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There has been much debate surrounding football dynasties and success of late, largely sparked by comments in January from Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, who conveniently omitted mention of Real Madrid and their three consecutive Champions League triumphs, when naming the three clubs he considered to be the best of the last decade.

Guardiola had claimed that Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus have been the most successful clubs in the last decade, based upon their consistent domestic league and cup triumphs. Needless to say, Santiago Solari reacted by insisting that his club were not only the best of the last decade, given their four European trophies in the last five seasons, but also “the best club of the last century,” per AS reports.

Backing the claims made by Solari, in February, France Football published their rankings to calculate which club could rightfully claim to be the best in the world. These rankings were based upon analysis of ten different categories, including variables such as trophies and individual player honours, TV and social media reach, club revenues and spending, club and player valuations, along with a more subjective and perceived rating for historical importance.

Topping France Football’s “Best Team in the World” rankings ahead of Barcelona and Manchester United, and by a comfortable margin, of course, Real Madrid proudly shared these findings via the official club website.

Whilst such debates make for interesting reading, with Real Madrid fans never in any doubt they support the most successful club side in history, Guardiola did have a valid point about their domestic record in recent seasons; regardless of winning four Champions League titles in the last five years. Arch-rivals Barcelona have dominated on the domestic front, winning La Liga seven times and the Copa del Rey six times in the last decade.

By comparison, Real Madrid have won La Liga twice and the Copa del Rey twice, during the same period, which will inevitably be a thorn in the side for fans, constantly demanding success in every competition. One trophy is never enough, for supporters who pack the Santiago Bernabeu. This is a club with a rich tradition and history to uphold, which makes the disappointing domestic record in recent years, even more of a bitter pill for them to swallow.

It’s fair to say that the appointment of Julen Lopetegui was an unmitigated disaster, but one Florentino Perez was swift to resolve when he sacked the former Spain head coach, then promoted Santiago Solari to the first team hotseat. Since then, the Club World Cup has been won again, performances and results have improved significantly and after lagging far behind early in the campaign, Real Madrid have closed the gap on Barcelona and remain in the hunt to win La Liga. The latest statistics and predictions back those ambitions.

After being paired together in the Copa del Rey and achieving a draw at the Camp Nou, recent form at the Santiago Bernabeu would suggest that Real Madrid can finish the job on home turf. Likewise, with another Clasico still to come in the league and Barcelona labouring to get results of late, there’s every chance Real Madrid can continue closing the gap at the top, as current standings in La Liga would suggest.

There’s still a long way to go, although February and March are traditionally the periods when Real Madrid kick into top gear. If the team can continue picking up valuable points and knock Barcelona out of the Copa del Rey, the 2018-19 season could well be one that is filled with domestic triumphs. That’s before we even think about the possibility of a remarkable fourth consecutive Champions League title. Guardiola could well be eating his words, come the end of the season.

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Sergio Ramos arrived to the milestone of 600 games with the Real Madrid t-shirt in a legendary stadium for Los Blancos, where they won the 7th Champions League against Juventus in the game that was a turning point for their history. In the first leg of the Last 16 round of this competition, they continued making history with a suffered victory (1-2) against Ajax, getting closer to the quarter-finals. Sergio Ramos was the main protagonist for many reasons.

The first one because Sergio Ramos was the best player on the pitch. While Real Madrid were suffering, attacked by a young and insolent Ajax, they resisted thanks to the captain. Carvajal and, especially, Nacho were very fragile in the first half, but Ramos showed up everywhere, just to block a shot or to avoid a dangerous attack. Sergio stood up for the team, giving this intensity and experience to the young defense line. Again, when the team was suffering, Sergio Ramos appeared to save the team.

And he did this in his favourite competition. After winning four Champions League titles, the captain wants more and he kept together the defense. Then, the lights will shed Vinicius Junior or Marco Asensio, the youngsters protagonists of the goals, but Ramos was the one to thank in Amsterdam.

