IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here. The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.
The radicals implicated in the death of a Deportivo La Coruna supporter in Madrid on Sunday will no longer be affiliated with the club, Atleti announced on Tuesday
Atletico Madrid have announced that members of the Frente Atletico group of ultras will never be able to watch a match again at the Vicente Calderon following the violence which saw a Deportivo La Coruna fan lose his life on Sunday.
Radical supporters of Atletico and Deportivo were involved in a brutal fight early on Sunday morning by Madrid's Manzanares river and 43-year-old Galician Francisco Javier Romero Taboada, known as 'Jimmy', was killed after being beaten and thrown into the water.
Members of Frente Atletico then allegedly prevented police from rescuing the fan before firefighters pulled out the injured supporter, who later died in hospital after suffering a ruptured spleen, hypothermia and severe brain injuries.
"Atletico Madrid have expelled Frente Atletico," the Spanish champions announced on their website on Tuesday.
"Following the serious incidents, the club created a special commission to gather information and take action," a club statement said. "Upon receiving the police report, which identified detainees and participants of the massive fight as members of Frente Atletico, this decision has been taken."
And Atleti added: "From today, Frente Atletico is no longer an official suppoerters' group recognised by the club."
The club admitted it does not have the power to dissolve Frente Atletico, but claimed action would be taken against any other fans or groups showing racist, xenophobic or political agendas.
"The club will pursue any other collective, supporters' group or organisation that may arise in the future under any other name that does not radically condemn violence or which uses Atletico Madrid or its facilities to defend political, racist or xenophobic ideas," the statement said.
Meanwhile, Deportivo La Coruna announced on Tuesday that the stand where radical group Riazor Blues (whose members fought Frente Atletico on Sunday) watch games, will be closed for the club's next two home fixtures, both against Malaga.
The German midfielder was involved in a heavy collision during Real Madrid's Copa del Rey win over Cornella on Tuesday, but has now returned home after tests
Sami Khedira has been released from hospital after concussion, Real Madrid revealed on Wednesday.
The German World Cup winner took a heavy blow to his head in a nasty collision with David Garcia six minutes into the second half of Madrid's 5-0 win over Cornella in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday night.
Khedira managed to rise to his feet moments later but was promptly replaced by Jese and coach Carlo Ancelotti explained afterwards that he felt compelled to take the midfielder off as "a precautionary measure".
"Following the medical tests carried out on Sami Khedira by the Real Madrid doctors in the Sanitas La Moraleja hospital, the player has been diagnosed with a concussion," read a club statement released in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
But Madrid then confirmed on Wednesday morning that the midfielder has now been released from hospital.
"Following neurological exams performed on Sami Khedira today, the player has been discharged," a short statement read.
The European champions have yet to confirm whether the former Stuttgart star will be available for selection for this weekend's Liga meeting with Celta Vigo.
Khedira had been making only his sixth appearance of the season in all competitions, having fallen down the pecking order following the arrival of compatriot Toni Kroos from Bayern Munich during the summer.
The 27-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and rejected a renewal offer from Madrid last summer.
Montoya to leave Barcelona in January, reveals agent
By Peter McVitie
Dec 5, 2014 20:12:00
Luis Enrique has told the defender he will not be a first-team regular at Camp Nou as clubs from England, Germany and Italy prepare to pounce
Martin Montoya is "100 per cent certain" to leave Barcelona in the January transfer window, according to the player's agent.
The 23-year-old defender has made only one appearance for the club's first team this season, despite playing in 19 games in all competitions last year.
The right back's agent has said his client will certainly leave the club in the upcoming window, revealing the player has already been told by coach Luis Enrique that he will not be given much game time in this campaign.
"Montoya will be moving on in January – I’m 100% certain," Juan de Dios Carrasco told Radio Marca.
"At the moment we are studying which would be the best club for Martín so that he can continue his development as a player.
"Clubs in Germany, England and Italy have been in contact with a view to signing him.
