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2013 was a full year for Madridistas. We saw the Jose Mourinho era come to an end with a whimper and the Carlo Ancelotti era begin with refreshed hope. The changing of the guard began as fan favourites departed and future stars arrived. Here are the memorable moments of the year:

Diego Lopez purchased from Sevilla

When Diego Lopez arrived at the Bernabeu in January, few viewed him as more than a temporary replacement while Iker Casillas was out with a broken hand. However, Lopez soon usurped the club captain, and he continues to start La Liga matches over Casillas in the latter part of 2013. Several factors contributed to the breakdown of Mourinho’s reign, but none alienated fans and players so much as relegating San Iker to the bench.

The new guy would make quite a name for himself, though, and some believe he has earned his place. After his stunning performance against Manchester United in the Champions League round of 16, Mourinho described Lopez as the best player on the pitch.

Two successive Clasico victories

After a tight 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Copa del Ray semifinals, Los Blancos blasted into the finals with a 3-1 win over Barcelona in the away leg. Four days later, they tasted Clasico success once again, this time in a more tense 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu. Such results against their archrivals in so short a time span gave Madrid fans something to gloat about, particulary because Barcelona were already favourites for a title they would go on to win.

The fixtures were also notable for the dynamic performance of young defender Raphael Varane, who was still a teenager at the time. The Frenchman, then 19 years old, dominated the back line, putting in a lights-out performance against one of the most dangerous offenses in the world, and he rendered 2013 Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi virtually invisible. He was not content simply to defend, though: Varane scored on a towering header to seal the Copa victory. The defender has been sorely missed in the 2013-14 season as he struggles to regain full fitness after undergoing knee surgery over the summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Manchester in Champions League tie

If winning against Barcelona twice in four days was not enough to budge the hardest of Madridista hearts, a dramatic Champions League trip to Manchester United in the same week as the Clasicos surely must have done the trick. Even the storyline of Cristiano Ronaldo receiving a warm welcome from the club with whom he won the Champions League in 2008 was overshadowed by the drama of the match itself, from Nani’s controversial red card to Luka Modric’s stunner to Diego Lopez’s pure heroics and — you guessed it — Ronaldo’s inevitable winner (respectfully without a celebration). La Decima would not come for Jose Mourinho, though, as Madrid could not produce enough to complete a second-leg comeback against Borussia Dortmund in the semifinals. At least Los Blancos avoided the embarrassment of Bayern Munich’s aggregate 7-0 dismantling of Barcelona in the other semifinal.

Copa failure marks end of unsuccessful year — and end of Mourinho

The 2013 Copa del Ray was seen at the time as the last chance of grace for Jose Mourinho. By May, everyone in Madrid expected him to leave, he had alienated half of the dressing room and more of the fans, and the season looked to be a bust after Barcelona ran off with the league title and the Champions League final sported an all-German playbill. The Copa final with crosstown rivals Atletico Madrid began at a blistering pace, but as it dragged on into an extra 30 minutes, it became scrappy and heated. Both Ronaldo and Mourinho received their marching orders, as did Atletico’s Gabi, but Atletico secured their 10th Copa title and ended a 14-year winless run against Real. Los Blancos ended the season with only the Spanish Super Cup trophy.

New Season, New Beginnings

Madrid saw significant changes over the summer, and these began with introduction of Carlo Ancelotti as manager. The Italian had coached Paris Saint-Germain to a Ligue 1 title the season before coming to Madrid, and he won the Barclays Premier League with Chelsea in 2010 and two Champions League titles with AC Milan in 2003 and 2007. With him came an influx of new, young talent in purchases of Isco, Asier Illarramendi and Casemiro as well as the full promotion of Jese Rodriguez from Castilla and the recall of Dani Carvajal on loan.

More prominently, Gareth Bale was signed from Tottenham Hotspur after a drawn-out transfer saga for an astronomical €91 million. The Welsh winger took some time to acclimatise to the Spanish capital and struggled for match fitness initially, but he has since settled in and demonstrated why he cost so much.

