Gonzalo Higuaín continues working hard with the hope of receiving a call from the Argentine national team, but he also admits that the first thing on everyone's mind within the clubhouse is the forthcoming derby against Atletico Madrid.

What are your thoughts on the start Agüero and Messi are off to?

I think they are both tremendous players and you cannot compare one to the other. They are in great form and watching them play is a lot of fun.

Would you compare them to Van Nistelrooy?
I'm not going to be comparing anyone. Ruud plays on my team and he proves he can score out of no where in every single match. I am proud to be his teammate.

Did fatigue finally catch up to the team against Espanyol?
Possibly. We had played several mid-week matches and one every three days, and although we rotated, many players had to repeat. I should note, however, that we didn't lose either of the two matches in which we were behind. We are anxious for the derby to get here.

Would you have liked to be in Argentina's camp right now?
Of course. I would love to be there. I am very young, but my goal is to one day play for Argentina, and I am working hard to do so.

Do you think Raúl deserves a spot on the Spanish national team?

That's for the Spanish national team coach to decide. We would all like him to get the call. He is playing very well, and I hope it continues. We are all happy for the captain.

Any final conclusions from about Atletico after their match against Barcelona?
What took place only happens once every hundred matches. They conceded three early goals, but we can't dwell on the fact. We know Atletico Madrid is a great team that will do everything in its power to win the derby, so we have to focus on taking the match.

And what about Barcelona after seeing the match?
They came up huge against Atleti and they are winning a lot of matches. They have a great squad, but let's see how they play through the season.

Is Laporta going a little overboard by saying that Messi is a cross between Cruiff and Maradona?
I see him just as Messi. He's a great player and I hope he remains one for a long time. Fortunately I get to see him play for Argentina.

Barcelona is counting on Messi winning the Balon d'Or, while Madrid is counting on Casillas. Who do you think will win?
There are other great players besides those two. Whoever is most deserving will win. ]]> http://realmadrid200708.wordpress.com/?p=849 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:38:29 +0000 Murali Krishnan http://realmadrid200708.es.wordpress.com/2008/09/25/pedja-mijatovic-robben-higuain/ Real Madrid's Sporting Director, Pedja Mijatovic, talked to RealmadridTV after the team's impressive 7-1 victory over Sporting Gijon. Robben and Higuaín were two of the team's goal-scorers tonight. Both men shared their views on the match with the sports media.

MIJATOVIC:

This is a very important victory. The team played well and scored many goals, but we shouldn't go crazy about it. The team must continue to have the same excitement and the same attitude.

This team can score. It was the top-scoring side last year and it could be so again this year. We never doubted this. It was important for Raúl to score again. We have to take things slowly now and improve on everything.

We never doubted Raúl; his figures will be hard to equal. He suffered in the last few games because he is a great goal-scorer, but I'm sure he will net many more strikes from now on.

Van der Vaart is very important to us. He was one of the top-scoring players on his previous teams. He felt well tonight. He's scored in every game and we are very happy with him. We are very happy with all of our players.

We have to play many games each week and we must therefore count on every man on the squad. Rest is important. An important team has to work this way. I'm sure all of them will work hard to help the team achieve its goals.

ROBBEN:

It's been a beautiful match for us and the fans. We missed many chances on goal against BATE Borisov, but we fixed that tonight.

I'm happy with how the game unfolded. It was incredible. We had many chances and scored seven goals in 70 minutes. I try to do a good job in every game. That's all I think about. I notice fans like my style and that they have faith in me. I like that.

I think the team has been more confident in the last couple of games. We didn't have a good start to the season, but we are in great form now and we want to carry on this way.

The whole team is happy for Raúl because he is our captain and therefore very important to us. He did a good job.

The match against Betis will be hard. They are a strong team, but we want to take the three points.

HIGUAIN:

The goal I scored tonight is a reward for my work and I'm glad people acknowledge it. We were solid against Sporting and we used our chances on goal well. That's very important.

All of us 24 players have to be fit all the time because we have many games this year and we will all have a chance to play. The good thing is many of us are scoring the team's goals, as opposed to just one or two players.

Raúl had a great game and scored two goals. we are happy about that. He deserved it.

The Madridistas tried to defeat keeper Sergio Sánchez at the sound of the first whistle. Gonzalo Higuaín had the first chance after receiving the ball in the centre of Sporting's box from a pass by De la Red (3'). It was the first warning for a goal that was to come, aided by the fact that Gijon simply didn't feel comfortable at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

The Whites scored just when the visitors started to attack Iker Casillas' goal. De la Red carried the ball to the edge of the box and passed it to Raúl, who in turn gave it to Van der Vaart for him to send it to the back of the net (17’). The goal allowed Real Madrid to feel more comfortable and they started to make the crowd enjoy itself.

Higuaín had another chance on the 26-minute mark from a cross Raúl managed to pull off with hardly an angle after he made a run with the ball to the edge of the pitch. The captain looked for the second goal of the evening with a counterattack during which he passed the goal to Higuaín right on the goal-line, but the Argentine missed (30'). A couple of minutes later, De la Red crossed the ball into the box for Van der Vaart to score with a beautiful finishing touch with his heel (32').

The fans went wild. The team wanted to please them more and tallied yet another strike again in no time. Robben ran down the right wing with the ball and crossed it to the other side of the area. Higuaín received it and scored with a powerful crossed shot in the 36th minute.

Nothing changed after half-time and the team kept trying to net more strikes. Soon, a long pass from Robben was used by Van der Vaart to tally his third strike of the evening (46'). Four minutes later, the Dutchmen swapped roles; Robben received the ball from a great midfield pass by Van der Vaart and defeated Sánchez 30-meters away from the goal with a powerful shot (50’).

With 5-0 on the scoreboard, Bernd Schuster decided to give some men a rest and Diarra was replaced by Javi García -who made his First Division debut with Real Madrid-. Meanwhile, former Madridista David Barral pulled off a good attacking play for Sporting that ended with a goal by Kike Mateo (53').

Real Madrid wanted more strikes despite the large cushion in the score and kept trying to net some more. The next was scored by Raúl -his first in La Liga this season- on the goal-line when the ball fell at his feet after Sánchez cleared a powerful shot by Robben down the right wing.

The final goal of the evening was the crowning jewel of the game, coming from a beautiful triangulation between Saviola and Raúl that ended with the captain's great finishing touch (59’).

Sporting never gave up and their fans at the Bernabéu had a good time despite the seven goals against them. The Madridistas at the stadium were thrilled with the team's performance and cheered as the team left the pitch.

TEAMS:

REAL MADRID: Casillas; Cannavaro,Pepe, Miguel Torres, Marcelo; Diarra (Javi Garcia 55'), Robben (Drenthe 68'), Van der Vaart, De la Red; Raul, Higuain (Saviola 61')

SPORTING GIJON: Jurgen Colin, Diego Camacho, Soto Ivan Hernandez, Francisco Maldonado (Borja Enrique Neru 46'), Madera Michel, Sanchez Sergio, Montoya Kike Mateo, Torres David Barral, Santa Cecilla Pedro (Santa Cecilla Pedro 57'), Roberto Canella Suarez, Migguel Raul Camara (Gimenez Diego Castro 46')

GOALS:

1-0, 18' - Rafael van der Vaart

2-0, 33' - Rafael van der Vaart

3-0, 37' - Gonzalo Higuain

4-0, 46' - Rafael van der Vaart

5-0, 51' - Arjen Robben

5-1, 53' - Kike Mateo

6-1, 59' - Raul

7-1, 64' - Raul

Venue: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

Attendance: 70,000.