"Luis Enrique has told him that he will find it difficult to dislodge Dani Alves and Douglas. Within the system, there’s just no place for him; he had thought that he might win the right-back slot from Dani Alves."
Ancelotti: Real Madrid won't sign anyone in January
By Mark Doyle
Dec 5, 2014 12:38:00
The Italian has denied reports of a possible move for Cruzeiro midfielder Lucas Silva and also rejected suggestions Javier Hernandez could leave during the winter break
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has no intention of adding players to his squad during the January transfer window.
Los Blancos have been linked with a move for Cruzeiro starlet Lucas Silva, who admitted earlier this week that he expects to join the European champions, either during the winter break or at the end of the season.
However, when asked about the possible arrival of the 21-year-old midfielder during a media conference on Friday, Ancelotti replied: "I'm happy with the squad that I have.
"[Sami] Khedira was unlucky because he had a small [concussion] problem but we have now recovered Jese, so we have no need for anyone in January."
Ancelotti also dismissed reports that Javier Hernandez could depart because of the striker's alleged unhappiness with a lack of game time since moving to Madrid on loan from Manchester United in September, with a view to a permanent transfer at the end of the 2014-15 campaign.
"Everyone knows their position in the squad," the Italian said. "We have forwards who are doing very well. Javier will play against Ludogorets [in the Champions League next week]. He will not leave in January."
Before Madrid return to European action, they will host Celta at the Bernabeu on Saturday hoping to extend their club-record run of 17 consecutive victories in all competitions.
Ancelotti, though, is taking nothing for granted against a side that have already sprung a couple of surprises in La Liga this term.
"Celta are playing a little different from last year," the ex-AC Milan boss added. "Their results speak for themselves: they have won [against Barcelona] at Camp Nou and drawn with Atletico [Madrid].
"They are a forceful and aggressive team. We definitely need to play as we have been playing in recent games in order to win."
Madrid's meeting with Celta in the Spanish capital will kick off at 19:00CET.
La Liga Preview: Intensity the key for Deportivo, Atletico hope to pounce
4 December 2014
Deportivo La Coruna can avoid relegation if they maintain the attitude they displayed against Malaga, according to coach Victor Fernandez.
In Wednesday's Copa del Rey first leg, Deportivo fought back to draw 1-1 at their Estadio Municipal de Riazor and Fernandez wants to see a similar intensity and fighting spirit when they host Malaga again in La Liga on Saturday.
Due to a quirk in the fixture, Deportivo and Malaga will face each other three times in the space of four games across two competitions.
In their round of 32 first leg, Malaga hit the front in the 11th minute when Ignacio Camacho got free to head Luis Alberto's free-kick into the net.
But Deportivo, who have not won in six games in all competitions, eventually produced an equaliser with 22 minutes remaining when Toche poked the ball home after Malaga had failed to deal with a corner.
"We still improve, but, while we have this attitude and ambition, the future does not worry me," said Fernandez, who is in his first season as Deportivo's coach.
The 54-year-old added his team need to improve in the final third if they are to get out of La Liga's drop zone.
Deportivo sit 18th - the highest of the three relegation spots in Spain's top division - 10 points ahead of Saturday's clash with Malaga, only behind 17th-placed Almeria on goal difference.
"Football is the last pass, the final shot and we lacked marksmanship," Fernandez said.
Saturday's match will be the first league match at the Riazor since Deportivo fan Francisco Javier Romero Taboada died in violent clashes between La Coruna and Atletico Madrid fans last week.
Club president Tino Fernandez has vowed to ban the Riazor Blues - the Deportivo fan group allegedly involved in the deadly fight - and if Wednesday's game is anything to go by, the stadium will be quiet on Saturday.
Reigning champions Atletico will look to put some early pressure on Real Madrid and Barcelona on Saturday when they travel to Elche.
Atletico sit third in the table with 29 points, four adrift of leaders Real, while Barcelona (31) are second.
If Atletico knock off Elche, who are second-bottom, they will be poised to take advantage of any slip-ups by Real or Barca, who face Celta de Vigo later on Saturday and Espanyol on Sunday, respectively.
