La Liga: Celta Vigo 2-4 Real Madrid: La Liga far from lost.

 

Magnificient Chicharito won it for the shaky visitors.

Barcelona: 81, Real Madrid: 79.

Javier Hernandez Chicharito scored two excellent goals and Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez scored one each in a tough match against Celta.

The defenders were  shaky throughout the match and Celta opened the scoring through Nolito. The Spaniard dribbled down Illara and Carvajal in a stunning fashion before producing a low shot into the net.

However, Real went onto take the lead with the next minutes through Chicharito and Kroos.

At first, Kroos hammered a shot into the net which came of from Celta's defender. And then Chicharito scored his one to give Carlo Ancelotti's men the lead. The Mexican played one-two with James thrice before scoring with a clinical finish.

But Celta leveled score after four minutes. Mina controlled a wonderful long ball by Nolito before tapping in a shot that crackled the post and returned.

Real Madrid almost scored their third through Cristiano who scored a simple-but-class shot that hit the woodwork.

However, Ronaldo's agony was lessened after he assisted James to give Real the lead. The Colombian scored a goal that was deflected off from Castro.

The last and final goal off the game was scored by Chicharito who collected an excellent long ball from Ramos befire firing a shot into the back of the net.

With five more games to play, Real Madrid lie two points behind Barcelona.

Barca face Bayern, Juventus stuck with Real.

 

Champions League draw: Juventus FC vs Real Madrid CF

The first leg set to be played on 5/6 May while reverse fixture will be on 12/13 May.

Real Madrid have been paired with Juventus FC for the semifinals of UEFA Champions League. The first leg will be played on 5 May at Turin while the reverse fixture on 13 May at Santiago Bernabeau.

On the other hand, Barcelona host Bayern Munich on 6 May while the return leg will be played on 12 May.

The draw took place in Nyon and Karl-Heinze and Infannito hosted the event.

In Europa League, Dnipro was paired with SSC Napoli and Fiorentina take on defending champions Sevilla.

Barcelona advanced with 5-1 win over PSG while Bayern stunned Porto with a 7-4 win. Juventus won 1-0 on aggregate and Real overcame city rivals Atletico 1-0, thanks to a late Chicharito strike.

Here, we analyse both the ties.

                        FC BARCELONA                                       FC BAYERN MUNCHEN

FC Barcelona vs Bayern Munchen may be the match of this year's semi final. Both the teams are in stuttering form and both of them advanced to the semis with ease. Meanwhile, the tie means Guardiola returns to Camp Nou for the first time since his departure. 

The last time the two met was back in 2013 where Bayern thumped to a 7-0 win. But things weren't same since. Barcelona are in great form this year and are looking to emulate  their first season under Guardiola where they won a historic treble. They are at the to of the league and are in the finals of Copa del Rey. They have the best trio right now, with Messi, Neymar and Suarez all unstoppable. They have a well defined midfield and a comprehensive defence. With the current form, Barcelona can make it all the way to Berlin.

On the other side, Bayern Munich possess a stiff task for Catalans. They will lift Bundesliga next week and are also on the course of a treble. They are in the semi finals of DFB Pokal and will play against Dortmund this week. When it comes to how they advanced to the semis, Bayern came from 3-1 loss to win 6-1 against Porto. Like Barcelona, they have fantastic midfield and attack and a better defense than Catalans.

Like I  said before, the two talking points will be: Josep Guardiola and Lionel Messi.

Surely, this is the best of the ties.

                    JUVENTUS FC                                                REAL MADRID CF

Real Madrid got paired with the Old Lady who made it to this stage after 12 years. Both of them advanced in a tense manner though Real Madrid added more drama to its game.

The last time the two met was back last in 2013 where Real Madrid won 2-1 and drew 2-2 respectively. However, a better Juventus side could provide more resistance against a Real Madrid who are without Bale, Benzema and Modric. Juventus are also on the verge of a treble with the league in their hands and progress for Coppa Italia final. They have a really good defence that hasn't conceded a goal for the past nine matches. The midfield with Pogba, Pirlo and Vidal are technically powerful and in-form Tevez and former Real striker Morata could also prove crucial. The goalkeeping will be handled by legendary Buffon. 

Meanwhile, Madrid overcame Atletico Madrid in a stunning fashion. They were out from the cup race back in January and now lie two points behind in the league. However, they still remain as a threat in Europe's elite competition and would look to become the first team to retain the Champions League trophy. They have a wonderful defence with Varane and Pepe at the centre. Ramos has replaced Modric in the midfield and showed a stunning performance in his new role. The other three in the middle are also in great form and the attacking duo were responsible for their advance to semis. The man in goal will be the legendary Casillas.