However, the new beginnings also marked the departures of several other notable players. Kaka returned to his former club AC Milan to seek more playing time in a move that most Madridistas viewed respectfully. Fan favourites Mesut Ozil and Gonzalo Higuain were sold to Arsenal and Napoli, respectively, in moves that displeased more fans than Florentino Perez would have hoped.

La Decima Hopes Alive and Kicking

Perez said last week that Madrid fans are “a little obsessed” with claiming a record 10th European Cup, and their chances of accomplishing that feat this season look good. A 6-1 demolition of Galatasary capped by a CR7 hat trick opened the quest for La Decima with aplomb. Madrid then cruised through to the round of 16 with more goals than any other team, led by Ronaldo’s record-setting nine goals in the group stage.

Madrid will face German side Schalke 04 in a matchup that should be comfortable enough. Although current holders Bayern Munich remain an intimidating side in this year’s version, Los Merengues are among the favourites to hoist the trophy in Lisbon.

Cristiano Ronaldo scores … and scores … and scores

Cristiano Ronaldo netted more goals in 2013 than any other player. He has been so consistent in scoring that it is almost expected, but he exceeded his own history and set a personal record for goals scored in a calendar year. Since joining Madrid, he is averaging more than one goal per game and has set such an incredible standard that only Messi can compete with him closely.

The Portuguese winger continued his habit of scoring in Clasico matches, broke a Champions League group stage scoring record, and single-handedly dragged Portugal to the World Cup with a home goal and an away hat trick against Sweden in a stunning performance.

He made it to the three-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or for the third year in a row and has high hopes for the January award ceremony. The 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year faces tough competition from Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery and his longtime rival Messi, but the odds look good for him to hoist the golden ball.

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Atletico Madrid star Diego Costa believes Cristiano Ronaldo should win 2013’s Ballon d’Or.

The striker was asked over his choice prior to the ‘Champions for Life’ charity game at Santiago Bernabeu, and he simply replied: “Cristiano.”

The Portuguese, who won the trophy in 2008, has joined Leo Messi and Franck Ribery in the shortlist for award.

In one of the closest races for the Ballon d’Or in years -Messi has won the last four- Ronaldo has been backed by many leading figures, such as Diego Armando Maradona, Radamel Falcao, Luis Felipe Scolari and Franco Baresi.

Ronaldo has been named as the Best Player of the Year by Uruguayan newspaper El Pais, an award that is considered as the American Ballon d’Or.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Pablo Simeone also spoke about this trophy yesterday, claiming “the three players deserve to win it.”

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Portuguese international Cristiano Ronaldo believes he has deserved to win the FIFA Ballon d’Or every year he’s been nominated.

The Real Madrid talisman has been widely touted to win the prestigious trophy, with his 69 goals for club and country putting him ahead of fellow competitors Franck Ribery and Lionel Messi.

“I don’t know if I deserve Ballon d’Or this year. I was on the podium for 6 years, this will be my 7th or 8th.” Ronaldo told A Bola.

“The numbers speak for themselves. What I have done, in a way, is very important for an individual award.

“Like last year and the year before, I always think I deserve the Ballon d’Or. I’d like to win it every year,” he concluded.

The winner will be announced during a ceremony in Zurich early in January.

Follow Louis Gibberd-Thomas on Twitter: @mercutio156

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According to reports, Real Madrid are set to be tested by Tottenham yet again in January, as the North London club will look to fill their left back void.

Fabio Coentrao has been the subject of constant speculation in recent weeks and has been targeted by Tottenham as their ideal replacement since Benoit Assou-Ekotto fell out of favour with recently sacked Andre Villas-Boas.

Danny Rose was given a starting spot at the beginning of the season after an impressive loan spell at Sunderland last year, but picked up an injury early in the season which has kept him out for three months.

Portuguese left-back Coentrao is expected to welcome a chance to leave Madrid for first team football with the upcoming World Cup in Brazil this summer after his chance at a deadline day move to Manchester United broke down in the final moments.

It was also rumoured that Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti would like to be reunited with former left back Ashley Cole in the Spanish capital, but it is extremely unlikely that Chelsea boss José Mourinho would allow such an important member of his squad to leave mid-season.

It is more likely that Madrid would pursue Sevilla’s Alberto Moreno, although a move would be more likely in the summer.

