work will come to its fruition this Sunday at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Two hours of work before the wrap. All set for the outcome on Sunday at the Bernabéu starting at 9 pm CET for a clash that will be broadcasted worldwide.


NEXT TRAINING SESSION: Monday, 23 October, 11 am @ Valdebebas.

[Rasputin]

"You beat Barça by pressurising, maintaining possession of the ball and pushing forwa

After the week has been plagued with player press conferences, it was the turn of the manager. Fabio Capello gave his barely 24 hours before Clasico kick off. He didn't want to speak of favourites, although he does recognise the good form of his team following the Bucharest win, mentioning, “Right now, I have 20 starters.” He also spoke of the absences of Ronaldo and Eto’o, but beyond individualities, he stressed that the key lies in “playing like we did in Bucharest.” The Italian coach warns, “When you buga player like Ronaldinho like right now, you wind him up and he could be capable of playing an extraordinary match. Let's hope that is not the case on Sunday.”

Who's mentally and physically better for the Clasico?
We've taken a big step forward and they are still very good. It's even.

You requested Beckham's contract extension, but the Englishman still does not play.
I have 20 starters now, whereas three weeks ago people like Helguera or Robinho did not count much… I follow the training sessions closely and I know Beckham trains hard. I have a different idea in mind now, but he works to be in the starting team and he will be. I want him in the team, that is why I asked for his contract extension.

Who's absence is more important, Ronaldo's or Eto’o's?
Ronaldo's is always important and so is Eto’o's. They are both great players and their absence will not go unnoticed. They can score just like that, out of nothing.


It seems like Sergio Ramos will be playing as right full back for a while…
I like Sergio in that position, like he did in Bucharest and like he does for the Spanish national team. I didn't invent this position for him. He's used to it and he performs well there.

During the meetings after the Getafe match, did the players advise you to make changes?
That is a lie, just things people write. These meetings never dealt with either that, technical problems or anyone resigning. It's all a fabrication.

Have you seen the video of the 3-0 defeat last year?
I remember the result, but I havenb't seen that match.

But you did see the Chelsea-Barcelona game and you must have taken notes…?
Barcelona played as always, Theirs are two completely different systems. Barça likde to have and move the ball around a lot, but Chelsea's response to that is their excellent defending and their swift break-aways in counterattack. Both teams were faightful to their philosophies of play, but Chelsea created more opportunities. I don't think this defeat is that serious for Barcelona.

Does Real Madrid have to look like Chelsea to win?
No, Real Madrid and Chelsea are different. My players have other characteristics. Each team is what it is, so you have to work with it and try to win. We have to play like we did against Steaua; that is the key.

Barça are not invincible, right?
No, although everyone thought they were. It's normal to lose once in a while, especially if their opponent plays as well as Chelsea did the other day. We also want to prove this by winning on Sunday and my players know exactly how.


How?
They have a lot of quality, but so do we. Pressurising, maintaining possession of the ball and pushing forward with speed.

A defeat would entail an eight-point difference.
That's a lot of points, but it's still early inthe season. You can never think that it's a life or death affair in the seventh matchday. The season is long, so it would be a setback, but not definitive.


Will seeing Rijkaard again be special?
Many years have gone by but I like to meet up with former players of mine, who are doing so well. Players learn something from the trainers they have, and then they enact it if they're ever coaches themselves.

Eto’o's absence has left Barcelona without their true striker.
His potential replacements are not thoroughbred 9's, but they're good. It's hard for a team when players like Eto’o fall injured and are not able to feature.

Is the key stopping Ronaldinho?
To stop Barça, you have to block the entire team. They know their style of play by heart, so it's not a question of focusing exclusively on Ronaldinho, althougn it is true that he's one of those players that can decide the fate of a match due to his change of pace, acceleration and imagination. He can assist, crooss pass, take a free kick, score, and when people bug him about his form, he winds up and is capable of playing an extraordinary game. Let's hope that's not the case.

Is it getting harder to come up with a starting lineup?
I always think up the best starting elevn based on the shape and form of my players. They have all improved much, especially physically. We have to test different approaches and attempt to do our best in every game. The truth is some players were really out of shape before, but now they're fine. That's why I keep on saying I have 20 starters.

Robinho is the clearest proof of this…
He played really well against Steaua Bucharest. He fought and he has great quality. He's doing great.

[Rasputin]

"Now we're a spirited team. This is what's most important"

Capello was satisfied and happy, but he maintained his composure because, although he knows that the victory is important, all of this has just started. Today, Real Madrid executed Capello's orders and style, based on defensive order and swift break-aways in attack, to perfection.







“Tactically and emotionally, we have changed a lot. Now, we act and look as a team and that's the most important thing. Moreover, we have spirit and quality. The entire squad has changed much after the Getafe talk; I am sure that was the key. We also had quite a few chances that we didn't put in the back of the net: two goals, but also two balls off the woodwork and a couple other great chances. As always, the most important thing in football is materialising these opportunities. There will always be rotations in the team. You can't play with just 14 players all season long. The three points are very important because we are now closer to Barcelona and they are a psychological boost. I said since the first day I arrived here that we would be very competitive. Then, you play and you can win or lose. Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, all these teams can get to the end of this campaign in the same situation as us, with chances of winning the League. I never judge the players of the opposing team (after a question about Ronaldinho's form).”

[Rasputin]

"Great coup for us"

Once again, Guti was at the helm of the team in midfield, moving the ball from side to side and controlling the pace of the match. When the lights are on in Guti's head, his team works like clockwork. Says Real Madrid's second captain regarding his current form, “The most important thing is that the manager trusts me.”

“It was a very important game after last year's defeat. We played well and pressurised intensely in midfield. We capitalised on the opportunities we created... and had we been a better shot tonight, we could have scored quite afew more goals. It wasn't that we wanted to get even just because of last year. It was a great coup for us. Few people trusted our chances and capacity, but we're at the top of the League.”

“We have been working hard since the beginning of the pre-season. We needed time to get to know each other because there were many new faces. The team is treading the right path and the results are good. We have to keep at it.”



“What happened in Getafe was actually beneficial for us. It taught us a lesson on how we need to play in narrow fields. But our reaction has been very positive, with two consecutive and deserved victories against Steaua and Barcelona.”

“I know I have the confidence of the coach and that is very good for me. Defensively, they allowed a lot of empty spaces for us to take advantage of. We already knew how dangerous they were in offence, with players as Messi, Iniesta and Ronaldinho. We performed better than them all in all.”