Real have won 10 straight games in La Liga, while Barca have three consecutive victories to their name.
Valencia will look to halt their mini slump when they take on Granada on Sunday - Nuno Espirito Santo's men have not won in three La Liga fixtures, while Sevilla will aim to stay ahead of their rivals with a win at Rayo Vallecano.
Athletic Bilbao could extend their unbeaten run to seven matches if they avoid defeat against bottom club Cordoba, while Villarreal host Real Sociedad, Almeria visit Eibar and Levante take on Getafe.
Sami Khedira would be happy to stay at Real Madrid as speculation regarding his future continues to rage on.
Germany midfielder Khedira's contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires at the end of this season and he will be free to discuss a move away from the Spanish capital with other clubs from January.
The 27-year-old World Cup-winner has seen his opportunities limited at Real this season due to fitness issues and the arrival of international team-mate Toni Kroos in Madrid.
Khedira would certainly not be short of suitors should he decide to end his stay at Real, with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich reportedly among a lengthy list of clubs keen to sign him.
However, while admitting his future is far from certain, Khedira has revealed he would like the chance to stay put and denied contact had been made with other clubs.
"My contract with Real Madrid will expire at the end of June, we are in good contact, and I've been really comfortable here for the last four-and-a-half years," he said on Thursday.
"Generally, I am not averse to signing a new contract with Real after this season. There have been no conversations with other clubs - I focus on my daily work in the club."
Speaking in his hometown of Stuttgart, Khedira was also asked for his view on who should win the FIFA Ballon d'Or after the three-man shortlist was revealed on Monday.
Two players Khedira counts as team-mates - Cristiano Ronaldo at Real and Manuel Neuer with Germany - will compete with Lionel Messi for football's grandest individual prize in January.
And Khedira has little doubt that either of those two, not Messi, should be rewarded for their stellar years.
"I think those three nominees, Cristiano Ronaldo, Manuel Neuer and Lionel Messi, are all world-class players and outstanding personalities that represent our sport in a perfect way," he commented.
"[But] I think there are only two favourites in this year's election - on the one hand Cristiano Ronaldo, but on the other hand also Manuel Neuer.
"Really, I wouldn't know whom to choose. If I was Sepp Blatter, I would award two golden balls this year."
Lucas Silva will not leave on the cheap, Cruzeiro president warns
5 December 2014
Real Madrid will have to stump up at least €15million to sign Lucas Silva, according to Cruzeiro president Gilvan de Pinho Tavares.
The 21-year-old is thought to have several suitors throughout Europe after a series of impressive performances in helping Cruzeiro to back-to-back Brazilian Serie A titles.
Premier League clubs Manchester United and Arsenal have both been linked with a swoop, but European champions Real Madrid are thought to be leading the race for the midfielder.
Tavares insists the youngster, who has represented Brazil at under-20 and under-23 level, will not be sold on the cheap, though, and said his price tag had been made clear to all potential buyers.
"[There has been] no final proposal," he is quoted as saying by Spanish newspaper AS.
"We already put [his] price on the market. For less than €15million, Cruzeiro will not begin to talk."
Real have been in stunning form this season, with Carlo Ancelotti having guided them to a club record 17 wins in a row in all competitions.
They sit top of La Liga with 33 points from 13 matches, during which they have scored 48 goals.
La Liga Review: Ronaldo hat-trick helps Real stay top, Atletico keep pace
7 December 2014
Cristiano Ronaldo netted a record-breaking hat-trick as Real Madrid beat Celta Vigo 3-0, while defending champions Atletico Madrid also won.
Ronaldo moved to 200 La Liga goals with a record 23rd Spanish top-flight hat-trick - surpassing Telmo Zarra and Alfredo Di Stefano's treble hauls - at The Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
The Portugal star celebrated his Ballon d'Or nomination in stunning style by scoring all three goals in a routine win, which also saw Real equal Barcelona's all-time Spanish record of 18 consecutive wins in all competitions from the 2005-06 season.
