ICYMI – the déjà vu edition
In case you missed it – Real Madrid vs. Galatasaray [2013-04-03, Champions League quarterfinals first leg game, 3-0] and Real Madrid vs. Levante [2013-04-06, Liga jornada 30, 5-1].
ONE. Two different games, two different rivals, two different competitions, but one captain Sergio, rallying the troops in the tunnel in the same way before both the Galatasaray game and the Levante game.
all set for Galatasaray!
Madrid has played Galatasaray twice in recent history. Back in 2000, the two teams played in the Super Cup, with Galatasaray winning the trophy after beating Madrid 2-1. The two teams met again in the quarterfinals of the 2001 Champions League, and Madrid got its revenge. In the first leg, Galatasaray beat Madrid 3-2 (Madrid’s goals were scored by Iván Helguera and Claude Makélélé), but Madrid mounted a comeback in the second leg, winning 3-0 at home behind two goals from Rulo and another from Helguera (plus a broken nose from Figo).
Tonight, Madrid takes on Galatasaray once again (20:45h). Let’s hope the team we see tonight will have the spirit of the 2001-02 team (from the second leg).
quote of the day – Sergio Ramos
I’ve always said that my current relationship with Mourinho and my relationship with him throughout these years has been very, very good, despite our differences. Mourinho knows that Sergio Ramos is with him to the death. I’m the first one who wants Mourinho at Real Madrid.
– Sergio Ramos to Telecinco (again referring to himself in the third person!).
Sami Khedira at Marca
I adore this man.
“You all can see that I’m not injured. Everyone calm down!” Sami Khedira was especially happy yesterday. His ankle sprain was just a scare and he’s perfectly fine for the last stretch of the season.
First of all, how is that ankle?
Good, thanks, I’m good, it was all just a scare. It was a sprain, but I’m perfect.
Were you afraid that it was something more serious?
At first, I was a bit frightened, but I’ve spent many years doing this and I quickly realized that it wasn’t exceptionally serious. When you tear a ligament or have a serious sprain, you know and I noticed that it wasn’t anything serious.
I’m sure Mourinho had a bit of a scare.
A bit… but this has served as a lesson for me. From here, I want to tell Mourinho and the fans that I’m going to be careful. I’m going to return to Madrid healthy so that I can play at the top level, as always. Everyone can calm down.
Protected: Sergio Ramos at El Partido de las 12
bits and pieces
ICYMI – the six-minute edition
In case you missed it – Real Madrid vs. Mallorca [2013-03-16, Liga jornada 28, 5-2].
Six minutes. That’s all it took to go from this…
to this… 
… and finally to this. You probably went through the same emotions while watching the game, no?
thoughts on… Galatasaray?
The first leg will be played on April 3 at the Bernabéu and the second leg on April 9.
Let’s hope none of their fans try to dig their way into the Bernabéu!
P.S. I love Macca! He did well for us. Speaking of our former English players, come on Becks, do us (that includes your beloved Iker) a favor!
P.P.S. I can’t wait to see the reunion between Sergio and “Welly”!
P.P.P.S. According to Madrid’s High Court of Justice, Karim Benzema has been fined €18,000 and his driving license suspended has been for eight months and one day (he had to turn over his license right then and there) for that speeding incident after a speedy trial today. He had been driving himself to training practices the last few days, but I guess he’ll now have to go the route of Marcelo, who had his brother-in-law Caio Alves take him to training the last several days.
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