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Dinamo Zagreb president Mirko Barisic has revealed his club and Real Madrid are holding talks over a move for Croatian 17-year-old Alen Halilovic.

Barisic explained they have been contacted by Real, Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona among others, as reported by Croatian website Sportske.

“We’re holding talks with Borussia, Real Madrid and Barcelona as well as other clubs, but there’s no official offer yet. We’ll see in January; for now it’s all rumours,” Barisic stated.

Sportske claims the Azulgranas would be willing to bid 15 million euros to bring Halilovic to Barcelona. According to this website, Benfica has already made a 3.5-million bid, but that amount is far from what Barisic aims to obtain for his young star.

Halilovic was first linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu last summer. However, most of the offers Dinamo have received have been block by the player’s father, a coach at the club, who wants guarantees about his son’s playing time.

The 17-year-old has made 22 appearances for Dinamo so far this season, becoming a guaranteed starter.

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In 15 appearances, Gareth Bale has scored nine goals and has six assists which means one (goal + assist) per game. Bale had a difficult start at the Bernebeu. He wasn’t welcomed by large sections of the fans who blamed him for Mesut Ozil’s departure and because they believed he was not worth the exorbitant fee Madrid paid for him.

He did not have a preseason and a series of small injuries kept him out of the side initially. Upon his return, he struggled for match fitness and this was seen in the Clasico. However, since then he has truly risen to the occasion. The perfect hattrick against Vallodolid was his best game thus far. He showcased his finishing and positioning as well as his ability to create goals with a wonderful cross. In Ronaldo’s absence, he was Madrid’s best player.

It is however insufficient to analyze his game without talking about the way in which he complements Ronaldo or about the way in which Ronaldo affects him. In the 4-3-3 system, Madrid’s forward line consisted of Benzema in the centre with Ronaldo on the left and Bale on the right. In this system, Bale and Ronaldo had acres of space to run into and against La Liga teams were utterly devastating. Bale was allowed to express himself fully because of the system and the space he had.

In the 4-2-3-1 system with Ronaldo missing, Bale continued to be explosive because he was given free liscence to roam the pitch in the same way Ronaldo is usually allowed to. With Di Maria restrained on the left plank (replacing Ronaldo), Bale’s defensive contribution was negligible but it was similar to his position at Spurs where Lennon/Sigurdsson was on one wing with Bale on the other.

In all probability, Khedira is going to be out for most of the season and hence Madrid will not return to a 4-3-3 which means a 4-2-3-1 with Ronaldo on the left and Bale on the right. This is what we have seen for the last few games. It is difficult to make conclusions for just a few games but it seems that Bale will have to adapt his game or deviate slightly for his natural game for this system to work. Ronaldo is the undisputed star of this team and therefore as always, he is going to be given a free roaming license with no defensive duties. If Bale is given the same freedom, the team is going to be defensively vulnerable. Opposition wingers and full backs will be able to bomb down the right and left wings putting extra pressure on Marcelo and Arbeloa/Carvajal.

Under Mourinho, Di Maria who played in Bale’s position on the right constantly would track back to help out Arbeloa and his work rate was phenomenal. The same level of defensive contribution is not expected from Bale but for the 4-2-3-1 system to be balanced, he will have to maintain his position and occasionally track back. Two free roaming wingers will be acceptable in La Liga but not against the European giants in the Champions League.

This does not mean that Bale is undermining his game. By playing with talents like Ronaldo, Alonso and Modric, he is automatically learning more and elevating his game which is why he came to Madrid. Perhaps he will develop other facets of his game. By dropping slightly deeper and coming more into the centre, he can develop his playmaking abilities. By pushing singularly down his wing, his crossing and dribbling can improve. There is no doubt that Ronaldo and he will switch wings during games and therefore essentially he will be a partial free roaming winger albeit at Ronaldo’s behest.

