Real Madrid rivalry with FC Barcelona

The rivalry between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona is legendary. From the start the clubs were seen as representatives of the two rival regions of Spain, Castile and Catalonia, as well as the two cities themselves. However the rivalry reached a new level during the Generalísimo Francisco Franco years when Real Madrid was considered to be the "regime team" while FC Barcelona was regarded as the team of the opposition.

Although following the Spanish Civil War Real Madrid received considerable institutional assistance from the Franco regime, as he saw the club as the sporting embodiment of the Spain he wanted to create, during the war itself members of both clubs suffered at the hands of Franco supporters. FC Barcelona president Josep Sunyol was killed while Real Madrid president Rafael Sánchez Guerra, a prominent Republican, was imprisoned and tortured. They also arrested and murdered a Real vice-president and club treasurer and an acting president disappeared-

The rivalry was given a significant boost by the 1943 Copa del Generalísimo semi-final between the two clubs. The first leg ended in a 3-0 loss for Real, but the return leg in Madrid saw them win 11-1. It has been alleged by some that the FC Barcelona players were pressured into losing the game. The dispute over Alfredo Di Stéfano in the 1950s intensified the rivalry further.
There is no doubt that Franco benefited from Madrid's achievements in Europe and used the club for propaganda purposes. On the football field, however, both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have enjoyed success throughout their history, both in Spain and in Europe, regardless of who led the government.
These are interesting facts..........did you know about them?. This rivalry is historical, both teams are by far the best in Spain. The last couple of years it seems that FC Barcelona has done pretty well, but Real Madrid will improve sooner or later. Maybe this coming season 2006-2007 will be for Real Madrid........what do you think?

Zidane, a Real Madrid icon

As you read about Zinedine Zidane's retirement from football, his goals, feints, incredible ball control, and unique roullette should come to mind. However, the Magician's arrival to Real Madrid meant more than just football. He brought an elegance and chivalry that were extended through every foundation, school, meeting with those less fortunate, or benefit act that he attended to help the smallest of supporters. For these reasons, and since his number '5' shirt was hung in stores throughout Spain for the very first time, Zidane was, is, and will forever stand as an incomparable symbol of the Club's gallery of legends.

Ever since the rumours began regarding his potential signingon 4 July 2001, Real Madrid supporters worldwide were thrilled and mesmerized by the 13th French player in the history of Real Madrid. Both Florentino Pérez's and Zizou's own dreams came true on 9 July. He left Turin and landed in Spain, his wife's parents home country and the setting of his final years as a footballer. The greatest signing of the 2001-02 season proudly donned his immaculate white shirt in the Ice Palace of the former Sports Complex in front of nearly 500 media representatives.

Zidane: Materazzi insulted my mother and sister

Zinedine Zidane has publicly apologised for his sending-off in the World Cup final, but claimed he did not regret his actions against Marco Materazzi.

Zidane, who was captaining his country in his final match before retirement, stated that Materazzi insulted his mother and sister in the seconds leading up to the incident, which saw the France midfielder thrust his head into the Italy defender's chest.
'I reacted badly and I would like to apologise for it,' Zidane told Canal Plus. 'I would like to apologise because a lot of children were watching the match. I do apologise but I don't regret my behaviour because regretting it would mean he was right to say what he said. More.........

Cesc, Kaka, Van Nistelrooy go to Real Madrid?

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has declared Cesc Fabregas, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Kaka are all on their shopping list. Midfielder Cesc insisted that he was happy at Arsenal, while Milan remain angry over Calderon's push for Kaka. In Van Nistelrooy's case, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson would welcome a straight out bidding war between Real and Bayern Munich.

The signings will be those that Capello requests. I only will act when he gives his approval and if the operation is viable from the economic point of view," said Calderon. "By the 3rd of August there are going to be six or seven new players. And clearly I would like Cesc to be one of them. "And I also like Kaka, Capello has told me that he is an exceptional player. The player wanted to come three months ago, when I was director. "But now it is necessary to speak with Milan. "And it seems that Van Nistelrooy pleases Fabio, he can complement Ronaldo."

Tour of Bernabeu Stadium

Do you imagine being able to tour the Bernabéu at your own leisure, visiting every corner... every mythical spot that you had only previously see in photos? Doing it calmly, taking all the time you like, on any given day of the year. The dream of any Real Madrid fan, supporter and sympathiser has now come true thanks to the new Tour of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. Take this thirlling voyage through the Trophy room, the dressing room, the players' tunnel, the benches, the pitch, the presidential balcony… and much more. Click the link below for the tour

www.realmadrid.com/articulo/rma3152.htm

Italy wins Soccer World Cup

Italy are world champions for the fourth time after beating ten-man France 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Berlin's Olympiastadion on Sunday, 9 July 2006.Twelve years after losing to Brazil in the first shoot-out in a FIFA World Cup Final, Italy made up for that heartbreak as all five men in blue converted their kicks to claim world football's greatest prize for the first time since 1982. For France the pain of defeat was compounded by the sight of Zinedine Zidane, on his last appearance as a professional, leaving the field having been sent off in extra time for butting Marco Materazzi off the ball. More.......

World Cup 2006 analysis: the tactics

From the goalkeepers to the forwards via the defenders and midfielders, FIFAworldcup.com assesses the tactics employed at Germany 2006 with insights from the FIFA Technical Study Group. Germany 2006 has been a FIFA World Cup as notable for its covering tackles and clean sheets as for its glittering goals. FIFAworldcup.com talked to several members of the FIFA Technical Study Group (TSG) to get their thoughts on the tournament and bring you an unofficial look at the tactics employed during the tournament. More...