Muy original, la verdad, con Wayne Rooney y Gonzalo Higuaín jugando junto a otras personas y el público detrás en un partido del Manchester United y Real Madrid.

FIFA 09 saldrá a la venta para todas las consolas del mercado en octubre.

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Ruud van Nistelrooy put the nail in the coffin on Sunday and spoke about thea team's effort in their hard-earned victory. Higuaín and De la Red combined for the first Real Madrid goal of the evening, and the two expressed their satisfaction with the victory following the final whistle.

Ruud van Nistelrooy:

Racing played well, but we did too. Today we saw the Madrid we all want to see. It was a difficult match and the victory should boost out confidence. We must stay on track. The team was very solid in defense and took advantage of the opportunities it was given. Our strength in the first third and the team's mentality proved crucial. Our chances improve when we play like we did.  It is true that we played two poor matches, but we are improving. We did our job tonight, but it's time to think about Wednesday. The fact that we played well is what I'll take from this match. This is Real Madrid. We saw it with nine men against Valencia, and then two poor matches. Today we saw the Madrid we want. We know that the score isn't all that counts. We aren't leaving completely satisfied. We know we must improve and where. It is still September.

De la Red:

I am pleased with the goal and the effort. Today we saw that anyone on this team can play. The goal came off a great play by Gonzalo Higuaín, who provided the perfect assist. Racing put on the pressure, but we came out strong on all lines. It's expected that we continue improving, so I am sure we will continue playing better as we have more matches under our belts. Every match is important when you wear the Real Madrid shirt and you have to win them all, which is why we don't care who our opponent is. Coming in in the second half is always harder than just playing 15 minutes when there is already a certain rhythm that you must adjust to. We have to play serious football in order to win each match.

Higuaín:

I am happy we won and important and difficult match. The three points are all that count and we managed to take them. The first goal was finished off nicely by De la Red and gave us the lead. Van Nistelrooy's calmed the match down and we managed to win an important game. We have important matches on the horizon, so we must continue doing what we are doing and winning. I am very happy because I have started all three matches this season, which means I must be doing a good job.

Ondanks de goede resultaten tot nu toe, denk ik dat verlenging van de Spaanse titel erg moeilijk zal worden en de club in de CL opnieuw slechts een bijrol zal spelen.

In de zomer heeft de club zich alleen maar gericht op het binnenhalen van Cristiano Ronaldo, maar die kwam niet (dreigt gewoonte te gaan worden, zie ook Fabregas, Kaka, Villa). De club had niet alleen geen plan B om Ronaldo te vervangen, maar de hele saga zorgde ervoor dat Robinho zo graag weg wilde dat hij genoegen nam met een vertrek naar Manchester City (maar had die dat zelf ook door?).

De enige versterkingen die in de zomer kwamen, zijn de teruggehaalde jeugdspelers Ruben de la Red en Javi Garcia én Rafael van der Vaart (enigszins in paniek aangetrokken na de blessure van Wesley Sneijder tijdens de voorbereiding). Alledrie middenvelders die centraal het best tot hun recht komen, een positie waar spelminuten vorig seizoen al duur verkocht werden (Gago, Guti, Diarra en Sneijder; overigens blijkt die overboeking nu goed van pas te komen met de blessures van Gago, Guti en Sneijder).

Geen slim aankoopbeleid, zeker als je kijkt naar de andere linies van de ploeg. De verdediging is in principe wel solide (vorig jaar minst gepasseerd in Spanje; de combinatie Ramos-Pepe-Cannavaro-Heinze heeft nog nooit verloren), maar blessuregevoelig zonder dat er op de bank bruikbare vervangers zitten (Metzelder is traag en onhandig). Bovendien is Cannavaro al aardig op leeftijd en kun je je afvragen hoe lang hij nog op hoog niveau kan blijven spelen. (Met het oog op de toekomst is de jonge Garay aangetrokken en uitgeleend aan Santander, maar dit seizoen heeft Madrid nog geen plezier van hem).

In de aanval is de situatie nog schrijnender. De ploeg beschikt over 4 spitsen. Ruud is een garantie voor goalen, maar of Raul de goede vorm van vorig jaar (18 goals, waaronder veel beslissende) weer kan halen, is zeer twijfelachtig. Het probleem is dat hij desondanks wél zeker lijkt van een basisplaats, waardoor de gretige en veelbelovende Higuain (te) weinig speeltijd krijgt. Saviola zal vooral de bank warm houden (en daar rijkelijk voor beloond worden). Alles bij elkaar betekent dit dat Van Nistelrooy niet geblesseerd (of in een vormcrisis) mag raken. Wat dat betreft is het goed voor Madrid dat hij bedankt heeft voor Oranje.

Naast de spitsen is Robben eigenlijk de enige andere aanvaller na het vertrek van Soldado, Baptista (AS Roma) en Robinho (Drenthe telt niet; het is nog steeds een slechte grap dat Royston bij Madrid speelt). Arjen is het seizoen goed begonnen, maar zat gisteren alweer uit voorzorg op de bank. Het belooft weinig goeds als je je gevaarlijkste speler uit voorzorg of door blessure maar in de helft van de wedstrijden kan gebruiken.

De selectie is dus zwakker dan vorig jaar, terwijl de concurrenten in Spanje sterker zijn geworden. Barcelona heeft zich versterkt met Dani Alves, Pique, Keita en ook met het vertrek van de "rotte eieren" Deco en Ronaldinho. Valencia lijkt over het tijdperk Koeman heen, Villareal bouwt voort op de 2e plek van vorig jaar en zelfs Atletico is nu kanshebber. En in Europa kan de selectie zich al helemaal niet meten met ploegen als ManU of Chelsea.

Daarom denk ik dat de kans groot is dat het seizoen zal eindigen in een teleurstelling. En in het ergste geval nadat in Januari een aantal dure miskopen gedaan zijn.

We are capable of competing in every competition. Any transfer decisions are the decisions of the club.

In other news, Real Madrid Talk links us with Lukas Podolski. A very interesting rumor I must admit. I would seriously love to see him play for us. He is super versatile and can play even on the left as he is doing right now for Bayern. But thinking again, if he does arrive he would be doing the same here. Toni and Klose are denying him a place up-front. Raul and Van Goal would do the same here. So why would he come? Another rumor on Premiership Latest links Real with Aaron Lennon. Sp*rs have hit rock-bottom and such a speculation is bound to arise. But Lennon is English. Err.. Okay. We'll just have to wait and see. I don't think Schus would be interested anyway. Talking about Schus, his father-son relationship with Robinwhore is over. While talking to a Spanish TV channel Cuatro Spain he launched a scathing attack on him following his move from El Santiago Bernabeu to Manchester City.

From a sports point of view, for me it is a disappointment because Robinho had everything here to triumph. But you have to respect his dream to be a good player in a mediocre club in England. Robinho was an important player and I wanted him to stay but that was impossible because the kid did not want to be with us.

Haha. I haven't laughed liked I did after hearing this for weeks. Lmao! Who's the man?! Schus the man!

For all you FIFA buffs, Higuain is on the cover of FIFA 09. A game to love indeed. Just can't wait to get my hands on it.

Thats about it for now. I am sure there will be some presser or the other later in the day. Will keep you posted.

Till then,

Hala Madrid!!

P.S: My team won 8-7 on penalties after a 6-6 draw. Winning is what matters Madridismo!

