Julio Baptista: New Real Madrid Striker

Real finished up the tour today with a 3-0 victory against the Thai all stars. But that's not the news of the day.

It has been officially announced that Brazilian Striker Julio Baptista has been signed from Sevilla. Baptista (La Bestia - 'The Beast') is a young talented exciting striker. Nevertheless, I'm a bit confused.

Didn't Luxemburgo just say that the priority was strengthening the midfield and defense? Real already has Ronaldo, Raul, and Michael Owen and are closing in on Robinho. Why in the world did they get another striker? Not only another striker but another top-class striker who will be just as unhappy to sit on the bench as any of the other three.

What confuses me even more is why do top players accept to come to Madrid when they now they may spend much of the time on the bench when they could start every match elsewhere in top clubs.

Maybe this means Real has given up on Robinho for the time being. Or maybe they plan to sell Michael Owen. Who knows. I just hope everyone can get along in the dressing room.

Luis Figo: Brilliant As Ever

An amazing second half performance from Ronaldo and Luis Figo (replacing Michael Owen) boosted Real to a 3-1 victory over Jubilo Iwata. Raul was also superb throughout the whole match, 'the Ferrari' may be back.

Ronaldo had one shot hit the post, had 3 goals called back for offsides and scored 2 more goals. Luis Figo, coming in at the start of the second half, ran the Real Madrid offense setting up at least 3 perfect scoring opportunities and giving the Japanese crowd something to cheer about.

Luxembourg claims that each player will have to fight for their position. If this is true then Luis Figo has done his duty and more, his place should be restored in the starting eleven. It seems although, for some strange reason, Vanderli wants to see Figo off to another club regardless of his dedication and recent displays on the pitch. Having said this, I believe Luxembourg is a top-quality trainer and will bring the trophies back to the Bernabeu although I don't agree with his attitude regarding Figo.

Figo wants to stay. Rightfully so, why should he leave? He has given everything to Real, turned his back on our arch-rivals and won Florentino Perez the presidency. He continues to amaze everyone with his dedication and work-ethic, giving his all to a club that he is supposed to be leaving any day now.

More Strikers?

Rumors are running wild. Ballack has been the target, according to the press this past week, but now they claim Real is after 'The Beast' Brazilian Sevilla striker Julio Baptista. Why would you buy Baptista when you already have Owen and Robinho on the way? Sounds all a bit absurd to me, but nothing surprises me when it comes to Real Madrid. It's amazing how they draws in all these players who know they may end up warming the bench anyway.

The players are claiming to be exhausted with the summer tour and rightfully so. They keep changing time zones, have no time to practice or rest with all the publicity commitments and they have just returned from vacation and haven't had a opportunity to get into form.

Milan keeps claiming to have Figo and Samuel on the verge of signing but there is no confirmation yet.

Missing Samuel

Real suffered their first defeat of the campaign and it wasn't pretty. 3-0 was the final score, a defeat at the hands of a Japanese team in the midst of a terrible season, on the verge of dropping to second division. The best performances of the match came from Luis Figo and Michel Salgado. In Real's defense, they must be pretty worn-out from all the plane trips and time-zone changes.

Real has won 3 of 4 matches but has received 6 goals against. Walter Samuel was highly criticized last season for not living up to his 'Il Muro' (The Wall) reputation from Italy. I'll agree, he wasn't spectacular but he improved as the season progressed and with the incorporation of Graveson. No, Real Madrid did not win any trophies but they put up the second best defense in the league.

Samuel has not joined the tour to recover from a nose operation. There is constant speculation on his exit to Inter Milan. Yet, with Samuel in the lineup there don't seem to be as many holes in the defense and goals against. Give 'Il Muro' another season along side the recovered Jonathan Woodgate and maybe Real can have the top defense this year.

Real-ly Poor Treatment

Real struggled to a 3-2 victory today in a rainy and messy field. Down 1-0 Raul put away the first goal for Real. Down again 2-1 Guti hit the second and with 7 minutes to play Figo transformed a penalty.

