Casillas escapes broken rib: "It's just a knock; everything's fine"

Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas has been given a fitness boost after it was confirmed that he did not suffer a fractured rib against Galatasaray on Tuesday evening.

The goalkeeper, who was making his first competitive appearance for Madrid for 238 days, was substituted after 13 minutes of his side’s 6-1 Champions League win at the Türk Telekom Arena after clashing with team-mate Sergio Ramos.

The 32-year-old underwent medical tests at the Sanitas La Moraleja clinic on Wednesday morning, commenting afterwards: “It’s just a knock. Everything’s fine.”

Real Madrid’s medical team have confirmed that the injury is not serious, issuing a statement announcing that Casillas has suffered “a bruised left rib” and will now undergo treatment.

The Spain captain, who has been given the goalkeeper’s jersey for the Champions League by coach Carlo Ancelotti, will therefore return in time to face Copenhagen in Real’s second group stage encounter on 2 October.                                                  By  As

The Ronaldo-Benzema connection

The Cristiano Ronaldo-Benzema partnership bore fruit in Istanbul. The five goals between them showed good link-up between the Portuguese and the Frenchman, who continue to score goals in their preferred competition: Ronaldo has 53, and Benzema, 33.

Ronaldo has 53 goals in 93 Champions League matches and is within range of Van Nistelrooy, who with 56 is the third-leading Champions league goal-scorer after Raul (71) and Messi (59).

The Portuguese tallied his second Champions League hat-trick after the one he scored against Ajax in 2012-13, with both coming away from home. It is the fifth goal that he has scored against Galatasaray in the Champions League, the second-most scored upon opponent after Ajax, who he has scored seven against.

                                                                                               By Marca

Bale: "I have had zero pre-season"

Gareth Bale said in the mixed zone after the game in Istanbul: "It was great to be back in the Champions League. It has been two or three years now. It is great to get out on the pitch and get some game time.

"It was good to make an immediate contribution with the free kick. I think I was involved in all the last three goals which was delightful. So it was just great to get back on the pitch and get some game time under my belt", he added.

"It is never easy coming on as a late sub. To make my Champions League debut for Real Madrid was a big thing for me. And it was just great to get some game time and get my fitness up", Bale said.

"I think everyone knows that we are going to be there or thereabouts. For us, it was important to get off to a good start and show what we can do. And we can score goals", the Wales international added.

"I am not too sure about my fitness to be honest. It is all about building up my game time gradually. I have had zero pre-season which doesn't help. I have had no game time over the summer. It is all about getting game time under my belt and getting my fitness up as quick as I can", Bale concluded.

                                                                                                                      by marca

Better Barça now than in the final

Real Madrid is prepared for another clash in the event that tomorrow's draw pits it against the 'Azulgrana' outfit again. In fact, the team would prefer to face Barça now than play it in a hypothetical final.

This is the general feeling at the club after Barcelona knocked out Milan. Something has changed in the team. The players remain respectful, but their confidence has grown after the two latest 'Clásicos' played this season. The balance is three victories, two draws and one defeat. Over two legs, Real Madrid began the season by winning the Spanish Supercup and recently sent Barcelona crashing out of the Copa del Rey.

In the two league games, it managed 2-2 at the Camp Nou and 2-1 at the Bernabéu.
This means that they once again see themselves as being capable of outplaying them over 180 minutes. If tomorrow's draw throws up another 'Clásico', there will be no drama or predictions of doom.

The fear has vanished. If it comes in the semis, all the better, because that will mean the side has made it through another round. But given the choice, Real Madrid would prefer a double-whammy in the Champions League to a final – even though the most recent precedent is the cup final which Madrid won in Valencia against Pep Guardiola's men.

Piqué: "Bale can definitely play for Barcelona"

One of the biggest sensations in European football right now is Tottenham Hotspur's Welsh flyer Gareth Bale, who is attracting the attention of clubs such as Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Barcelona's Gerard Piqué, in an interview with the BBC, is full of praise. "He is an unbelievable player with all the conditions to play in the team that he wants to. The best players can fit in any team. It's true that maybe, because he's really quick and with the power he's got, he fits a bit better at Real Madrid, but he can play here too definitely".
Piqué says that he has a predilection for certain Premier League players like Van Persie and Rooney, and also admitted that English football is discussed a lot in the Barcelona dressing room. "Fàbregas loves to talk about Arsenal", Piqué reveals.

Diego López - United's nightmare

Rarely has any rush signing due to necessity been as successful as that of Diego López for Real Madrid.

The goalkeeper, who arrived from Sevilla in January, made sure he was everywhere at Old Trafford, making himself a bad dream for the Manchester United forwards.

Diego López had already proved his skills during the Copa del Rey knockout against Barcelona, and last Saturday's La Liga game.

This time round, Real Madrid's goalie made none less than five miraculous saves from efforts by Welbeck, Van Persie (2), Carrick and Vidic.                                                                                   by Marca

Real keeps Champions League hopes alive

Real Madrid booked its place in the Champions League quarter-finals after a gripping encounter at Old Trafford, where a Sergio Ramos own-goal put 'Los Blancos' on the back foot in the 48th minute. However, Nani's harsh dismissal in the 57th minute completely changed the complexion of the tie, with United withdrawing into its shell and Real Madrid bombarding De Gea's goal. Modric levelled the score with a superb drive from outside the box, before Cristiano Ronaldo crowned the comeback three minutes later, sliding in Higuaín's cross-shot at the far post.

José Mourinho's side was forced to show character in abundance to come from behind to defeat United. This rounds off what has been a week to remember for 'Los Blancos', with two wins over Barcelona and one against the Red Devils, including two triumphs on the road, taking Real Madrid to the Spanish Cup final and one step further on the trail to European glory.

Sergio Ramos put the hosts ahead after turning Nani's cross from the left into his own net, but the introduction of Luka Modric sparked Real into life. The Croat bagged a fantastic equaliser, but it was left to Cristiano Ronaldo – who else? – to get the winner. The man who came of age at Old Trafford returned to haunt his former side three years after departing for Real Madrid, for whom he has become a linchpin and a fan favourite.

                                                                                                                                               by Marca