]]> http://realmadrid200708.wordpress.com/?p=753 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:56:08 +0000 Murali Krishnan http://realmadrid200708.es.wordpress.com/2008/09/15/real-madrid-4-3-numancia/ Everyone on the squad says it: this team is capable of scoring many goals and that's precisely what it did in its first league match at the Bernabéu this season. Guti netted Real Madrid's strike No. 5,000 in the league. Higuaín and Van der Vaart also scored.

Numancia defeated Barcelona on Matchday 1 and were the Whites' opponent for the first league clash at the Bernabéu this year. Real Madrid wanted the three points at stake to forget about the defeat at Riazor Stadium, while Numancia wanted to pull off a surprising performance at the White Colisseum.

New faces on the starting line-up were Salgado, Metzelder and Higuaín -the latter came on for Raúl, who was on the bench because he recently recovered from several niggles-. Van der Vaart also made the starting eleven and had an exceptional debut in the Spanish league. On the other hand, Numancia lacked strikers Goiría, Guayre and Platero, but managed to score three goals nevertheless.

Who says the team can't score?
The first strike of the evening came immediately after kick-off, when Moreno headed in a corner-kick served by Barkero (6'). Real Madrid tried to shake it off by timidly venturing into Numancia's half of the pitch. Robben took a shot on target right outside the box (14'), followed by Van Nistelrooy's (16'), who truned on his feet inside the box. Both chances were brilliantly saved by Juan Pablo.

A few minutes later, Guti received a pass from Van Nistelrooy and scored a great goal from afar on the 19-minute mark. The second captain's strike is the team's No. 5,000 in La Liga. It also marked the beginning of a tighter affair between both sides that eventually tipped the scales in favour of the locals.

Numancia fought back and pleased their 1,500 fans at the stadium with a phenomenal goal by Barkero; the player took a shot half-way accross Madrid's half of the pitch and sent the ball through the top-left corner of the goal (22'). Kresic's men then made the fatal mistake of playing a defensive game, allowing the Whites to move around with the ball as they pleased. The Madridistas' second goal was slated to be scored in no time. Again, Van Nistelrooy passed the ball to Higuaín, who controlled it, positioned himself perfectly infront of goal and scored showcasing great skill with his left foot (25’).

Eight minutes later (33'), Van der Vaart scored his first league goal with an incredibly powerful shot that grazed the inside of the near post. But there was more to come; six minutes before half-time, Guti served a corner-kick that became a strike when Cisma accidentally headed it into his goal (39’).

Numancia cut distances short
The visiting side's defensive line was more advanced in the second half and helped orchestrate a possible comeback for the team. Their hard work paid off when Pepe tackled Brit right outside the box and a free-kick was awarded. Moreno shot on target and scored after Casillas reached the ball but failed to clear it (55’).

As minutes passed, both teams had several chances, but they weren't as dangerous as those in the first part; it was impossible to keep up the same pace. Raúl and De la Red came on for Van Nistelrooy and Van der Vaart twenty minutes before the end.

Neither side gave up, but the Whites fought hard for their first league victory at the Bernabéu this year and earned it.

TEAMS:

Real Madrid: Casillas; Michel Salgado, Pepe, Metzelder, Marcelo; Diarra, Guti, Robben, Van der Vaart (De la Red, 70'); Higuain (Drenthe, 84'), Van Nistelrooy (Raul, 70').

Numancia: Juan Pablo; Juanra, Boris, Cisma, Palacios; Nagor, Moreno, Barkero (Álvaro Antón 67'), Mario (Del Pino, 61'); Bellvis (Quero, 81'), Brit;

Goals:

0-1, 7': Moreno

1-1, 19': Guti

2-1, 22': Barkero

2-2, 26': Higuain

3-2, 33': Van Der Vaart

4-2, 42': Cisma (OG)

4-3, 58': Moreno

Venue: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Highlights: Matchday 2 in the Spanish League. Guti scored the team's goal 5,000 in the league.

That left Real Madrid with Raul, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Higuain on striker position. I never doubt Raul and Van the Man quality, and as for Higuain, I think he is good as a second choice, but for the starting line up in the club like Real Madrid; no, he still has to prove himself further more.

It’s a very risky situation for the club now. With all the competition they are participating, the player’s risk to get injured is very high, especially if they’re “forced” to play in every game, due to lack of second choices.  And if (God forbid) one of them injured, who is left to play as a striker? And, please, don’t tell me its one of the striker from the junior team.

Why Real Madrid didn’t buy another world class striker? Surely it wasn’t because lack of funds. Maybe because the other club wont sell their striker. Or maybe player himself won’t move to Real Madrid.
It’s always a dilemma for the club on this level, and I am not only talking about Real Madrid. Clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, AC Milan, Inter Milan; all have this kind of problem. Once a new world class striker arrived from another club, he HAS to compete for the starting line up, with the other world class strikers. Players like Raul, Ronaldo, David Beckham (although he is not a striker) had sat on Real Madrid’s bench, while they were 100% fit and ready to play. So, even if you are a player of the (last) year, starting line up place is not guaranteed.

Let’s hope for the best at the second transfer window. Meanwhile, watch your step, Raul and Ruud.

Gonzalo Higuaín is even more excited at the start of this season. The striker believes the squad will be succesful again this year.

The lack of reinforcements in the team's attacking front will give you more chances to shine this year.
I hope so. I am excited about playing and that's what's important. I am luckily one of the team's four strikers. That's what I wanted and it makes me very happy. I hope I have the chance to play more minutes and to earn a spot on the team.

Playing more will give you chances of being called up by Argentina.
I wish! I always work hard to be called-up by my national team. I really want that to happen. I will welcome the opportunity and will continue to work hard until it comes. I am currently thinking about winning titles with Real Madrid. The dream of every footballer is to play for his country.

Do you understand the fans' worries due to the lack of new signings?
The fans are free to express their opinions. They always ask for more of everything, but I think the squad is good and we hope to be contenders for every title and to play well this year. The squad is good enough to achieve these goals. The lack of signings means were are in good shape; the squad is complete.

Van Nistelrooy said you could play as a winger...
I am luckily considered to be a striker now on this team. That's the position I most like. There's nothing more to say about that.

Do you feel uncomfortable as a winger? Being a striker means you will have to fight for a spot with Raúl...
Raúl doesn't thwart my chances. On the contrary; I believe competition with great players is very good. It forces me to work hard and double my efforts to earn a spot.

There's much talk about the incredible amount of money spent in English football. Would you leave Real Madrid for a lucrative offer?
My thoughts are here. I am very happy at Real Madrid and I have no reason to leave. I am happy with the squad, with the coaching staff, with the Club... I have no qualms. I don't even think about something like that.

How is the team preparing for the match with Numancia after the defeat at Riazor?
We are all very excited about it. Losing against Deportivo isn't the end of the world. We simply have to learn from our mistakes in order to avoid making them again. It's over now. We shouldn't talk about that game. Only the next match is important and it will be a tough one.

How do you think Schuster is now that he hasn't received any reinforcements?
I think he's fine, the same as last year; he is calm and happy. The teams is practically the same as lasf year's. We could have a great campaign provided we have the fighting spirit we showcased last year.

Robinho's departure may give you more playing time this season...
I hope so. That's my priority. I want to play more in order to help the team as much as I can. I feel ready to be a starter. Robinho is a good friend. We should respect his reasons for leaving.

