Real Madrid 7 - 1 Osasuna (Spanish League Day 12)

Real Madrid today played a 12:00 (local time) match at the Bernabeu for the first time, defeating Osasuna with a whopping 7-1 score thanks in part to yet another Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick. Nuri Sahin made his debut and received a standing ovation from the crowd, which is anxious to see last season's top Bundesliga player in action.

Benzema and Cristiano punished Osasuna

Higuain and Arbeloa made the starting lineup. Real had a less frantic start to the match today, showcasing less intensity but maintaining their goal scoring instincts intact. They constantly reached Osasuna's box and hardly experienced any trouble near their own goal. An excellent cross from Di Maria was headed in by Ronaldo on the 22-minute mark, starting the ensuing pour that was preceded nonetheless by a cheeky effort from the visitors: Raul Garcia took a free-kick very quickly and Ibrahima controlled the ball, defeating Casillas in a one-on-one (30'). This was Osasuna's fist and only time near the keeper's goal in the entire match.

Real reacted quickly. Di Maria served another cross and Pepe also scored the second from a header. This was a harsh blow to Mendilibar's men. The Whites noticed and looked to seal the match with a third strike, netted by Higuain through one of the top corners of the goal after being assisted by Di Maria inside the area and spectacularly overtaking Lolo.

Unfortunately, Di Maria had to leave the pitch on a stretcher at the start of the second half. Benzema came on for the Argentinean, who had been Real's best man until then. With nothing left to lose, Osasuna started attacking more and Mourinho's men used this to score more goals from counterattacks. In one of these, Ozil reached the opponent's box and was challenged late by Sarustegui, who was sent off with a second booking. Cristiano scored a fourth for the Merengues in the penalty (54') and, three minutes later, tallied another header following a precise cross from Arbeloa.

Osasuna just waited for the match to end as they withstood the locals' onslaught. Benzema scored a fifth for his side in the 61st minute and Mourinho decided to allow Sahin to make his debut amidst the party atmosphere. The Turkish player replaced Khedira and positioned himself next to Xabi Alonso. Callejon then came on for Ozil.

Real logically decreased the intensity of their performance in the last 15 minutes, but they still looked for more goals. Sahin nearly scored from a free-kick and Osasuna continued to make mistakes in defence. Benzema used this to tally the final strike of the match from a powerful shot inside the box. Being one man down completely weakened Osasuna, who offered no resistance until the end of the clash.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 83,000
Goals: 1-0, m. 23: Cristiano Ronaldo. 1-1, m. 30: Ibrahima. 2-1, m. 34: Pepe. 3-1, m. 40: Higuain. 4-1, m. 54: Cristiano Ronaldo (pen.). 5-1, m. 58: Cristiano Ronaldo. 6-1, m. 62: Benzema. 7-1, m. 81: Benzema.

O. Lyon 0 - 2 Real Madrid (UCL Day 4)

Real Madrid earned a fourth victory in this season's Champions League by defeating Olympique Lyonnais at Stade Gerland for the first time. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace, tallying his 100th official strike as a Madridista. The Whites have qualified for the Last 16.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the two goals of the team

Benzema and Ozil made the starting lineup. Lass played as right back replacing the injured Arbeloa. Mourinho's team played as in recent games, having many chances early on. Benzema nearly netted an opener on the 9-minute mark, forcing Lloris to make the most spectacular save in the match. Cristiano served a free-kick close to the box in the 23rd minute and sent the ball to the back of the net. It was his 99th strike as a Madridista.

Olympique deflated and the Whites had chance after chance under the direction of Ozil and Di Maria. Lloris was his team's best man and agan cleared a Benzema strike, this time inside the box. The keeper later cleared a shot by Ozil (43') and it looked like the Madridistas were being too merciful, so much that Gourcuff eventually faced Casillas alone, but sent the ball over the crossbar.

The locals were more aggressive in attack after half-time, leaving wide open spaces for Real to counterattack in with ease. One was spearheaded by Ozil on the 61-minute mark; he passed the ball to Di Maria and centre back Cris was forced to clear it.

