The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Real Madrid

  • Mourinho accepts 12-month prison sentence for tax fraud

    Spanish prosecutors have sentenced the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid boss to 12 months in prison as part of a deal reached in a tax fraud case

    Jose Mourinho has accepted a 12-month prison sentence and a fine of close to €2.2 million after admitting to tax fraud in Madrid – but will not serve time in jail.

    The 56-year-old was accused of evading paying in the region of €3.3m in taxes on image rights while he was head coach of Real Madrid.

    The Portuguese will not spend any time in prison as the sentence is for less than two years.

    In 2016, Mourinho’s representatives Gestifute released a statement insisting he was “fully compliant with tax obligations” after allegations of tax evasion first came to light via the whistleblowing platform ‘Football Leaks’’

    However, he struck a deal with Spanish prosecutors last year, which was ratified at a court on Tuesday.

    Mourinho was in charge of Madrid from 2010 until the end of the 2012-13 season.

    Read Also: It’s game over, Utd in the past – Mourinho

    The offences were alleged to have been committed between 2011 and 2012.

    It was reported last September that he had agreed to accept a one-year prison sentence and fine in order to bring the legal proceedings to an end.

    Speaking to reporters outside court in Pozuelo de Alarcon in November 2017, he said: “I did not answer, I did not argue. I paid and signed with the state that I am in compliance and the case is closed.”

    A number of prominent figures in football, including former Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo, his ex-team-mate Marcelo and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, have been punished for tax offences in the last two years.

  • Real Madrid vs Sevilla: Bernabéu fans remain positive

    Real Madrid host Sevilla today (Saturday) and the fans at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu can feel confident about Los Blancos’ chances, even if the visitors are currently ahead of them in the LaLiga Santander table.

    That’s because Sevilla have a really poor record at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, where they’ve lost on each of their past 11 visits – nine league matches and two Copa del Rey games.

    Not since a 4-3 victory in 2008 have they tasted victory away at the capital city side, while they only have two other wins against them at the ground this century – a 5-3 win in 2007 and a 1-0 win in 2004.

    There was also a victory in the 2007 Copa del Rey final, although this was against Getafe.

    Interestingly, you’d have to go back to 1993 for the last time a match between these two sides at the Bernabeu ended as a draw.

    Since the beginning of 2018/19 LaLiga Santander campaign things have changed considerably on both sides ahead of Saturday afternoon’s reverse fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu.

    Sevilla’s 3-0 win over the reigning Champions League holders was a huge result early in Pablo Machin’s term as rojiblanco coach, with the game also seeing then recent arrivals like goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik, defender Sergi Gomez and especially forward Andre Silva showing fans at the Sánchez-Pizjuan just what they were capable of.

    Meanwhile, the heavy defeat was also a dramatic moment for then Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui, who never really recovered from such a score line and was replaced in the job just a few weeks later.

    The rematch now comes on Saturday with both sides having had ups and downs over the first half of the LaLiga Santander season, reaching this midway stage locked on 33 points from their first 19 games. Sevilla have nudged just ahead of Real into third due to the ‘head to head’ record.

    With Santiago Solari now on the Real Madrid bench, the former Castilla youth team coach has steered the team up the rankings in recent months with last weekend’s hard fought 2-1 victory at Sevilla’s city rivals Real Betis a sign of the spirit and quality that still resides within the Los Blancossquad.

    One thing which has not changed so much for Real Madrid is bad luck with injuries. They were missing key first teamers for September’s game in Seville including Dani Carvajal and Isco and the situation is even worse now with Solari possibly without seven senior players for Saturday’s game, including attackers Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio.

    Read Also: Sevilla challenge for Ahmed Musa

    Such misfortune can often bring opportunity for others however, and a big talking point from 2018/19 so far has been the emergence of 18-year-old Brazilian starlet Vinícius Junior. The teenager only arrived in the Spanish capital last summer but has quickly won over Bernabeu fans and pundits. Fellow youngsters Sergio Reguilon and Fede Valverde have also taken their chance to shine and were impressive in the win at Betis last weekend.

    Meanwhile, Sevilla have continued to ride high in the table through the first half of 2018/19. Portugal international Silva’s two goals in September’s 3-0 victory helped him to the top of the early ‘pichichi’ LaLiga topscorer standings, while more recently it has been strike partner Wissam Ben Yedder who has been in red hot form in front of goal.