People are already talking about the winter signings. What do you think of that?
That's something for the Club's Board to deal with. Us players shouldn't talk about that. We should only focus on working to do things well. ]]> http://realmadrid200708.wordpress.com/?p=696 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:48:05 +0000 Murali Krishnan http://realmadrid200708.es.wordpress.com/2008/09/04/higuain-to-as/

Gonzalo Higuaín is about to begin his second full season at Real Madrid. In an interview to AS, the players talks about his hopes for this year.

This could be your year...

I want it to be. I’m very happy. I’ve had a good start this season. I feel well and I hope this truly is my year. You always look to have a good season, to shine and to improve. I didn’t play as much as I wished in the previous two campaigns, but we won two leagues. The squad is still the same and I hope to find a spot on the starting eleven.

You say you are more focused than ever...

That’s what I came to Europe for. I want to be successful. I would’ve stayed in Argentina with my friends if I wasn’t focused. I came here because I thought it was worth it and because I want to enter the history of this great Club.

Schuster says he wants a number ‘9’ player. Couldn’t that be you?

Everyone knows I like to play behind a striker. I will never refuse to play as a number ‘9’ because I also like that position, but I feel more comfortable behind the striker.

The team hasn’t started well in the league this year...

It was only the first game. It helped us see in what shape we are in. Losing at Riazor doesn’t mean the world’s going to end because there are 37 more matches left in the championship. We will have to correct our mistakes, nothing more. We have a week and a half to prepare for the clash with Numancia, after which the Champions League starts.

Some people say Raúl shouldn’t be on the starting eleven...

I am a big supporter of Raúl and he should always be there. I admire him. We all do. He sets an example for us youngsters. I admire how he never gives up a fight.

The team seems to miss the great Sneijder...

Yes, we do. I hope he has a great comeback. He is suffering from a tough injury and we must help him remain calm. We want him to make a speedy recovery.

What would you like to improve on this year?

I feel physically fit. I scored goals in the pre-season and I ask to play more regularly this year in order to score goals to pay the Club back for the confidence it has in me.

Do you feel loved by the Bernabéu crowd?

Of course I do. It’s lovely to feel the Bernabéu’s support and I hope our special relationship never ends.

I guess you will like to be more than just the savior of Real Madrid...

Naturally. I don’t consider myself the team’s saviour. The entire team is its own saviour because I do what I do thanks to my teammates. Their help is decisive. I want to play more this year and prove my worth.

Cannavaro and Casillas have faith in your potential...

I wish to be important on the team and to pay them back for their confidence. I am anxious to showcase my full potential.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, Gonzalo Higuaín and Sergio Ramos talked to the media after the match with Deportivo. The three players regret the defeat, but aren't too worried about it. Marcelo and Robben believe the team has to work hard to get by this defeat and win its next clash.

Van Nistelrooy

It hurts us to lose this way because both their goals came from set pieces. It's a shame, but these things happen. Our little mistakes eventually played an important role in the game and kept us from winning.

It hasn't been a good start to the league for us, but it's only been the first game. The season is very long.

Higuaín

We played well in the first half, but Deportivo's first goal changed things. We have to look ahead now. We have two weeks to work before our next game. We will improve on our mistakes to have clearer ideas against Numancia.

Sergio Ramos

We came to win and it's quite a shame to start the league with a defeat. We wanted to start with a victory and we tried, but it just wasn't meant to be. We have to continue fighting and forget about this game.

This defeat hurts us, but we know our mistakes are small and that we have a lot of time to correct them. Deportivo scored from set pieces, but it doesn't matter. We will improve on that; this was just our first game.

The Santiago Bernabéu Trophy is the best possible appetizer prior to the start of the league. The competition turned 30 tonight and Real Madrid wanted to follow-up their Super Cup victory with yet another triumph at their stadium.

Sporting Portugal was the chosen rival to put Schuster's boys to the test before their first league match. Olympic medal winners Gago and Marcelo made the starting line-up, as did Gonzalo Higuaín and Arjen Robben.

Spectacle was a must to pay proper tribute to Don Santiago Bernabéu, the greatest President the Club has ever known. Goals had to be scored and Higuaín pulled rank from the start, having the first chance of the evening. Later, the striker marvelously controlled the ball right outside the box and shot a low ball that went straight to the back of the net (14').

Arjen Robben also wanted to join in the fun and soon scored the second goal of the evening from a powerful crossed shot with his left foot (22'). The crowd went wild and chanted his name. Two minutes later, Marcelo passed the ball to HIguaín after a great run, who dribbled past two defenders and lobbed the ball through the top left corner of the goal (24').

Izmailov scored for Sporting on the 30-minute mark, but the Madridista party continued and Van der Vaart came close to converting two chances. The new signing was then tackled inside the box by Rochemback. A penalty was awarded and Raúl scored with a nice shot that fooled the keeper (38'). Rafael wanted more and eventually scored from an Assist by Ramos -his shot went in after it hit Sporting's Polga-. The Dutchman had two consecutive clear chances in the second half (65').

Fabio Cannavaro made his return in the last 45 minutes after an 85-day long injury. Sporting grew more dangerous when Joa Moutinho took the pitch, but their improvement wasn't enough to make a surprising comeback. Codina -who had replaced Dudek- saved a shot by Yannick in the 75th minute, but was unable to clear Veloso's nice set piece shot a few minutes later. Yannick scored his team's third and final goal right on the 90-minute mark.

Fabio Cannavaro was the team's captain during the second half and therefore received the Trophy from President Ramón Calderón. This is the 19th time the Whites win their own competition. Tonight's victory and Sunday's triumph are the perfect end to a solid pre-season. The best is about to begin...

Gonzalo Higuaín received Man of the Match honours after the game was over.

Teams:

Real Madrid: Dudek (Codina, 46'); Sergio Ramos (Torres, 46'), Pepe (Cannavaro, 46'), Metzelder (Javi García, 46'), Marcelo (Heinze, 77'); Gago (Diarra, 64'), Guti (De la Red, 46'), Van der Vaart; Robben (Drenthe, 46'), Raúl (Van Nistelrooy, 46') & Higuaín.

Sporting Portugal: Rui Patricio (Tiago, 46'); Pedro Silva (Abel, 46'), Caneira (Adrien, 76'), Polga, Ronny (Tonel, 46'); Pereirinha (Romagnoli, 60'), Veloso, Rochemback (Moutinho, 46'), Izmailov; Rodrigo Tiui (Yannick, 46') & Hélder Postiga.

Goals:

1-0, 15': Higuaín.

2-0, 19': Robben.

3-0, 23': Higuaín.

3-1, 31': Izmailov.

4-1, 40': Raúl.

5-1, 43': Van der Vaart (Polga scores an own goal).

5-2, 74': Yannick.

5-3, 90': Veloso.

Referee: Velasco Carballo.

Booked: Cannavaro (89'), Polga (38'), Tonel (63') & Adrien (87').

PS: Gago's absence during the team's pre-season was justified. The Argentine was in the Beinjing Olympic Games and won the Gold Medal with Argentina. President Ramón Calderón gave him the Club's Gold and Diamond Insignia prior to the Santiago Bernabéu Trophy clash with Sporting Portugal.

The only changes in the line-up for the return leg were Pepe, Robben and Guti, taking the places of Javi García, Robinho and De la Red, respectively. The second captain was brought in to add creativity to the team's attack.

Rafael van der Vaart had the first chance on goal of the evening with a somewhat harmless shot (1'). The team's new signing put Hildebrand to the test four minutes later with a low shot from one of the corners of the box, but the German keeper managed to clear the ball. The match was tight in the first half and Valencia took advantage of their superiority in midfield by putting pressure on Real Madrid's play makers. Neither Guti nor Van der Vaart found spaces to assist Raúl and Van Nistelrooy, and Robben proved incapable of dribbling past the three men that harassed him whenever he held the ball.

