Cristiano Ronaldo v Barcelona: have goals on Real Madrid striker's last six ... - Telegraph.co.uk

"Hopefully this is a turning point to have won this tie and to make it better it was against Barcelona," said Casillas. "We played a very good tie all round and this will motivate us to make a good showing of ourselves in other matches.

Ronaldo's first game against Barca saw Real on top for much of an engrossing game, but in the end the Catalans found an extra gear. At the centre of it all, the two men the world was watching, Cristiano thrown into combat with Lionel Messi. The showman against the sorcerer, style against substance. Ronaldo, all power and poise, the cleaving broadsword at the heart of every Real attack, and Messi, impish, mischievous, Barcelona's rapier. Ronaldo was denied his dream start in his personal battle with the Argentine.

The vanity project of unprecedented scale that brought Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso and the rest to the Spanish capital in the summer at great cost, precisely to overthrow Catalan dominance, failed its first test.

Beautifully-engineered first-half strikes by Xavi and Pedro represented the least the imperious home side deserved, but a brace for David Villa after the interval set the party alight. Real's befuddled players, not least an anonymous Ronaldo, beat a retreat back to the capital with tails between their legs.

The first of an unprecedented quadruple for El Gran Clásico in a matter of weeks opened with an engrossing draw that all but ensured Barcelona's coronation as Spanish champions for a third straight season.

The drama did not quite match the exotic wonders on display in the same fixture last November, when Barcelona won 5-0, but Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid derived some measure of satisfaction from this committed performance as Ronaldo's penalty eight minutes from time, his first goal against Barca in the white of Madrid, helped cancel out Lionel Messi's earlier success from the spot.

Real Madrid claimed their first trophy under Jose Mourinho in dramatic fashion when Ronaldo's extra-time winner secured a 1-0 King's Cup final victory over arch-rivals Barcelona.

With penalties looming in a tense and occasionally brutal clash at a festive Mestalla stadium in Valencia, the Portuguese forward leaped to crash home a 103rd-minute header from Angel Di Maria's superb centre after regular time had ended in stalemate.

Two moments of beauty stood out amidst the beastliness of what Henry Winter dubbed 'The Game of Shame'. Two goals, twomoments of magic from Lionel Messi, his second goal echoing Diego Maradona's dribbled gem against England in 1986, rescued this brutal match from the dark ages. But for Messi remembering that football should be about joy, adventure and imagination, and Xavi also playing with style, this was the game that dignity forgot. There was no respect, no charm, no integrity. Pepe was sent off and the game was scarred by play-acting from both sides, constant surrounding of the referee, Wolfgang Stark and a tunnel ruck at half-time.

A creditable draw for real and Ronaldo but the better team won through to the Wembley final. Inevitably Messi was at the heart of all Barca's elegant movement, the ball riding a joyful carousel with him, Ronaldo was full of effort and invention but to no avail. Madrid attempted both fair means and fouls to stop the sublime little Argentine. Of Madrid's 29 fouls, 11 were on Messi, a record for a Champions League game this season. It wasn't as dirty as the first leg and Real restored dignity but the overall result was never in doubt.

Real Madrid and Barcelona shared four goals in a thrilling first leg of the Spanish Super Cup. Having hogged the headlines for a number of bad-tempered clashes last season, the two played out a game refreshingly void of late challenges and mass-brawls.

Another surprise saw Real adopt the role of the cultivated passing side out of the two, opening the scoring through Mesut Ozil and then levelling through Xavi Alonso. In between times, Barcelona occupied the smash-and-grab style often used by Madrid last season, with David Villa and Lionel Messi scoring.

Cesc Fabregas came off the bench to help his new side Barcelona beat Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup, but the former Arsenal captain's debut at the Nou Camp was overshadowed by another ugly brawl between the bitter rivals.

Messi once more eclipses Ronaldo in the battle of the footballing gods, while Andre Iniesta was Herculean in midfield as Barcelona overcame the shock of a 22nd-second Karim Benzema goal to draw level with Real at the top of La Liga.

Eric Abidal proved an unlikely matchwinner as Barcelona came from behind to beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final a the Bernabeu. Cristiano Ronaldo answered critics of a percieved poor performance against Barcelona last month by scoring the opener after 11 minutes, picking up Karim Benzema's pass before driving past Gerard Pique and firing low past Jose Manuel Pinto.