I have to say I’m not to happy with the way things are being run at The Bernabeu lately. It’s not secret that the past 2 years have been a failure because of over-recruiting famous offensive players for the same positions causing everyone to play out of their natural position and work extra hard on defence greatly diminishing their performance. What do you expect?

Michael Owen was signed lat year. We already had 3 world-class forwards. The result was that Morientes moves to Liverpool in place of Owen’s absence. But Real still had too many world-class strikers and Owen was not getting the playing time he deserved. But he proved himself being the shadow of a doubt that he was the most in-form striker at Real and deserved to start every game.

So Luxemburg drops Figo. Drops who? He drops Figo! Figo has been the most consistent player on the squad for the entire duration of his time at Real Madrid. He has also been the most committed and professional.

Thanks Figo, for leading us to 2 Champions League titles and 2 Liga titles. Thanks for ditching our arch-rivals to come to Real Madrid. But..Now you can get lost, we don’t need you anymore, you don’t deserve a position in the starting line-up anymore because we need to bring in new Galacticos. In fact, you’re not even our second choice anymore, sot on the bench or leave.

Getting back to Owen, Michael Owen was brought in to put on display. Look at our newest Galactico, isn’t he a beauty? Now he has shown that he is still one of the top strikers and in all honestly won many games for Real last year by coming of the bench and scoring. Now comes Robinho (if the soap opera ever ends). Where will Robinho play? He will be a striker of course, along side Ronaldo. So now we have 4 top strikers again. So what will happen to Owen? He will return to the bench or be sold.

Why bring in one of the best strikers in the world and then treat him like that? Why suddenly drop your most consistent and committed player and the player that won Perez the presidency 5 years ago)? That’s Real Madrid ladies and gentlemen, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

This is just my opinion. I may be mistaken in my judgements. I don’t intend to directly criticize one person. If you’re coaching and presiding over Real Madrid you can’t please everyone.

Real take on Beijing Guoan

Real take on Beijing Guoan in Beijing this afternoon at 2:00 pm (Madrid Time). Both Beckham and Ronaldo seem to be healthy enough to participate in the match.

The Brazilian Soccer Confederation (CBF) has turned down Robinho’s request to be allowed to move to Real Madrid. The only possibility of leaving lies in paying the full $50 million or If Santos gives the player permission to break the contract for less money.

Robinho Released to Real

It's official. Finally. Real has put up 60% of the $30 million to finally seal the long awaited (and drawn out) purchase of Robinho. Robinho and his agent have given up 40% of earnings to make the transfer happen. Oddly, Robinho was already examined by a Spanish doctor sent by Real Madrid to Brazil.

Real is in China preparing for their next friendly against Beijing Guoan on Saturday. Ronaldo and Beckham may see action depending on the evolucion of their injuries.

Galactic Summary

Real completed their visit to the US with a 2-0 victory over the LA Galaxy. The Galaxy held their own, especially in the second half, but they didn’t formulate as many shot opportunities as Madrid. Zidane was brilliant yet again, Owen on-target as usual, and Soldado finished off the scoring for the second straight match.

Real arrived in China last night to prepare for their match on Saturday against Beijing Gouan

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

This is a difficult question as a Real Madrid player. The lack of minutes for many top-quality players is a constant at The Bernabeu.

Real Madrid spoke up with an official comment saying that Ronaldo is non-transferable in response to constant rumours of Real looking to secure Adriano in exchange for Ronaldo and some cash.

Alvaro Mejilla was prepared to pack his bags and go on loan to another club due to virtually no playing time last year but once again the club has stepped in and said they want him to stay.

Ivan Helguera commented after the Chivas match on how difficult it is to be a home grown Spaniard and play for Real Madrid. Just ask Guti about that as he is finally planning his exit to find a starting place elsewhere.