Forced Yellow Card?

But Sergio Ramos will focus the attention in the after match. The defender was booked in the last minute of the game after a clear foul to De Jong. As a consequence of this, Ramos will miss the second leg. Being asked by the journalist about the situation, Ramos admitted once that he did it on purpose. Even he was caught asking the manager if he should see the yellow card.

This situation is punished by UEFA, who is already investigating the facts. Ramos could miss two games, so he won’t be able to participate in the hypothetical first leg of the quarter-finals. This is not new for Sergio Ramos, who was fined in 2010 for forcing a yellow card also against Ajax.

600 Games as a Legend

Sergio Ramos arrived to a milestone against Ajax and he celebrated it after the game with a t-shirt with the number 600 and a picture with the squad and Florentino Pérez. The Andalusian player has become one of the most important defenders in the Real Madrid history together with Manolo Sanchís o Fernando Hierro.

The defender is now the 7th player with more games in Real Madrid history. The first one, still far from everybody, is Raúl González, with 741 games. Iker Casillas (725), Sanchís (710), Santillana (645), Gento and Hierro (601) are the precedent ones in the legend list. Now the captain can overtake both Gento and Hierro and continue making history with the club.

The most surprising thing came with his numbers. Because no bookmaker could predict the amount of goals that Sergio Ramos has scored for Los Blancos. So far, he has achieved the amazing number of 84 goals, with the one scored in the final in Lisbon as his best memory with the white t-shirt.

After his retirement, Sergio Ramos will enjoy horse racing -if you a lover you can check BetAmerica– and he owns several stables and has several pieces of land in the future. But hopefully we can still enjoy his skills with the Real Madrid t-shirt many more years.

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Real Madrid are much closer to the quarter-finals of the Champions League after beating (1-2) Ajax in a suffered game where Solari’s men were overwhelmed in most parts of the games. Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio, with a winner in the 87th minute, gave the victory to Los Blancos. Europe loves Real Madrid.

Ajax were supposed to pressure very high, but they even surprised Los Blancos. The Dutch team choked Real Madrid in the first half. Los Blancos were unable to cross the midfield and only Sergio Ramos was able to hold the team. The captain was the best player on the pitch because Nacho or Carvajal were losing many balls, especially in the first 45 minutes. Also Casemiro and Toni Kroos were lost in the midfield, without moving the ball quickly.

As a result of this, Ajax had the most important chances in the first 45 minutes. Only Vinicius tried to beat Onana. Bale was, again, unplugged from the game. With this situation, completely suffocated, Ajax scored the goal with a header after a terrible mistake of Courtois. However, VAR showed up for the very first time in the Champions League and the goal didn’t show in the scoreboard.

At least, in the second half Los Blancos reacted. Ajax didn’t pressure that high and Modric started to have the control. Besides, Carvajal was participating in the attack. And Real Madrid found the goal thanks to Vinicius. The Brazilian eliminated his rival and then assisted to Benzema, who again scored a very important goal.

When Real Madrid had the opportunity to knock out the rival, they didn’t do it. Ajax were always in the game and the found a deserved goal after a ball lost by Lucas Vázquez. Ziyed balanced the match with the supporters thinking that a comeback could be possible. But the champions is the champions. In a counter-attack close to the end, Carvajal put a perfect ball to Asensio, who didn’t miss after some good minutes on the pitch. A very important goal for Real Madrid and for Marco Asensio, because the team needs this player.

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Real Madrid started the season in a terrible way. After Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure the team seemed lost. Besides, Julen Lopetegui’s decision didn’t help and Florentino Pérez had to sack him after El Clásico defeat. Solari’s change was positive but didn’t seem enough to reverse the situation. But we are now in February and Real Madrid are ready to fight again for the Champions League for the four straight year. Who can say now that Real Madrid are not favourites to win again the title?