Ronaldo netted his first in dubious fashion as he converted a penalty after he was deemed to have been fouled inside the area.
There was little doubt about the other two, though, as Ronaldo shrugged off several uncharacteristic misses to send Real on their way to a comfortable triumph.
Ronaldo scored his second with 25 minutes to go, firing in from the edge of the area, before completing his landmark hat-trick in the dying stages by tapping in Marcelo's low cross.
Victory saw Real consolidate their place at the top of the table, four points ahead of city rivals Atletico, who accounted for Elche 2-0.
Jose Gimenez's first-half strike sent the visitors on their way to victory and Mario Mandzukic's eighth goal in nine matches across all competitions secured the three points for Atletico just after the break.
Atletico did find their hosts hard to break down on occasions at Estadio Martinez Valero, although it came as no surprise when their opening goal arrived after a well-worked set piece.
Gimenez drilled in an unstoppable half-volley to break the deadlock, with Elche subsequently struggling to gain any foothold in the contest.
Fran Escriba's men appeared more fluid going forward right at the start of the second period, but that only seemed to play into Atletico's hands, as Mandzukic finished a swift counterattack by claiming his sixth La Liga goal.
Sixth-placed Malaga ended a run of back-to-back defeats thanks to a narrow 1-0 win at lowly Deportivo La Coruna.
Sergi Darder's 21st-minute goal condemned second-bottom Deportivo to a sixth league game without a win.
Meanwhile, Atletico Bilbao were stunned 1-0 by relegation-threatened Cordoba.
La Liga Review: Messi inspires derby-day demolition, Moyes suffers first defeat
7 December 2014
Lionel Messi-inspired Barcelona crushed Espanyol 5-1 on Sunday, while Villarreal exacted Real Sociedad's first Liga loss under David Moyes.
Luis Enrique's men were made to pay for a sloppy start as Barca academy product Sergio Garcia gave the visitors an early lead, but the hosts eventually found their stride and La Liga's record goalscorer Messi added another hat-trick to his record.
Espanyol had not scored at their city rivals since another La Masia graduate, Ivan de la Pena, netted twice in a 2-1 win back in February 2009.
But Garcia ended that five-match drought after just 13 minutes and Sergio Gonzalez's men continued to threaten on the counter-attack.
Barca finally restored parity just before the break, however, as Messi bent a fine strike past Kiko Casilla and he completed the turnaround early in the second period, with Gerard Pique adding a third shortly after.
Espanyol never posed any threat of a comeback of their own, and Pedro got his name on the scoresheet with 13 minutes left before Messi subsequently completed his hat-trick soon after, ensuring Barca close back to within two points of pacesetters Real Madrid.
Moyes' honeymoon at Real Sociedad came to an abrupt end at Villarreal on Sunday, as Marcelino Garcia Toral's side ran out comfortable 4-0 winners at El Madrigal.
Real held firm until half-time but after Bruno Soriano's 63rd-minute opener, the visitors collapsed and Villarreal romped to an easy win.
Denis Cheryshev added the second ten minutes later and second-half substitute Moi Gomez completed the scoring with a double in the final stages, lifting Marcelino's side up to sixth.
Villarreal remain six points off the UEFA Champions League spots though, as Marcelino's former team Sevilla claimed a 1-0 win at Rayo Vallecano courtesy of Carlos Bacca's 10th Liga goal of the season, consolidating the Europa League holders' place in fourth.
In the day's late kick-off, Valencia saw themselves slip four points behind Sevilla as they could only draw 1-1 at Granada, their fourth consecutive league match without a win.
Isaac Success's 89th-minute equaliser rescued a point for the hosts just a few moments after Alvaro Negredo had seemingly given Nuno Espirito Santo's men the victory, with a Paco Alcacer red card sandwiched between the two incidents spurring Granada on.
La Liga Review: Eibar crush Almeria, Levante held by Getafe
8 December 2014
Eibar thrashed Almeria 5-2 on Monday to move into the top half of La Liga, making them the highest ranked of the Basque sides.