The Figo situation is still up in the air as he prepares, with the rest of the Galacticos, to play the LA Galaxy tonight.

Victorious Debut

Real ended up with a 3-1 victory in Chicago last night. The team scored 3 goals in the last 15 minutes to turn the match around. The first half saw a more expectacular Real Madrid. Zidane, under the orders of Luxemburgo, has been moved back to his natural position where he played with France, in the center, just behind the forwards. He was back to his best last night and gave the crowd something to cheer about. David Beckham was also spectacular. It's clear that Luxemburgo is shaping Real's game around Beckham's passing and long ball abilities. The Dane, Thomas Graveson continued to shine as a defensive holding player and Casillas was brilliant as we are accustomed to.

The match was very back and forth with Real Madrid showing the greater skill but not being able to finish. The referee missed or chose not to whistle a clear penalty on Michael Owen in the first half of play. Real received a goal after a defensive breakdown late into the second half but quickly recovered from a brilliant David Beckham free kick headed in by Mejia. Minutes later Guti hammered a shot into the lower right corner of the net from a Roberto Carlos pass. A goal from Saldado sealed the deal at the end of injury time.

Gametime in Chicago

It is 1 hour and a half until kick-off. This match is a potential risk for Real Madrid as they have just returned from vacation, with little time to prepare they face up against mexico's strongest club. Fans may miss out on seeing Zidane in action today due to some minor pain.

In an interview this afternoon Roberto Carlos spoke of the weight of the situation surrounding Luis Figo and hopes that he can find a solution to continue at the club. It is higly unlkely as Figo will probably start today's match on the bench where he left off last year and will most likely not finish the tour if he comes to an agreement with Liverpool or AC Milan (Probably Liverpool).

Real Madrid-Mania in Chicago

The Galacticos were received by more than 300 excited fans at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. As usual David Beckham received the greatest interest, especially among the younger fans. The team is staying at The Double Tree Hotel at the edge of Lake Michigan.

Luxemburgo has given no indication as to who will start against Chivas of Mexico in the first match of the preseason tour on Saturday.

Florentino Perez has stated in an interview that Real Madrid is now the richest team on the planet, surpassing Manchester United. Not only is Real the richest team but it is in the hands of the clubs members, not a wealthy owner. Perez was critical of his squad stating that the team already feels the match is won before stepping of the bus.

United We Stand, Divided We Fall

Unity is the theme on the minds and lips of the 2 years trophy drought-ridden squad of late. According to Zidane the team is lacking 'a little unity' and that he has good vibes about the upcoming season and Raul calls for 'hard work, sacrifice, and unity'.

Just in case anyone else asks, no I don't know what hotel Real Madrid is staying at in Chicago. You can, however, find out more about this summer's tour destinations at the official Web site here: http://www.realmadrid.com/especiales/gira2005/portada_eng.htm.

No Big News in Madrid

Borja has been sent to Mallorca on loan and actually has a clause in the contract saying he can't play against Real.

The team in question is still negotiating the arrival of 'the next Pele' as Santos' president is -as the Spaniards would say- extremely 'cabezota' (stubborn-pig headed) and refuses to sell his star player.

The situation with Figo has not changed and the team insists that Samuel is not going on tour soley because of his nose, not because he is being sold.

Soccer great, Zinedine Zidane, is 'hungry' for title glory as he feels he must make the best of the end of his career after two years of famine.

Jose María 'Guti' has been contacted by Everton and some other premiership clubs anxious to snatch our talented midfielder.

Carlos Diogo 'Will Give it His All'

New signing Carlos Diogo assured readers in a recent interview that when he heard Real Madrid was interested in his services he thought it was a joke.

The self-proclaimed 'football fanatic' Uruguayan defensive back is overjoyed by this new opportunity and says now that the deal is sealed all that's left is to 'give it his all' to prove his worth the the team and the fans.

Real Rumors

There are always rumors surrounding Real Madrid. Who's coming? Who's going? Who's the next Galactico? And what will be the next record transfer fee?