Unfortunately, Real Madrid lost half of La Liga title in the first months of competition, but they are ready again to fight for the Champions League. On Wednesday, Los Blancos travel to Amsterdam to face Ajax, who lost against Heracles Almelo 1-0 in the Eredivisie. Real Madrid, on the other hand, beat Atlético Madrid brilliantly in the derby, overcoming the rival in the table.

We are again in February and team is favourite to beat Ajax. The history could be repeated. Last season, Los Blancos were lost and faced PSG, one of the best teams in Europe. However, Real Madrid beat 3-1 the Frenchteam at home and also in Paris, being on their way to the 13th European title. Now the face Ajax, an easiest team in their way to the quarter-finals.

Some months ago, Real Madrid were lost but Solari has changed everything. Lucas Vázquez and Vinicius Junior are a great couple to play in the wings. Gareth Bale seemed back to business scoring important goals in the minutes he has. Karim Benzema is better than even, playing for the team, creating chances and even scoring goals.

But the most important thing is that the team is playing as a team. They played two different games against two completely different rivals like FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid. The derby was tough, even dirty by moments, but Los Blancos were able to fight and get their was of playing. Against FC Barcelona, they stole the possession and had the ball, creating many chances in the first half. This is a completely different team. Now they just need to play in the same way in Amsterdam.

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Real Madrid passed with A grade the exam of the week and they got the three points (1-3) in the city derby against Atlético de Madrid. It was a test week for Solari’s team and the team was able to draw at Camp Nou and win for the first time in the history at Wanda Metropolitano. Los Blancos are growing this season and now they are candidates in all the competitions.

Santiago Solari trusted the same men who draw at Camp Nou, with Casemiro and Reguilón replacing Marcelo and Marcos Llorente. Gareth Bale, who was supposed to start, was again of the bench and only came in in the 55th minute, whereas Vinicius Junior started again and was perhaps the best player in the first half.

Actually he was the protagonist of the first half. Atlético de Madrid pressured very high and their start was great. Real Madrid tried to defend and were very brave in every single ball. But Los Blancos hit before with the first goal, thanks to Casemiro after a free kick where Sergio Ramos was able to head the ball among 4 defenders.

After the goal, Real Madrid started to control the game and it looked like the second goal was closer. However, Correa passed Griezmann, who beat Courtois in a counter-attack. The goal was reviewed by VAR, but the referee gave the goal. However, Solari’s men reacted and scored the second goal before the half time with a penalty kick converted by Sergio Ramos. Vinicius fell in the area, again being an important player in this team.

In the second half, Los Blancos tried to control the game. And they did it correctly, except with Morata’s goal, but he was in off-side. Gareth Bale came in and the Welshman confirmed that he is a special player. Even if he didn’t participate in the game, he scored the third and definitive goal. With this distance in the scoreboard, Real Madrid didn’t suffer and were even closer to score the fourth goal. Even Atlético Madrid finished with ten players because Thomas was sent off. A very important victory to continue with this great run.

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Julen Lopetegui left his first El Clásico dead and Florentino Pérez sacked him just hours after. The opposite has happened with Santiago Hernán Solari. After some months in charge of the first team, the manager passed his most difficult exam at Camp Nou with a valuable draw. His team is ready to compete at all levels and now they need to show it at Wanda Metropolitano and the Champions League, but the sensations are positive.

Solari was completely loyal to his players and the decisions he’s been taking in the past months. Lucas Vázquez and Vinicius Junior have been playing the latest games and both started at Camp Nou, being the best footballers for Los Blancos. Actually, the manager had great words about both of them in press conference. “He has the two virtues I love more about Spaniards: He is supportive and brave”, Solari said about Lucas Vázquez.

He also introduced Marcos Llorente in the midfield as the head of the many youngsters that have had the opportunity to play during these months. Dani Ceballos or Fede Valverde have been important. Another chapter is Reguilón, who wasn’t even on the bench and he could have participated, especially after seeing Marcelo’s performance.