    Just two points from their last three LaLiga Santander games have seen Machin’s side slip behind leaders Barcelona and second-placed Atletico Madrid in the title race, while Madrid have caught them going in the other direction. The Andalusians have also lost on each of their last eight LaLiga visits to the Bernabeu.

    The 2018/19 LaLiga campaign has, however, taught us to expect the unexpected and more twists and turns are almost certain when two of the competition’s big guns meet on Saturday.

  • Barca handed Copa final rematch with Sevilla, Real Madrid face Girona in quarter-finals

    Copa del Rey holders FC Barcelona were paired with Sevilla in Friday’s quarter-final draw, setting up a re-run of last year’s final match, while Real Madrid will face Girona.

    Barca, who thrashed Sevilla 5-0 in the 2018 final match, escaped a potential expulsion from the competition moments before the draw was made.

    The Spanish football federation (RFEF) announced on Friday it had rejected Levante’s complaint that the 30-times Copa winners fielded an ineligible player in their last 16 first leg game.

    Barcelona break billion dollar revenue barrier

    Barca overcame a 2-1 deficit from the first leg against Levante by winning the second leg 3-0 for a 4-2 aggregate victory.

    Real Madrid, who beat Leganes 3-1 on aggregate, will have to get past Girona.

    Girona knocked out 10-times winners Atletico Madrid on away goals rule following a thrilling 3-3 draw in their last 16 second leg that resulted in a 4-4 aggregate scoreline.

    Getafe will play against Valencia, and Real Betis will face Espanyol in the other ties in the round.

    The first leg games will take place from Jan. 23, with the deciding fixtures being played from Jan. 30.(Reuters/NAN)

  • Madrid eye champions league consolidation against Roma

     

    Real Madrid were suited and booted as they jetted off to Italy on Monday morning ahead of their return to Champions League action this week.

    The reigning champions touched down in the Italian capital in the afternoon as they chase qualification to the last 16 from Group G.

    Victory over last year’s semi-finalists Roma at the Stadio Olimpico will confirm Real’s progress and see them become outright leaders of the group.

    Santiago Solari will be looking for his side to bounce back after they suffered defeat in his first game in permanent charge since replacing Julen Lopetegui.

    They were beaten 3-0 away at La Liga minnows Eibar on Saturday, their fifth defeat of the season already. The Santiago landlords appear however to have pushed the weekend and indeed other recent defeats to aside to set eyes on Champions league challenge

    Real are sixth in the table and six points behind surprise leaders Sevilla in an unpredictable season so far.

    But their form in Europe has been far better, a shock reverse away at CSKA Moscow aside.

    The 5-0 victory at Viktoria Plzen has put them in pole position to qualify from the group stage and continue on their quest for an unprecedented fourth successive European Cup triumph.

    In the reverse fixture at the start of the group stage Real emerged victorious. Goals from Isco, Gareth Bale and Mariano gave them a 3-0 win at the Bernabeu.

     

    The Spanish side remains a huge force in the Champions league despite submission in some quarters that the exit of Cristiano Ronaldo may have affected the fortune of the club.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Injuries to Nacho, Casemiro add to Real Madrid’s woes

    As Real Madrid’s injury crisis deepens, defender Nacho Fernandez will miss two months and midfielder Casemiro around three weeks, reports in Spain indicated on Monday.

    Both players were substituted after sustaining injuries during Real Madrid’s 4-2 La Liga win at Celta Vigo on Sunday.

    Real Madrid said in a statement on Monday that Nacho had suffered a dislocation in his right knee and Casemiro had sprained his ankle.

    The European champions are already missing defenders Marcelo, Raphael Varane and Dani Carvajal through injury, as well as striker Mariano Diaz.

  • Real Madrid installs TV screens in Bernabeu restrooms

    REAL MADRID is making a splash in their redesign of the Bernabeu by installing TV screens in their urinals.

    Los Blancos fans can now relieve themselves in peace without the fear of missing out on a goal at the 81,000-seater stadium.

    A small clip has been released of inside the new toilets at Madrid’s ground, giving fans the chance to watch their adoring side while taking a pee.

    Madrid is not a pioneer when it comes to video screens in urinals, with fellow La Liga side Leganes installing a similar system at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque.

    Real are in the process of a £500million makeover of their famous stadium, with the current roof to be stripped back, and replaced with a retractable one.

    While there are also plans to add a 360-degree screen inside the venue, with renovation work to begin by the end of the year.