Raúl had the team's most dangerous chance in the first half with a brilliant header he took from a corner kick served by Van der Vaart, forcing Hildebrand to show his saving skills once again (23'). Valencia soon tipped the scales towards their side when David Silva scored from a low shot from outside the box that grazed past the left post (32'). But the worst was yet to come; referee Iturralde González sent off Rafael van der Vaart for tackling Mata late on the 37-minute mark.

Real Madrid cleared their minds during half-time and became more creative. Only three minutes into the second half, Guti served a free kick and Ramos headed it towards the far post, where Van Nistelrooy was ready to finish it off. The ball was sent out by Raúl Albiol with his arm and the referee awarded Real Madrid a penalty. Ruud decided to pull rank and scored his team's first goal of the evening (50').

Real Madrid grew confident and looked for a second strike. The defence played better than in the first half and helped the team dominate the match despite being one man down. At one point, Pepe took the ball right up to the outside of Valencia's box and came close to scoring with a shot that grazed the left post (50’). The Whites kept trying but failed to score. Then, disaster hit the team again when Ruud van Nistelrooy was sent off with a second booking.

Despite having only nine men on the pitch, Real Madrid kept trying and soon were rewarded with another strike. Guti crossed the ball into the box and Diarra headed it to the crossbar. The ball then reached Sergio Ramos practically on the goal-line and the defender scored (76').

Despite grasping the title with 14 minutes to go, the Whites continued to try to net more strikes. Soon after taking the pitch, Rubén de la Red lobbed the ball into the back of the next with a spectacular shot close to 30 meters away from goal (85'). Two minutes later, Higuaín took advantage of a mistake made by Valencia's defenders and scored his team's fourth and final goal(87'). An overwhelmed Valencia, completely destroyed by Real Madrid's energy, managed to save face with a strike by Morientes close to the final whistle (90').

Referee Iturralde González decided enough was enough after Real Madrid managed to win 4-2 with just nine men on the pitch. End of the match and Real Madrid were champions of the Spanish Super Cup. Exhausted by their great efforts, the players fell on the pitch as the Club's anthem thundered through the speakers. Van Nistelrooy jumped on Robben, who was screaming with joy with his limbs spread out on the grass. Pepe and Ramos danced on the kick-off spot, while Casillas and Raúl merged in a hug. The spirit of the great comebacks that gave the team the league title the previous season was back.

The circle the 25 players formed on the pitch symbolized the excitement they lived throughout the encounter. It was the prelude to a party that didn't want to end and to a season that promises to be rather good. Raúl was the first to reach the Presidential Balcony to receive the first title of the season, the Spanish Super Cup, from the President of the Spanish FA. Deeply moved, Ramón Calderón hugged all of his children as they reached the balcony.

Once the Cup was in their hands, the players proceeded to run a victory lap. Even Gago and Marcelo, who recently got back from the Beijing Olympic Games, took part in the celebration. The fans joined in, but no one's feet left the ground; the season has just begun and many months of hard work lie ahead. It is time now to enjoy this new title, but come Monday, the team will have to think about defeating Deportivo in their first league clash.

Real Madrid are the champions of champions. Despite an uncomfortable first half, the players pulled rank and took the reins of the game to eventually win the Spanish Super Cup.

Thinking Valencia already, I imagine?
That’s what we’re working for. We had a good feeling on Tuesday in Frankfurt, and we hope to play better against Valencia.

How did you feel during this preseason?
Very happy with myself and how the team has been working. There are four official tournaments this season, and we plan on winning them all.

Do you feel capable of competing with Raúl and Van Nistelrooy for their spots this year?
Luckily, Real Madrid has four great forwards, and we are willing to fight for a spot or two. It’s a healthy competition. There are four amazing players. This makes me want to do my best in order to earn a spot.

How is Robinho?
The other day he seemed fine. We hope for him to stay and make the best decision. He seems happy, as always.

The Super Cup looks like a road block. How important is it for the squad?
It’s not a road block, it’s the first official tournament of the season and we’re going to try to win it, just like La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey. We’re going to fight for it all.

Are you following Argentina in the Olympics with well-meaning envy?
I think it’s a shame that I’m not there. I don’t feel envy though, because the players that are there, deserve it. I’m playing for Real Madrid now, but obviously I still follow my national team.

How many goals do you have in mind for this season?
As many as necessary. Every forward wants to score many goals. Last season I scored eight. Hopefully there will be more this season.

Do you think the squad needs a reinforcement to face this season?
I think we’re all right, but that’s up to the Board of Directors. If a reinforcement comes, great. If not, the squad is still qualified to fight for the four titles.

Lionel Messi (pictured above playing for Barcelona against Levante back in September) won the inaugural award with a collosal 50% of the votes, but since then HEGS's readership has increased massively and Leo has spent a fair bit of the season just gone on the sidelines. Nonetheless he's still been far and away Barcelona's best performer, and although his side were eliminated by Manchester United in the semi final of the UEFA Champions League, most impartial observers agreed that he'd given the lie to claims that Cristiano Ronaldo is the world's best player at present.

Perhaps another Argentine attacker who featured in those two semi final matches has impressed you more, though. Carlos Tevez stepped up from West Ham to Old Trafford with some critics suggesting he couldn't play alongside Wayne Rooney, and has not only starred next to the Englishman, but proven a more than able replacement, scoring some vital goals in the run-in for United. Liverpool and Javier Mascherano's elimination by Chelsea means that if he plays (and he surely will), Tevez will be the only Argentine representative in this season's Champions League final in Moscow. Carlitos finished second in last year's poll, and who's to say he doesn't deserve to go on further this season?

Javier Zanetti, who finished third in the 2007 poll, has captained Inter to a second straight on-the-pitch Scudetto, and this year they've done it with Juventus in the same division. British readers who've experienced the dubious pleasures of Channel Five's Serie A coverage this season might be more inclined, now they've seen a bit of their play, to vote for Zanetti or any of his 573 compatriots at Inter (Cambiasso, Cruz, Samuel, Crespo, and so on and so forth). Alternatively, perhaps you've been impressed by Ezequiel Lavezzi, who in one match managed to score as many hat-tricks as Diego Maradona did in an entire career with Napoli.

Elsewhere there have been vital contributions to Real Madrid's latest title win from Gonzalo Higuaín, who's gone from vilification this time last year to hero as scorer of the late winner on Sunday against Osasuna that bagged the merengues the title. 'Pipita is already part of Real Madrid history,' declared Marca, who at the start of the season compared Wesley Sneijder favourably to Alfredo Di Stéfano. 'He always pops up at the most vital moments.' He was useless when I saw Madrid back in October, but he's clearly improved a bit since then.

In Portugal, Lucho González and Lisandro López have once again been key players in Porto's latest title win, with Lisandro finishing top of the scorers charts and Lucho, who was linked with Valencia in January, now talked about as a possible replacement for Deco in Barcelona's expected Big Summer Clearout. Fernando Cavenaghi, back in from the footballing cold of Spartak Moscow at last, moved to western Europe and has scored so many goals that his side, Bordeaux, are still in with a shot of toppling Lyon from the Ligue Un summit - they're two points back with two matches remaining. He's currently joint-third in the goalscoring charts, with 14.

