ICYMI – the glass half full edition
In case you missed it – CSKA Moscow vs. Real Madrid [CL round of 16 ida, 1-1].
Lots of bad news from this game: the last second goal for CSKA that tied the game 1-1. And this from a player, Pontus Wernbloom, who told the Swedish press after the game that he’s been a madridista since the time he was small. Karim Benzema had to be subbed out due to injury and is out for two to three weeks. Yellow cards for Sergio, Xabi and Fábio, who are now one away from suspension.
However, there are reasons to be optimistic*.
REASON ONE. Look how adorable Sergio and Xabi were being with their mascots prior to the game. Sergio helpfully arranged his mascot’s hair (lucky kid!) while Xabi patted his on the head. And he had time for his protégé too!
* They might be superficial, but they are still reasons.
all set for CSKA Moscow!
Madrid takes on CSKA Moscow tonight in the Champions League round of 16 ida game at 21h local time (18h Spain time). Hopefully, Madrid will continue its winning streak and extend its perfect record in the Champions League, and Iker will continue as the only goalkeeper in the competition to not receive any goals.
What do you think Sergio saw? Iker’s hairline? Calleti cozying up to Pipita? Another of his teammates wearing a pair of animal-themed boxers?
oh, the nostalgia!
I love this photo that Iker posted earlier today of “three former teammates, remembering old histories from our past visits.” Iker, Aitor Karanka and Zinedine Zidane only played together during one season, 2001-02, but what a season that was, since it ended with La Novena! I have such great memories from that time, and I’m sure the three of them do as well. I’d love to hear what they discussed!
Plus, all three of them are my long-time favorites, so it’s great to see them reunited.
ICYMI – the teamwork edition
In case you missed it – Real Madrid vs. Racing [2012-02-18, Liga jornada 24, 4-0].
At last, a win and a clean sheet for Iker (my prayer worked)! This time, the early goal was (por fin) ours. And from the goals to the other aspects of the game, it was all about teamwork.
all set for Racing!
Real Madrid continues their stay in the capital tonight against Racing (20h), and while Marcelo won’t be in the goal (unfortunately; look how fun he makes it!), it will still be an exciting game!
Let’s say a little prayer for no allowed early goals…
in a pageant, he’d be Mr. Congeniality
Álvaro Arbeloa. Antonio Adán. Esteban Granero. Raúl Albiol. Sergio Ramos. Mesut Özil. Kaká. Pepe. Gonzalo Higuaín. What do these players have in common?
training bits and pieces
I can’t wait! RMTV will air Real… Roberto Carlos tomorrow at 22h! Some observations, besides the obvious one that I’m very excited: (1) I hope that Óscar’s New Year resolution was to get rid of those habits that keep annoying us during those interviews. (2) I guess they ran out of Spanish speakers on the current team to interview. (3) I’d like to know if we can expect Real… Guti (that would be super fun), Real… Zidane, Real… Redondo…
Anyway, the team returned to training on Tuesday after one day off. Twenty-one players from the first team and 12 canteranos (Castilla’s Carva, Pablo Gil, Ríos, Merchán, Lucas, MFC ABMM, Óscar Plano and Tomás Mejías, plus RMC’s Parla, Kamal, Barril and Sobrino) participated in the session, while Hamit Altintop and Lass remain injured.
As it was Valentine’s Day, some of the players practiced the dance moves they’d break out on dates with their significant others later that night, while others showed their bromantic sides.
the bets are on!
Still not sure this is the best, most adorable team in the world?
Earlier today, Álvaro Arbeloa tweeted a photo (the tweet has since been deleted). It showed a pair of “3D boxers” from Cibeles Fashion Week (now known as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid, but most people still call it by its old name). He also felt the need to tell us, “they’re not mine! I’m accepting bets though.” Then came this photo of someone actually modeling the boxers.
Shortly after, Sergio tweeted, “with respect to the photo tweeted by Arbeloa, I leave two hints. 1. It is possible that it came in the pack along with the Lamborghini. 2. It wasn’t Lass.” That was followed up with this tweet: “no more doubts. Although it appears to be a lie, the Spartan @aarbeloa17 wore these underpants today. A bit bold.”