Definetly the talking point will be: former player of Juventus and Real's current coach Ancelotti, and how Juventus will resist Real Madrid.

Like I mentioned before, Juventus host Real Madrid on 5 May at Turin and Barcelona host Bayern Munchen on May 6 at Camp Nou for the first leg. 

Real Madrid 3-1 Malaga: Ronaldo and James lift Madrid without Modric and Bale

Injuries plague Madrid as Carlo Ancelotti's men face daunting task in remaining games.

Modric and Bale out, Ronaldo missed penalty and James scored a stunner.

Real Madrid played a game that ended with no benefits for the Blancos' after Luka Modric and Gareth Bale was forced to substitution. 

Victory meant that the tables remained constant after Barcelona overcame Valencia 2-0.

Real Madrid couldn't make a bright start into the game with Gareth Bale injured in the second minute. Substitute Chicharito added something to the game with a teriffic header that tested Kameni's athletic feat.

However, the deadlock was broken when Ramos nodded into the net from a Ronaldo free-kick. The Portugese assisted Ramos in a wonderful freekick, only for the free standing Spaniard to tap home.

Kameni was called into action for the second time. James scored a half volley 22 yards away, only for the Malaga shot-stopper to make a tremendous save.

But the highlight in the first half was when Cristiano Ronaldo nutmegged Sergio Sanchez with a spectacular chop.

Real Madrid missed Luka Modric in the second half and Illara was introduced.

Madrid made a spectacular move then. Ronaldo produced a wonderful backheel pass to Chicharito who returned the ball back to Portugese. Cristiano dribbled down two before passing to James who was fouled inside the penalty area.

However, to add more agony, Ronaldo hit the resulting penalty into the bar. 

The second goal was a genius move from James, Ronaldo and Isco. James played a one-two with Isco and then another with Ronaldo who slid a pass for the Colombian to score a stunning curl shot.

Just minutes later, Pepe watched in agony how Juanmi scored a free header to bring Malaga back into the game.

Ronaldo eagerly waited for his chance and it came in the 92nd minute. Pepe cleared a ball which Chicharito controlled excellently to assist Ronaldo who scored his 50th goal this season with a tap-in.

The last kick of the game produced another clear-cut chance. Isco delivered a ball for Chicharito who passed to James. The Colombian returned the ball for Portugese who failed to score into the free net.

La Liga: Madrid look to close in on Barcelona with win against Malaga.

 

Real Madrid: 73, Barcelona: 75

Loss can never be justified in the last weeks of a dramatic season.

Real Madrid host Malaga this Saturday to ensure they remain in the title race. Real Madrid lie two points behind Luis Enrique's Barcelona who take on Valencia later today.

Carlo Ancelotti, who has insisted in midweek that Real Madrid may not offer an extension if things go worse at the end of the season, will look to put off weight from his shoulder with a win. 

The match is one final test before the highly awaited Champions League reverse fixture against Atletico Madrid. With seven games left in the league, Real Madrid hope Valencia will stun Catalans at Camp Nou.

With Casillas starting at goal, Real Madrid look for a stable defence and a momentous attack.

                                                           Casillas

  Carvajal---------------------Varane-----------------------Ramos-------------------------Marcelo

                         Modric--------------------Kroos----------------------James

                       Isco------------------------Benzema------------------Ronaldo

Bale should be dropped and Isco should start at right flank. Ronaldo must come down from the box and swap from an attacker to a winger. Real Madrid must practise their old-fashioned counter attacking football.

If Real Madrid win and Barcelona draw, then both teams lie 76 points and Real lead at head-to-head basis. If both teams win, then things remain same. If Real draw or lose, then league may be declared over. 

The match is expected to start at 20:00 CET at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. The live coverage will be availabe in Bein Sports, SkySports, Canal+.                           

Champions League: Club Atletico de Madrid-Real Madrid Club de Futbol: Madrid city divided into two ahead of Europe's elite cup clash.

 

Champions League returns tonight and Atletico host city rivals at Vicente Calderon.

Real Madrid need a tactical masterclass to overcome Diego Simeone's men.

Real Madrid take on Atletico Madrid for the first of the last two meetings this season. Both of them have already played six times this season, a record in Spain for the most matches against an opponent in a season. 

The last time the two met in Europe's most famous competition was back in Lisbon on a memorable final, thanks to Sergio Ramos who turned hero that night. The newly crowned Spanish champions were just one minute away from being European champions. But Sergio Ramos header forced extra time and Bale, Marcelo and Ronaldo ensured the La Decima.

