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The focus is very much back in the La Liga battle in the Madrid press, and the papers have plenty of build up to Real’s match against Levante on Sunday.

Marca opts for a front cover of Carlo Ancelotti and a quote from him at an event in the city on Thursday evening in which he spoke of the need to sweat and fight for every single point in the league.

With the Clasico just two weeks away, it would be easy for the players to switch their attention to that match, but Los Blancos have two league games before that – Levante and Malaga. And the Italian boss said: “If we start thinking about the Clásico we’ll have trouble against Levante and Málaga, and those are the matches in which ‘La Liga’ will be won or lost.”

Elsewhere, AS carries a feature on the importance of Xabi Alonso in the team. Real are currently enjoying a 28-game unbeaten run, which coincides with the the World Cup winner’s return to the team. He has only missed two games in that run since returning from injury – the draws against Xàtiva in the Copa del Rey and Osasuna in the league.

Finally, Zinedine Zidane has joined the growing list of staff and players at the club who believe they have what it takes to win the treble. Speaking to journalists on Friday, he said: “Of course it is possible to talk about winning the treble.”

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Ousted Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has hailed Diego Lopez for his part in Los Blancos’ performances this season.

Lopez has played a key role in the side that sits top of La Liga and last tasted defeat back in October against Barcelona. Club captain Iker Casillas has had to settle for a bit-part role, making appearances in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

And despite reports of a summer move for the World Cup winner, the 32-year-old insists he is happy at the club and willing to work hard to reclaim his spot in the side.

In quotes published by AS, he said: “Diego Lopez has had a big hand in the fact that we’re top. He’s doing very well. When I play, I have to do well.”

He also said he was growing tired of the continued debate in the press about who should be the starting keeper, and he respects Carlo Ancelotti’s decisions.

“You always have to analyse what the players have contributed. You have to follow orders. Everyone wants more and that’s good.

“If his decision is for me to take part in these two competitions [Copa del Rey and Champions League], I’m very happy with that. That’s been the case for months now, and we can’t always be on the same issue,” he stated.

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Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos is a summer target for both Barcelona and Real Madrid, according to Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo.

The Spanish giants join Manchester United in the chase for the German international, after his relationship with Bayern has deteriorated after several contract negotiations.

The main problem is that Kroos is demanding wages in excess of 220,000 euros a week, something that Bayern are refusing to offer, and the German would be offered that at any of the three clubs chasing him.

Barcelona are looking at replacements for their ageing midfield, as Xavi is now 34 years old and  Andres Iniesta, 29, so the signing of the 24-year-old would add younger legs to a tiring midfield.

Similarly for Real Madrid, Kroos would possibly replace Xabi Alonso as Alonso is starting to suffer injuries and lack of fitness.

Kroos may replace the outgoing German Sami Khedira at the Bernabeu, as Chelsea look to step up their interest in the former Stuttgart man.

Kroos made his debut for Bayern in 2007 before a short loan spell with Bayer Leverkusen in 2009. He has since gone on to make 187 appearances for the Bundesliga side and played a big part in their Champions League success last season.

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Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta is confident the Catalan outfit can win at the Santiago Bernabeu in two weeks time and overhaul Real Madrid in La Liga.

The current league champions lie just a point behind Carlo Ancelotti’s men in the race for the title, and with 12 games to go, it is an intriguing three-horse race between Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico de Madrid.

Like Real, Barcelona are fighting on three fronts. They face the nine-time European Cup winners in the final of the Copa del Rey next month, while they are almost certain of progress to the last eight of the Champions League having beaten Manchester City 2-0 in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium.

Speaking at an event promoting his new Nike football boots, Iniesta said he was confident of a strong finish to the campaign.

When asked if Los Cules could win in the Spanish capital on March 23, he stated: “Obviously we can win. We have already done so in the past. But we have two La Liga games beforehand and we cannot forget them. If we want to compete until the end of the season, we have to beat Madrid.

“Expectations are high in all three competitions. We have plenty of options in the squad, and the desire and enthusiasm to get titles is high.”