Tactically, the team was well positioned in the pitch. They started with a really high pressure and having the possession of the ball. When the minutes passed, the team defended closer to Keylor Navas, but the idea was successful. Also we noticed a great improvement in the defensive part, conceding few chances to FC Barcelona.

Of course, there are still some things to be improved. The team needs to create more chances, with Modric and Kroos being crucial for this task. They need to be more precise and vertical in the transitions defense-attack. Also Marco Asensio and Gareth Bale should be important players in this team, but they are not showing enough yet. Both are back from long injuries, but Real Madrid need them, and Solari’s job has to be motivate them and make them play better.

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FC Barcelona and Real Madrid drew (1-1) in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals. Los Blancos started very well and could harm the rival in the first half, but the Blaugranas reacted in the second half to get the net. Solari’s team showed a great image, backing the last good month of competition. The final of the tournament is closer.

Solari only introduced one new piece in his line-up, including Marcos Llorente instead of Casemiro. Vinicius and Lucas Vázquez started in the attacking line, leaving Bale on the bench, a decision that was proven to be correct during the match. Leo Messi stayed also on the bench after his physical problems.

Los Blancos wanted to prove their improvement in the last part of the season after the tough defeat in La Liga, when Lopetegui was fired. And they started really well, combining with danger and the first goal arrived very early. Lucas Vázquez tapped a great assist from Karim Benzema. Vinicius started the play, but it wasn’t his only appearance. It was the first El Clásico for the Brazilian and he tried and tried several times, sometimes accurately and sometimes wrong. However, he is growing and growing.

Real Madrid had more chances in the first half and could open a wider gap in the scoreboard but the attacking line wasn’t very precise in the last metres. In the defensive line, only Marcelo had some problems with Malcom, the best Blaugrana in the pitch. And the Brazilian was the one to draw the game in the second half after post hit by Luis Suárez.

In the last 30 minutes of the clash, there was space for Leo Messi and Gareth Bale. The Welshman has the most clear chance in the second half for Los Blancos but he was very slow. Also Keylor Navas did his job tonight, saving some clear chances from Luis Suárez. At the end it was a draw, that can be positive for Solari’s team because the group is improving in every game.

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Gareth Bale

On Wednesday (21:00, local time), we will watch the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. El Clásico is back with the two teams in great form and Los Blancos are seeking revenge after the dramatic loss (5-1) in La Liga, whose consequence was Lopetegui’s dismissal. The two managers are hiding their cards in the preview. These are some questions to be answered.

Bale or Vinicius?

Santiago Hernán Solari didn’t want to give any clues about his line-up for the Camp Nou clash. The big question in the attacking line will be whether to include Vinicius Jr or Gareth Bale. The logic answer would be the Brazilian, as he has started the latest 9 games and the Welshman has just recovered from an injury. Besides, we could see Gareth Bale out of shape in the last La Liga game against Alavés. Karim Benzema and Lucas Vázquez, who didn’t play on Sunday, have a spot scure in the line-up.

Marcelo or Reguilón?

The Brazilian left back has played the last meetings in Copa del Rey, whereas the youngster has been included in the latest line-ups in La Liga. Therefore, we think that Marcelo should be the chosen one for the left-back. Besides, the Brazilian has recovered his level and he played well against Girona last week. Varane, Ramos and Carvajal should be the ones playing also in the defensive line.

Will Messi Be Ready?

Leo Messi suffered a big contusion in the last La Liga game against Valencia. The Argentinian scored both goals for FC Barcelona and was the star of the game but he missed the last minutes of the clash due to this action with Lato. ‘La Pulga’ might miss the first leg, as he did in El Clásico in La Liga, due to this injury, especially thinking about the difficult calendar ahead. Will Valverde risk with his star?

Is Démbelé Recovered?