Gaizka Garitano's men were only promoted from Segunda Division last season, but Monday's crushing win sees them move into ninth - above Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao, who finished fourth last term.
Almeria had it all to do after just three minutes at Ipurua, as Federico Piovaccari seized on hesitant defending before finishing across goal.
Saul Berjon added Eibar's second in the 21st minute, beating Ruben via a deflection and their third arrived shortly after, Raul Albentosa heading past the unconvincing goalkeeper.
Soriano pulled one back just before the break, but the three-goal lead was restored again in the 57th minute, as Raul Navas exploited more questionable goalkeeping to head in Manu Del Moral's corner.
Their fifth arrived with 16 minutes to go as Ander Capa sent an emphatic 18-yard strike into the top-left corner, and although Edgar Mendez swiftly netted a consolation for Almeria, Eibar cruised to a resounding win.
In the day's late kick-off, a 71st-minute equaliser from Rafael Martins rescued a point for Levante in a 1-1 draw at home to Getafe.
Neither side has impressed in recent weeks, with the two teams accumulating just one win between them in their past eight league fixtures.
And it came as little surprise that the two sides could not be separated, despite Karim Yoda forcing the visitors ahead early in the second half.
Martins salvaged a point for Levante with 19 minutes to go, leaving both sides entrenched in the bottom half - Levante just three points above last-placed Elche.
Real Madrid forward James Rodriguez has suffered a grade one tear of his right calf, the club have confirmed.
The Colombia international sustained the problem during Real's 3-0 defeat of Celta Vigo in La Liga on Saturday.
Rodriguez had to be replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa in the 53rd minute and the extent of the injury was revealed on Monday.
"Following tests carried out on James Rodriguez by the Real Madrid Sanitas medical services, he has been diagnosed with a grade one muscular injury in the inner calf of his right leg," a brief statement read.
"His progress will be monitored."
A grade one injury is the least serious of its kind and in the initial statement, Real did not put a timescale on Rodriguez's recovery.
In a press conference ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash with Ludogorets on Tuesday, head coach Carlo Ancelotti said he could possibly feature at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
Real are set to take on the winners of Cruz Azul and Western Sydney Wanderers in the semi-final on December 16, before a potential final four days later.
"James did a test this morning," Ancelotti said. "It showed that it is a very small injury.
"We don't have much time to think about the Club World Cup. He has a slight chance to play in the game on the 20th [should Real progress]."
Central midfield role improving my game, says Isco
10 December 2014
Isco believes a switch to a central midfield role is helping him become a more rounded footballer for Real Madrid.
The Spain international is usually deployed in a more advanced position, but has been deputising in a deeper central slot in the continued absence of Luka Modric at the Santiago Bernabeu.
And the 22-year-old thinks that his game has improved as a result of the switch.
"We have had several injuries but the coach is very good at managing the squad," he told Real's official website.
"Playing in central midfield is helping me to become a more complete player. I want to keep on helping in every way possible."
Isco's latest outing came in Tuesday's 4-0 home victory over Ludogorets in the UEFA Champions League.
The triumph was Real's 19th straight win in all competitions, setting a new record for a Spanish team.
Isco is delighted with the run of form, but insists the only thing that matters is winning trophies.
"I'm happy with the run that the team is on and the win against Ludogorets," he added. "We're happy with the shape the team is in. This team is eager to keep on getting better.
"Our aim is to win as many games as possible, but at the end of the season what matters is silverware."
La Liga Preview: Almeria start post-Francisco era against Real Madrid
10 December 2014
Struggling Almeria face an uphill task on Friday as they welcome leaders Real Madrid to Estadio de los Juegos without a permanent coach.
Almeria sit just above La Liga's drop zone in 17th place by virtue of goal difference and opted to sack boss Francisco following a 5-2 hammering at the hands of Eibar on Monday.
With Francisco leaving the club on Tuesday, match preparations have been taken by first-team coach Sergio Pardo and reserve boss Miguel Rivera.
While the club stated its confidence that a permanent coach would be in place by the time they face Real, any incumbent faces a stern test to get anything from a clash with Carlo Ancelotti's men.
