Casillas: "My teammates were brilliant to get through to the cup final"

Casillas: "My teammates were brilliant to get through to the cup final"

Iker Casillas appeared for the media in the press room at the Camp Nou. The Real Madrid captain analysed the match and showed the happiness that there was in his team’s dressing room: "My teammates were brilliant. They controlled every area of the field and were superb defensively. Everyone was at their best and pushed hard to make it through to the cup final. From off of the field I saw a very sober performance and a team that were barely under pressure. Real Madrid beat Barcelona on the tactical front and are justified winners of the tie. This match will motivate us to push ahead for the remainder of the season and it is a moment to celebrate and to share with everyone associated with Real Madrid, although we are conscious that we have not won the title"

The ex-academy player also spoke about the morale boost that this win brings: "You go out with extra strength and somehow more motivated after not having started as well as we wanted in the league. Hopefully this is a turning point to have won this tie and to make it better it was against Barcelona. We played a very good tie all round and this will motivate us to make a good showing of ourselves in other matches. Winning the Champions League is a better possibility than the league, but Real Madrid will fight to the end".
Casillas praised Cristiano Ronaldo, who had another brilliant match in the Camp Nou. "He is showing that he is a very important player for us. He is our focal point and in these matches he has shown how good he is. Ronaldo is a vital player and is going through a very good run of form and we must take full advantage of that. He was superb. His renewal? That will have to be decided between the club and the player. The main thing is that he brings us these moments of happiness". About to Diego Lopez, he said: "He is a great goalkeeper and I think he has been a very important addition and brings us some calmness".
The Real Madrid captain hopes to continuity to this result in the Champions League tie against Manchester United: "We have to transfer this to the match against Manchester United. It is also 1-1 and we have to score and keep a clean sheet. That is the aim that we’re going with. Manchester United know how to play football, it is a difficult place to visit and we have to take what we have done today to Old Trafford".
About the La Liga Clasico at the Bernabeu on Saturday, he said: "I know several players from Barcelona and I know they are competitive. We have to be aware that in the league, when we do not win, the fans suffer and it is our duty to fight in every match and the next one is against Barcelona. What we want to do is win and keep cutting their lead. It is a disadvantage that it might not be as big as it is, but this competition is about consistency and in that regard Barcelona have been better than us. We will go out to win to cut the distance in terms of points. It is a considerable distance, but with the added bonus of our home fans we want to round off the week well".
Finally, he gave reasons for him appearing in the press room: "I came because we have decided that it was good time for the captain to make an appearance. It was an idea that came from the dressing room. I hope that has not bothered anyone because I have done it happily. We decided it was a time to enjoy and for me as team captain to come out to congratulate the team and everyone associated with Real Madrid".

	Camiseta de Casillas en la tienda del Real Madrid para España
	Camiseta de Casillas en la tienda del Real Madrid Internacional

Varane: "When we play like that we know we can win"

Varane: "When we play like that we know we can win"

Raphael Varane sealed the win for Real Madrid with a great header from a corner taken by Ozil. The French centre back expressed how the team felt after the match: "We are happy and when we play like that, as a team, we know we can win. Now we have to move forward and think about the final and our next matches".

One of the keys to victory in the Camp Nou was Mourinho’s team’s security at the back. Varane said the following about the team's work in defence: "Barcelona are a difficult team to defend against because they have very fast players, so we played tight together and tried not to leave spaces". On a personal level, he said: "I try to improve and learn, that is good for my career. I'm ready to play and to help the team and that is what I am here for".

Cristiano Ronaldo: "I give the congratulations to the team because we had an amazing match"

Cristiano Ronaldo was the focal point in attack for Real Madrid and scored twice. The forward congratulated all his teammates for their hard work: "It was a great match for us. We played very well from the first to the last minute, we concentrated very well. We had a great attitude and played better. To score three goals here is very tough. I give the congratulations to the team because we had an amazing match".

The Real Madrid player referred to the team’s recent good performances in the Camp Nou:"Lately, when we have played here we have done very well. We play almost better than at home. It's a matter of confidence, it is good for us, and most players like to play in the Camp Nou". He also responded to questions about the upcoming matches in the league and Champions League: "Playing against Barcelona always gives you extra motivation. We have a home match and we have to keep going as we are. In the league Barcelona have a big advantage and in the Champions League we will go out to try to win, as we always do".

The Camp Nou is a happy stomping ground for Cristiano Ronaldo. It is his sixth Clasico there in which he has scored and he has a total of eight goals. "I feel very comfortable playing on this ground. Besides, I always have the help of my teammates, which is what allows me to score goals. Going into the history books for scoring so many times in a row is something nice and I am proud to be writing a page in the history of Spanish football", said the Whites’ forward.

Nou Camp fans harassed Real Madrid players laser.

Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of the players Real Madrid have been harassed by the masses of the Camp Nou with a laser beam, and during the game fans were directed laser on the players Real Madrid B continuity, Cristiano Ronaldo and Heguaaan private more than has Mzaithma by the public, this performance is considered harmful because they affectto the attention of the person, responsible for the stadium demanded the masses to refrain from the use of this tool, but audiences did not respond to the request.