Real Madrid and Ronaldo upstaged the European champions and Messi with a deserved 2-1 victory at Camp Nou. The result sent Real are seven points clear with four games left after goals from Sami Khedira and Ronaldo either side of an Alexis Sanchez equaliser.

In the process Real broke the Spanish league scoring record with their 108th and 109th goals of the campaign. Real went on to win the Spanish title.

Barcelona came from behind to take a slender lead from the first leg of the Spanish Supercopa at the Nou Camp. Cristiano Ronaldo headed Real into the lead against the run of play 10 minutes into the second half from Mesut Ozil's corner, but Barcelona responded as Pedro showed great poise to slot home a minute later.

The action then raced from end to end and it was the hosts who forged ahead 20 minutes from time when Lionel Messi scored from the penalty spot after Sergio Ramos had brought down Andres Iniesta. Then a terrific jinking run from Iniesta freed Xavi to stroke home Barcelona's third goal seven minutes later.

However, the visitors were gifted a way back into the tie five minutes from time when Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes tried to dribble around Angel Di Maria and only succeeded in gifting the Argentinian an open goal

Real Madrid secured their first Spanish Super Cup since 2008 on away goals after a narrow victory over arch rivals Barcelona in Wednesday's second leg at the Bernabeu.

The hosts had failed to win in their last seven home meetings with Barca but went about ending that record early on with goals in the first 20 minutes from Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo. The visitors were then reduced to 10 men as Adriano was shown a straight red card for denying Ronaldo a clear goalscoring opportunity, but they regained their composure and were brought back into the game by a stunning free-kick from Lionel Messi just before half-time but Real saw the game out against the 10 men and took the prize on away goals.

On a balmy night another classic in the modern editions of El Classico – another dazzling showcase, amid all the sound and fury, the theatrics and the authentic brilliance, for two men who simply demand to be hailed as 'More than a Player'.

It ended up Messi 2 Ronaldo 2, with the little Argentine genius and the preening Portuguese maestro, two of the finest players of this or any other generation, illuminating the 222nd episode of football's glitziest rivalry as only they can. "Those two are of another planet," sighed Real's boss Jose Mourinho afterwards.

Both sides had plenty of chances during an enthralling first half but the opener did not arrive until five minutes into the second period when Cesc Fabregas latched onto Lionel Messi's through ball to fire past Diego Lopez.

Madrid got the equaliser their performance merited nine minutes from time when the game's outstanding performer, Raphael Varane, rose to head home Mesut Ozil's cross.

Ronaldo scored a goal in each half as Real Madrid demolished Barcelona's 22-match unbeaten run in a 3-1 victory at the Nou Camp to secure a spot in the Copa del Rey final.

Ronaldo struck on his sixth straight visit to Nou Camp when he earned and converted a penalty in the 13th minute before finding the net again after the break in the 57th minute. Raphael Varane got his second goal of the game in the 68th minute to wrap up the tie following a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

Link: RKC Waalwijk - AZ [Live Football]

FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: Barça, out of the Spanish Cup (1-3) - Catalan News Agency

Barcelona (FCB).- Barça have gone out of the Copa del Rey after losing Tuesday's semi final second leg at home to Real Madrid. Despite FC Barcelona getting a good result in the first leg at the Bernabéu (1-1), the all-whites, spurred on by an early penalty, were highly effective at the back and lethal up front. They made the most of their strongest points, mainly counter attacks and dead ball situations, to go three goals ahead, which meant the game was as good as over with most of the second half left to play. Jordi Alba pulled one back for Barça, but it was too little too late.

Although things didn't eventually turn out their way, Barça started the match confidently and dominantly. They only took a minute to get the first shot in, a Messi effort that spun wide following an excellent piece of play by Pedro. Barça were producing the combination football for which they are famed, but the threat was always going to be what Real Madrid might be able to produce on the counter. And that is just how the opening goal came about, with Piqué bringing down Cristiano Ronaldo in the area, and the Portuguese striker showing all the composure required of the occasion by expertly slotting the ensuing penalty past Pinto.

Despite the setback, Barça still looked recognisable, staying loyal to their patient waiting game and dominating the possession. But there was no doubt that Real Madrid's goal had unsettled them, with the Catalans displaying a certain insecurity in attack along with some uncharacteristically nervy errors in defence. Meanwhile, Real Madrid looked to be gaining in confidence, and with their defensive line moved forward, the remainder of the half was a gripping tactical and athletic battle, with Real Madrid opting for a more direct approach, and FC Barcelona in particular looking to Alves and Pedro to work their magic down the right.