  • Barcelona vs Real Madrid: 10 Facts You Should Know about El-Clasico

    The historic rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona needs a little introduction. El Clasico, as meetings between the two clubs have become famously known, is always one of the biggest and fiercest match-ups in football history.  On Sunday 28 October, football fans are in for another thrilling spectacle for the first time this LaLiga season as Barcelona hosts Real Madrid at the Camp Nou.

    In anticipation this intense match, here are 10 facts you probably didn’t know about the El Clasico:

    1.     A rivalry of 115 years of history: The first match between Real Madrid and Barcelona was in May 13, 1902, a Coronation Cup match that Barcelona won 3-1. Real Madrid won the first league Clasico, on February 17, 1929, by 2-1.

    2.     Messi leads with 21 goals to his belt. With 21 goals, Lionel Messi leads the list of top goal scorers in El Clasico. He is followed by Di Stefano (18), Cristiano Ronaldo (16), and Raul (15). Messi is also the player with the most assists (13) and hat-tricks (2) in the competition’s history.

    3.     End of an era. Lionel Messi’s legendary rivalry with Portuguese international, Cristiano Ronaldo comes to a screeching halt following Ronaldo’s move to Juventus.  In addition, for the first time since 2007, Messi will not play due to an arm injury.

    4.     The Di Stefano Transfer: The Alfredo Di Stefano transfer is one of the contributing factors which resulted in infuriating the rivalry between the two sides. Originally supposed to sign for Barcelona, Stefano moved permanently to Real Madrid and became an integral part of the success achieved by Real Madrid. Stefano even scored twice in his first game against Barcelona and won five European titles with the Madrid side.    

    5.     No player knows the Clasico better than Manuel Sanchis who made 43 appearances in the game during his time at Real Madrid.

    6.     No 0-0 draws for 15 Years. The last 0-0 draw came on November 23, 2002, and it happened in the Camp Nou.

    7.     Ronaldo Nazario is the only player to have scored for both teams in the El Clasico.

    8.     In 228 competitive meetings between the sides, Real Madrid has won 91 to Barcelona’s 88.

    9.     Barcelona’s huge loss: A crucial moment in this fantastic sporting rivalry occurred in 1943, when Real Madrid beat Barcelona 11–1 at home in the second leg of a semi-final of the Copa del Rey.

    10.  There has been six goalless draws involving these two teams in history.

    Enjoy the action of Spain’s biggest football rivalry this Sunday on DStv LIVE and in HD on SuperSport 7 (ch 227) and on GOtv SuperSport Select 4 ( ch 34)

  • Mourinho in focus again as English Premier League returns

    When Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho returns on Saturday to Stamford Bridge to face former club Chelsea, much would not have changed about him regarding his recent comments.

    He had said “it’s not about me” after his team’s thrilling comeback win over Newcastle United, but this is unlikely to be heeded this time.

    Mourinho’s words, spoken after united fans chanted his name in appreciation of the 3-2 victory, may have reflected weariness at the constant focus on his position at Old Trafford.

    But the spotlight will unavoidably be on the Portuguese again.

    The manner of United’s win, with three goals in the final 20 minutes of all-out attacking football, has raised the question of whether he will change.

    The change is for him to embrace a more positive style of play.

    Nothing in Mourinho’s history suggests that is likely and the prospect of facing Maurizio Sarri’s in-form team at Stamford Bridge is a strong deterrent against a cavalier approach.

    Second-placed Chelsea are unbeaten, level on points with champions Manchester City and challengers Liverpool and with their Belgian forward Eden Hazard in scintillating form they will start as clear favourites.

    Manchester United is already seven points behind the leading trio, having lost to Brighton and Hove Albion and West Ham United on the road and Tottenham Hotspur at home.

    Read Also: Mourinho deserves respect for being ‘real’ – Lukaku

    Surely, Mourinho will be keen to ensure they avoid defeat in west London.

    Chelsea has not lost at home to United since October 2012, losing just two of the 16 meetings between the two since then.

    Mourinho has suffered four defeats in six games against his former club since taking over at United.

    But, as he reminded the media in his recent demand for more “respect”, Mourinho won three Premier League titles in his two spells as Chelsea manager.

    The former Porto and Real Madrid boss has never been afraid to play defensively when visiting top rivals.

    So, for all the hope that he might try to replicate the ‘gung-ho’ second half display against Newcastle United, it would be no surprise if he were to revert to type on Saturday.