Mourinho made Albiol come on for Coentrao (63') and Cristiano continued his search for his 100th official goal, coming close to getting it from a long shot from outside the box that Lloris strained himself to clear.

Casillas made a double save in the 67th minute and moments later referee Rizzoli awarded the Whites a penalty when Ronaldo was challenged in the area. The Portuguese stepped up and converted it into his much-sought strike.

Higuain came on for Benzema in the 70th minute. Eight minutes later, Briand sent the ball to the crossbar from a header in his team's best chance of the evening. The locals kept looking for a goal in the final minutes to no avail. Callejon came on for Di Maria in the 83rd minute, and Briand again had a chance to score, but having defeated Casillas sent the ball off target (89'). Ozil then nearly tallied a third for Real, but Lloris again saved the day.

Summary

Stadium: Gerland Stadium
Attendance: 39,000
Goals: 0-1, min. 24: Cristiano Ronaldo; 0-2, min.70: Cristiano Ronaldo (pen.)

Real Sociedad 0 - 1 Real Madrid (Spanish League Day 11)

Real Madrid earned a sixth straight win in La Liga thanks to a goal by Higuain. The great football showcased by Mourinho's team of late scared Real Sociedad, who built a wall around their goal to avoid a pour. Real Madrid had a chance to score three goals before half-time, but they were merciful. The locals were more aggressive in the second half, but the Whites stood their ground and took three points at Anoeta.

Higuain scored the only goal of the match

Four new faces made Mourinho's lineup: Higuain, Ozil, Lass and Coentrao. Real Sociedad defended fiercely and centre forward Vela was their only creative man in attack. The Whites didn't mind and took possession of the ball, playing in the locals' half of the pitch. Nine minutes into the game, Coentrao served a sensational pass to the box and Higuain sent the ball into goal with a slight touch as Bravo desperately tried to clear it.

The locals continued to play defensively. Casillas didn't intervene in the entire first half, while Bravo was forced to save his team at least two or three times. The Chilean goalkeeper cleared an amazing shot from Di Maria from inside the box on the 40-minute mark.

After half-time, Real Sociedad showcased a more aggressive style and pressurised closer to attack. Mourinho's men lost control of the game, but they never suffered. The manager looked for solutions, making Kaka come on for Ozil (63') and Khedira for Lass (68').

Griezmann took the pitch and put Casillas to the test with a powerful shot from outside the box. The Real Madrid captain strained himself to clear it and sent the ball to corner. It must be said the French player should have seen a red card for a very late challenge on Ramos, but the referee incomprehensibly only showed him a yellow card. The match went crazy from then on as Real Sociedad looked for an equaliser and the Madridistas tried to sentence the game.

Di Maria crossed the ball into the area on the 73-minute mark, but both Cristiano and Ramos failed to reach it, leaving it to pass by Bravo. Benzema came on for Higuain (81') while the locals continued to put a lot of pressure on the Whites. But Real Madrid withstood it and managed to stop their onslaughts with the extraordinary physical and tactical work done by Ramos and Pepe.

Real Madrid have had a perfect run in October, winning all their clashes. They showcased pride and hard work against Real Sociedad. They must now focus on their Champions League game against Olympique Lyonnais, in which a victory would give them a ticket to the Last 16.

Summary

Stadium: Anoeta
Attendance: 27,000
Goal: 0-1 Higuain min.9.

Real Madrid 3 - 0 Villarreal (Spanish League Day 10)

Real Madrid scare their opponents. They step onto the pitch looking to seal matches from the very beginning. Mourinho's men asphyxiate rivals. Villarreal suffered Malaga's fate tonight, conceding 2 goals in the opening ten minutes. Real Madrid have already tallied 31 strikes in nine games, and they've only conceded six.

