Barça has 5-point lead on Real

All seemed to be going smoothly for Real Madrid against Getafe. There wasn't much of a crowd to contend with, despite it being an away fixture, and its southern Madrid opponents were struggling to make an impact on the game. The opening goal from Higuaín was no less than the champions deserved, having dominated the encounter and so nearly gone ahead several minutes earlier, when Cristiano played in Özil, who crashed his shot against the bar with the goal gaping.

But, as time wore on and Madrid failed to add to its advantage before the break, things began to unravel, culminating in defeat. Mourinho is now winless in three competitive fixtures this season, the 1-1 draw against Valencia followed by losses to Barcelona (3-2) and Getafe (2-1).

Just like in its league opener against Valencia at the Bernabéu, Madrid conceded from a set piece. Barrada, Getafe's hero on the night, curled in a free-kick to around the penalty spot, where a sea of white shirts failed to pick up Valera, who planted a header into the corner beyond Casillas' belated dive.

From that point on, Madrid began to rush things. With Benzema on for Higuaín and Callejón replacing Marcelo, a mixture of carelessness, nerves, over eagerness and a well-drilled Getafe side kept the champions at bay. Worse was still to come when Colunga won back possession and played in Barrada, who drilled the ball past Casillas.

Increasingly desperate, Mourinho turned to the young academy product Morata, who came on for Di María but was unable to save the blushes of the team led by the self-anointed "The Only One".

Tottenham to sell Modric to Real Madrid

Real Madrid has announced that it has signed a partnership agreement with Tottenham and has reached an agreement for the transfer of Luka Modric, subject to medical revision.

The croatian player made 160 appearances for Totteham, scoring 17 goals, and moves for a fee thought to be worth, €35 million, plus another €7m in various add-ons.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez Rodriguez added: "The strong relationship and affinity between our two clubs has resulted in the cementing of a longer-term partnership and the successful transfer of Luka Modric.

"We are delighted to welcome Luka and look forward to working closely with Tottenham in the coming years."

BARCELONA vs REAL MADRID 3-2 All Goals

Tito passes with honors his first test against Mou

The Super Cup, contested by the previous year's league and Spanish Cup champions – in this case, Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively – is the first major trophy up for grabs in the Spanish football season.

What's more, both this year and last the cup has taken on additional importance as the first instalment in the series of 'Superclásico' matches between the two biggest rivals in Spanish football. Winning thus offers a significant psychological advantage and gives the winner a major morale boost ahead of subsequent Real Madrid-Barcelona clashes throughout the season.

These fixtures are often decisive in the league, where each point is vital and the two teams necessarily meet every season, and potentially in the Spanish Cup and the Champions League, depending on the luck of the draw.

This year's Super Cup also represents Tito Vilanova's first chance to get his hands on some domestic silverware as Barça manager and, perhaps even more significantly, his first ever match in charge against Real Madrid. This makes it an important baptism for him in the eyes of fans and the board that has entrusted him to lead the team. So far, he has passed the test with honors.

While Mourinho is respected across the planet and has earned the right to the odd slip-up – his Madrid team was thrashed 5-0 by Barça in 2010 – Vilanova has just made his Superclásico debut in the managerial hotseat, meaning he had double the pressure on his shoulders.

Both Mourinho and Vilanova have tried to play down the importance of this competition, as they'll have to face much bigger challenges during the season. But the truth remains that a match between Real Madrid and Barcelona will always be a crucial duel, and even more when there's a trophy at stake.

By any token, both coaches will be forced to face this same pressure again in the decisive return leg at the Bernabéu, set to take place on 29th August. Then all the off-the-pitch talking will pale into the background as the action on the pitch crowns the first champion of a season that promises to be as hotly contested as ever.

Valdés error gives Real Madrid a chance

A dull first half and a frantic second half. Barcelona dominated the first Superclasico of the season as evidenced by an overwhelming ball possession (73%). Real Madrid had their chances and at times proved to be an irresistible force on the counter-attack. But in the end, Tito Vilanova's boys were far superior and won fairly, although the final score (3-2) very much leaves Los Blancos' chances intact to win the Spanish Supercopa in the second leg.

The tight final score was due to an error by Victor Valdés with five minutes left in the match. The Barcelona goalkeeper fumbled a back-pass in front of Angel Di Maria and the Argentine made no mistake in the 85th minute slotting home for the goal. Until then, the game was closer to a 4-1 in favor of Barcelona than the actual final outcome.

From the very start, Barcelona showed no signs of wanting to change its traditional style of play. Tito's team wanted to possess the ball and to rule inside the pitch. But Real Madrid, with a solid defence, displayed its recognized ability to counter-attack, making sure the home team could not feel at all comfortable during the first minutes. The local club touched the ball in the midfield, but was unable to penetrate the opponent's box.