Xabi Alonso’s renewal

Finally, one must address the issue of Alonso’s renewal. It is absolutely essential that he renews his contract. Many fans who understand the way Madrid play will surely agree that he is just as important as Ronaldo. Last season against United, Welbeck marked Alonso out of the game and Madrid struggled for rhythm and control. After Nani was sent off, the pressure on Alonso reduced and immediately Madrid took control. A similar thing was seen this season. Until Alonso returned, Ancelotti could not find the right balance in midfield. Illara will eventually replace Alonso but there is still a while left before he can. Hopefully, he will renew his contract over the winter break. Madrid cannot afford to lose him.

Hala Madrid!

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Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has said he has no problems at all with his former manager Jose Mourinho, and would work with him in future if the opportunity arose again.

The Portuguese star and his compatriot Mourinho, who now manages in the Premier League with Chelsea, were said to have a non-existent relationship towards the end of Mourinho’s tenure at the Bernabeu, which ended last summer when he was dismissed after a breakdown with both the players and the board.

But after Ronaldo was asked by A Bola TV whether he would ever forgive Mourinho, after he claimed that the forward was the best player he had ever worked with, the forward answered in a positive mood.

Ronaldo said “”Forgive Mourinho? I forgive everyone. We never had a confrontation and I have never spoken ill about anyone,” 

“I would work with Mourinho again and with other coaches I have had, like [Sir Alex] Ferguson, [Manuel] Pellegrini, and [Laszlo] Boloni. I learned a lot from them.”

Ronaldo also spoke about being nominated for the Ballon D’or, admitting “Like last year and the year before, I always think I deserve the Ballon d’Or. I’d like to win it every year.”

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Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has claimed that Gareth Bale performs better when Cristiano Ronaldo is not in the team alongside him at Real Madrid.

Villas-Boas left the North London club a few weeks ago, with the departure of star man Bale to the Spanish capital after an incredible season seemingly having a big impact as results became worse without the Welshman.

Speaking to Portuguese paper ‘O Jogo’ Villas-Boas said: “Bale has a far greater role when Ronaldo isn’t playing. At Tottenham Bale got used to playing a style of football that offered him the chance of being the main man, which made him the team’s reference point.

“When a team recognises that a player is in outstanding form they receive the ball more and have more chance of having an impact in the play and it increases their responsibility. With Ronaldo there are two reference points in the team, so options become divided.”

When asked if the Welshman has a chance of winning the Ballon d’Or next season Villas-Boas commented: “He’s already one of the World’s biggest players. The question is whether he will repeat the performances whilst he’s playing with the best player in the World from 2013 [Ronaldo].”

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Ultras Sur

Real Madrid have announced through their official website that they will be ‘reorganising’ the ‘Grada de Animación’ [supporters zone] in the Bernabeu stadium. The move will evict the Ultras Sur from the South Stand where the reconstruction will commence.

Club members are asked to send a request should they wish to be in this new area of the stand, the closing date for applications on 15 January 2014.

The Fondo Sur currently has 885 seats, with the development likely to take it up to 1,600. The idea is to create something similar to Valencia’s Curva Nord in the Mestalla where fans can actively support the team during the entire 90 minutes.

The decision appears to stem from the recent clashes within the Ultras Sur, between veteran and younger members. The process would be of great benefit to the players to have a section concentrated of positive, morale boosting support.

Four radical supporters from the South Stand were recently banned for life after displaying swastikas and other Nazi symbols during the Atletico Madrid clash. Barcelona full-back Dani Alves was also subjected to racial abuse during the Copa del Rey semi-final.

Follow Louis Gibberd-Thomas on Twitter: @mercutio156

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Sergio Ramos was Santa Claus

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos showed his solidarity on Christmas day, when he attended a charity event to bring gifts to children in his hometown Camas, in the Spanish province of Seville.

Despite not dressing up as the jolly old man in a red suit, Ramos turned in to Santa Claus for a while to make a lot of children happy.

The kids were delighted with the presents, but especially with the footballer’s presence.

“Seeing the happiness in the faces of the kids fills me with satisfaction,” Ramos told the press.

The 27-year-old defender is awaiting an especial present for 2014, since he and his partner Pilar Rubio will have their first child.

Ramos said bringing gifts to the children was a way to give back all the good things that are happening to him.

Apart from the gift, every child got a more precious present, as they got a picture with their idol.

You can watch a video of the event here.

* Follow Laura Martinez on Twitter @Lauram_ti

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