The tension was as high as it ever is when these two teams meet, and despite several interruptions and bookings (both Barça centre backs, Piqué and Puyol, were yellow carded), the football was still of the utmost quality. A Messi free kick skimmed just inches wide of the post and the half ended with Jordi Alba on the ground requiring medical attention, although fortunately he was able to continue.

The second half was as electric as the first. Coentrao came close after 49 minutes, and two minutes later Busquets had a chance at the other end. And Barça were on the attack again when Real Madrid sent a long ball flying up to other end of the park, and the home fans' greatest fear was realised. It just wasn't Barça's night as far as luck was concerned. Puyol slipped before Di María and then Pinto was only able to parry the Argentinian's shot into the feet of Cristiano, who made no mistake as he added his and Real Madrid's second of the night. But not even that cruel blow disheartened Barça, who immediately went out in search of a way back into the match, but time and again they were denied by Madrid's inspired Diego López in goal. There was still some hope, but it all faded to nothing when Varane rose to meet a corner and headed home the goal that made it 3-0, meaning that FC Barcelona now needed to score four goals to have any hope of qualifying.

Despite the dreadful result for Barça's interests, the Camp Nou never lost faith in its team, and the fans continued cheering them right until the end. Villa, Tello and Thiago were all sent on as FC Barcelona chased a miracle comeback. And despite the near impossibility of the task ahead of them, they never let their heads drop and in the 88th minute were finally rewarded by a Jordi Alba goal that ultimately only served to make the defeat a little bit easier to bear.

Via: Pescara - Udinese [Live Football]

Premier Group - Match facts: Swansea Town v Newcastle United - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

Swansea won three of the four Premier League games in March last period and boast the very best successful document in March of any Premier League part (75%). The Swans have lost just two things from leading positions this year, the very best record in the top division. The last two groups to get the League Cup (Liverpool and Birmingham) lost their first league activities after raising the prize. Newcastle have admitted specifically two objectives in each of their last three games but have won two of these matches. The Magpies took seven items from their last four matches after taking only seven from the previous 13. Moussa Sissoko has scored three goals in four Premier League shows. The Swans have gained none of the 14 games they've fallen behind in this season. However, they have managed to avoid defeat in six. No staff have used more players in the Premier League this year than Newcastle United (29). Just Arsenal (7 games) and Swansea (5) have gone on to win all the suits they have been leading in at half-time. The Swans have produced more clearances off the point than any side (9).

Phil Johnson Could Become One of Manchester United's Most Critical Players - Bleacher Report

The new concern over Phil Jones' fitness in advance of next week's critical Champions League link with Real Madrid displays a shift in the former Blackburn Rovers' player's importance to Sir Alex Ferguson. In Madrid, he played the dual function of adding an additional layer of security to the United defense and supporting an already extended midfield. If he does miss Tuesday's game, Ferguson may need to change his techniques, as it is doubtful he's other people at his disposal who could do the exact same work. Johnson was much praised when he attained Old Trafford from Ewood Park in the summer of 2011, with some tipping him to be a potential England captain and the others likening him to popular United star of the '50s, Duncan Edwards. Truly the A16 million price tag indicated that Manchester United had big plans for the 19-year-old. The Preston born player is becoming an player at centre-back, right-back and in the center of midfield. But Jones' first period at Old Trafford was some thing of a mixed bag. Ferguson closed Jones after a number of impressive display at the heart of the Blackburn defence and in his first full start for his new club, he partnered Jonny Evans in the centre of defence in a 3-0 conquer Spurs. But, as the year advanced, Jones found himself sent out to the right-back slot, and sometimes even used as a box-to-box midfielder. Jackson never truly nailed down one place and was often used to put holes within an injury depleted United area. While over all Jones' first season at Old Trafford was a success, he was yet to establish an evident design or position within the United team. Parallels could possibly be driven with either Phil Neville or John O'Shea. Both Neville and O'Shea were significantly heralded in their early United career, and both went on to get a number of medals and many international caps, but their frequent redeployment on the area intended it's possible neither player knew their full potential. The fear is that Jones falls in to the same trapa'shuttled from position to position weekly, failing woefully to identify herself as a first-team standard. Perhaps an improved case for Jones to check out could be that of former United chief Roy Keane. In Keane's early United days he, too, enjoyed in the centre of support and at right-back before eventually establishing himself as you of the best key midfielders in the world. While Jones might not be as ferocious as Keane, he is no less in potential and current exhibits in center of the park against Spurs and Real Madrid, helping United to cope with Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, displayed his features in that place. The now 22-year-old is definitely an excessively gifted person, but his versatility might be his downfall.