Angel Di Maria celebrates his goal against Villarreal

Every player pressurised the opponent after kick-off. Villarreal were scared and couldn't believe their eyes. Benzemamade the starting lineup and led the team's attack. The French striker scored the opener by subtly defeating Diego Lopez after receiving a long pass from Di Maria (5'). Five minutes later, Kaka controlled the ball outside the box with his back to goal, dribbled past Borja Valero and sent a powerful shot to the back of Villarreal's net. Real were winning 2-0 and there were still 80 minutes left in the game.

The Whites played a slower game, but Villarreal still didn't pose a threat. Real cleared a corner-kick on the 30-minute mark and the ball landed at Kaka's feet. The Brazilian gave it to Marcelo, who in turn passed it to Benzema. The French striker then assisted Di Maria with a spectacular long pass and the Argentine netted the team's third strike. The crowd simply went wild.

Real Madrid continued to dominate after half-time albeit at a slower pace. Villarreal still failed to take advantage of this and didn't even get close to the Madridistas' box. Mourinho made Ozil come on for Di Maria in the 69th minute. Villarreal had more possession but still failed to pose a threat on Casillas' goal. The locals simply waited to steal the ball and surprise Diego Lopez in a counterattack.

Benzema received a standing ovation when he came off for Higuain on the 74-minute mark and the crowd extended it for the Argentine striker. Arbeloa had a chance to score five minutes later, but Lopez managed to clear his shot. Moments later, Alonso was replaced by Coentrao, who also received a standing ovation.

In the end, Real just needed a brilliant first half to earn their fifth consecutive victory in La Liga. They will look to seal a perfect run in October on Saturday against Real Sociedad in San Sebastian.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 55,000
Goals: 1-0, m.6: Benzema; 2-0, m.11: Kaka; 3-0, m.30: Di Maria.

Malaga 0 - 4 Real Madrid (Spanish League Day 9)

Forty-five minutes of brilliant football and a thunderous performance from Cristiano Ronaldo were all Real Madrid needed to score four goals against Malaga at La Rosaleda. The Whites have tallied 28 strikes in only eight games; Ronaldo has scored ten goals and Higuain nine.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored another hat-trick for Real Madrid

Higuain and Kaka were in the starting lineup. The start to the game was stroppy and each side could have been awarded a penalty. Real Madrid stepped up their performance and started to take control. Higuain soon scored the opener receiving the ball all on his own and defeating Ruben in a one-on-one (10'). The strike was a harsh blow to the locals and they never recovered form it.

Mourinho's men completely dominated the encounter and Di Maria soon served another assist, this time to Cristiano Ronaldo, who defeated Demichelis with a subtle touch on ball (23'). Still wanting more, the Madridistas continued attacking in search of more strikes. Xabi Alonso stole the ball in a throw-in and served it to Ronaldo, who defeated Ruben with a powerful shot. The goal silenced the stands at La Rosaleda.

The icing on the cake was yet to come: Di Maria took a corner-kick and Cristiano scored his third from an acrobatic heel shot (37'). The game was completely over and there was yet a whole half still to be played.

With nothing to lose, Malaga decided to attack, which is usually lethal against this Real Madrid side. Joaquin sent the ball to the crossbar on the 49-minute mark, but Higuain nearly scored a fifth from the ensuing effort.

Eliseu forced Casillas to make an amazing save (55'). Real Madrid patiently waited in defence hoping to maybe score more goals from fast counterattacks; Demichelis and Rondon had chances to score goals for Malaga thanks to this relaxation.

Mourinho noticed this and replaced Kaka with Ozil, but Malaga continue to put a siege on Casillas' goal. Benzema came on for Higuain in the 70th minute and the locals lowered the pace of their game in the final 20 minutes, proving to be less dangerous. Real Madrid took control again and Callejon came on for Di Maria on the 75-minute mark.

The locals nearly saved face by scoring a strike in the 78th minute through Seba Fernandez, who sent the ball to the crossbar. Ronaldo then nearly scored again, forcing Ruben to clear his free-kick with his fists (87'). In the end, Real Madrid took three points and earned a fourth straight win in La L:iga. Up next are Villarreal at the Bernabeu.