Gradually, Real Madrid's defence began to show weaknesses allowing Barça to have several shots on goal. Possession was at 73% in favor of the locals in the first part of the first half, a statistic that wouldn't change all game long. Barcelona felt more and more comfortable and enjoyed several chances while Real Madrid had to rely on fast counters, earning some corners and free kicks, but unable to shoot between the poles.

The second half started at a diabolic pace and both teams had its share of good chances during the first minutes. Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring with an unstoppable header, after a corner kicked by Mesut Ozil (55'). Barcelona's response was immediate. It took only a minute for Pedro to score the equalizer, thanks to a magnificent assist by Mascherano (56'). It was claimed that the Canarian winger was in an offside position, but the assistant referee didn't see it that way.

From that moment on, both teams went on full throttle. The Superclásico was at its very best and the feeling was that anything could happen. But eventually Barcelona managed to show its superiority again. Messi scored a penalty kick (70') after Sergio Ramos took down Iniesta in the area and everything seemed to become easier for the local side.

Iniesta, probably the best player of the match, then gave a brilliant assist to Xavi, who scored the third goal for Barça right in front of Casillas. Everything appeared to be going off without a hitch for Barcelona when suddenly, Di María, who had replaced Callejón, stole the ball from Valdés's feet and comfortably scored before an empty goal. The keeper's gaffe sets the stage for next Thursday's return leg at Bernabéu where the next Superclásico will crown the Spanish Supercopa winner.

Mourinho's five commandments

There is no special plan as such for the match at the Camp Nou, but the team will be expected to fulfil five "must-dos", commandments if you will. Recent clashes between Real Madrid and Barcelona have demonstrated that Mourinho's strategy has borne fruit, allowing 'Los Blancos' to win the Spanish Cup and last season's league championship. Mourinho is more convinced than ever that these five commandments are the key to success at the Camp Nou.

Besides demanding his team plays with maximum intensity and at a high tempo, there are a number of methods he has devised to thwart the threat of an opponent Madrid knows all too well.

1. Keeping a high line

Pepe's injury is the biggest spanner in the works. With Pepe in the team, the plan was to push the defensive line up as close to the midfield as possible, compressing the pitch and catching Barça in the offside trap. Albiol is a different type of centre-back. He is less mobile than Pepe and less accustomed to playing in a high defensive line against an opposition that specialises in creating spaces going forward.

2. Flooding the midfield

With Pepe out, the rearguard needs extra protection, and one way of doing this is flooding the midfield. The players in the centre of the park will be asked to play as close together as possible. We can't rule out the possibility of Xabi Alonso, Lass and Khedira lining up to form a defensive midfield trio, or a "high-pressure triangle", as Mourinho likes to call it. The idea is to limit the space available and pressure the opposition into making mistakes. Once the team wins the ball back, it will be looking to launch immediate counterattacks. In the last league meeting between the two, in which Madrid ran out 2-1 winners, the pressuring carried out across the pitch was vital in unsettling and neutralising Barça and stifling their talent. As the Madrid players say, "you have to work for each other".

3. Isolating Messi

The aim of this system is to double up to stop Messi getting the ball and, when he does so, for him to be isolated, unable to turn or link up with his teammates. The idea is to cut Messi off, as the Argentine is the fulcrum of Barcelona's attacking play and can open teams up with his changes of pace and decisive passing. Messi is in top form, as he proved against Real Sociedad, scoring a brace and slicing through the opposition backline on several occasions. Mourinho is aiming to block off his supply. When Madrid loses the ball, its players will have to show anticipation in order to pressure effectively.

4. Dealing better with the aerial threat

Set pieces and aerial balls are Real Madrid's Achilles heel. This bête noire reared its head once again on Sunday against Valencia, when Jonas headed in a free-kick taken by Tino Costa. Against Real Sociedad, meanwhile, Barcelona scored yet again from a corner following its usual routine, with Puyol the target for Xavi's deliveries. Madrid ought to be a tall enough team to deal with these set plays.

5. Making the most of free spaces and chances

Playing a high line, flooding the midfield and applying intense pressure off the ball all aim to help Real Madrid create chances. Mourinho and his team know that they need to get a positive result at the Camp Nou, and this means scoring. Barcelona does leave spaces on the pitch and these must be exploited to the maximum.

Zenit sounds out Afellay

Ibrahim Afellay has no shortage of options should he choose to leave Barça. He has received contact from Lille, Borussia Dortmund, Schalke 04, Arsenal, Inter Milan and, last but not least, Zenit. The Russian champion is desperate to land the Dutchman at any cost, but Barça is not going to make it easy for the Saint Petersburg-based club.