 

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Iker Casillas has revealed he wants to see out his contract at Real Madrid and has aspirations to play on until he’s 40.

Casillas is currently second choice behind Diego Lopez at the Santiago Bernabeu, raising concerns over his immediate future at the club.

But the 32-year-old has spoken on his short term future and feelings towards his role at Madrid, in an interview published by Marca.

“I can play up to 40,” said the Spanish goalkeeper. “If a goalkeeper is careful they can get to that age now, if you take care.

“I wish I could play at Madrid until I’m 40, but there will be a moment where it isn’t possible. When I finish my contract it’ll raise the question of whether I stay at Madrid.

“I want to keep winning titles. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to win trophies and then go and enjoy it with the fans.”

The Los Blancos idol has proven his worth during a successful tenure at the club and also commented on what he’d like to do after his playing career.

“Often I think about what I’ll do when I retire. I would like to remain connected to the world of football, to my club if they need my help.”

 

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Real Madrid return to action on Sunday, and the Madrid press is slowly switching its attention back on domestic matters after a round of midweek international friendlies.

But the main talk in Marca this morning is the possible transfer of Paul Pogba to Real Madrid in the summer. The Frenchman is having an outstanding season with the Seria A side that has made Los Blancos sit up and take note.

The former Manchester United man has been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu in the past, but Marca says the club will follow up its interest in the attacking midfielder with a formal offer once the season ends.

Elsewhere, Iker Casillas has spoken in an interview of the outstanding work done by Diego Lopez in helping Real to top spot in La Liga. And he defending his fellow custodian after Lopez was criticised over Atletico Madrid’s second goal on Sunday – the long range effort from Gabi. Casillas said Lopez was not to blame and that he was unsighted until it was too late.

In some early team news ahead of Real’s game with Levante at the weekend, AS says Isco and Raphael Varane could start as Carlo Ancelotti looks to rotate some of his players after a busy schedule. French defender Varane was Jose Mourinho’s latest hot topic for discussion, as he called him the best young defender in the world in an interview – sparking speculation he may make a bid for the player as a replacement for veteran Chelsea captain John Terry.

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Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale can surpass the achievements of Ryan Giggs at international level, according to Wales manager Chris Coleman.

The 24-year-old scored another stunning goal for his country in the 3-1 win over Iceland on Wednesday night, to add to the collection of great goals he has already scored throughout his career.  He also highlighted his importance to the team by creating the two other goals for his teammates.

Giggs, who retired from international duty in 2007 to focus on his career with Manchester United, is widely considered to be the best player to have ever player for Wales, despite the fact he never played at a major tournament with his country. Speaking after the game, Coleman said Bale could become the greatest to wear the red shirt, and would be the country’s icon for years to come.

“What Gareth does on the pitch is extraordinary. With him in our team we always know we have a real chance and he proved that again. Just witnessing what he did in this match was worth the entrance fee for the fans who came here and saw something very special,” he said.

The former Real Sociedad manager continued: “Gareth was so good I’ve even asked him afterwards for a photograph and his autograph myself! I played with Ryan Giggs, of course, and I always said he was the finest player I appeared with but I honestly do think Bale will be even better in time. Giggs scored some great goals for Wales from free kicks but Gareth runs past four or five defenders to score for us and he does it consistently. He’s more dynamic, direct and powerful than even Ryan was and that’s really saying something. None of this is disrespecting Giggs, a truly great player, but I just think Gareth will be the No.1.”

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Real Madrid defender Pepe has claimed in an interview with Portuguese sports newspaper Record that Los Blancos “need to believe” they can win La Decima in order to conquer the Champions League this season.

The 31-year-old centre-back is enjoying one of the best moments of his career, having become a crucial piece of Carlo Ancelotti’s defence. He was key for Los Merengues to earn a record eight clean sheets in a row at the beginning of 2014.

Pepe has become a leader inside the Santiago Bernabeu’s changing room and that is tangible when he speaks to the press.