Summary

Stadium: La Rosaleda
Attendance: 34,500
Goals: 0 - 1, min.11, Higuaín. 0 - 2, min.23, Cristiano Ronaldo. 0 - 3, min.28, Cristiano Ronaldo. 0 - 4, min.38, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Real Madrid 4 - 0 O. Lyon (UCL Day 3)

Real Madrid's run in this season's Champions League is so far perfect, winning all three of their games. The Whites top Group D with a five-point cushion over Olympique Lyonnais and Ajax, and have a ticket to the Last 16 in their pocket.

Great performance by Real Madrid against Lyon

Mourinho made changes, using Benzema and Di Maria as starters. His team fiercely attacked while Olympique rarely ventured outside their box. Benzema scored the opener by finishing off a corner-kick served by Ozil that Cristiano Ronaldo had also managed to graze. Lyonnais advanced their lines and had more possession of the ball, but Casillas continued being a mere spectator. Using wide spaces left by the French, the Madridistas looked for a second strike and Ozil nearly scored from a free-kick just before half-time (40'), but the keeper cleared the ball.

The second half started with a goal. Marcelo served a long pass, a Lyonnais defender tripped, Benzema controlled the ball and assisted Khedira in the strike. The French side received an even harsher blow when Madrid scored yet again when Lloris pushed the ball into his own goal as he was nutmegged by an Ozil cross into the box (54').

One of Khedira's eyebrows was split in a struggle and Mourinho replaced him with Coentrao (60’). Kaka came on for Ozil five minutes later and the German received a standing ovation from the fans. Big as it was, it wasn't as resounding as the one received by Higuain as he came on for Benzema on the 71-minute mark. Real had more chances to score and Ramos eventually netted the final strike from a corner-kick.

Having practically secured a place in the Last 16, the Whites will now be able to be a little more relaxed as they prepare for the three league games that await them in under two weeks' time (against Malaga on Saturday, Villarreal on Wednesday, and Real Socieded the following Saturday).

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 75,000
Goals: 1-0, m.19: Benzema. 2-0, m.48: Khedira. 3-0, m.55: Özil. 4-0, m.81: Sergio Ramos.

Real Madrid 4 - 1 Betis (Spanish League Day 8)

Higuain left for Argentina after scoring a hat-trick against Espanyol. He tallied another against Chile and tonight did so again against Betis. The Argentinean striker is on a roll; his back problems are clearly in the past now.

Higuain scored a hat-trick against Betis

Pepe returned to the starting lineup today. Higuain was a starter again, flanked by Kaka, Ozil and Cristiano in attack. Betis proved not to be afraid of their hosts and put Casillas to the test in the opening 15 minutes. The keeper had to clear a dangerous shot by Ruben Castro (11'). Real gradually started to take control and chances on goal soon followed. Ronaldo narrowly missed a header following a cross from Higuain (21') and two minutes later keeper Casto managed to grab the ball when the Portuguese failed to control a pass by Alonso. Kaka shot on target from inside the box on the 43-minute mark, but the ball missed the top corner of the goal by inches.

The second half had a great start for the Whites. Marcelo served a long pass to Ronaldo, who overtook Chica and assisted Higuain in the team's first goal. Betis suffered a harsh blow and Real capitalised on it. Cristiano entered the box again and assisted Kaka, who scored from an amazing curved shot (56'). The Brazilian was substituted one minute later by Di Maria; he was congratulated by Mourinho and looked immensely happy.

Betis kept trying for a goal and Molina eventually found one in the 68th minute as he took advantage of a clearance. Real Madrid didn't shrink and kept attacking without experiencing much trouble. Di Maria eventually served a long pass to Higuain, who defeated Casto easily and tallied his second goal of the evening. The Whites' efficiency on goal forced Betis to simply give up.

Higuain was yet to score another strike from an amazing effort. Receiving a long pass again from Di Maria, the Argentine controlled the ball beautifully and netted a lobbed shot (72'). Mourinho then allowed Cristiano to rest, making him come off for Altintop. Real therefore impressively won the first of five games they are set to play in the next 15 days.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 83,000
Goals. 1-0, m. 46: Higuain. 2-0, m. 56: Kaká. 2-1, m. 68: Jorge Molina. 3-1, m. 70: Higuain. 4-1, m. 72: Higuain.