Greece (Olympiakos's title winners), Mexico (Vuoso, Delgado et al) and even Brazil - where Lionel Messi's cousin Maxi Biancucchi scored the winner in the legendary Fla-Flu earlier way back in August last year (last season in Brazil, true, but since the 2007 award was handed out) - have all also witnessed Argentine heroics in their domestic leagues, whilst MLS is now home to a number of ex-pats, including Marcelo Gallardo and Guillermo Barros Schelotto. Or maybe you just think Martín Demichelis's contribution to Bayern's latest German title win has been unfairly overlooked by everyone. Or (as did enough people to put him into last year's top five) that Julio Arca should be playing in at least one of his many capacities for the selección on the strength of his displays for Middlesbrough.

Whoever you'd like to see get the award, you can nominate them now. Nominations will be open for a couple of weeks (I'm being approximate at the moment but will post on the site two or three days before closing them), after which the top five will be announced, and you'll be asked to re-submit your votes (you can change your mind but I won't be assuming you want to vote for the same again unless you tell me so!).

The Rules: Players must have spent the whole of the current European season at their current club (so Javier Mascherano, who joined Liverpool in January 2006, wasn't elligible last year but is this season, for example), Musn't have chosen to play for another country (Pernía, Camoranesi, we're looking at you) and, obviously, must be Argentine. Inside those guidelines, you can nominate whoever you fancy. To vote, send an email to sam@hastaelgolsiempre.com with 'HEGS Awards' in the subject line and the name of your choice - just one please!

Photo © me, all rights reserved, on the HEGS Flickr pool

It wasn't easy. It poured with rain, the team from Pamplona were obdurate and the Madridistas had to fight their way back into the game after a second-half sending off, when defender Fabio Cannavaro was dismissed. This was followed by a Patxi Punal penalty, after centre-back Gabriel Heinze had clearly handled in the area, sending Real 1-0 down.

With only 4 minutes left in the match Dutch winger Arjen Robben equalised, heading in after Gonzalo Higuain whipped a free kick into the area. Then a couple of minutes later the Argentine turned from provider to scorer, striking the winner with a total lash past 'keeper Ricardo. A worthy goal to finish the season.

With three matches left to play, Real have an unassailable 10-point lead over Villarreal at the top of the table. It is the first time they have won back-to-back league titles since they won five in a row between 1986 and 1990.

Como si de un regalo se tratase La Saeta aterrizó en Madrid con una Liga en su regazo. Sin trofeo pero con alirón, sin magia pero con fe, sin traje pero con arte... Ahora sí, la Liga ya está aquí. En el 82' el desánimo, en el 87' la esperanza y en el 89' la remontada. El Real nos dejó el sabor glorioso de las cabalgadas de antaño dejándose el alma en un campo difícil, ardiente, personificado en el mismísimo Satán... Hasta que apareció Higuaín. O hasta que Raúl dejó su puesto al nuevo depredador del área, para gustos los colores. Sin discusión. Hoy no debe ser noche de disputas, reproches ni cacicadas. La fiesta, en algunos minutos increíble, se debe apoderar de una Cibeles radiante, blanca, tuneada al fin y al cabo... Porque el líder liguero desde la jornada número 2 del campeonato no es ni será nunca injusto ganador. Sumó, ganó y celebró los puntos, partidos y goles que mereció, que peleó, que remontó. El Pipita desenfundó la pistola en un par de minutos, con mirada desafiante incluída, y le regaló al Corazón C.F. un alirón que ha costado más de 100.000 €...

Gracias Real Madrid por hacernos vivir los triunfos con lágrimas, con alegría, con pureza, con ilusión, con optimismo, con júbilo, con deleite, con vivacidad, con locura... Porque en Mayo cerramos tan solo un capítulo más del largo libro que tantas y tantas historias nos quedan por descubrir, descifrar, inquirir, investigar, imaginar, crear, por gozar...

Enhorabuena a todo el madridismo

Trophies are being handed out in some of the European nations already, whilst others could be drawing much closer in the next few days. Four Argentines have won the Greek championship (court ruling permitting); Lucho and Lisandro's Porto - who won the Portugese title a little while ago, apologies for missing that one - beat Angel Di María's Benfica 2-0; Martín Demichelis won the German Cup, and Julio Cruz scored again to take Inter a bit closer to the Italian title. In Spain, Gonzalo Higuaín helped Madrid to a win which could see them win the title next week, whilst Barcelona thought they'd let Leo Messi play Espanyol on his own - this interesting new tactic didn't work. It'll be Messi against Carlos Tevez in midweek, and the former Boca forward got a crucial goal in England to keep Manchester United on track for another league title...

The Greek league season finished this weekend with Olympiakos getting the win they needed over Iraklis by three goals to one. AEK Athens also won, 2-0 over Asteras Tripolis, to finish two behind Olympiakos, and the decision now goes to the Greek Court of Arbitration for Sport. Earlier in the season Olympiakos lost 1-0 to Apollon Kalamarias but the result was overturned and three points given to the Athens side after it was ruled Apollon had fielded an illegible player. The CAS will make a statement on Monday to disclose whether those three points were correctly awarded but if they were, Olympiakos - who include Luciano Galletti, Fernando Belluschi, Cristian Ledesma and Leonel Núñez in their first-team squad - will have won their 11th championship in 12 seasons.

In Portugal, Lisandro López scored both the goals in Oporto as Porto beat Benfica 2-0. Lisandro scored in the 7th and 80th minutes, as Benfica's poor season failed to improve despite the northerners already having won the title. Angel Di María played for Benfica in the defeat, and his side are currently fourth, a huge 24 points behind the champions.

Martín Demichelis played and José Sosa was on the bench for Bayern München in Germany as they beat Dortmund 2-1 to win the final of the Deutscher Pokal and claim their first piece of silverware this season. Bayern are running away with the league and are also in the semi-final of the UEFA Cup, so it's unlikely the be the national team defender's last trophy this season.

In Italy, Julio Cruz scored the only goal of the game for Internazionale as they beat Torino away from home to move six points clear of Roma at the top of Serie A with four matches left. Cruz scored half an hour in, and as usual Inter had plenty of his countrymen on show - Nicolás Burdisso, Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Zanetti all started for the defending champions.

Also looking good for silverware are Gonzalo Higuaín, Fernando Gago, Javier Saviola and Gabriel Heinze, whose Real Madrid side, despite having done their best to cock it all up since the turn of the year, are still top of the Spanish first division, and could take their second straight title next week. After a 2-0 away win against Racing de Santander, with Higuaín getting the second three minutes into stoppage time, Madrid are ten clear of second-placed Villarreal, and will win the league next week if they beat Athletic Bilbao whilst Villarreal lose away to Real Betis and Barcelona fail to beat Fabricio Coloccini's Deportivo de La Coruña. For their part, Barcelona were rubbish in the city derby against Espanyol, and although Lionel Messi played well, coming off the bench in the second half as he continues his injury comeback, he couldn't make the difference.

Playing Messi (and his team-mates, shoud they deign to turn up) on Wednesday night in the Camp Nou will be Manchester United, who have ex-Boca forward Carlos Tevez to thank for the fact that they, like Madrid, could wrap up a second straight league title next weekend. 1-0 down to Blackburn Rovers for most of the match and unable to find a way past Brad Friedel, it was Tevez who somehow got a flicked header to send the ball into the top corner with two minutes left. The English media were drooling over Tevez's knack of bagging vital goals for his side on Sunday, and it's fair to say there aren't too many left now who don't think he could play alongside Wayne Rooney. The 1-1 draw puts United three points ahead of Chelsea and, thanks to a vastly superior goal difference, they could win the title if they beat their challengers at Stamford Bridge next weekend. Prior to that they've got that trip to face Messi & Co., which will also see Carlitos come up against selección team-mate Gaby Milito. Who'll get the better of that one?

