The Galacticos Real Madrid Blog

Alvaro Arbeloa is back after having come up with the Real Madrid cantera, playing briefly with Deportivo, followed by several years at Liverpool.

Last night after work I watched an interview with him on Real Madrid TV and he looked really happy and excited to be back. He said everything was familiar to him, he had lots of friends here and it was a dream to be back to play for the first team, something he never expected.

When asked about Christian Ronaldo he said that he was really happy to have him on his own team, that he was a nightmare to mark when they played against each other in the Premiere League.

With another Spanish player (and previous youth squad player – after rebuying Granero) it seems that Perez is more serious about making the base of the team more Spanish which is probably good for Real Madrid.

Even though we have so many players already I would love to see Ribery on board, he really seems anxious to come. Its too bad Bayern won’t sell him. My wife is French so the more great French players on the team, the better the chances she actually takes interest in watching matches with me and actually going down to the stadium!

Not just back on the blog but I’m also back in Madrid! For good this time… I have been moving around Europe the past few years with my wife and catching Real Madrid matches any way I can. But now I can actually go the Bernabeu!

I caught lasts night match against Liga de Quito on La Sexta. The team play was not spectacular but it was better than the last 2 matches.

Ronaldo finally did some nice step-overs making his way into the box and drawing a penalty, which he later transformed. He celebrated in what seemed to be a relieved fashion. Imagine the pressure of trying to live up to an 80 million transfer fee.

Granero was awesome, scoring a deflected shot from Ronaldo and putting in another great performance. I’m also more and more impressed with Marcelo He dribbled past a few defenders and had a great shot on goal which provided a real spark to the team.

Next up, Juventus. Not sure if we’re ready for that…

Real fell to away goals to Bayern Munich on Wednesday. A mistake just after kickoff led to a goal against Real in just 10 seconds, the fastest score in the history of the competition. Late in the match Robinho brought some spice into the Real attack and received a penalty which Ruud converted. This was after a Lucio header which appeared to seal passage for Bayern. A few minutes from time Sergio Ramos fired in the winning shot for Real, just to be called off for an apparent handball. 

Real has struggled to 2 ties in the last 2 league matches against Atletico and  Getafe.

The return match of the Champions League is starting in 30 minutes and its already looking ugly for Real. Capello has lined up Emerson, Gago and Diarra, leaving Guti, Cassano and Robinho all on the bench and Beckham is out with injury. History has shown that whenever Real tries to defend a result, they always end up losing. The only attacking players in the lineup are Raul, Higuaín and Ruud, a very defensive lineup.

If this defensive stance backfires, Capello is going to have a lot of problems back in Madrid with a multitude of frustrated fans. However, if the team set out to win and attack and fail, then the loss will be easier to take.

I hope I’m wrong and we end up winning, we’ll see in 2 hours time. Hala Madrid!

In the past 2 league matches Real defeated Real Sociedad 2-1 through a David Beckham free kick and a Van Nistelrooy finishing header and drew to Betis in a 0-0 scoreless draw. The club is still suffering from a lack of goal scoring ability and is definitely missing Ronaldo, who scored 2 this weekend with Milan. Fortunately for Real, the other top teams are all struggling and they are still only 4 points from the top of the table.

Tonight is the night, the big night. A screwup tonight could provide for a long end to another failed season. On the other hand, a victory could provide some relief and hope for the remainder of the season. The oppenent, Bayern Munich is also struggling domestically and lies in fourth place in the Bundesliga. This first leg match is being played tonight (Tuesday, the 20th) at the Bernabeu.

Fabio Capello has caved under the pressure of David Beckham’s teammates. After Raul, Guti, Helguera and Salgado all called for his return to the team and pointed out his exemplery behavior and dedication despite being ousted from the team.

Beckham was a happy man in training this afternoon after being called up for tomorrow’s match in San Sebastian. According to a Marca Poll, 88% of fans support Beckham’s return to the team.