The 'Azulgranas' value Afellay at €8-10 million, and are willing to block his departure if this valuation isn't me. Above it, the club is determined to avoid selling him on the cheap.

Another key factor is the fact that Afellay isn't keen on a Barça exit. "Afellay is definitely on the list, but we have only enquired about availability and not made a bid. If Barcelona or the player himself do not want to negotiate our interest will end" said Luciano Spalletti, the Zenit manager.

Vilanova: "There's nothing at stake for me"

The Barcelona coach, Tito Vilanova, played down the importance of the consequences for him if defeated by Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup. "What's at stake for me? Nothing. It's not like that if we don't win, the world will fall down around me and I won´t be able to go on or do my job well. I don't believe that much is at stake in every game, because I want to enjoy this job peacefully. I'm sorry, but there are more important things in my life".

Guardiola's replacement faces his first 'Clásico' safe in the knowledge that the first title of the season will not determine the performance of the two teams over the rest of the year. "To say that whoever wins this trophy half-way through August is going to be the best all season seems hasty to me", said Vilanova, who believes that "neither of the teams are going into the game better than the other, nor at their best" at this stage of the season.

Regarding Mourinho's statements denying that Barça has dominated in recent years, he said: "Everyone has their own opinion, and you have to respect that, but what I know is that this team has done spectacular things; unbeatable things. It won nine titles out of the nine on offer in two years, and 14 out of 19 in total over the past four. Furthermore, there are four or five teams in history which are remembered not just for their titles but for how they played, and this is one of them", he stated categorically.

The battle for bragging rights begins

Tonight Barcelona and Real Madrid kick off the latest chapter in their unique, engrossing rivalry with a match that is being played in a completely different context to recent years. The main difference is the identity of the man in the home team's dugout, Tito Vilanova, for whom tonight's match marks a first taste of the pressure that awaits him in the hotseat.

The other big piece of news, and one that is much appreciated, is the sense of peace that reigns in the build-up to this instalment of the 'clásico'. With none of the usual posturing, the spotlight is firmly on the football and the 22 players who will take to the pitch at the Camp Nou tonight, which will include at least ten of the top footballers on the planet.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi, the two leading contenders for this year's Ballon d'Or, are once again expected to dominate proceedings in this clash of the titans.

For the first time in several years, Madrid will not be travelling to the Camp Nou as the underdog. Real Madrid's victory away at Barça last season meant more than just three points, even if these did virtually clinch the title for Mou's men. It confirmed that this Madrid side is a superb team that passes its toughest tests with flying colours.

Madrid overcame all of its fears that night and today it will arrive at the Camp Nou as champions, brimming with confidence. All this points towards the first title of the season not being decided until the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Unlucky 13

Leo Messi has gone 362 minutes without scoring against Real Madrid. This has been a bitter pill to swallow for the Argentine star, for whom an average of almost a goal a game had made Iker Casillas one of his favourite victims.

At one point the diminutive forward's record stood at 13 goals in 15 'clásicos'. However, he has since become stuck on this most unlucky of totals. His last goal against Barça's arch-rivals came in last year's Super Cup, when his strike with two minutes to go prevented the tie from going to extra time and sealed victory for the 'Azulgranas'.

Since then it's been nothing doing. Leo played the full 90 minutes in all four league and cup meetings between the clubs last year but failed to etch his name on the scoresheet. Mourinho seems to have found a way to keep him in check.

Curiously, Coentrao played in all four of these matches. This is particularly telling when you consider that the Portuguese defender only appeared in half of the club's league outings last year. His presence seems to have helped stop Messi, even though he is given free rein to roam across Barça forward line.

In these four fixtures, the Argentine's stats were way below his normal level: he took far fewer shots than usual and lost the ball more frequently. The worst of the lot was the league encounter at the Camp Nou, in which Madrid came away with a 2-1 win to wrap up the league title and Messi failed to hit the target on a single occasion.

Leo is itching to break his duck and get the monkey off his back. Although Barcelona won two of the four matches in question, as a forward he remains keen as ever to hit the back of the net again.

Mourinho plumps for Higuaín again

The Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has given his players a list of five "must-dos" for the first leg of the Super Cup this Thursday at the Camp Nou. His strategy seems to be bearing fruit, at least lately, as it helped 'Los Blancos' to capture the Spanish Cup in 2011 and the most recent league title.

However, the Madrid coach is anticipating something different in this fixture, with Tito Vilanova expected to mix things up tactically or spring a surprise in terms of formation. Various scenarios are being prepared for.