Kaka traveled to Paris to meet Leonardo

Canal + France reported yesterday that Kaka had dinner on Monday in Paris with PSG's sporting director, Leonardo. The midfielder took advantage of two days of rest that Mourinho gave to the template after the match against Espanyol and traveled to the French capital, where he was with his compatriot. Both bear a strong relationship of friendship. They met for their joint stage in Milan and even the foermer player recommended to the Rossoneri club to sign Kaka when he began to emerge in Sao Paulo.

In the management area of ​​the stadium Santiago Bernabeu, the meeting looks quite naturally. They subtract any importance. They know the relationship of affection that binds the two Brazilians and understand the event as a simple meeting between two friends. Althought Leonardo has always had an interest in being reunited with Kaka. He wanted him last season when he was coach of Inter, and this summer, with the arrival at the Parisian club, he put again his name on the table as a possible reinforcement. Backed by the money of Sheikh Hamad Al Thani, he could try to sign Kaka for the next season. That seems to be his desire.

Leonardo and Kaka in Milan

Two-match ban for Mourinho

Alfredo Florez, single judge of the Spanish Football Competition Committee, gave yesterday his verdict on events that occurred in the second leg of the SuperCup of Spain. The Mourinho's finger in the eye of Tito Vilanova has caused a two-match ban and a 600 euros fine for the coach of Real Madrid. Competition Committee has considered it a mild action so Mourinho will miss mathces on the next round of the Spanish SuperCup, never in the Spanish League nor King's Cup (Spanish Cup).

Mourinho's finger in the eye of Tito Vilanova

In the case of Tito Vilanova, the penalty is only one game and is fined 600 euros. Like the Portuguese, only to apply in the Spanish SuperCup. Now both clubs have the option to appeal to the Appeals Committee, but Real Madrid and Barcelona have accepted the sanction.

Do not forget that it all started when, on August 22, the single judge of Competition decided to open a extraordinary file in which Mourinho's attitude was considered serious and the acts of the Barcelona's coach assistant as mild reaction. The opening of this file was something unprecedented. For years it did not happen because the Competition Committee only evaluates facts in the file of arbitration.

Then, the dossier went to the hands of the judge, Rafael Alonso. This occurred in late August so the decision would not take place until early October because of all the bureaucratic process. It was then when the time came all key, the appeals process. Barcelona did not submit, but Real Madrid did.

The line of argument of Real Madrid, among many things, was that if was considered the Mourinho's acts as serious actions, should be the same with the aggression of David Villa to Özil. Also, Real Madrid understood that there was provocation of Barca coach and felt that there was no harmful element. That is, Tito Vilanova never had to receive medical care by the action of Mourinho.

The judge Alonso analyzed all the elements and appreciated a penalty to Mourinho of two to three games, but reduced the rating of serious, as was initially, to mild. Only this change meant that Mourinho no longer would have to serve the penalty in the League or Cup, it would always be in the same competition, the Super Cup of Spain.

Then it was reported back to the clubs so they could file new claims, a period which expired on Tuesday. After the period, Rafael Alonso issued his final proposal to the single judge of the Competition Committee, Alfredo Florez, who made ​​it official yesterday.

Forbes Magazine: Real Madrid is the third most valued brand

Forbes magazine, one of the most prestigious in the U.S. founded in 1917 by financial journalist B. C. Forbes has released a report on the valuation of brands in the field of sport. Real Madrid is the third most valued brand in the world in terms of team is concerned, and Cristiano Ronaldo is the ninth most valuable athlete on the planet.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid, a perfect match

Forbes valued the Real Madrid brand in 264 million dollars (199 million euros), behind only Manchester United (203 million euros) and the New York Yankees (256 million euros). FC Barcelona is the seventh in the list and its value is 129 million. In the ranking of the top ten there are six teams in European football (Manchester, Real Madrid, Bayern, Barcelona, Arsenal and Milan).

