Real lost at home 1:0 to Mallorca and also won't continue in the Copa del Rey.

^^They haven't won it since the early 90's

Big teams = League + CL.

This coming Sunday is the Madrid derby. Hopefully it'll be a good game. The fish doll and I will be in the stands. (Going to Madrid for a short holiday. Weather permitting, I leave this afternoon. If you want a postcard, lemme know today).

This coming Sunday is the Madrid derby. Hopefully it'll be a good game. The fish doll and I will be in the stands. (Going to Madrid for a short holiday. Weather permitting, I leave this afternoon. If you want a postcard, lemme know today).

Of course, Kurt! I like Simao and Aguerro and, well, Calderon schifo.

Been a very good first half hour. Atletico should be level, Forlan forced a great save from Casillas and then they hit the crossbar.

But it's sad how big the gap has become between the top teams in each league and the rest of them... look at Inter, Real, Barca, Chelsea, Arsenal, United... no one has a chance against them if they play more than 50% of what they can. 3 years ago you had to give 100% every week!

Villa took 4 points off Chelsea this season. 

But generally, it's quite sad that there's such a big gap. And with the same teams making the top 4 all the time, they're making more money through CL qualification, attracting the better players and so on, just making them even better. Ah well. 

55' Robinho again. 2-1.

2-2 in the 75th. Goal Capdevilla.

Edit: 3-2 in the 76th. Goal Sneijder.

Madrid should be crowned from now...

R.Madrid is too strong. Even more than Inter and United/Arsenal at the moment. They seem unbeatable at home (10/10) and do not drop points easily.

Yes, that seems to be the case. But their CL adventure will be another story.

It's a different competition although they can rest the players. Inter is just 5 points away from Roma and can't do that. Same for the EPL teams.

Once again against no defense.

Cruyff: Valdes As Good As Casillas

In his weekly column in El Periodico de Catalunya, Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff has claimed that current goalkeeping incumbent Victor Valdes is capable of matching Real Madrid's Iker Casillas...

Johan Cruyff had an explanation for why Iker Casillas is drawing more of the plaudits than Iker Casillas.

The former coach began, "Madrid are better than Barcelona on two fronts - a centre-forward that scores [Van Nistelrooy] and a superb goalkeeper.

"But is Casillas better than Valdes? First of all, one must ask if they both perform. They do... but Casillas is more spectacular.

"The sign of a goalkeeper, though, isn't what you see, but what they give you. In this case, they're the same. Casillas shines more, and if he's more spectacular, it's for a simple reason: he has to deal with shots more.

"It's not a question of being more handsome or better to watch - another subjective concept - but how well they do their job. And Casillas and Valdes both do their jobs very well, albeit in two teams with different objectives.

"One is tested more than you'd like, while the other excels in the few times that the ball reaches him. Madrid make defensive errors but weren't punished for them, at least until yesterday [3-2 defeat to Villarreal]."

Further, the Dutch master added that teams based around a single star are destined to fail, and that Barcelona must keep this in mind when identifying new signings

"First, look at what you have and what you need, and always be clear on the basis of how the team will play," he explained.

"Above all, don't confuse effective play with spectacular performances, as one brings efficiency - the other, fireworks. The latter draws attention, the first brings titles, or at least the chance of getting them.

"If you can link efficiency to quality, then, bingo.

"To me, a free role player isn't worth it. Selfish players are useless. Contrary to what many people think, a single player can only carry a team in the short term. In a long run, that team will crash.

"Football is a team game and only through collective performances can a squad win the ultimate prize. That's why I don't answer the question of which players should be signed, as you can't summarise it in one or two names."

Cruyff went on to cite "engine room" players of less glamour than the big names for their parts in squads' successes, such as Eusebio, or even Raul.

Above all, though, he praised Buffon at Juventus for loyalty and permanence, as he did with Paolo Maldini.

Closer to home, he discussed Lionel Messi, as well as Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Time will tell what happens to the top talent these days," he began.

"The two share many things, most of all youth and talent. And they're much better than when they made their debuts. Their 'fireworks' are now channeled into teamplay.

"Beyond their individual actions and entertaining moments, they're beginning to excel in where they will have the most effect: having a good eye for their teammates."

Steve Michaels, Goal.com

No no no Buffon is the best! And he is a World Champion too...