Higuaí­n can be confident of retaining his place in the starting eleven, with Mourinho seemingly decided on starting with him at the Camp Nou, despite the Argentine also having led the line against Valencia, relegating Benzema to the bench in the process.

The Portuguese coach was delighted with Higuaí­n's performance. As well as scoring Madrid's opener, 'Pipita' crashed a header against the bar and proved he is in great shape with his all-round contribution.

Mourinho is sticking to his philosophy of picking players on form, and Benzema still has to meet a number of milestones before he is at the top of his game. The coach is refusing to rule out starting with the Frenchman, but at the moment he sees him more as an impact player for the second half.

At some point Mou will surely rotate his strikers, but for the time being he wants to make the most of Higuaín's rich vein of form.

Albiol set to play in the Camp Nou

Following a season on the side-lines, in which he only played 15 games (10 league appearances and 5 in Europe) Raúl Albiol's big opportunity has finally come. Pepe's injury has opened the door to the Valencian player, who will line up in defence alongside Ramos in the Camp Nou, in the first leg of the Super Cup.

What better scenario to make his comeback? Albiol is keen to silence his critics and make more appearances for his club than he did last season.

Having formed part of the Spanish squad that won the European Championships in the summer, Albiol is in good physical shape. He performed well in the pre-season and has become the regular substitute in defence at the expense of Varane.

Now the time has come for him to show Real Madrid that it wasn't a mistake to extend his contract, which was announced recently. Apart from that, he also wants to prove to himself that he can be a key player at Real Madrid.

Pepe: "Soon will to keep fighting for this club"

"I want to thank you for the many expressions of support I have had in the last days." These are the first words of Pepe since Sunday suffered a collision with Casillas who departed momentarily Real Madrid commitments.

The Portuguese said to the media of the club: "I'm flattered by the encouragement I have received since Sunday, especially from the fans of Real Madrid, I've come to the heart. Very soon I will be in perfect shape to continue fighting for our shirts and our club. "

"In this sense, it is still very important to the continued support of all my fellow costume, coaches, managers and employees of our house. Want to thank also very particular to doctors of our team, who have been and are by my side at all times, "added the player.

Moreover, Pepe remembered other players, such as Pique, who have sent their support. "I also want to transfer meaning to thank all those colleagues from other clubs through various ways been interested in my health. Grandes details are not forgotten. A big hug for everyone," he concluded.

A big signing

Alex Song is now a Barcelona player. On Monday afternoon, the Cameroonian signed his contract, which will keep him with the Catalan club for the next five years. This was a signing the club needed to make after Keita's exit.

Song can play in three positions, but importantly he provides strength and height to the midfield. Barcelona's starting eleven is full of short players. Lacking height hasn't stopped the team from winning every title going in the last few years, but it is a problem that has continued to deteriorate, even more so now with Abidal and Keita leaving.

"He'll give us height, but that's not the only reason we got him. He'll surprise people. He's a very good player, he'll help us as a holding midfielder and he can also play as a centre-back", said Vilanova.

He even ventured a new tactical variation with the player in the squad: "We can also play with two holding players or bring him on for the last minutes if we need more height on the pitch. He can play in three positions".

Song made his first statements as a Barcelona player: "Barcelona is a winning club. I'm very happy to be here because everyone knows it’s the best team in the world".

Cristiano sees himself at his best in 10 days' time

Four shots and nothing to show for them. No danger. Strange sensations, not to say worrying ones. This was the outcome of Cristiano Ronaldo's attacking play against Valencia on Sunday. Since he first arrived at Real Madrid, he had never gone through a match without constantly battering against the goal, without being a veritable nightmare for goalkeepers and the defenders who mark him.

If anything characterises this predatory forward, it is his selfishness (his critics say he hogs the ball), his tremendous desire to create moves and end up setting his sights on goal, without worrying too much that there might be a team-mate in a better position. On Sunday not even that happened, which is what is really surprising.

The most likely explanation for this huge drop in form is that there are ten days remaining for him to lift off. Cristiano Ronaldo has set a date by which he wants to start to be the superstar he has been for the past two seasons. A nightmare for his opponents. This is the 29th August, the day on which the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup will take place at the Bernabéu. This is when his form should rocket, or when he will at least show that inner strength he has.

So, there's no need to worry, as he himself pointed out after the draw against Valencia. He is not overweight, nor has he let himself go. Before 29th August, and that return fixture against Barça Cristiano has to play at the Camp Nou in the first leg, and then at Getafe in the second league fixture of the season. One supposes that things will go better for him than against Valencia. But his pre-season dip will end by the return match of the Super Cup, as he himself has confirmed.

