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.