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James Rodriguez has said he is delighted to have scored a brace against Real Betis on Saturday evening and to help the team to three points.

Los Blancos responded to the opening day disappointing draw against Sporting Gijon as James and Gareth Bale each scored twice and Karim Benzema grabbed a goal to see off Pepe Mel’s team in style.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, James, who came back to pre-season training late after his exploits in the Copa America this summer, said he was pleased to make his mark on the match.

The Colombian said: “I’m happy to have scored two goals, but also for having helped the team. I’ve always been in good form and I want to contribute towards the cause. You always want to play and it’s good if you’re able to score goals and provide assists”.

“Real Madrid have always been capable of getting goals, but sometimes things don’t go as you’d like. I’d never scored a bicycle kick before so I’m happy about that as well.”

The attacking midfielder was also asked about his view on the Champions League draw which was made on Thursday and pitted Los Blancos against PSG in the same group.

“PSG are tough opponents, as are all the teams in the group. We have to go out looking for the win and must also try to win the Champions League, which is what we all want to do,” he commented.

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Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez both scored a brace and Karim Benzema once as Real Madrid got back into form in spectacular fashion by beating Real Betis 5-0.

Having been scrutinised over the past week for their failure to score in last week’s draw with Sporting Gijon, Los Blancos hit back at their critics with a reminder of what they are capable of.

Bale, who has been on the receiving end of boos from the Santiago Bernabeu crowd in recent months, gave the hosts the perfect start when he headed in James’ cross after barely two minutes. It could have been two just minutes later for Madrid when Benzema’s effort fro saved by Antonio Adan.

The early pressure continued to build as Cristiano Ronaldo and Danilo both went close to extending their side’s league. It came as no surprise then when Madrid went further ahead five minutes before the break. James curled in a magnificent free kick after Ronaldo had been fouled.

Just after the break, Benzema marked his return from a thigh injury with a goal, taking advantage of some poor Betis defending to head home. Three minutes later, James grabbed his second of the night. The visitors failed to clear Toni Kroos’ effort properly and the Colombian finished off with a brilliant bicycle kick.

Pepe Mel’s side could have had a consolation when they were awarded a spot kick after Raphael Varane bundled over Jorge Molina in the box. But their evening of frustration continued as Castro’s effort was saved by Keylor Navas.

Bale rounded off the evening with a goal in the final minute, drilling in an effort off the post from 30 yards. Madrid are up and running – and in style.

 

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Real Madrid take on Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu this evening looking to earn their first win of the campaign.

Los Blancos didn’t enjoy the greatest of starts to life under Rafa Benitez with a goalless draw at Sporting Gijon last week and many will be keeping a close eye on how the forwards perform.

The 10-time Champions League winners should have enough within them to beat Betis, who were promoted last season from La Segunda, but it could spark the start of the busy few days for he club as they look to bring in fresh faces ahead of Tuesday’s transfer window dealine.

In terms of team news, Karim Benzema should be back in the starting line up after missing out through injury last week. Gareth Bale will also be fit after recovering from a toe problem. Keylor Navas should start in goal – but will it be the last time before David de Gea moves to the club?

For the visitors, they will have to make do without former Real winger Rafael van der Vaart, who is unavailable through injury after picking up a knock on his ankle.

Possible starting line ups:
Real Madrid:
Navas, Danilo, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo, Kroos, Modric, Isco, Benzema, Ronaldo, Bale
Real Betis:
Adan, Bruno, Vargas, Piccini, Pezzella, Torres, Cejudo, N’Diaye, Portillo, Molina, Castro

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Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has thanks the club’s fans for their support in his first ever interview in Spanish.

Two years after signing for the Los Blancos, Bale has given an interview to Madrid-based sports daily AS, having spent hours with a personal tutor learning the language. A preview of the interview has been published by the paper in which Bale says he appreciates the support of Madridistas.

Bale enjoyed a fine first season in the Spanish capital, scoring the winner in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona and netting in the Champions League final against Atletico de Madrid.

Last season was tougher for the Welshman who came under fire from the media and fans for some perceived poor performances. On a couple of occasions, fans even waited outside the training ground to vent their frustration at Bale.

In the interview, the 25-year-old says: “The fans are good with me, and it is a dream for me to play for Real Madrid.”

The former Tottenham Hotspur man is expected to be fit for the game against Real Betis at the weekend after picking up a toe injury in the opening day draw with Sporting Gijon last Sunday afternoon.

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Rafa Benitez has rejected suggestions his Real Madrid team is too defensive and thinks they will start hitting the goals soon.

Los Blancos began their La Liga campaign with a 0-0 draw a promoted side Sporting Gijon last weekend – a match many had expected Madrid to win comfortably.

Since then, much has been made of the new manager’s team selection and tactics, with many questioning the decision not include James Rodriguez from the start and also trying to assess why the forwards are so out of form.

But at a press conference on Friday ahead of this weekend’s game against Real Betis, Benitez said his team was the most attacking last weekend when you look at the stats.

“Generating these debates after every match surprises me. .We drew 0-0 and people talk about a defensive team,” he said.

And he added: “Which team had the most shots last weekend? It was Real Madrid. If having more shots than your opponent is being defensive then I am lost. A draw is not defensive. It’s a match without the ability to hit the target.”

Questioned about whether all is well between him and James, the Spaniard said the attacking midfielder’s late arrival back from the Copa America means he is not quite up to speed yet.