According to the magazine explains in its report, the final value is obtained by adding the revenues that have nothing to do with the money from the Spanish League or the Champions League and the result is multiplied by four to give 264 million dollars of third place.

A few days ago the same magazine released the most valuable teams professionally. Manchester United is the first and has priced in 1,864 million dollars (1,406 million euros). In this list Real Madrid is also over Barcelona. It is assessed in fifth place and 1,451 million dollars (1,094 million euros). Barcelona is far from the top and appears on the 26th position with a valuation of 975 million dollars (735 million euros).

In the list of athletes, Cristiano Ronaldo is the ninth most valuable to Forbes magazine. Is the second football player just behind Beckham who despite being at the end of his career, preserved almost intact his value. The English player is valued around 15 million euros, while Portuguese is 7. The funny thing is that Messi, current Ballon d'Or, does not appear among the best. Tiger Woods retained the number one, while Roger Federer is the second.

Nuri Sahin has already recovered from left knee injury

Nuri Sahin begins to glimpse the light at the end of the tunnel. Turkish-German midfielder of 23 years has the green light from doctors, who have seen in recent days as the evolution of his grade I sprain of the internal lateral ligament in his left knee is still correct and satisfactory. He is the most important signing of five newly made ​by Real Madrid ​for this season (the club announced their engagement on May 9, including a payment to Borussia Dortmund of 10 million euros) and now he lacks only the stage of functional rehabilitation and addition to the team, which translated for all mortals means to train at the same pace that the rest of the template to complete his pre-season.

Nuri Sahin training at Valdebebas Sports City

Mourinho is taking no chances with the debut of Sahin because during the summer was the anxiety of the player and the desire to debut what caused the injury to his left knee which has avoided his official premiere in white (the only outfield player that has not played minutes). These next two weeks will be decisive to Sahin. Once the medical problem is already solved, Mourinho will add him gradually to the dynamics of the group. Something like what he did with Altintop, who played against Ajax seven minutes last week.

The injury of Sahin has forced Xabi Alonso to dispute the 900 minutes played by the Real Madrid since the start of the official season. The Portuguese coach wants Sahin to play in the position of the Spanish midfielder, not alongside him. Mourinho hopes to include Sahin this month in a call to gain confidence and remove the upset which caused him the last injury just before the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy

On June 22, FIFA issued a survey to pick young players with greater future. Sahin won the vote ahead of Alexis Sanchez, Pastore, Gareth Bale, Ganso and Hazard. Also, the German players chose the best player in Bundesliga last season and Sahin emerged victorious with 46% of the votes in that prestigious league. Sahin hopes to debut soon to account for all these awards. Has signed for six years...His debut is closer.

Espanyol 0 - 4 Real Madrid (Spanish League Day 7)

Higuain is back. The Argentinean went through a rough time after his back surgery last season, but tonight he proved to be in top form with a hat-trick against Espanyol. Real Madrid earned their third victory this week with an impressive 13 goal tally.

Higuain was the start of the game

Albiol, Lass and Higian made the starting lineup covering the absences of Pepe, Carvalho and Benzema. Ramos teamed up with Albiol in the centre of defence and Arbeloa was assigned right back duties. Cristiano Ronaldo had a chance to score two minutes into the game from outside the box, but goalkeeper Cristian cleared the ball with danger for his side, sending it to one of the posts. Espanyol looked to get rid of the Whites' pressure with long passes from Thievy, and Romaric nearly scored on the 15-minute mark with an attempt from midfield. Mourinho's men responded one minute later with a Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Higuain connection finished off by the Argentine in a one-on-one against keeper Cristian.

The game opened up for Real Madrid, who used this to make fast counterattacks and capitalise on the speed of their strikers. Espanyol decided to put pressure on the Madridistas closer to midfield and had more chances on goal that were all cleared by Casillas.