Yesterday someone claimed Real held secret talks with Arsenal staff in Madrid this week for a final attempt to bring Patrick Viera to the Bernabeu. Seems a bit doubtful after last year's failed efforts.

It has also been leaked that Real Madrid was going on an all out attack to bring in Robinho in the next 48 hours so he could join the team in time for the US tours. They may up there offer to €30 million.

Speaking of the US tour, Samuel won't make it as his nose will be re-operated on from the blow it received a few months back. Rumors have it - it is an excuse to get Samuel to agree to sign with Milan but it's pretty obvious he wants to stay and he probably deserves more time to improve after the first year of adjustment.

Keeping up With Moro

X-Real Madrid striker and fan-favorite Fernando Morientes netted 2 goals with Liverpool in a friendly in preparation for their first Champions League qualifying fixture. El Moro is finally eligible to play in the Champions League this year, after spending the last half of the previous campaign cup-tied from Real Madrid.

As Real Madrid supporters we should be very afraid if we get matched up with Liverpool as Morientes on loan to Monaco already single-handedly knocked us out 2 years ago. What a shame it was to lose such a quality striker.

Let's get started

Luxemburgo has begun the preseason with a warning to all his players: If you aren't willing to spend some time on the bench for the good of team, then leave. Apparently a Real Madrid coach finally has the power to bench the mighty Galacticos.

Speaking of which, confirmation that Luis Figo has reached an agreement to join Liverpool, but Real wants some cash, seems to be 3 million, for his departure. The delay forced Figo to show up for training today and face Luxemburgo after last year's falling out. This leads to the possibility that Figo will have to join the team on the US tour. Who knows, we may still hold on to our original galactico yet.

Guti is also back with the Merengues. He hasn't been able to make the same decision Solari finally did - leave Real Madrid and play as a starter at just about any other club.

More good news for Real Madrid: Woodgate has recovered, is in shape (after preparing all summer) and is ready to play with the team. This could be exceptional for Real's defense.

Last but not least: Real, la pelicula - a film about the history of the Real Madrid Football Club is to be released Tuesday, July 12th.

Back to Training

Pre-season training officially begins tomorrow. For the moment, everyone is due back with the exception of Celades, Cesar (both with contracts ending last season) and Solari who's departure was made official today.

Real Madrid begins preparing for its summer promotional tours starting with the US and Asia from July 14th - 30th followed by Austria from the 2nd - 13th of August.

Iker has spoken up in an interview on the RealMadrid.com Website reiterating his impatience for the team to return to La Cibeles (The fountain/intersection on the Castellana, one of Madrid's largest avenues, where Real Madrid celebrates it's titles with the fans.)

We, the fans, are quite impatient ourselves!

Farewell Saint Solari

Santiago Solari was once dubbed Saint Solari in an ESPN Soccernet article. Probably due to his commitment to stay with Real Madrid year in and year out regardless of the fact that he spent much of the time on the bench.

For those who don't know much about Solari, he is a world-class player. He is extremely talented, passes well, and strikes very well (scored 2 free kicks in the same game last season). It's never made much sense to me why such a great player has never been giving a starting position.

After just re-signing this winter and seeing even less playing time, Saint Solari, must have finally given up and is doing the smart thing, for himself and his career and moving on to Inter Milan.

I'm sad to see him finally go, but the good side is, now I can take a small interest in Italian soccer, rooting for Solari at his new team.

Can't Sleep

"Robinho can't sleep and he is depressed." This is the title of the first article on the Real Madrid Web site. And the soap-opera continues... Real Madrid never breaths a word about new signings until they are official and now they post a new article every day about how desperate Robinho is to join the club.

Real has offered €25 million but Santos' president will not free him for less than €50.

Definition of Galáctico

Galáctico (noun)

A football (soccer) superstar that plays for Real Madrid.

synonyms: Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazario