He was once football’s most revered manager, a master in man-management, but for six years now, the downfall of José Mourinho has taken shape
Tag: real madrid
In a unique feat, three generations of Marcos Alonsos – all leading players in their own right at big clubs – have represented Spain at Wembley
This feature is part of Virtuoso Often contrary to what is seen in the modern day, Old Trafford was once a most unforgiving experience for any away side during Manchester United’s best…
This feature is part of Virtuoso The shootout was quickly becoming an unmitigated disaster. While Bayern Munich’s first two shot takers had executed their jobs to perfection, Real Madrid’s most trusted, Kaká…
Spanish rivalries transcend sport and are built on political and logistical foundations, and have been a matter of life and death in the past. As a result, many reputations are based on…
In February 2002, over 12,000 fans packed themselves into Fratton Park to see former Real Madrid and Barcelona maestro Robert Prosinečki score a scintillating hat-trick against Barnsley. What should have been an easy three…
On 12 September 2000, Ajax were playing Belgian side Gent in a UEFA Cup knockout match. Eighty-two minutes had gone; the Dutch side were 4-0 up going into the final stages of…
Cup competitions can throw up the unlikeliest of footballing match-ups and, sometimes, the craziest of results. The smallest clubs can go global overnight while the superpowers of the game can be reduced…
Though Real Madrid have never been afraid to cast their nets overseas in search of talent, and the number of first-rate foreigners to have been handpicked to represent the club throughout its…
“If you want to win, play me. If not, put someone else in.” Real Madrid striker Raúl was forthright from a young age, his manager at the time Jorge Valdano remembers. The…
In the end, it was a career of unfulfilled potential, one cruelly defined by injuries. Christoph Metzelder, ever the optimist, didn’t see it like that though: “I am just thankful for my…
The notoriously predatory Emilio Butrageuño was the dominant figure within Real Madrid’s legendary Quinta del Buitre. The striker, who went by the nickname El Buitre (The Vulture) – was so lethal a marksman…
Gareth Bale faces a huge week as he bids to prove that there is life after Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid. He returned to the starting line-up as Madrid lost to Sevilla, with…
It is late March 2002 in Athens. Not far from the centre of town, at the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium, a Champions League second group phase match is unfolding between Panathinaikos and Real…
“Whites weep. Congratulate the champions.” Enthusiastically delivered words of a similar emphasis were expelled from Luís Figo’s mouth, from his vantage point on the balcony of the Palace of the Catalan Generality…
Spain’s domestic cup competition, the Copa del Rey, has provided plenty of weird and wonderful moments over the years and through its various name changes. There was Real Madrid’s violent 11-1 destruction of…
This feature is part of Duology Real Madrid revolves around the European Cup. It is their trophy; their raison d’être. The only squads considered legendary throughout the club’s illustrious history are those…
This feature is part of Duology As your footsteps take you down the corridors and closer to the trophy room of the Santiago Bernabéu, you can begin to feel them. Upon arrival,…