    Manchester City will expect to pick up three points at home to a Burnley side that will feature former City goalkeeper Joe Hart.

    City has not lost at home to the Clarets since 1963 and has lost once in their last 19 meetings in all competitions.

    Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp will also be expecting maximum points when he faces off with close friend David Wagner as the Reds travel to Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

    Huddersfield is 18th in the table, have yet to win during this campaign and have managed to score only four goals.

    Fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur visit London rivals West Ham on Saturday while in-form Arsenal host Leicester on Monday looking for a 10th successive victory in all competitions.

    Sunday’s game features Everton at home to Crystal Palace.

  • Madrid outline opposition to La Liga’s Miami game

    Real Madrid have written to Spain’s football federation outlining their opposition to La Liga’s plans to stage a match between Girona and Barcelona in Miami, delivering another blow to league hopes of playing one game a season in the United States.
    A spokeswoman for the federation confirmed to Reuters that it had received the letter, which was widely quoted by local media on Wednesday.
    The Miami match, pencilled in for Jan. 26, would be the first game to take place as part of a 15-year deal struck between La Liga and entertainment company Relevent.
    “First of all, we would neither like to declare that Real Madrid were never informed that La Liga had requested to play the game nor of the intention to make the request.
    “We were never asked our opinion on it. “Nor, obviously, did La Liga obtain Real Madrid’s agreement.
    “In spite the fact that this game affects a competition in which we participate,” said the club’s Director General Jose Angel Sanchez.
    A spokesman for La Liga reiterated on Wednesday that no club would be forced to play in the United States and that it was entirely voluntary.

    Read Also: Real Madrid more of a team without Ronaldo – Bale

    The Federation has told La Liga it cannot approve the proposal, which also requires the green light from UEFA, CONCACAF and the United States soccer federation, until it receives more information.
    Federation President Luis Rubiales has expressed his opposition to the move while the Spanish footballers’ union has also protested the plans.
    Real Madrid President, Florentino Perez has spoken out against it while the club’s coach Julen Lopetegui has said: “every team (in the league) should play at every ground”.
    Real’s letter addressed the same concerns.
    “We cannot forget that the national league is a competition in which 20 teams participate, not two.
    “And that it is fundamental that every team plays each other twice, home and away and at each stadium, as that guarantees the integrity and the equality of the competition.
    “As a consequence, Real Madrid manifests its opposition to the request made to play the game at the Hard Rock stadium in Miami as it affects the integrity and equality of the competition,”it said
    La Liga President, Javier Tebas told Reporter earlier this month there were many things that could threaten the integrity of a competition, but the Miami game was not one of them.
    “In a World Cup, a team playing a … semi-final on Tuesday has a greater advantage in the final than the team playing on Wednesday.
    “Teams have also played at other stadiums while their grounds are being renovated or in order to generate more revenue.
    “If we really believe in this sporting puritanism, then we would need to make many changes in football,”Tebas said.

  • Croatia court rejects false testimony charge against Modric

    A Croatian court has rejected a charge against Croatia international and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric of giving false testimony in a criminal trial, the court said on Wednesday.

    An email to Reuters by the Zagreb municipal criminal court said it rejected the charge, made by the Croatia state attorney in March, but gave no explanation for its ruling.

    The state attorney’s office can appeal against the decision.

    Modric testified last year at the trial of a tax official and three former senior officials from the soccer club Dinamo Zagreb, including its former chief executive Zdravko Mamic, about the dates of signing the annexes to his professional contracts which regulated transfer fees.

    The state attorney’s office said in June 2017 it was investigating allegations that Modric, awarded Best FIFA men’s player of the year 2018 last month, had given false testimony at the trial.

    Read Also: FIFA BEST AWARD: Modric battles Ronaldo Salah again!

    In June, Mamic was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison, shortly after he left for Bosnia where he lives now.

    Other two Dinamo officials and the tax official were also sentenced to jail. All of them denied any wrongdoing and have said they would challenge the verdict.

    Local media reported that the reason the court had rejected the false testimony charge was that it had been “premature”, in that it could not be raised before there was the final court decision in the tax avoidance trial.

    Modric’s lawyer Laura Valkovic told Reporter the defence had argued that the charge was premature.

    The final court decision in the case is still pending while an appeal process continues.

    Last month Croatia’s state attorney also charged another Croatia international, Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren, with the same offence as Modric.