LA LIGA & REAL MADRID

[raul julia]

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Real Madrid brought back Portillo to replace Morientes.They wasted no time in replacing Liverpool-bound Spanish international striker Fernando Morientes, announcing they were recalling Javier Portillo from a loan spell with Italian top flight outfit Fiorentina.
Portillo, a European champion with Spain at under-16 and under-21 level, came through the ranks with the club but last year made only a handful of starts having in 2002 slid further down the pecking order following the arrival of Brazilian star Ronaldo.
Portillo broke a stack of Real Madrid's scoring records as he came through the youth ranks, scoring a total of 726 goals in eight seasons, but was unable to win a regular first-team place at Fiorentina.
He will return as fourth-choice striker at Real behind Ronaldo, Raul and Michael Owen.

[raul julia]

Real hoping to close Gravesen deal on Friday

MADRID, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Real Madrid will continue negotiations with Everton on Friday in the hope of closing a deal to sign Denmark midfielder Thomas Gravesen.

"Real Madrid and Everton will renew telephone conversations this morning," Real said on their website.

"The talks, that began yesterday, will focus on trying to solve the existing economic differences. The player has expressed his desire to join Real Madrid and is waiting for an agreement between the two clubs."

Spanish media have reported that Everton have agreed to accept 3.5 million euros ($4.59 million) for the 28-year-old, who finishes his contract with the English Premier League club at the end of the season.

[raul julia]

Solari went to Barcelona knowing that his place will be jeopardize with the arrival of Robinho.

I dont know how true this report is......Solari even started in their Cup game against Valladolid @ the Bernabeu......it ended in a scoreless draw w/ Real fielding their reserve stikers and midfielders......heres the lineup...

REAL MADRID: César; MÃ*chel Salgado, MejÃ*a (Roberto Carlos, 78th minute), Samuel, Pavón, Raúl Bravo; Celades, Javi GarcÃ*a, Solari; Owen and Soldado (Jurado, 58th minute).

[raul julia]

It's official,Thomas Gravesen left the English Premier League to join Real on a 3-1/2-year deal for a reported fee of 3.5 million euros ($4.6 million) on Friday.
"Of course it's very difficult when a chance like this comes along," the 28-year-old midfielder told a news conference in Madrid on Saturday.
"I was having a marvellous season at Everton, but I think that I made the right choice in coming here. A chance like this only comes along once in a lifetime. This is the biggest challenge of my career."
Gravesen acknowledged he may not have the reputation of some of the Real's high-profile "galacticos" but said he could still win a place in the centre of midfield alongside either Guti or David Beckham.
"I don't know if I'll be up against Guti or Beckham to get a place in the team. I'm here to be part of the team and I'm not here to make war with anyone," he said.
The Dane was included in the squad for the league match against Real Zaragoza on Sunday but coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo said Gravesen would not be in the starting line up despite the absence of Guti with 'flu.
"He's only just joined the club and will have to wait his chance," said the Brazilian. "But I like the way he plays and his enthusiasm."

[fingolfin]

..........i would like to clarify myself, solari will go to barcelona next season. Not now.

Luxemburgo has this eye for talent. he is a very good tactician. REal is now building up on their future, Zizo and Figo will be retiring next season. But i'm wondering on how they will secure their defense, Salgado and Carlos is getting old.

[raul julia]

personally i like Mejia taking either the position of Carlos or Salgado when they retire...He looks impressive the last time he played vice Carlos.......

[bUrbY_dUll]

michael owen lang akoa...

[raul julia]

hi burby dull and welcome......

[raul julia]

Newcomer Thomas Gravesen will make his first start for Real Madrid against second division Valladolid in the King's Cup third round on Wednesday.
Coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo told a news conference on Tuesday that the Danish international, who joined from Everton last week, and striker Javier Portillo, who is back from a loan spell at Fiorentina, would both start the second leg tie at the Bernabeu.
Former youth team player Portillo will line up alongside Michael Owen in attack as Real bid to reach the quarter-finals after a 0-0 draw at Valladolid last week.
Midfielders David Beckham, Guti and Solari, goalkeeper Iker Casillas and defenders Michel Salgado and Walter Samuel have all been left out of the squad, while centre-back Ivan Helguera is unavailable due to an ankle injury.
First-choice strikers Ronaldo and Raul have been included, but are likely to watch from the bench.

[raul julia]

tsk.tsk.tsk.....real lost to 2nd division Valladolid on away goals rule.The match ended in a 1-1 draw.....