Real Madrid Jose Vicente Hernaez believes Madrid's youngster is at international level Asensio

Coaches often say that when an opponent scores a goal against you right at the beginning of a match, you can fall apart and everything you told your players beforehand goes out the window - and that is partly what happened at Anoeta on Sunday.<br /><br />Real Madrid surged into a 1-0 lead thanks to Gareth Bale - and Dani Carvajal's flawless cross - and they went on from that moment without having to go up a gear.<br /><br />What ended up killing Real Sociedad was the classy goal of Marco Asensio, one which football schools will one day teach to aspiring players.<br /><br />There were just moments of the first half remaining when that goal hit the back of the net, so it took away some of Real Sociedad's desire to play the second half, as they knew the result was essentially confirmed.<br /><br />I imagine that Asensio's goal provoked an inner burst of joy in Zinedine Zidane as he was the one who insisted that the 20-year-old stay in the first team this season.<br /><br />Rafa Benitez, on the other hand, would have loaned him out.<br /><br />Asensio, therefore, is the kind of player destined for the national team.<br /> <br /> <script async="" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script> <!-- olfa --> <ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-8981092383058457" data-ad-slot="8264054525" style="display: inline-block; height: 280px; width: 336px;"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e00-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/08/22/14718638183077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://e00-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/08/22/14718638183077.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Real Madrid Jose Vicente Hernaez believes Madrid's youngster is at international level Asensio

Coaches often say that when an opponent scores a goal against you right at the beginning of a match, you can fall apart and everything you t...

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Real star is riding high Bale just warming up for LaLiga battle

Returning from a gruelling Euro 2016, few anticipated that Real Madrid would see Gareth Bale starting their new LaLiga campaign at the peak of his powers.<br /><br />At half-strength, the Welshman's speed of recovery from this summer's exploits with his country has taken aback even those that observe him at close quarters.<br /><br />Zinedine Zidane admitted that Bale's match-winning performance in a 3-0 victory over Real Sociedad on Sunday evening belied his status at far from 100 per cent.<br /><br />Within 73 seconds, he was off the mark; by the end of the night, he had helped Real conquer the Estadio de Anoneta - all without the services of Cristiano Ronaldo.<br /><br />Sociedad may hold the distinction of playing at one of LaLiga's most notoriously difficult hunting grounds but, now with five goals in his previous four visits, Bale's form in San Sebastian has bucked the trend even if Los Blancos' results largely have not.<br /><br />With a powerful header and a well-taken follow-up, in the fourth minute of added time, this was still far from a typical display by a player who spent his formative years in the Spanish capital largely enslaved to the sceptre of Ronaldo.<br /><br />The Portugal captain's resurgence and subsequent success for club and country has placed him ahead of the curve in the Ballon d'Or running and, crucially for Bale's development, above all others at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.<br /><br />Just 47 days after he had bowed out to the future European champions, he was intent on having both the first and final say as LaLiga's battle for supremacy hotted up.<br /><br />Barcelona's emphatic defence of their title set down an opening weekend marker for Real, and to a somewhat lesser extent Atletico Madrid, to try and emulate.<br /><br />Neither side of El Clasico's enemy lines are currently performing at full capacity, with the reigning champions set to welcome back Neymar from Olympics glory in Brazil while Zidane awaits the respective returns of Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.<br /><br />Shorn of the pressure as the world's most expensive player, Bale has supplemented the shortfall of his fellow BBC cast members, whom he outshone in the closing stages of last season, despite Ronaldo's Champions League final heroics.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e00-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/08/22/14718632985041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e00-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/08/22/14718632985041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Real star is riding high Bale just warming up for LaLiga battle

Returning from a gruelling Euro 2016, few anticipated that Real Madrid would see Gareth Bale starting their new LaLiga campaign at the peak ...

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Perez: Real Madrid is eternal ♥

Real Madrid's president Florentino Perez was in buoyant spirits on Monday as he visited MARCA with the club's 11th Champions League trophy.<br /><br />Los Blancos beat Atletico Madrid on penalties in the final on Saturday night to win their second trophy in three years.<br /><br />Perez gave an interview at MARCA's offices to reflect on the victory and season as a whole, which will be available to read in Tuesday's edition.<br /><br />"Real Madrid is eternal", he said, as he stood beaming for photographs with the famous trophy.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://k.uecdn.es/html5/html5lib/v1.9.1-ue2/modules/KalturaSupport/thumbnail.php/p/110/uiconf_id/8705164/entry_id/0_z6v3dzle/height/402" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://k.uecdn.es/html5/html5lib/v1.9.1-ue2/modules/KalturaSupport/thumbnail.php/p/110/uiconf_id/8705164/entry_id/0_z6v3dzle/height/402" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Perez: Real Madrid is eternal ♥

Real Madrid's president Florentino Perez was in buoyant spirits on Monday as he visited MARCA with the club's 11th Champions League ...