The return of Messi and Villa

Leo Messi is back. Let the rest of the teams in the Spanish League be warned. He allowed himself an extended holiday for the first time in years and the Argentinean has come back hungry. This was plain to see in his first league appearance against Real Sociedad, where Messi was keen to get the season underway.

The other piece of great news for Barcelona in its opening league game, apart from the 5-1 victory, was the return of David Villa eight months after his serious injury. And what a better way to celebrate the occasion than with a goal, Barça's fifth, which rounded of a score line featuring goals by Puyol, Messi (2) and Pedro.

Villa celebrates his goal against Real Sociedad by wearing a T-shirt with a picture of his family, which reads: "Impossible without you".

Messi scored twice in five minutes and his attitude on the pitch, marked by his constant mobility and willingness to come back to get the ball in the midfield, bodes well for the Barça's season ahead.

The Argentinean has already demonstrated in the pre-season that a rest has done him the world of good, and he's currently the team's highest scorer with five goals. The two goals against Real Sociedad equal his previous best in a league season opener, achieved last year when he scored twice against Villarreal.

Messi has set the bar very high for himself. Last season the striker scored 50 goals in 'la Liga', an out and out record in the competition, and 72 overall.

"We did enough to win, although I expected more from my team"

As is to be expected, José Mourinho was subdued after Real Madrid was held to a draw by Valencia. "I expected more from my team. Last year their goalkeeper Guaita was man-of-the-match and this year it was another goalkeeper, Alves. We didn't play a great game, but we did enough to win. We have to play better".

The result means Real Madrid kicked off its league season by dropping two points at home. "We're always looking to win. Draws are no good to us. We couldn't lose this match, because the opposition didn't create any chances. Last year we drew at home twice and one of them was against Valencia", said Mourinho.

After Pepe was forced to sit out the second half following a hefty collision with Casillas, Mourinho stated "I'm worried about Pepe, not the Super Cup. I hope the player is okay".

The Portuguese tactician reiterated that the Valencia goalkeeper had been the difference between the two teams. "Diego Alves was the best player on the pitch. He made some excellent stops. If we'd played a little better, we would have created more chances".

The heat was noticeable at the Bernabéu: "It's hot in Spain, that's why we went to the US, where the temperature is similar, for the pre-season campaign. I'm not searching for excuses. The league was scheduled to start in August and that's that".

Mourinho also refused to give any hints as to possible signings. "I don't talk about other teams' players. There could be an arrival and a departure, but I won't name any names".

Alves hands Madrid opening stalemate

Real Madrid was unable to get its title defence off to a winning start in the first week of this year's Spanish league season. The champions were held at the Bernabéu by an excellent Valencia team which came away with a valuable point. Higuaín put 'Los Blancos' ahead, before Jonas headed in an equaliser for the away side. Mou's men piled on the pressure after the break, but a stunning performance in goal from Diego Alves saved Valencia.

The Brazilian stopper's performance between the posts deprived Madrid of two vital points. Although the league has just kicked off, Madrid's intense rivalry with Barcelona and the lofty level to which the two teams have raised the bar means that anything less than three points at home is seen as a failure. This slip-up could prove costly later on.

In an eventful game, the reigning Liga champions failed to make its advantage count after Higuaín gave them the lead after 9 minutes. After Jonas levelled matters, the Valencia goalkeeper grew in stature to keep 'Los Blancos' at bay.

Rather than the play, the medical staff found itself stealing the show. A spectacular collision between Casillas and Pepe shook the Bernabéu, as well as letting in Jonas to score the equaliser.

Madrid seemed one-paced and an organised display from Valencia was enough to earn a hard-fought draw. The result recalled the corresponding fixture last year, when Guaita was the hero in the Valencia goal.

Falcao: "I hope this year will be even better than last season"

Atlétio Madrid striker Radamel Falcao is looking forward to the start of the new season and is relishing personal challenge of beating his goal scoring tally in his first season at the Vicente Calderón, when he scored 36 goals in 49 games.

Speaking after a training session today at Majadahona, he said: "We have to take each game as it comes. Tomorrow's game against Levante is the most important game for the moment. If we can get a good result there that'll fill us with confidence and spur us on in the season. I also have a personal challenge, which is the same as always, to try and score more goals than I did the season before."

Falcao had an outstanding season in his first campaign with Atleti. As well as scoring 36 times he won the Europa League, netting two of Atleti's three goals in the final in Bucharest against Athletic Bilbao.

"It was a positive year. I think coming to La Liga and Atlético Madrid was a very important step for my career, as was winning the Europa League. I'm very happy and I hope this season is even better."