The locals pressurised hard after half-time; they posed no threat close ot goal, but forced many turnovers from Mourinho's side. Nevertheless, a long pass by Arbeloa in the 66th minute was picked up and pushed into the net by Higuain, who thus practically sealed the match. Mourinho made Khedira come on for Lass (70'), as the French midfielder had been booked and the coach wanted to avoid taking risks.

Callejon replaced Ozil six minutes later and was received with an ovation by his former crowd. Espanyol kept looking for a goal, which forced them to leave open spaces that Real Madrid used in counterattacks. Ronaldo had a chance to score a third for the team on the 78-minute mark, but his shot wasn't on target.

A great and very selfless assist inside the box from the Portuguese striker allowed Callejon to score the third (82'). Granero then came on for Kaka (83') and, when the game was practically over, a defensive mistake by the locals gave the ball to Higuain and the Argentine defeated Cristian again with a skilful soft touch on the ball.

Summary

Stadium: Cornella-El Prat
Attendance: 34,423
Goals: 0-1, min.15: Higuain; 0-2, min.66: Higuain; 0-3, min.82: Callejon; 0-4, min.89: Higuain.

Raphael Varane: "I have grown as football player"

Raphael Varane looks happy with Real Madrid

When you received a call from Zidane just over three months to play for Madrid, did you imagine that in such a short time you were going to play Champions League matches?
I have only 18 years and I did not think I would play such important games as a starter for a team like Madrid. But it's done. After two league games, have debuted in the Champions League and I can only cross my fingers to all goes down this path. And work hard, of course.

Having played the last three games as a starter, do you feel has made progress in your play?
Absolutely. I notice it. Training with coaching staff at this level and with players of that caliber allows me to learn many things. Having so many minutes at this time has made me to improve as central defender. In three games I have grown as a player.

You have also been able to discover what is the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in La Liga and Champions. Is it a big change respect your former club Lens?
Yes, the truth is that it has nothing to do. Felix Bollaert stadium is smaller, but the fans make more noise. It's a different environment. At the Bernabeu you note a different kind of pressure that is special.

What Jose Mourinho asked you before each of these three games you have played?
The coach told me I had to be very focused, avoid any dismissal. As I am young and lack experience, Mourinho wants, above all, no mistakes of inattention. I have to be really into the game from the opening whistle until the end. The central defender position needs very forcefully and we must be ready to intervene immediately.

Take a few months in Madrid, but you look happy in the team. Many people helped you to get a good start in this locker room ...
Actually, all peers have received me very well. Everyone feels great with me. The coach and Karim (Benzema), of course, but also Lass, who left France and went to play for Chelsea when he was still very young and has advised me about this new life. In regard to the field, I have the good fortune of being surrounded by very experienced players who are very attentive to me and help me constantly.

You are a regular in the Under-21 France team. Have you thought about playing with the senior team? Can you imagine to play the European Championship in June next year?
At the moment I do not think of anything. I just concentrate on what I'm doing at Real Madrid. I have the opportunity to play games as a starter and I focus on this. If Laurent Blanc calls me, I will be super happy, but now that is not an obsession for me. My number one target is to be efficient in the field and develop my style of play. If I am called up to the French national team, will be the result from what I do at Real Madrid.

Real Madrid 3 - 0 Ajax Amsterdam (UCL Day 2)

Real Madrid defeated Ajax 3-0 in their first Champions League match at the Bernabeu this season. The victory served the Whites to remain leaders in Group D. Kaka gave a stellar performance, scoring the team's second goal and assisting Benzema in the third.

Great performances by Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo

Ozil and Kaka made the starting lineup. Arbeloa replaced Marcelo, who was suspended for the match, and Varane took the injured Pepe's spot. Boerrigter forced Casillas to make an impressive save only 45 seconds into the game. The Whites reacted and Benzema nearly scored an opener from inside the box on the 16-minute mark, but his shot was off target. The most impressive effort of the evening came in the 24th minute: Ramos stole the ball and passed it to Ozil, who then served it to Cristiano; the Portuguese player gave it to Kaka and the Brazilian sent it back Ronaldo's way; the striker gave it to Ozil, who in turn passed it to Benzema in order to assist Cristiano inside the box in the team's first goal.