“That’s all there is to it. Beyond that, there is a technical decision. There are people who want debates. I have a lot of confidence in James.”

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Real Madrid’s Russian winger Denis Cheryshev has said it is a privilege to be at the club as he is surrounded by world class players to learn from.

The 24-year-old has spent the past couple of seasons away from the Santiago Bernabeu at Sevilla and Villarreal but has been back in pre-season and trying to impress new boss Rafa Benitez.

Rumours are abound that the winger could join Valencia before the end of the transfer window but Cheryshev told reporters at a sponsors’ event on Wednesday that he loves learning from the players around him.

“It is a privilege to be here, with the best players in the world. We are here to help, when the manager creates opportunities for us to play, we will do so full of enthusiasm because being here is a real privilege. I would highlight Cristiano’s will to win, I like Bale a lot, Benzema…I could not choose just one favourite. There are really great players, the best players are here and I try to learn from them every day,” he stated.

He went on to add that he likes the fact youth players at the club are given the chance to contribute.

“The main thing that the young players can contribute is the will to win and enthusiasm. We have been at Real Madrid for many years and we just want to make our little contribution in order to make this club even greater. The policy of signing young players to help is really good. If everyone makes their contribution, everything will turn out well and Real Madrid will benefit.”

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Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez has said every game is a final when it comes to playing for the biggest club in the world.

Los Blancos host Real Betis this weekend in their first home match of the campaign and will be keen to put behind them the opening day disappointment when the drew at newly promoted Sporting Gijon.

Speaking at an Adidas event on Wednesday, the centre back urged his team mates to be calm and remain focused on the job at hand.

“We have to remain calm, at Real Madrid every game is a final. If we had beaten Sporting, we would also have to go out and win against Betis. All games are finals for Real Madrid, and while keeping calm, we have to go out and win all of the games,” he stated.

The 24-year-old also spoke about his role in the squad and told reporters he loves to be around the likes of Sergio Ramos and Pepe because he can learn so much from them.

He commented: “What I take from Sergio Ramos is the character that he shows in every game. Pepe provides strength and Varane offers speed. I have the highest amount of competition that a player in a position can have, but I feel comfortable, I like to fight for the place and I try to play the most amount of minutes possible.”

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Real Madrid’s director of relations Emilio Butragueno has said the draw for the Champions League group stage could have been worse for Los Blancos but it will still be tricky.

The 10-time winners avoided the likes of Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Juventus but were pitted against French champions PSG. They face a long trip to Shakhtar Donesk and also play Swedish side Malmo.

Speaking to AS following the draw, the ex-striker said: “You can say, after each draw, it could have been better or it could have been worse. PSG have grown considerably in recent years. They’ve signed good players and have strengthened well. They’ve got a good XI and a good squad. It will be difficult.

“Shakhtar are used to playing the Champions League and they’re very talented. We have to take that into account when we’re away from home. Malmo eliminated Celtic, who are very competitive. When we play there will be a great influence. We have to finish first in the group because we know the knockout rounds are very dangerous. We’ll see the calendar and prepare well.”

Butragueno also added that the team would be looking forward to seeing a familiar face when the play PSG. Former winger Angel di Maria played a key role in helping Los Blancos to La Decima but now plays for the Paris outfit after failing to settle at Manchester United last season.

“Di Maria helped us a lot and there’ll be a lot of affection,” he commented.

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has taken another dig at Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez – this time claiming Benitez’ Europa League win with the Blues in 2013 was not good for the club.

Benitez succeeded Roberto di Matteo at Stamford Bridge in November 2012 and guided Chelsea to Europe’s second tier trophy at the end of that campaign.

In a documentary for BT Sport, Mourinho said a club of Chelsea’s size should never have been playing at that level in the first place and the Europa League campaign had a negative effect on the club.

He seemingly forgot to mention his failure to even guide Real to the Champions League final let alone win it was not good for Los Blancos. And in another oversight, the Portuguese also forgot to mention Benitez has won more European trophies with Chelsea in less than one season than the Special One has in five seasons over his two stints in charge of the west London club despite having a bottomless pit of money to delve into when he so desires.

“When I returned, I felt the experience of Chelsea playing Europa League was not good. The Europa League is a different competition, the Europa League is a different level of competition for a different level of player and a different level of club,” he quipped.

He added: “It is not good for a big club to go there and win it. It is better for the evolution of the players and for the evolution of the team to be in the Champions League. Even if you are not successful, even if you do not win it, it is better to be in the Champions League.”

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Real Madrid midfielder Lucas Silva has joined Ligue 1 side Marseille on loan for the season, it has been confirmed.

The Brazilian becomes the second Los Blancos player to head to France this week after Fabio Coentrao signed for Monaco on a season-long loan, while he is the third player to head for the exit door at the Santiago Bernabeu after Asier Illarramendi rejoined Real Sociedad in a 16 million euro deal.

Silva only joined Los Blancos from Cruziero in January for 14 million euros. He arrived with a reputation as being one of the brightest talents to emerge from Brazil in recent years.

But the 20-year-old struggled to make an impact in the Spanish capital and found himself well down the pecking order behind the likes of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. The arrival of Mateo Kovacic from Inter Milan meant his playing time with Los Blancos would be limited this season and the club felt it was best he rebuild his confidence and gain valuable playing time away this season.

The loan deal doesn’t necessarily mean the end of Silva’s career at the 10-time Champions League winners. Compatriot Casemiro went on loan to Porto last season and impressed so much that he is now part of the first team squad back in Spain.

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