A estas alturas, a nadie se le escapa que Argentina es uno de los países -si no el que más- donde se vive el deporte rey con mayor intensidad. En Europa, sobre todo, siempre nos han encandilado aquellas salidas a la cancha de los dos equipos, con la afición volcada, con el estadio lleno de confeti, con cientos de banderas y miles de gargantas despertando al unísono.

Así es, las fieles hinchadas comprenden la característica más notable del fútbol del país del tango. Y no es nada nuevo. Desde la "Época Dorada" de Independiente en los ‘70 podemos comprobarlo. O, incluso, en aquel famoso partido de vuelta de la Copa Intercontinental de 1967, entre Racing y Celtic, en un ‘Cilindro de Avellaneda' repleto con 120.000 almas de una afición albiceleste que empujó a su equipo como nunca se había visto antes en el mundo. 40 años después, al concluir el choque de ida de la final de la Copa Libertadores entre Boca Juniors y Grêmio de Porto Alegre, en la Bombonera, los jugadores brasileños reconocían que la hinchada ‘Xeneize' había ganado el partido ella sola. En los años intermedios entre el 67′ y el 2007, los Maradona, Francescoli, Burruchaga, Caniggia y compañía, marcaron las vidas de varias generaciones de argentinos, a la vez que la cultura futbolística se hacía más fuerte, sobre todo tras la victoria del combinado nacional en el Mundial de México ‘86.

Después de tantos años de lágrimas y emociones futboleras, Argentina se ha convertido en un país donde el balompié, no sólo es una religión, y el pan de cada día, sino que también se muestra como un aspecto totalmente influyente en cualquier ámbito o estrato social. Internándonos, por ejemplo, en el mundo del ‘famoseo', se pueden encontrar miles de biografías o entrevistas de personajes célebres en las que siempre se destaca el club del que es hincha el actor o cantante de turno. Incluso algunos de ellos, tales como Viggo Mortensen, Luisana Lopilato o Pamela David (ver fotos), se atreven a posar con la remera de su equipo favorito o a pasearse por los más conocidos estadios.

Otras celebridades, como el político Mauricio Macri, no se contentan con dichas actuaciones y pasan a un siguiente nivel, entrando de lleno en el mundo de la gestión deportiva. Ahí es donde radica el problema, cuando las mafias que dirigen las ‘barras‘ estrechan lazos con la dirigencia para conseguir un objetivo común. Esa típica relación directiva-afición no es exclusivamente sudamericana, también la conocemos en el viejo continente. La diferencia estriba en los métodos utilizados por los grupos de ultras argentinos, así como en las metas a las que intentan llegar con este ‘modus operandi'. En ese punto, es donde podemos hablar de la fusión de directiva y afición en un mismo ente, con las mismas finalidades: control, poder y, en consecuencia, beneficios económicos. Un claro ejemplo de ello lo tenemos en lo sucedido en diciembre del 2006 en Buenos Aires, cuando el traspaso de Gonzalo Higuaín, de River Plate al Real Madrid, provocó una brutal pelea entre varios sectores de la hinchada ‘millonaria'. Ambos sectores eran -y suponemos que aun son- dirigidos por dos conocidos hinchas del club bonaerense, los cuales se enfrentaban por una comisión de los 13,5 millones de euros que costó el pase del ‘Pipita' al conjunto blanco. Todo ello, con el consentimiento de los dirigentes de River, que hacían oídos sordos ante las artimañas empleadas por su fiel "grupo de vasallos".

Pero ahí no termina todo. Las importantes ganancias generadas por grupos como ‘La Doce' o ‘Los borrachos del tablón', han provocado que sus cabecillas exporten sus rentables métodos de extorsión y autofinanciación al exterior. En países como México, Colombia o Ecuador, las hinchadas radicales de los equipos más importantes han establecido contactos con seguidores argentinos de importantes ‘barras'. El negocio es claro: los de Boca, River o Vélez, venden su "manual de instrucciones del hincha" a los ultras mexicanos o colombianos. Todos salen ganando. Unos generan aun más dinero mientras otros penetran en la sucia mafia que conecta la platea con los despachos y así, en un futuro no muy lejano, podrán enseñar a otros a manejarse en esas situaciones.

Como casi siempre suele suceder, el poder y, en definitiva, la plata, generan violencia y viceversa. Por lo tanto, cuando un aficionado muere en Argentina, el escándalo que el hecho produce en la sociedad se ve contrarrestado con la poca relevancia que le supone el suceso a la clase alta. La política, esa que es el punto de partida del escabroso tema que estamos tratando.

En resumen, como en tantos otros aspectos vitales, el rendimiento económico puede llegar a ser más importante que la vida de un ser humano. Así funcionan las cosas en el país de ‘D10S'. A los pibes, se les "inyecta" un sentimiento desde pequeños, un amor a unos colores. Se les anima a defender una camiseta hasta la muerte. Lo que nunca se les dice es que, defendiendo esa camiseta, la muerte se encuentra cada vez más cerca de ellos.

Diego Caballero - 05.04.2008

Hernán Crespo first. He's been struggling for playing time lately and wasn't called up for Argentina's recent friendly against Egypt, with Alfio Basile knowing he's got to look for replacements for Valdanito before long. But all the same, he reminded Inter how useful he can be on Saturday, scoring after 11 minutes to give them an away lead against Lazio which was later cancelled out as the defending champions drew 1-1. With Roma also drawing, 1-1 away to Cagliari, Inter remain four clear at the top of Serie A.

In England, there was a glut of Argentine goals. At the top, Manchester United thrashed Aston Villa at Old Trafford (as usual), and Carlos Tevez peeled off his marker to head home the second goal twelve minutes before the break. Derby County were relegated courtesy of a 2-2 draw with the probably also doomed Fulham, but went down fighting thanks to Emanuel Villa, who put them ahead after ten minutes and got a late equaliser with ten remaining.

Birmingham City, meanwhile, have reportedly been told by Al-Sadd that Mauro Zárate, who had his name mis-pronounced in a way that only British commentators can manage on Saturday night's Match Of The Day, will cost them £20 million if his transfer is to be made permanent. On his current form the midlands side might not be the only interested party - Zárate scored twice in the 3-1 win over Manchester City, both sublime finishes, to leave those of us who were baffled by his move from Vélez to the United Arab Emirates... well, even more baffled, frankly. At least he's getting back on track now.

In France, Bordeaux continue hot on Lyon's heels and Fernando Cavenaghi, who's earned himself the nickname Cavegol back in his homeland, is still a major factor behind their good season. He scored twice in the second half - the second a penalty - against Nancy to keep the Girondins on track should Lyon slip up (which of course won't happen, but it's the thought that counts).

In Spain, a still-Lionel-Messi-less Barcelona imploded from 2-0 up to lose 3-2 to Real Betis in Seville on Saturday, and leaders Real Madrid were able to capitalise and stretch their lead at the top by beating Sevilla 3-1 in the Bernabéu despite a deeply underwhelming performance. Gabriel Heinze opened the scoring with a header in the 7th minute, whilst Gonzalo Higuaín, who missed a lot of other chances, got the third with twenty-five minutes remaining.