“We need to believe we can win La Decima. We are working hard for that and the truth is we are doing a good job both in La Liga and the Champions League. We also have the Copa del Rey final. We are in great shape at the best stage of the season. We are a solid and reliable team,” he told Record.

Pepe was asked about teammate Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of their friendly game against Cameroon. “He surprises us every day. He has no limits. His mentality makes him want always more. Every year he tries to beat his goal record, and that is why he stands out so much,” Pepe pointed out.

“As his friend and as a Portuguese, I’m very proud that he won his second Ballon d’Or. I was very happy, because he had deserved it for so long. I don’t think there are right words to describe what he’s doing at Real Madrid, his statistics… It would be hard to believe if I didn’t see him play every day. And it’s not only about statistics; when he scores, we never lose,” he added.

Pepe also gave his opinion about Carlo Ancelotti and the new playing style: “Everytime the manager changes there’s a period for adaptation and now we’re on that phase. We didn’t start well because he demanded different things and we didn’t understand quite well what he wanted from us. We worked, but weren’t able to bring those ideas to the field. Now we’re doing things as the boss requests and the results are positive.”

* Follow Alejandro Gonzalez on Twitter at @alejandrognieto

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Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo extended their scoring run as they lead their national teams in their respective international friendlies victories.

Ronaldo became Portugal’s all-time top scorer thanks to his brace against Cameroon. CR7 reached the 47-goal mark, overtaking Pedro Pauleta and starring in his team’s 5-1 win. Fabio Coentrao also scored, and Pepe didn’t play due to a fever.

Bale also netted one in Wales 3-1 victory over Iceland, puting in a great performance in 70 minutes of play. Meanwhile, Benzema scored a superb goal to contribute to France’s 2-0 win over Holland. The striker was replaced after 80 minutes, while Raphael Varane played the whole game.

Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos started in Spain’s friendly against Italy at the Vicente Calderon. The keeper was replaced by Victor Valdes at half-time. Xabi Alonso also came in for the second-half to help the Spaniards beat the Azzurri with a goal from Pedro.

Angel di Maria played 89 minutes for Argentina, having a good performance despite his team being unable to defeat Romania. Leo Messi’s team brought home a poor 0-0 draw from Bucarest.

Luka Modric came in as a substitute for Croatia to play the last 35 minutes against Switzerland, when the game was tied 2-2. However, he couldn’t help his team score a winning goal and the scoreboard didn’t change.

Brazil put in a superb performance in South Africa, embarrasing the hosts with a 0-5 victory in a tribute match to Nelson Mandela. Real Madrid’s left-back was replaced in the 58th minute. Barcelona’s winger Neymar lead the Canarinha with a hat-trick.

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Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has revealed he left former club Liverpool to join Los Blancos in 2009 because he needed a change of scenery.

The 32-year-old spent five years on Merseyside and was part of Rafa Benitez’s team that won the famous Champions League final against AC Milan in 2005 when the Reds came from 3-0 down at half time to win on penalties.

Alonso joined Madrid in a 35 million euro deal after appearing more than 200 times for the Anfield side, and Benitez took much criticism over the sale. But speaking to France Football, the World Cup winner said it he was his decision to move to the Spanish capital.

“After five years at Liverpool I needed a change and what could be better than joining Real Madrid, the largest and most demanding club,” he said.

He added: “It was the right moment to seize the opportunity. Everyday life in Madrid is tougher than in any other team. They demand win, win again and also play well. I wanted to see if I was able to match such a challenge.”

Alonso missed the early part of this through injury, and after the signing of Asier Illarramendi, there was some speculation he would leave the club at the end of the campaign. But he recently penned a new two-year deal at the club, securing his immediate future with the nine-time European Cup winners.

However, when discussing his long-term plans, he refused to rule out anything, including a possible stint in the US.

“Moving to the USA? I don’t reject that in the future. We will see how I feel in two years’ time. I don’t discount anything – Europe – Real Sociedad or staying longer at Real Madrid if I notice that I still have the physical abilities,” he stated.

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