Ajax suffered from this spectacular team effort and they hardly left they're half of the pitch then onwards. De Boer's men hardly pressurised the Whites and it proved to be a fatal mistake. The locals scored their second strike on the 40-minute mark: Alonso served a long pass to Ronaldo and he passed it to Kaka, who was approaching the area line and managed to score a beauty.

Real tallied their third and final goal in the 48th minute: Arbeloa entered the box and passed the ball to Kaka, who avoided the goalkeeper's exit before leaving the ball for Benzema to send to the back of the net. Kaka's performance was truly spectacular and was replaced amidst a standing ovation by Di Maria in the 74th minute.

Benzema had to leave the pitch at the same time due to an injury and was replaced by Higuain. Ajax hardly had any chances on Casillas' goal, but the few they managed to pull off really put Casillas' reflexes to the test. The keeper was forced to prodigiously save a header by Vertonghen, proving yet again why he is considered to be the best in the world.

The final minutes of the encounter saw Hamit Altintop making his debut with the team now that he has recovered from his back injury. It was the perfect ending to a magical night at the Bernabeu.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 75,500
Goals: 1-0, min.25 Cristiano Ronaldo; 2-0, min.40: Kaka; 3-0, min.48: Benzema.

Real Madrid 6 - 2 Rayo Vallecano (Spanish League Day 6)

Real Madrid overcame adversity. Despite conceding a goal in the opening 12 seconds of their match against Rayo Vallecano, and being down to ten men from the 35-minute mark onwards, the Whites turned the score around and earned an impressive victory thanks to a great performance from Ozil and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Expectations were high at the Bernabeu after the team failed to win its previous two away games in the league. Things didn't have an auspicious start when, only twelve seconds into the game, Tamudo shot on target from outside the box, forcing Iker Casillas to make a clearance, after which the ball landed at Michu's feet and the striker scored. It took Real a long time to get into the game after that and Mourinho decided to replace Lass with Ozil in the 28th minute. The German stepped up the team's game and helped it put pressure on Rayo by keeping possession. The Whites were constantly attacking and their first strike came from a counterattack: Kaka served the ball to Ronaldo and the Portuguese nutmegged keeper Gutierrez after a 30-minute run.

The Madridistas saw the game was wide open again and went for it. The visitors withstood their onslaughts as best they could and eventually tackled Kaka close to the box (44'). Xabi Alonso crossed the ball into the area from the free-kick, Sergio Ramos anticipated Gutierrez's exit and Higuain ended up with the ball before an empty goal. Thus, the Argentine gave the locals the lead by half-time.

The second half had a frantic start, with Real looking to seal the match. Kaka entered Rayo's area and Movilla challenged him late. Ronaldo took the ensuing penalty and scored a third for the Whites (50'). A few minutes later Rayo fought back and scored from a corner kick taken by Michu (54'). One minute later, Di Maria was sent off with a second booking.

Real Madrid pull rank in adverse situations and played their best when they were down to ten men. Mourinho reacted quickly and made Khedira and Benzema come on for Kaka and Higuain. Ozil served a corner kick on the 66-minute mark and Varane finished it off with a heel kick. Rayo kept trying to score a goal of their own, but they hardly had time to react to Madrid's latest when Benzema tallied yet another being assisted by Ozil right outside the box.

And there was more to come when Gimenez tackled Ronaldo inside the area and another penalty was awarded. Cristiano took it and scored his third goal of the evening. CR7 has already netted seven strikes this season and is on his way to earning last year's impressive numbers.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 67,500
Goals: 0-1, min.1, Michu; 1-1, min.37, Cristiano Ronaldo; 2-1, min.45, Higuaín; 3-1, min.50, Cristiano Ronaldo (p.); 3-2, min.55, Michu; 4-2, min.67, Varane; 5-2, min.73, Benzema 6-2; min.83, Cristiano Ronaldo (p.)

AnnaLynne McCord

Kendra Wilkinson