The Colombian forward added that the team is growing as a unit and his team-mates are developing a better understanding of each other. "We know each other better now. I think what we went through last year is going to help us a lot. The most important thing is that we have the same mind frame as always, and that we know that the results will come, but all the heads are pointing in the same direction and we'll need to make a huge effort and everyone will need to do their bit."

Madrid won't sell Kaká for less than €20 million

Real Madrid has got tough with AC Milan and has let the Italian club know that Kaká won't be going anywhere for under €20 million. Milan would really like to get the Brazilian player back and is applying as much pressure as possible to acquire his services.

But, as Mourinho said, "Madrid won’t be giving Kaká away because no club gives its players away".

Madrid has taken a stance and will not entertain any offers under €20 million. This adds a great deal of uncertainty to Kaká's possible transfer to Milan, since the 'Rossoneri' will be only able to stump up €15 million, and that’s with the club already trying.

However, Galliani and Berlusconi aren't throwing the towel in and will meet tomorrow to look for a financial solution that will allow the prodigal son to return to Milan.

Madrid understands that the Kaká saga will last till the transfer window closes, since Milan will try every possible avenue that it has available. 'Los Blancos', meanwhile, are in no rush to move the Brazilian for now.

Mourinho: "We´re not looking to break records, just win the league"

José Mourinho held a press conference in the build-up to Valencia's visit to the Santiago Bernabéu. The Portuguese manager left the door open to new arrivals and departures, such as the signing of Luka Modric, although he clarified the point by saying: "It's not a problem if a player that could be transferred ends up staying, and likewise it's not a problem if a new signing doesn't materialise."

"The transfer market doesn't close untill the end of the month. We have a provisional list at the moment and the definitive one won't be ready untill 31st August. Names can come and go," Mou continued.

Regarding the start of the league, Mourinho indicated that the team hasn't had much time to train together, but he didn't want to use that as an excuse: "We have a fortnight to get the team ready and we've been working hard to get into form. Valencia has had more time to prepare than we have but we aren't looking for comparisons."

Logically, our objectives are the same: "We know each other well and we're going to keep on playing ambitious, quality football. If we manage to do this we'll be serious candidates for the title. We're not looking to break any records, just win the league".

In so far as how much the team has improved, he said: "It's hard to say. We've come a long way already.Real Madrid was the best team in Europe last season, winning the most difficult league in convincing style and reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League. This means we'll be fighting it out to the bitter end".

There was only one thing off limits, and that was his refusal to discuss Barcelona for the time being. "I'm not interested in talking about rivals, except our opponents in the next match. What Alves said? I'm not interested".

With regard to players leaving, Mou confirmed the club's intention to put Sahin on loan and transfer Carvalho: "Nuri had a difficult season due to injury and he arrived when the team was already a unit. We want him to play and show what he's capable of, without losing our options on him. The best thing for Carvalho is for him to go to a top league club. I know him well and he wasn't born to be on the bench. He's too good and has too much self-esteem for that."

Regarding, Kaká, Mourinho said of the Brazilian that "he's one of the team like all the rest."

The Portuguese manager begins his third season at Real Madrid and had this to say: "Ferguson has been at United for 30 years and it would be foolish to think I can emulate that. I've signed for four seasons and I have every intention of fulfilling my contract. I want to go on winning trophies in my own special way."

Alex Song joins Barcelona

Alex Song is now officially the second Barcelona reinforcement of the summer, after a €19 million transfer deal was agreed with his previous club, Arsenal. The Cameroon midfielder has signed a five-year contract, which includes an €80 million buy-out clause.

In the end there won't be any add-ons in Song's transfer deal, as was the case with Jordi Alba. The player is scheduled to fly to Barcelona on Monday morning at 9:30 and will pose for the cameras in front of his new club. Then, at about 10:00, he will undergo the first medical check-up at the city's Barcelona Hospital, followed by a second to be carried out at Barça's sports centre, named after the club's founder, Joan Gamper.

The player will sign his new contract at approximately 17:00 hours on the same day, after which he will once again be on show outside the club's offices, this time accompanied by FC Barcelona's president, Sandro Rosell. At around 21:10, he will be presented to the rest of the squad in front of the fans just prior to the start of the Joan Gamper Trophy, which will be played against Sampdoria. On Tuesday, at midday, he will give his first official press conference as a Barcelona player.

Although essentially a defensive midfielder, Alex Song set up 14 goals last season at Arsenal and will be the ideal 'joker' in Tito Vilanova's pack.

Van Persie "can’t wait to get started"

"It’s an honour to sign for Manchester United. I am looking forward to following in the footsteps of so many great strikers, bringing my experience and playing my part to help the team compete for the biggest trophies in the game. I can’t wait to get started", Van Persie said on the Man United webpage.