More Info: Bologna FC - Cagliari [Live Football]

Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov sketches some of his favourite celebrities - Telegraph.co.uk

While not wandering around Premier League grounds appearing nonplussed, before firing home - usually - yet another decisive goal for Fulham, Dimitar Berbatov likes nothing more than to sit at home sketching celebrities before posting them on his Facebook page.

The former Bulgaria international's latest creation features Marlon Brando from Francis Ford Coppola's Godfather trilogy which Berbatov describes as "the best movie ever".

Link: SD Huesca - Alcorcón [Live Football]

Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund - Sports Mole

Last Updated: Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 20:27 UK Nevertheless, category issues will be put to one side if the two clubs meet at the Allianz Arena tomorrow night for what'll be considered a DFB-Pokal quarter-final conflict. Favourites Bayern will have to make do without the services of France international Franck Ribery, who's suspended when he was sent down during the match against Augsburg within the last few round. His absence is likely to hand a starting chance to former Chelsea and Real Madrid winger Arjen Robben. In contrast, visiting Dortmund should really be at full power because of their visit to Bavaria. Robert Lewandowski can be acquired adhering to a one-game bar, while Jakub Blaszczykowski and Mats Hummels are fit despite harm scares. The last time these sides met in this opposition was in last year's closing, where Dortmund ran out 5-2 winners. Recent Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa was among the scorers for Dortmund that evening. Recent type Bayern: WWWLLD Dortmund: WDDLWW Possible starting lineups Bayern: Neuer; Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba; Martinez, Schweinsteiger; Muller, Kroos, Robben; Mandzukic Dortmund: Weidenfeller; Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer; Gundogan, Bender; Blaszczykowski, Gotze, Reus; Lewandowski Activities Mole says: 2-1

More Info: Valencia CF - UD Levante [Live Football]