The French winger has been heavily criticized since his arrival to Barcelona. The club paid a lot of money for his transfer and the Frenchman has been having problems with the injuries and with his behaviour outside the pitch. Before his last injury, he was at his best, scoring some important goals and leading the team. However, it’s very likely that he misses the first clash against Los Blancos

How will Real Madrid Perform?

This is the biggest question mark. Los Blancos made a terrible performance in La Liga with Lopetegui still on the bench. The last month of competition has been great so far, achieving good results and playing much better. However, they have several big tests ahead with El Clásico, the Derby against Atlético and the Champions League against Ajax. Will Real Madrid be able to face successfully all these challenges?

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Real Madrid got another victory at home (3-0) against Alavés in a tough game in La Liga, shortening the gap with FC Barcelona, who draw at home against Valencia, and Atlético Madrid, losing at Benito Villamarín. Therefore, it was a successful week for Los Blancos before the big challenges ahead, with El Clásico in Copa del Rey and the Derby at Metropolitano in La Liga.

Thinking in these important games, Solari wanted to give some rest to Toni Kroos, Varane, Carvajal or even Marcelo. Even the footballers seemed to wait these big clashes ahead as they were quite relax during the whole game, although they always had the control of the game. Until the last minutes of the match, the result was uncertain but Vinicius closed it at the end.

Real Madrid controlled the whole game during the evening but Alavés defended very well, leaving behind no spaces. During the first half, only Vinicius had one chance and Alavés didn’t even try to punish Los Blancos. The monotony was broken by Vinicius, who passed Reguilón, who assisted Benzema for tapping in the first goal in the 30th minute.

In the second half, Real Madrid relaxed and Alavés had some chances. Especially Jony was close to find the net but Courtois saved it. Los Blancos seemed to have everything under control but the result wasn’t sealed until the last minutes. Asensio assisted Vinicius, who scored his first goal in La Liga. The best action of the game arrived in the injury time, with Mariano heading a great assist from Odriozola.

It was an easy victory against a defensive team. Los Blancos are back in track and able to fight for the titles this season. Now, Barcelona in Copa del Rey and Atlético de Madrid are waiting in La Liga. Besides, Ajax is also next in the Champions League, but Solari has recovered many players. Today, Asensio or Mariano had some minutes after their injuries. Solari will need every single player for the rollercoaster ahead.

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asensio_barcelona_GI

The Copa del Rey semi-finals draw gave us a present with the FC Barcelona v Real Madrid clash. Both will fight for a spot in the final the next 25th of May at Benito Villamarín Stadium in Seville. Real Betis v Valencia is the other semi-final with the Andalusian team trying to fight to touch silverware in front of their supporters.

The first game will be held this Wednesday at Camp Nou whereas the second leg will be at the end of February, just three days before El Clásico in La Liga, both games to be played at Santiago Bernabéu stadium. And only three days after, Solari’s team will face Ajax in the second leg of the Champions League Last 16 Round. Therefore, the season and the improvement of the team will be put at test in the next month.

Real Madrid are confident that they can get over the situation. Los Blancos have improved a lot in the last weeks, beating Sevilla, Espanyol or Girona giving a good image and lead by Benzema or Modric, who are at their best. Besides, Solari has now Bale or Asensio available for these crucial games.

FC Barcelona will be a very tough opponent. Leo Messi is shining in every single game, both assisting and scoring. After the defeat at Sánchez Pizjuán (2-0) in the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, Barcelona overcame the situation to thrash the fourth team of La Liga (6-1) at Camp Nou. Also Luis Suárez is at his best right now.

However, Los Blancos have good memories of their clash in the Copa del Rey. The last two meetings were in the finals, both won by Real Madrid. The last one was in the Copa del Rey final in 2005, with the great goal scored by Gareth Bale with the longest run from his own pitch. The other one was with Mourinho on the bench, also in the final, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s header as a winner. What will happen this time?

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