United’s veteran manager, Alex Ferguson, was "happy" to have the Dutch striker and hopes to be able to include him for the team’s Premier League opener, to be played against Everton on Monday.

"Robin is a world-class striker with a proven record in England and in European football. His talents need no introduction to our fans – he has scored a number of goals against us in some classic battles with his former club", Ferguson pointed out on the club’s website.

The ‘Drogba effect’ revolutionises China

 Didier Drogba’s arrival in Shanghai is already proving to be a milestone in the history of the Chinese League, one of the fastest-growing leagues in the world thanks to the colossal investments being made by the owners of the 16 franchises that make it up.

The man who won the Champions League for Chelsea has settled in quickly, and taken barely a month to justify the €33 million that he’ll receive during the two and a half seasons that he’s contracted to Shanghai Shenhua, which despite being one of the country’s most established clubs has experienced difficulties as of late.

The Ivorian striker’s winning spirit seems to have been contagious at the club managed by 'El Checho' Batista, from Argentina, and indeed hasn’t lost a game since the world’s third best paid player, behind Eto’o and Ibrahimovic, landed in China. From rock bottom of the Super League, Shenhua has climbed to ninth place thanks to the victory and three draws achieved whilst the Ivorian has partnered Nicolas Anelka up front.

"He’s a fantastic player, who’s full of class. He’s a real leader who’ll guide us to glory over the next couple of years", says Zhu Jun, Shenhua’s multi-millionaire president, a colourful character who’s also registered as a player with the club and has already lived out his dream of playing a few minutes alongside his new star signing.

"I decided to play for the best team in the world"

 There is no question about it for Barcelona defender Daniel Alves: "We remain the team to beat because we are still the best in the world. It doesn't matter whether we lose the Liga or the Champions League - we're the ones carrying the mark of the world champions".

The Brazilian declared his confidence in the squad’s ability in a press conference on Friday. "We have to make a good start to send a message that we’re going for everything this year", Alves went on to say.

The Brazilian right back wished that Pep Guardiola had stayed on in the dugout, but believes that he has left the baton in the best of hands. "Pep has been really great here, but with the help of our current coach, Tito Vilanova".

He also responded to Mourinho's comments when he said that they should call him 'The Only One' instead of 'The Special One': "Pep is definitely better than Mourinho, because he’s beaten him. He's not the 'Anti-One'; he comes before the 'One'.

He was asked about his almost constant feud with Madrid: "It's like that because I didn't go and play there. That's their problem. As soon as I came to play for Barcelona, they changed their views about me at Madrid. Instead of playing for Madrid, I play for the best club in the world, which is Barcelona".

Alves also welcomed Alex Song's arrival: "He's a great player. People who play for big teams have got something good. If they’ve targeted him, it's because of his ability".

Cristiano, favourite for the UEFA Best Player award

Cristiano Ronaldo is the favourite to win the UEFA Best Player award, according to a survey by MARCA.com. 46.6 % of readers (over 17,000 votes) opted for Real Madrid’s Portuguese player, whilst Leo Messi is hot on his heels with 42.4% (over 15,000 votes).

Somewhat further behind is the third wheel of Andrés Iniesta, who was only backed by 11.2% (4000 votes), despite being the best player of Euro 2012.

These three players are the finalists for the UEFA Best Player award, which will be presented on 30th August in Monaco, the day before the European Super Cup is played.

Marcelo returns to training at Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s Brazilian defender Marcelo took part in his first pre-season training session at Valdebebas on Wednesday, having returned from the Olympic Games in London with a silver medal. His attendance contrasts with the absence of 14 Real Madrid players who are currently on international duty around the world.

Real Madrid returned to work following three days off at the end of its US tour and José Mourinho added seven academy players to the first team players at his disposal. According to the club these were Óscar Plano, Nacho and Fabinho from Real Madrid Castilla, and Dani Suárez, Kamal, Noblejas and Bruno from Real Madrid C. With a great number of absentees in the team, Mou has started preparing for Madrid’s opening league game against Valencia, to be played this Sunday at the Santiago Bernabéu (19:00).

The players trained in two separate groups. The first involved goalkeepers Adán and Jesús, who did specific exercises with goalkeeping coach, Silvino Louro, before they completed the second part of the session with the rest of the group. In the second group, under fitness coach Rui Faria, the outfield players completed a number of circuit exercises that ended with shooting on goal.

Modric will travel to Madrid on Thursday to sign

Modric’s arrival at Real Madrid now appears to be just hours away. According to Sky Sports, the Croatian player will travel to the Spanish capital on Thursday to finalise his move to ‘Los Blancos’.