However, the story was different since then. The Madrid has gone one sided this season.

Atletico won the Supper Copa de Espana and snatched the Copa del Rey from defending champions. Morever, they defeated Real in both the Liga outfits, including a 4-0 demolition.

While, past may remain as stories, tonight Ancelotti must bring in a tactical masterclass.

Casillas at goal had been excellent against Rayo. Ramos, Marcelo, Varane and Carvajal must make the back four. If he chose a 4-4-2 formation, then Kroos, Modric, James and Bale must start. Isco and Lucas Silva may also be handed a start. The attack will be lead by their custom Ronaldo and Benzema.

The match is the first leg of UEFA Champions League quarter-finals at Vicente Caldren on 20:45 CET. The reverse fixture will be on April 22 at Santiago Bernabeu.

  

Ronaldo's appeal successful as the Portugese eyes for 301st goal vs Eibar

 

Cristiano Ronaldo's ban uplifted though the Portugese was shown the card for a wrong simulation.

The World Player of the Year netted his 300th goal in the Whites' shirt to move 23 behind Raul for all-time topscorer.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a lifeline after the club's appeal turned successful against the yellow card picked at Vallecas.

The ex-Manchester star was shown the card for diving against Rayo Vallecano. Cristiano Ronaldo went onto to fake Amaya who fouled the Portugese inside the penalty box. However, the referee surprised the Galatico and showed him the card for simulation.

The card meant that it was his fifth of the season and would miss next game. But Real coach Ancelotti was never late to respond to the decision and remarked it as "unbelievable".

Later, Real Madrid appealed the decision and the Competition Committee decided to uplift Ronaldo's ban.

It meant that Cristiano Ronaldo would start against Eibar this Saturday after scoring his 300th goal for Real Madrid last match.

The appeal will prove crucial in the title race as Real Madrid would look to catch Barcelona who are already four points ahead of bitter rivals. 

Match Report: Rayo Vallecano-Real Madrid: Madrid look to turn tables.

 

Injured Bale may miss Rayo clash.

Isco, James battle for starting XI.

Real Madrid return to Liga action three days after thrashing Granada 9-1. However, the upcoming opponents are a much better side: Rayo Vallecano. Real will look for first away win in three matches tonight.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored fantastic five goals against the latter, will surely make the XI alongside Benzema. The Frenchman scored two excellent goals against Granada and showed a splendid performance against Barcelona.

Bale seems to be injured and may be rested and James or Isco to take his position. The midfield will be completed by Modric, Kroos and the above said two.

Ramos, Varane, Carvajal and Marcelo make the back four and Casillas or Navas at the line.

With Barcelona four points ahead of Carlo Ancelotti's men, victory seems less or more inevitable. Barcelona will take Almeria hoping that the latter will surprise the Catalans.

The game will start at 22:00 CET at Rayo Vallecano's stadium.  

Report: Real Madrid 9-1 Granada: Ronaldo hits record five as Real run riot against Granada

 

Real Madrid crash struggling Granada with 9 goals to 1.

James Rodriguez returned in action to assist two goals.

Real Madrid produced a fantastic display, both mentally and physically by hammering Granada at home to silence their recent critics.

After failing to hold a four point lead at the lead, Madrid trembled to two losses and a draw last month. The aforesaid meant that Barcelona's success in all those games put them four point ahead against the Clasico rivals.

Real Madrid had a quick start with Bale scoring a fantastic opener. The Welshman dribbled Oier and went off for another before tapping into the net.

The next goal wasn't too late. Cristiano Ronaldo started his scoring with an excellent finish that was assisted by James just 5 minutes after Gareth Bale's opener.

Real Madrid led the game thrice after Cristiano Ronaldo scored another goal. Ronaldo tucked in a pass for Marcelo who crossed the ball to Oier who clears it only for the Portugese to net a low volley.

Ronaldo net his hattrick after just two more minutes. The Portugese dribbled down before hammering a powerful shot just outside the penalty box.

The second half produced more goals with Benzema starting the sheet with a low volley. James corner reached the French who controlled the ball before scoring his first.

The scoreline was further increased after Ronaldo scored his fourth. Bale chipped one for Ronaldo who scored a low header into the free post.

The seventh goal was from Benzema who faked the Granada defender before firing from the side of the net.

The fairytale was never end for Granada. Ibanez hit one back but Mainz scored an own goal to make it 8-1. 

The last laugh in the game was for Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portugese scored a fantastic header from Modric's free kick to end the misery Granada suffered

Though victory didn't turned the table, it ensured a belief that Real Madrid are always title contendors.