In Portugal, there were goals from Lisandro López and a very late penalty from Lucho González to give Porto a 2-1 win over Belenenses. and Newell's Old Boy's former striker, Uruguayan Oscar Cardozo, got one for Benfica as they thrashed Paços de Ferreira 4-1 with a Rui Costa-inspired performance.

And MLS kicked off this weekend. Kansas City Wizards beat DC United 2-0 on Saturday night thanks to a goal from former Racing man Claudio López and an impressive performance from central midfielder Carlos Marinelli. Guillermo Barros Schelotto, meanwhile, started without truly shining for Columbus Crew as they beat Toronto FC 2-0 away from home.

Fernando Cavenaghi's Bordeaux, second in Ligue Un, played first-placed defending champions Lyon and, although they lost 4-2, Torito continued to press the case for a call-up to the national side with another goal, his side's second. Cavenaghi's 16th strike of the season leaves him just one behind Karim Benzema, who scored for Lyon, at the top of the French goalscoring charts.

In Portugal, Porto beat Academica Coimbra 1-0 with Lucho González and Lisandro López both starting, whilst Ernesto Farías and Mariano González both came off the bench, the latter getting sent off for 'aggression'. Benfica, with Angel Di María starting and a goal from Oscar Cardozo, the Paraguayan striker who was formerly with Newell's, drew 2-2 with lowly Uniao Leiria.

In Greece, there was a goal for former Olimpo forward Ismael Blanco as AEK beat OFI 4-1, and Fernando Belluschi helped Olympiakos to a 1-0 win over Veria.

In Spain, Gonzalo Higuaín had a rare bright day for Real Madrid, scoring the winner in his side's 2-1 triumph over Espanyol. 'I was getting frustrated at not having scored one like that,' he told reporters after the game. Elsewhere, Marco Rubén got Recreativo's consolation goal as they were thumped 7-1 by Real Mallorca.

Juan Román Riquelme played the full 90 minutes and looked impressive, but it was an especially good night for the strike duo of Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuaín and Napoli forward Ezequiel Lavezzi, who between them bagged three of the goals. Higuaín opened the scoring in the fourteenth minute and by the time he'd added to his personal tally, Lavezzi had already got one of his own.

Argentina controlled throughout against opposition who were only ever planning to give them a run out, and two further goals came late on as two substitutes - centre back Jonatan Maidana and striker Marco Rubén added to the tally.

For the goal video courtesy of TN, click here.

San Lorenzo goalkeeper Agustín Orión was rumoured to be a little bit miffed at manager Ramón Díaz after his proposed transfer to Italian side Napoli fell through, apparently due to a lack of communication between the clubs. Orión kept some sort of humour about the matter, though, after - fittingly - club director Marcelo Tinelli left a message on his phone, rather than contacting him directly, to break the news. 'They didn't tell me directly,' Orión told the press. 'Perhaps they had a bad line...' Napoli, however, were determined to get an Argentine goalie, no matter where from, and instead have signed Argentinos shot stopper Nicolás Navarro.

Another goalkeeper was rather happier to hope for some continuity with his current side, though - Pablo Migliore, formerly of Huracán and now with Boca Juniors, has played well during the pre-season matches, and wants to do 'all I can to ensure [first choice 'keeper Mauricio] Caranta's absence isn't noticed.' His manager, Carlos Ischia, isn't too preoccupied with Migliore's position, anyway: he's announced that, return midweek flight to LA or not, Juan Román Riquelme will be Boca's key player in Sunday's Clausura opener away to Rosario Central.

Sergio Batista also sees Riquelme as key to his plans, and from Monday's training sessions it seems Argentina's likely XI to face Guatemala on Wednesday in LA will look something like this:

Ustari

Zabaleta ---- Demichelis ---- Fazio ---- Escudero

Banega ---- Mascherano ---- Sosa

Riquelme

Higuaín ---- Lavezzi

And, of course, before then we'll have Tuesday night's vital Copa Libertadores qualifier, as Lanús host Olmedo of Ecuador needing to win by more than one goal in order to qualify for the group stages, having lost 1-0 at altitude in Riobamba last week. Ramón Cabrero is keeping faith with the eleven who played so well - but lacked luck - in that match. Lanús's starting lineup, then, will be:

Bossio

Graieb ---- Quintana ---- Faccioli ---- Velázquez

Blanco ---- Pelletieri ---- Fritzler

Valeri

Acosta ---- Sand

The names first. These, of course, include the three over-23 players allowed under Olympic Football Tournament rules, whose names are in bold.

Goalkeepers:
Oscar Ustari (Getafe, Spain)
Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar, Netherlands)

Defenders:
Federico Fazio (Sevilla, Spain)
Ezequiel Garay (Racing de Santander, Spain)
Pablo Zabaleta (Espanyol, Spain)
Cristian Ansaldi (Rubin Kasan, Russia)
Martín Demichelis (Bayern Munich, Germany)

Midfielders:
Fernando Gago (Real Madrid, Spain)
Javier Mascherano (Liverpool, England)
Ever Banega (Valencia, Spain)
José Sosa (Bayern Munich)
Juan Román Riquelme (Boca Juniors)
Damián Escudero (Vélez Sársfield)

Forwards:
Sergio Agüero (Atlético de Madrid, Spain)
Angel Di María (Benfica, Portugal)
Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli, Italy)
Gonzalo Higuaín (Real Madrid)
Marco Rubén (Villarreal, Spain)

If you want my opinion, I'm surprised Estudiantes' Pablo Piatti hasn't been included, but the most notable points on that list, perhaps, are the last two. The inclusion of Gonzalo Higuaín, who appears to have finally made public the 'choice' (as if it was ever a real decision in his head) to play for Argentina over France, the country he was born in through an accident of his father's own playing career, and which Raymond Domenech seems to think he should therefore be duty-bound to play for.

The club listed after Marco Rubén's name, meanwhile, was a tricky decision for me to make. The AFA's official site, in their squad list, still lists him as a River Plate player, as do El Gráfico in their own report on the squad selection. He will, however, be flying to Valencia (presumably) tomorrow before making his way on to Vila-Real where he'll join his new club-mates, so I've chosen to list the club he's now official registered at, despite him still being a River player when the squad was actually named.

The transfer fee is the subject of a little debate - Olé claim it's US$7 million, whilst El Gráfico list it as a slightly more impressive €7 million. Either way it's seven million of a unit of currency that's strong against the Argentine peso, which makes one million whatever-it-ises for every goal Rubén scored for River in 36 official matches. Not only this, but River have also secured 15% of the player's next transfer fee. Good business bearing in mind they paid Rosario Central US$8 million for him, Juan Ojeda and Cristián Villagra just twelve months ago.

As well as this, Liverpool wide man Sebastián Leto, formerly of Lanús, will join River on a twelve-month loan deal tomorrow or Friday, and his arrival will mark the fourth reinforcement of Diego Simeone's term.

Andrés D'Alessandro is one player who won't be arriving at the Monumental, but may be returning to Buenos Aires to play under his former boss Ramón Díaz at San Lorenzo. Gustavo Mascardi, the player's agent, said on Wednesday that, 'the offer is advanced, and firm,' refusing to add a smutty wink for comic effect. River had talked with D'Alessandro's current club, Real Zaragoza, as well, but apparently didn't make a firm offer. According to Mascardi, 'San Lorenzo are very close,' presumably thanks to the persuasive powers of manager Díaz.

D'Alessandro doesn't mind taking a pay cut to return home, in no small part because his second child is on the way (his daughter was born in England during his six-month spell at Portsmouth two years ago). At long last, it seems El Cabezón might be returning.