Real Madrid and Tottenham are currently finalising the figures for the transaction. Florentino Pérez is willing to shell out a fee of €32 million plus a series of payments for add-ons, which would range from €6-8 million. The transaction is similar to the one previously agreed with Benfica to sign Argentina’s Di María.

The English club is also working simultaneously on signing someone to replace Luka Modric in the Spurs midfield. Best placed is the Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila, the French international who performed well in Euro 2012 under the management of Laurent Blanc.

Modric was under the charge of his international coach, Igor Stimac, for the friendly against Switzerland played in Split.

Khedira: "We trust Löw because he is an accomplished coach"

The German players trust their coach, Joachim Löw, "one hundred percent", midfielder Sami Khedira has said after he was criticised for the defeat in the Euro 2012 semi-final against Italy. His comments came one day before the friendly against Argentina in Frankfurt.

"We trust him one hundred percent. We are in no doubt, because he is an accomplished coach", said the 25-year-old Real Madrid player. "A manager proves his worth when he makes risky decisions. No one can criticise his starting eleven in the Euro 2012 semi-final. It's us, the players, who are on the pitch", added Khedira.

"We had lots of chances to score before the Italian goal and we could have won 2-0. The things we did well against Greece in the quarter-final we failed to do against Italy", he stated.

Löw caused controversy amongst the press with the tactical changes he made in the semi-final against Italy. Toni Kroos started instead of Marco Reus. The forwards Mario Gómez and Lukas Podolski "took responsibility" for the defeat.

Tuttosport: Juventus want to buy Muniain as well as Llorente

After it was confirmed that Fernando Llorente wanted to leave Athletic Bilbao, the Italian press wasted no time in linking league champions Juventus with the striker. But it seems as if the Old Lady's interest in Athletic players is not confined to Llorente - according to the Italian newspaper Tuttosport, they are also keen on taking Iker Muniain to Turin.

The paper claims that Juventus manager Antonio Conte is a huge admirer of the young midfielder, who has been nicknamed 'the Basque Messi', and they believe that Juventus chief-executive Giusseppe Marotta is hoping to make a double swoop for Llorente and Muniain, whose contract expires in 2015, and who has a buy-out clause of 45 million euros.

The Italians are aware of how difficult it will be to tempt Muniain away from San Mamés, above all in the hostile atmosphere which Llorente's decision has created. Athletic are very unlikely to sell one of their brightest young stars in Muniain, who has a long future at the club ahead of him. Athletic have made it clear they will not sell Llorente for a penny less than his buy-out clause, and are even less likely to make any concessions with Muniain.

Wenger: "Song has three years left on his contract"

The Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, isn't going to facilitate the transfer of Alex Song to Barcelona. The manager says that the Cameroon international isn't leaving Arsenal and that he isn't in the same situation as Robin Van Persie.

"There's nothing going on with Song. He has three years [left on his] contract and he isn't in the same situation as Robin Van Persie. In Spain the newspapers are not really serious. We've had the experience of that", the manager told the English press.

"We've never had any contact with anybody from Barcelona", the French coach added. Arsenal finished third in the 2011/2012 Premier League and will play in the coming season's Champions League.

Warm-up act for the Ballon d'Or

Football's summer period is drawing to a close, and the time for awards is on its way. The prelude to the Ballon d'Or is around the corner, UEFA's Best Player in Europe Award. The three finalists (officially announced on Tuesday) for the second edition of this competition are already known. The nominees are Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Iniesta.

In 2011, Barça's Argentine player won the prize that he hopes to win again this year, for his role as a clinical assassin in the penalty boxes of Spain's Primera División. His claim to the prize is a 50-goal haul last time around. He'll be up against Cristiano "The Killer" Ronaldo, the leading actor in another tale with 46 goals, who starts with the advantage of having won the league with Madrid and reached the semi-finals of Euro 2012 with Portugal.

Amongst the 32 candidates there were seven Madrid players compared to Barcelona's four. Players missing out on the podium include other favourites such as Drogba, who won the Champions League, and some of Spain's successful team at Euro 2012. Torres and Silva were also on the initial list of 32, as was Raul, who now plays for Qatar's Al-Sadd.

This vote is reliable for predicting the candidates for the coming Ballon d'Or. Last year Messi, Xavi and Ronaldo, in this order, climbed the podium for UEFA's Best Player in Europe Award. Months later, Messi, Ronaldo and Xavi finished first, second and third in the Ballon d'Or. The prize is awarded by journalists from the 53 federations that are members of UEFA. The journalists will select the winner on 30th August in Monaco.