You have to go back to 1999 for the last time Atlético beat neighbours Real Madrid, and, on
the evidence of last night's performance, they may well have to wait another ten years to do
so.
Not that Atlético did not deserve to win; they did. But if they're going to waste that many
opportunities to score, then it will be a long time before they can slay their particular
bête noire.
Real Madrid recorded their tenth consecutive league victory on an away trip to Espanol. This
result, combined with Barcelona's inability to hold onto a 2-goal lead at Atlético Madrid the
following evening, puts Real four points behind the leaders. It's hard to believe that this
difference was twelve points a mere three weeks ago.
Yossi Benayoun's header brought Real Madrid's run of nine consecutive victories to a crashing halt
as Liverpool took the lead at the Bernabéu in their last 16 Champions League encounter with
Real Madrid.
The result was testament to Rafa Benítez's technical and tactical abilities, especially in cup
ties.
Yossi Benayoun's header brought Real Madrid's run of nine consecutive victories to a crashing halt
as Liverpool took the lead at the Bernabéu in their last 16 Champions League encounter with
Real Madrid.
The result was testament to Rafa Benítez's technical and tactical abilities, especially in cup
ties.
CompetitionDateScoreChampions League - Last 1625-Feb-2009Real Madrid0-1LiverpoolEuropean Cup -
Final27-May-1981Liverpool1-0Real Madrid
TotalsPWDLFA200202
An article in El País contrasts the character and personality of the two coaches in
tonight's Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Liverpool.
Four players who played under both men give their opinions, and it makes for fascinating reading,
especially if, as has been rumoured on occasion, Rafa Benítez makes the move at some time back
to Spain to coach Real Madrid, where he spent over a decade as a player and then coach of the youth
teams.
An article in El País contrasts the character and personality of the two coaches in
tonight's Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Liverpool.
Four players who played under both men give their opinions, and it makes for fascinating reading,
especially if, as has been rumoured on occasion, Rafa Benítez makes the move at some time back
to Spain to coach Real Madrid, where he spent over a decade as a player and then coach of the youth
teams.
The Bernabéu "faithful" were treated to another night of tedium as Real Madrid edged
Deportivo la Coruña by a single goal. What was remarkable was that they could not get worked
up about the mediocre fare on offer when the average seat price is around €100.
On the other hand, they decided to greet the substitution of Raúl for Drenthe with audible
booing for the young Dutch player.
The Bernabéu "faithful" were treated to another night of tedium as Real Madrid edged
Deportivo la Coruña by a single goal. What was remarkable was that they could not get worked
up about the mediocre fare on offer when the average seat price is around €100.
On the other hand, they decided to greet the substitution of Raúl for Drenthe with audible
booing for the young Dutch player.
New Real Madrid president Vicente Boluda was interviewed on radio on Monday night to explain what
he intends to do at the club until new elections are called.
How are you handling all these interviews?
Not very well. I don't really like being in the media spotlight, getting recognised.
New Real Madrid president Vicente Boluda was interviewed on radio on Monday night to explain what
he intends to do at the club until new elections are called.
How are you handling all these interviews?
Not very well. I don't really like being in the media spotlight, getting recognised.
It's part and parcel of being a football fan: referees are either useless or they are conspiring
for your side to lose. Well, I don't hold much stock in conspiracy theories, especially since the
only way three people can keep a secret is if two of them are dead.
Osasuna supporters may well feel aggrieved at the way referee Alfonso Pérez Burrull dismissed
their most influential player Juanfran with two yellow cards.
It's part and parcel of being a football fan: referees are either useless or they are conspiring
for your side to lose. Well, I don't hold much stock in conspiracy theories, especially since the
only way three people can keep a secret is if two of them are dead.
Osasuna supporters may well feel aggrieved at the way referee Alfonso Pérez Burrull dismissed
their most influential player Juanfran with two yellow cards.