5 Summer Transfers Who'd Make Birmingham United Better - Bleacher Statement

Like by clockwork, the summer transfer window could be the next major chance for European clubs to perform their transfer business, and eyes are obviously turning towards Manchester United. Just as they are every season, the Red Devils are likely to be engaged in their fair share of exchange news, and whether such rumours come true, it wonat stop the masses from speculating as to just who's moving where. Friend Alex Fergusonas area might already be a titan to cope with as their romp is continued by them towards recovering the Premier League title, but the following five stars would all contribute some thing in strengthening the English clubas ranks even more. 1. Yohan Cabaye Robert Thomas/Getty Photographs With Michael Carrick having passed that horrible age of 30, Manchester United must now consider just whether the former Tottenham talisman gets the durability to last at Old Trafford. Though there are undoubtedly other people who will rise as candidates to the Carrick throne, Yohan Cabaye probably provides one of the better options as an alternative, having impressed enormously for Newcastle United in recent seasons. The Frenchman has already found he has what it will take to achieve Englandas top flight and might perhaps succeed further amongst a more skilled rostera'something the Metro have reported on of late. In truth, Carrick has already established an extraordinary plan thus far, inconspicuously going about his business, quietly taking the Red Devilsa strings but allowing the others to work while the more offensively-orientated. That being said, not everyone can work at optimum level in such a part of the message within their late 30s, meaning an ultimate substitute could be on Fergusonas summer shopping list. 2. Ezequiel Garay Clive Mason/Getty Pictures The most recent ex-Real Madrid starlet to find his calling outside the Santiago Bernabeu, Ezequiel Garay is apparently on the radar of Manchester United and others after impressing during his spell with Benfica (via Mirror). The Red Devils have a healthier relationship with some of Portugalas giants and may conduct more business with Benfica must Ferguson deem a centre-back as necessary for the cause. As things stand, both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand are in quite dangerous parts of their careersa'30 and 32 years old, respectively. While the couple are getting Manchester Unitedas work done right now, thereas no showing regarding precisely how long theyall manage to remain injury-free, both experiencing different recurring issues previously. Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones all wait in the wings for their chance to shine included in a frequent Red Devils beginning XI. But a person such as Garay, who has somewhat more knowledge at the top level, might be preferred to an entirely youth-filled back line. 3. James Rodriguez Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images A new player who has been continually related to a go on to Old Trafford in recent months, James Rodriguez is one you are able to bet will appear more and more in the Manchester United news columns as we enter another shift screen (via Daily Mail). The 20-year-old has been extremely remarkable for Porto in 2010 and, despite his minimal age, has already established himself as you of the clubas best assets. Itas no secret that Sir Alex Ferguson is a fan of purchasing participants within their youth, growing them as much around his own ideas as possible. In 2010, Manchester Unitedas wings have perhaps been one of the Red Devilsa most disappointing places, and regardless of expertise they possess there, famous brands Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and Nani have largely fought to fire on all cylinders. As the English leaders might just search for reinforcements because area of the frequency, a result, and Colombian Rodriguez would likely appear to fit the bill. Porto have actually established themselves as a production line of expertise in recent years, pulling potential superstars from relative obscurity before watching them grow and then attempting to sell them for a large gain. If speculation is anything to go by, Manchester United are extremely enthusiastic about making that the case once more, but the Red Devils will have to shed out a large sum for the kid. 4. Asmir Begovic Michael Regan/Getty Images For much of his Manchester United job, David delaware Gea has been scrutinised in great detail, whether his performance be to a higher standard or below that of which the club wants of him. But, because making the move to Old Trafford, the child has managed to maintain a somewhat well-respected account, leading to speculation that Real Madrid considers the 22-year-old as a to Iker Casillas (via Mirror). As rumours have begun to fly regarding just who might come in to restore De Gea as Manchester Unitedas No.1 if the Red Devils indeed decide to offer, a result, and it seems that Asmir Begovic is a excellent candidate. The Bosnian has been a on the Stoke City group since moving from Portsmouth many years before, and the Daily Mail have alleged that Tony Pulisa stopper will be set up for a fresh concern. Begovic has plenty of Premier League experience and has contributed well to the Pottersa good defensive history in recent times, marking himself out as one of the divisionas most steady shot-stoppers. With Anders Lindegaard still challenging for a starting place, Begovic will be a fine player for the Red Devils to sign this summer, and one of their cost range at that. 5. Cristiano Ronaldo Jasper Juinen/Getty Photographs Not much must be said about the probable return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United, except that it would be one of the biggest coups of the 21st century therefore far; not just for the club, but all together the Premier League. The Metro have reinforced the idea of Ronaldo making an Old Trafford recovery come july 1st, four years after going from the Theatre of Dreams for a price of A80 million. TalkSPORT reports ex-Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon as stating that the Portuguese star may consider his future at the Bernabeu at the end of the recent campaign, and thereas not a single question that Ronaldo would improve the Manchester United team. Respectable Says Mark Ramos/Getty Photos Victor Wanyama With central midfield, and specifically defensive midfield, a focus for Manchester United to enhance, Victor Wanyama will be a great, low-budget choice for Sir Alex Ferguson come july 1st to pursue. The Kenyan international has been an extremely important component in the Celtic team so far this year and has been particularly remarkable in the Hoopsa Champions League plan. Able to complete at centre-back when needed, Wanyama provides the perfect amount of flexibility centered on the Red Devilsa needs and could possibly be open to a summer change, in line with the Daily Mail. Isco A young child on just about every important European clubas lips right now, Isco has lit up La Liga single-handedly occasionally lately, supporting fire MAlaga to a surprisingly good position in the department and European opposition. The 20-year-old is capable of playing both out large or tucked behind the forward line, and the Daily Star say that the opponent could be readily available for the best price. Kurt Zouma St-Etienne could be helpless in seeing among their biggest starletas leave come early july, and Kurt Zouma is said to be interesting a few of Europeas biggest groups after impressing in his Ligue 1 campaign (via Independent). The kid is believed to have not elected for a transfer abroad up to now as a result of his parentas values that heas not quite ready for the spotlight, but that might all change in the coming transfer screen. Begin Slideshow Props (0) What is the copy article? How come this short article offensive? Where's this short article plagiarized from? Why is this short article poorly edited? Manchester United: Such as this team?