Real sealed their perfect qualification from Group B in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday with a 4-0 win over Ludogorets and set a new Spanish record of 19 consecutive wins in all competitions in the process.
"We are enjoying a great moment: the players, the technical staff and the club, which has always supported us," Ancelotti said.
"We have to keep this moment going."
With Real playing first in La Liga's matchday 15, a win would keep the heat on Barcelona in second, with Luis Enrique's charges travelling to mid-table Getafe while third-placed Atletico Madrid host Villarreal.
The top three have all taken maximum points from their last three league outings. At the opposite end of the table, bottom side Elche take on Deportivo La Coruna in 19th on Monday.
Only goal difference separates the sides in a congested bottom four that could be much-changed come the end of the clash at the Riazor.
Cordoba - also in the drop zone - welcome an improving Levante side who have taken eight of their 13 points in the last five games.
Valencia can ensure a first league win in more than a month when they face Rayo Vallecano at the Mestalla while also looking to put pressure on Sevilla in the final UEFA Champions League spot.
Regardless, Unai Emery's side will at least be in fourth place come the end of the weekend, although they could close the gap to Atletico in third with victory over Eibar.
Elsewhere, Real Sociedad and Espanyol welcome Athletic Bilbao and Granada respectively while Celta Vigo travel to Malaga.
Real Madrid ruthlessly punished Verza's penalty miss as they secured a 4-1 La Liga triumph to make it 20 wins in a row on Friday.
Iker Casillas produced an excellent stop to keep out Verza's second-half spot-kick at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos as the hosts passed up the chance to make it 2-2.
That miss was made to look even more costly when Cristiano Ronaldo's amazing season continued with a late brace to give the final scoreline a flattering gloss for Real.
Verza had earlier shown his finishing prowess when his stunning long-range strike in the 39th minute cancelled out Isco's well-taken opener.
The European champions were ahead by the break, though, as Gareth Bale headed home Toni Kroos' cross.
Ronaldo's goals then proved enough for Real to extend the longest winning streak by a Spanish team and the Liga leaders will travel to Morocco to contest the Club World Cup with a five-point gap over rivals Barcelona, who play Getafe on Saturday.
By contrast, Almeria are still searching for a first league win since September and they will hope that Juan Ignacio Martinez - who now takes over as head coach - can reverse their fortunes.
After initially struggling to assert themselves Real grew into the game and in the 13th minute Kroos' excellently controlled volley cannoned off the crossbar via a deflection.
Ronaldo showed the first glimpse of his talent soon after with a marauding run down the left and his cross forced Almeria goalkeeper Ruben to come out quickly to smother Karim Benzema's shot.
Real were largely frustrated in the attacking third by a stern Almeria defence, but the hosts' resistance was broken in the 34th minute.
Benzema's cross from the right picked out Isco at the back post and the Spain international dummied to shoot before cutting inside Michel and curling his effort past the despairing Ruben.
The visitors were caught off guard just five minutes later, though, as Almeria levelled from Verza's expert 30-yard volley that nestled in the bottom right-hand corner.
However, Almeria were not level long as slack defending allowed Bale to head home Kroos' excellent centre four minutes before the break.
The Welshman should have done better when he burst clear in the 55th minute, only to hold the ball too long and overhit his side-foot pass to the wide open Ronaldo.
Ronaldo then saw a drilled shot from the edge of the box saved low by Ruben, before Almeria were handed a lifeline in the 62nd minute.
Referee Alfonso Alvarez harshly adjudged that Marcelo had fouled Edgar Mendez in the penalty area, but the underdogs could not capitalise as Casillas produced a fine save low to his left from Verza's effort.
Ronaldo, who had endured a frustrating evening to that point, rubbed salt in the wound nine minutes from time when he played a one-two with Benzema and slid the ball into the unguarded goal.
The Portuguese then bagged his 25th league goal of the season in the 89th minute when he drilled home Dani Carvajal's cross from close range.
