Cristiano Ronaldo Scores Hat-tricks Real Madrid vs Levante ( 8 - 0 )

Real Madrid Goalkeeper Iker Casillas Denies Rift With Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has once again denied rumours of a rift between him and Cristiano Ronaldo, and has accused the media of attempting to create a negative atmosphere around the club.

The legendary glovesman addressed the press today, and claimed that his relationship with the Portuguese international is as strong as ever.

"There are people who want to create controversy, and a bad atmosphere in the dressing room. The truth is the opposite. We get along very well.

"There is no rift or confrontation, quite the contrary. He is a great guy who is very jovial, and we are not people who like to cause problems in the dressing room. This is a healthy group."

Casillas added that he hoped his comments would put an end to the sniping and allow los Blancos to get on with the task of playing football.

"Behind closed doors there is a good atmosphere and good vibes. I do not say anything bad in the dressing room. We must turn the page, and forget about little things like this."

Source : Goal.com

Real Madrid Legend Alfredo Di Stefano Selects Cristiano Ronaldo Over Lionel Messi As The World's Best Player

Real Madrid’s legendary figure Alfredo Di Stefano has chosen Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi, when asked which player he feels is the superior footballer.

The former Los Blancos genius was giving a lecture at an event in the capital yesterday evening, and when asked the questions as to which of the two superstars he preferred, he answered simply: “Messi or Cristiano,? For me Cristiano, because he is with us, at Real Madrid.”

He also went on to discuss his opinion of the quality of the current Madrid team, and what they are capable of achieving this season.

He continued: “We have a great team. We need stability, and some confidence, but I am very happy with the players we have. We do not need to sign anyone in the winter market. We have a phenomenal team.”

Singling out coach Jose Mourinho for individual praise, Di Stefano added: “He is a really good coach. The team has achieved safety, but also effectiveness.”

He also spoke of his dream of seeing the team win the European Cup for the tenth occasion in their history, concluding: “We must have moral, and think that we can win. We have very good players, of course we can win it."

Source : Goal.com

Real Madrid 2-0 Valencia: Cristiano Ronaldo Guides Los Blancos To Victory As David Albelda Sees Red

Jose Mourinho's men managed to bounce back in style from their loss in El Clasico as they managed to overcome a spirited Valencia side 2-0 at the Bernabeu.

Los Blancos dominated the game for large parts against Los Che, who had David Albelda's sent off in the second half, and ultimately claimed the victory courtesy of two second half strikes by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Neither team dominated the match in the first minutes with most of the action commencing in midfield. Valencia were the first to seriously threaten to open the scoring in the 12th minute and it was ex-Real Madrid player Juan Mata who saw a dangerous shot parried by Iker Casillas, and moments later another ex-Blanco Roberto Soldado failed to power a volley past the goalkeeper under no pressure at all.

Mourinho's side slowly started to settle into the game and were beginning to grow in confidence. Sami Khedira was at the centre of the action in the 33rd minute as he burst into the penalty area, but was denied by Vicente Guaita in a one-on-one situation.

Just before half-time Ronaldo saw a clever backheel flick rebound off the left post, following a wonderful cross by Mesut Oezil, for what proved to be the last moment of interest for the first period.

Real Madrid went all guns blazing in the second half and were granted with two wonderful chances in the space of two minutes. First Ronaldo was denied by Guaita in the 47th minute and moments later substitute Angel Di Maria failed to lob the goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation.

Substitute Karim Benzema missed a glorious chance to break the deadlock around the hour mark after being released by Ronaldo as time was ticking away for Los Blancos. David Albelda was controversially sent off for a second yellow card after he allegedly handled the ball in the center of the pitch, putting Los Che in a very difficult position.

Real Madrid eventually got the goal they deserved in the 73rd minute and it was Ronaldo who delivered the blow as the Portuguese ace finished coolly from the left side of the box, following a through pass by Oezil.

Five minutes later, however, Soldado could have drawn the game level, but saw his low shot tipped around the post by Casillas. Los Blancos were defending valiantly, but were always waiting to hit the outnumbered Valencia on the break and so it happened. Ronaldo delivered the killer blow with a wonderful individual goal to ease the pressure on Madrid.

Mourinho's men managed to hold on to their lead and deservedly recorded a 2-0 win.

Following tonight's result Real Madrid are second in the standing with 35 points, two behind Barcelona, while Valencia are fifth with 25. Los Blancos' next league game is a visit to Real Zaragoza on December 12, while Valencia host Osasuna on the same day.

Lionel Messi And Cristiano Ronaldo To Face Off In February As Argentina Take On Portugal

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will get another chance to prove who is the best player in the world, as the Barcelona and Real Madrid superstars line up against each other for the first time wearing their international jerseys.

The Argentine FA announced on their website that the Albiceleste and Portugal would play a friendly on February 9, 2011, in London's Emirates Stadium. The game will be the first encounter between the two countries since 1972, when Portugal defeated Argentina 3-1 in Brazil.

Aside from Portugal the AFA have also lined up matches against the United States and Costa Rica away from home. The Seleccion will be in Seattle on March 26, before flying to Central America for a game which will inaugurate Costa Rica's new national stadium three days later.

Source : Goal.com