Mourinho left before the final whistle and gave a salute to the observer pitch.

Mourinho left before the final whistle and gave a salute to the observer pitch.

إصطادت cameras and Jose Mourinho is leaving Camp Nou Stadium in the final moments of the semi-final second leg Copa del Rey before the end of the game moments and Mourinho has to greet the observer as he left the pitch.

Freixa: "I agree 100% with Rora opinion".

Freixa: "I agree 100% with Rora opinion".

Barcelona spokesman Toni Freixa talked about Rora's remarks yesterday from Ondiano rule Maienko and how Re Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, and Freixa said: "Rora said the fact without comment about whether good or bad governance, I share 100% of opinion Rora, and the big difference with what he said Mourinho. "

Pepe turns 30 today

Pepe celebrates his 30th birthday today. The defender is currently in his sixth season with Real Madrid and has scored a total of five goals in the 185 matches he’s played with the Whites. Pepe has won two Ligas, one Copa del Rey and two Spanish Super Cups with Real Madrid.

Pepe was born on 26 February 1983 in Maceió (Brazil) and took his first steps with football’s elite with Marítimo in the Portuguese league. Oporto didn’t miss out on their opportunity to snatch up the player and after evolving into one of the championship’s best defenders Pepe signed with Real Madrid. He debuted with the Whites on 11 August 2007 in a Spanish 

PEPE'S MATCHES WITH REAL MADRID
SEASON	LIGA		COPA		CHAMPIONS		SUPER CUP		TOTAL
2007/08	19		1		3		2		25
2008/09	26		-		5		1		32
2009/10	10		1		6		-		17
2010/11	26		4		8		-		38
2011/12	29		5		9		2		45
2012/13	19		1		7		1		28
TOTAL	129		12		38		6		185

	Camiseta de Pepe en la tienda del Real Madrid para España
	Camiseta de Pepe en la tienda del Real Madrid Internacional

Özil has been credited with an assist in his last four games at the Camp Nou

Mesut Özil will go into the return leg of the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey with a great record at the Camp Nou. The central midfielder has shown his awareness and vision in these games as he has picked up an assist on each of his last four visits to Barcelona. Cristiano Ronaldo has been the beneficiary of Özil's passes and this has enabled him to score four goals.

Özil's assists in his last few outings at the Camp Nou have come in three different competitions: Liga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup. Three were the result of through balls from the German's left boot and the other came from a corner. Strangely enough, the four assists for Cristiano Ronaldo in these games came in the second half. 

On the last four visits, Real Madrid have scored two goals in each match and have picked up one win, two draws and one loss. As well as his fine form in terms of assists at the Camp Nou, Özil crossed the ball which led to Varane's headed equalizer in the first leg of this year's knock-out tie. 

ÖZIL'S ASSISTS AT THE CAMP NOU
DATE	GAME	GOAL SCORER
07-10-2012	Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (Liga)	Cristiano Ronaldo (2-2)
23-08-2012	Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (Supercopa)	Cristiano Ronaldo (0-1)
21-04-2012	Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid (Liga)	Cristiano Ronaldo (1-2)
25-01-2012	Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (Copa del Rey)	Cristiano Ronaldo (2-1)

	Camiseta de Özil en la tienda del Real Madrid para España
	Camiseta de Özil en la tienda del Real Madrid Internacional

Mourinho: "We are all looking forward to playing these three big matches"

Jose Mourinho appeared for the media in the press room at Real Madrid’s Football City the day before the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final (tomorrow, 21:00, Canal+ 1). The Whites’ coach spoke about the match against Barcelona at the Camp Nou, this Saturday’s league match in which the two teams meet again and about next Tuesday’s match against Manchester United in the Champions League: "They are matches that we all like and that everyone wants to play. I like them. I prefer matches of this magnitude to others where there is nothing at stake. So we are ready to play. We’re looking forward to tomorrow’s match, the one on Saturday and the one against Manchester United".

Talking about his team’s recent results at the Camp Nou, he said: "It is an isolated match and has nothing to do with the previous matches in the Camp Nou. It isn’t related at all and the last time we played there was months ago. We have to play our best and get the best possible result".

When asked if it is the best time to play against Barcelona, he was blunt: "It is the same as playing it any at other time. It doesn’t matter when a match against an opponent of this size comes around. We have played in the summer, in the last few months of the season and in the middle of the season. There is no one moment that is best to play a match between great teams, the best teams. When the matches are played doesn’t mean anything".

Mourinho also spoke about Xabi Alonso and Benzema’s condition and the starting line-up for the Camp Nou: "Xabi Alonso is ready to play and Benzema also trained with the team yesterday and today and is also physically able to play. I do not know the starting eleven yet. It is not that I don’t want to tell anyone, it is that I still have to think about it. Normally I know but I don’t say anything, but today that is not the case". When asked if they will play without a centre forward, he was clear:" I have not thought about it".