Croatia coach Niko Kovac is hopeful that Luka Modric will be fit for a return to action with Real Madrid in March.
The 29-year-old midfielder suffered a thigh injury while on international duty in last month's 1-1 draw with Italy.
"We travelled with the Real physician to Munich to see Dr Wolfhart-Muller, to get a second opinion on the injury," Kovac told Goal.com.
"He has confirmed what we had pointed out to the club. It's a pretty serious problem but his recovery is developing well and we hope to see him back on the field in March.
"This injury has been caused by the large number of games he has played. I've been a footballer and have played two and three times a week, and it's very hard."
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti issued his own update on Modric's situation on Thursday.
He told AS: "Until now he's been having physiotherapy. His scars are healing well.
"Things have gone well until now. He won't be back soon, but he will start training in the middle of January."
Both Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti and captain Iker Casillas nominated the latter's penalty save as the key moment of Friday's La Liga win.
The capital club triumphed 4-1 at Almeria but after a scratchy first half, Real looked set to be reeled in at 2-2 just after the hour mark, when Marcelo fouled Edgar Mendez in the box.
Almeria's Verza, who had struck the home side's earlier equaliser, stepped up to the spot but his tame effort could not beat Casillas, who dived smartly to his left to palm the shot away.
"It was a key moment," Casillas said after the game.
"If we had let the goal in it would have been different because they would have equalised but the team reacted and really got into the game. We leave here happy."
Ancelotti added: "The penalty save was a decisive moment and everything got easier after that."
Having remained in front, Real wrapped up their three-goal victory in the final 10 minutes with Cristiano Ronaldo striking twice in seven minutes to stretch the winning streak of Ancelotti's side to 20 matches in all competitions.
"It wasn't smooth sailing," Real's coach said.
"They put a lot of pressure on us but our quality came through and we were able to win."
Real had led 2-1 at half-time through a fine goal from Isco and a header from Gareth Bale, split by Verza's blistering strike from 20 yards.
Casillas conceded the visitors had not been happy at the break, despite their advantage.
"During the break we mentioned that this wasn't our best game, we were lacking intensity," the goalkeeper said.
"At the end of the day, we finished the game resoundingly, although it was a hard-fought battle to get to 4-1."
The victory capped off Real's year in La Liga with the capital outfit moving five points clear at the top of the table ahead of the Christmas break, although Barcelona (34 points) and Atletico Madrid (32) will be expected to reduce that margin when they play on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Real will now turn their attention to the Club World Cup, where they will face either Cruz Azul of Mexico or Australia's Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday.
Ancelotti was not interested in playing down expectations ahead of his team's trip to Morocco, with six of the past seven editions having been won by European teams.
"We finished the year well in the league and now it is time to concentrate on the Club World Cup, we have to win it," the Italian said.
"If I had to give the team a grade, they would get a very high mark. We aim to win every competition we play in. There is a good atmosphere and we will go out there to win."
La Liga Review: Barcelona stumble, 10-man Valencia win
14 December 2014
Barcelona failed to close the gap on La Liga leaders Real Madrid as Valencia and Malaga moved into the European places.
Luis Enrique's Barca found themselves frustrated for long periods of the game as Getafe held firm at the back and secured a 0-0 draw at home.
Although the visitors piled on the pressure towards the end, they failed to secure a ninth successive win in all competitions and now sit four points adrift of table-topping Real.
Fresh from beating Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 in the UEFA Champions League in midweek, Barca dominated possession throughout at a wet and windy Coliseum Alfonso Perez and kept Getafe camped in their own half for much of the match on Saturday.
Both sides had penalty shouts turned down in the first half, while Barca came closest to breaking the deadlock when Lionel Messi saw a free-kick come back off the crossbar just after the interval.
Luis Enrique threw men forward in search of a winner, with Messi and Xavi again almost making the crucial breakthrough.
But Barca's best efforts ultimately went unrewarded, as they failed to find a way past a stoic Getafe defence and goalkeeper Vicente Guaita as the hosts claimed a hard-fought point.
Algerian midfielder Sofiane Feghouli netted a first-half brace as 10-man Valencia accounted for Rayo Vallecano 3-0 at the Mestalla.
Feghouli opened the scoring in the 13th minute, glancing a header past Rayo goalkeeper Cristian Alvarez.
It got better for Feghouli in the 34th minute as he bundled the ball over the line from close range following a goalmouth scramble.
Pablo Piatti sealed the points two minutes later when he powered past two defenders and fired the ball underneath Alvarez.
Valencia played the remaining 20 minutes with 10 men after Andre Gomes was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Nuno Espirito Santo's Valencia consolidated fifth spot, moving to within a point of fourth-placed Sevilla, who play on Sunday.
Malaga are a point adrift of Valencia after they saw off Celta Vigo 1-0.
Samu's 21st-minute strike was all that separated the two teams at the Estadio La Rosaleda as Malaga claimed back-to-back wins.
Meanwhile, Cordoba climbed out of the relegation zone courtesy of a goalless draw at home to Levante.
Dani Alves has been ruled out of Barcelona's Copa del Rey clash with Huesca on Tuesday with a hamstring injury.
The Brazil international sustained the injury during Saturday's 0-0 draw at Getafe - a match that represented Dani Alves' 200th La Liga appearance for Barca.
Subsequently the full-back underwent treatment on Sunday and he will definitely miss the Copa second-leg clash with Huesca at Camp Nou, a tie Barca lead 4-0.
His availability for next weekend's league encounter with Cordoba is also uncertain.
"Dani Alves picked up a hamstring strain in Saturday night's draw against Getafe which will keep him out of Tuesday's cup game against Huesca," read a statement on Barca's official website.
"The Brazilian full back was given treatment for the injury during training this morning and his availability for next weekend's game remains in doubt."
Dani Alves has made 12 Liga appearances for a Barca side that sit four points adrift of leaders Real Madrid in second.
The teenage attacker's move to the Spanish champions was put on hold because of a heart problem, but he has now signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the club
Atletico Madrid have confirmed the belated arrival of Angel Correa at the Vicente Calderon from San Lorenzo.
The 19-year-old forward was meant to join the Spanish champions during the close-season, but his proposed €7.5 million move was put on hold after his medical examination revealed a heart condition.
However, Correa subsequently underwent surgery in New York and, after six months of recuperation at Majadahonda's Sports City, has now completed his switch to the Spanish capital.
"Atletico Madrid and San Lorenzo have concluded the transfer agreement for Angel Correa," a statement read.
"The Argentina Under-20 international is now a part of the red and white club. He signs for the remainder of the season and four more years after that."
Correa, who is a native of Rosario, only made his professional debut in March of last year but is regarded as one of Argentina's most promising young attackers.
Cristiano Ronaldo buys $10,000 watches for Real Madrid teammates in celebration of 'La Decima'
By Joe Lago | FC Yahoo – Sat, Dec 13, 2014 8:36 AM SGT
Cristiano Ronaldo is in the running for a second straight Ballon d'Or, the award given to the FIFA World Player of the Year. He would also be in contention for FIFA World Teammate of the Year if the honor existed, after showering his Real Madrid teammates with a special gift.
To commemorate Real Madrid's 10th European championship after beating intracity rival Atletico Madrid 4-1 in the UEFA Champions League final last May, Ronaldo bought each of his teammates a Bulgari watch engraved with "La Décima," Ronaldo's initials and shirt number (CR7) and each player's name. The price tag for each watch: 8,200 euros, or just over $10,200.
Ronaldo handed out the watches before the team traveled to its hotel on Thursday night in preparation for Friday's La Liga game against Almeria. Former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa showed off his brand-new watch on Twitter.
Ronaldo, one of three Ballon d'Or finalists with Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, continued his scoring rampage Friday with a brace in a 4-1 win over Almeria – Real Madrid's 20th in a row – giving him an incredible 25 goals in just 14 league games. In all competitions, Ronaldo has 32 goals in only 23 games.
The night before, he obviously scored some major points with his teammates.