With reference to Barcelona’s assistant coach, Roura’s, comments to the press, in which he said that Undiano Mallenco, the match referee, let too much go in the cup final between the teams at Mestalla two seasons ago, he said: "I’d rather stick to the sporting lessons that we have received from Barcelona in the past, to not talk about referees or pressure them, to not look for cards or simulate bookings for our opponents and obviously to play football, which they do very well. We want to continue respectfully in that way".

When asked whether he would take being knocked out of the cup if it meant going through in the Champions League, he said: "That doesn’t exist in football. We have to play both matches and can’t make deals like that". When asked if the cup could rescue the team’s season, he said: "We’ll talk at the end of season". Concerning the list published by the press of candidates to take his place on the bench at Real Madrid, Mourinho said: "It doesn’t bother me".

	Chándal y ropa de entreno en la tienda del Real Madrid para España
	Chándal y ropa de entreno en la tienda del Real Madrid Internacional

Felipe Reyes has played more than 12,000 minutes and becomes an ACB legend in the process

Fifteen seasons at the top and showing no signs of weariness. Felipe Reyes is giving no indication that he is ready to hang up his boots. And his extensive journey means that he can go on achieving in the game and picking up personal records for his own CV. Real Madrid's captain has become a legend of the ACB having now played more than 12,000 minutes in this competition (12,005 to be precise). He managed this feat after playing more than 18:11 against Mad Croc Fuenlabrada.

Entering the record books of the ACB is no easy task. The competition demands a series of requirements which some players are never able to meet. Others, like Felipe Reyes, enter on two or three occasions on account of their personal achievements. The Real Madrid captain already managed to forge a place for himself by reaching 2,500 rebounds, a hallmark established by the Liga to be considered among the greatest of all time. Indeed, the power forward from Cordoba is the leading scorer of rebounds still playing and he is now bearing down on the 3,500 mark. Now, Reyes has his name in the record books of the national competition again by playing more than 12,000 minutes. The Real Madrid player achieves this feat after completing more than 13 minutes against Mad Croc Fuenlabrada, which is just what he needed to hit this landmark figure. The Real Madrid player was actually on the court for a total of 18:11 minutes which took him to 12,005 minutes in the ACB. 

This figure puts him alongside other Madrid players who achieved it in their day. Reyes thus joins Herreros (19,218); Laso (17,378); José Antonio Orenga (14,671); José Luis Llorente (13,784); José Miguel Antunez (13,633) or Joe Arlauckas (12,595). The next challenge for the Real Madrid captain is to reach 6,000 points as established by the ACB. And, judging by the season he is having, it will not be long before he gets to that figure because he is already on 5,933

Pablo Laso, February coach of the month

The AEEB has recognised the job done by the Real Madrid coach for the second consecutive month, in which he won all three games and still leads the Endesa League

Realmadrid.com

Real Madrid remain unmanageable at the start of the year. The Whites, who have won the three Endesa League games in February and all seven so far this year, are clear leaders of the championship. The AEEB (Spanish Association of Basketball Coaches) recognised the job done by Pablo Laso for the second consecutive month and awarded him the coach of the month trophy for February once the twenty-second game week was completed.

More than halfway through the regular season, Laso is the first and only coach all season to receive this trophy three times from the AEEB, after having won it in October 2012 and January 2013. This time, the Whites’ coach beat Xavi Pascual (Barcelona Regal) in the running, who has won the same record of wins and losses (3-0), but a worse points difference, and Jose Luis Abos (CAI Zaragoza), with two wins and one loss.

Cheryshev has already passed his goal-scoring record for last season

In his third season at Castilla, Denis Cheryshev keeps outdoing himself. The Hispano-Russian is going through one of his best spells at The Factory and has become a key part of Castilla. He opened his account in the Liga Adelante this season in match day 2 against Barcelona B at the Alfredo Di Stefano and after the goal that he scored in the latest 2-1 win against Guadalajara he now has nine in the 27 matches played, which takes him passed the eight that he scored last season.

Denis Cheryshev continues to show his quality and that he is maturing as a footballer in his third season with the Whites’ reserves. The goal that he scored in the last match against Guadalajara helped to maintain his team’s unbeaten record in 2013 at the Di Stefano and also was the Hispano-Russian’s ninth goal in the 27 league matches that have been played to date, which takes him passed the eight that he scored last season. It makes him the second highest scorer behind Jese, who has 14. Between them they have almost half of the team’s total (47).

CHERYSHEV’S GOALS IN THE LIGA ADELANTE 2012-13
Match Day	Match	Result	Goals
2	RM Castilla - Barcelona B	3-2	1
6	Guadalajara - RM Castilla	3-4	1
8	Hércules - RM Castilla	2-4	1
12	Huesca - RM Castilla	2-2	1
17	RM Castilla - Racing	4-0	2
20	Alcorcón - RM Castilla	3-2	1
22	RM Castilla - Villarreal	5-0	1
27	RM Castilla - Guadalajara	2-1	1