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Real coach wastes no time in getting back to work

Zinedine Zidane has already started his pre-season preparations as the Frenchman held a meeting at Valdebebas to organise Real Madrid's training schedule.<br /><br />The season begins with a familiar encounter as they take on Sevilla on August 9 in a repeat of 2014's European Super Cup.<br /><br />The club have planned a North American trip that will be divided into two parts with the first being in Canada where they'll focus on fitness and training before taking Los Blancos to the United States.<br /><br />Real Madrid play Paris Saint-Germain in Ohio on the July 27 before travelling to Michigan to face Chelsea three days laters.<br /><br />Their final test in the United States comes against Carlo Ancelloti's Bayern Munich on August 3 in New Jersey.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/04/19/14610552764703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/04/19/14610552764703.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Real coach wastes no time in getting back to work

Zinedine Zidane has already started his pre-season preparations as the Frenchman held a meeting at Valdebebas to organise Real Madrid's ...

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Portuguese winger can stake a claim at Euro 2016

Having won Real Madrid an 11th Champions League title at the San Siro on Saturday night with his decisive penaly, Cristiano Ronaldo has put himself into a great position to be named the best player in the world in January.<br /><br />The Portuguese attacker has had another incredible season and became the first player to score 50 goals or more in six consecutive seasons with 16 in Europe and 35 in the league.<br /><br />Ronaldo last won the award in 2014 having won it previously in 2013 and 2008 and will be at the front and centre of the discussion when the 2016 award is being decided.<br /><br />The 31-year-old makes his way to France for the Euros where he is the star of his Portugal side, aware that a good showing will push him further clear of other Ballon d'Or hopefuls.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/31/14646837856333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/31/14646837856333.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Portuguese winger can stake a claim at Euro 2016

Having won Real Madrid an 11th Champions League title at the San Siro on Saturday night with his decisive penaly, Cristiano Ronaldo has put ...

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Pogba and De Gea among stars touted for Real

With the transfer market soon opening, Florentino Perez maintains he does not know who he will bring in as Real Madrid's next Galactico.<br /><br />Having just won the Champions League and pushed Barcelona to the final day in the La Liga despite looking out of it for much of the domestic campaign, Los Blancos are in good stead to bolster their squad for next season.<br /><br />"It's very difficult to bring someone," he told MARCA. "It's the truth.<br /><br />"I'll talk to Zidane. Our obligation is to be much better every year. He will decide if we can get someone better than we have."<br /><br />The 69-year-old recognises how good Paul Pogba is, for example, but says the club have six excellent players in midfield, highlighting Gareth Bale's influence.<br /><br />"[Pogba] is a great player, but in midfield we have six great players, so I would not want to discuss speculation, " Perez continued.<br /><br />"While he excites me, it is difficult to reach agreements if there are no termination clauses. If a player such as him is available, we may go for him, but would have to reach an agreement.<br /><br />"[Bale] has had a spectacular end of season, with excellent commitment. In the last league games he was spectacular, without any doubt."<br /><br />With regard to Davide De Gea, the Real chief maintains it is hard to talk about while Keylor Navas is in such great form for Los Blancos.<br /><br />"I am not the one who has to decide," he maintains. "I would say it is very difficult to manage two great players in that position".<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://k.uecdn.es/html5/html5lib/v1.9.1-ue2/modules/KalturaSupport/thumbnail.php/p/110/uiconf_id/8705164/entry_id/0_i3kwgzh1/height/402" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://k.uecdn.es/html5/html5lib/v1.9.1-ue2/modules/KalturaSupport/thumbnail.php/p/110/uiconf_id/8705164/entry_id/0_i3kwgzh1/height/402" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Pogba and De Gea among stars touted for Real

With the transfer market soon opening, Florentino Perez maintains he does not know who he will bring in as Real Madrid's next Galactico....

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Champions LeagueAtletico Madrid's style won't be an issue for Los Blancos

Ahead of the 2016 Champions League final, Zinedine Zidane highlighted the need for hard work against opponents Atletico Madrid, if his side are to leave Milan with the title.<br /><br />The two sides go head-to-head in the final for the second time in three years, with Los Blancos emerging victorious in Lisbon in 2014.<br /><br />Despite the more physical style of the Rojiblancos, Zidane is not expecting the game to turn into a slugfest, but instead one with will need a lot of effort from his players.<br /><br />"I think it's going to be a difficult game," Zidane told the press, "but hard or aggressive? No. I think it'll be extremely difficult, for sure, but we already know this and we're prepared for it.<br /><br />"It will be a very complicated game, but we know this and are prepared for it. But in a final it is perfectly normal to have problems in a game. You need to suffer to win.<br /><br />"Above all we have to defend well when we don't have the ball. And on top of that we have our attacking weapons. But what we have to do on Saturday is run, run and run.<br /><br />"If we lose it won't be a failure, as no one can take away what we have done up to now. Failure can come with our attitude, and not expressing ourselves properly."<br /><br />Milan 2016 will be Zidane's first final as coach of Real Madrid, though he previously played in the final of the Champions League as a player, and doesn't feel there is any difference between the two experiences.<br /><br />"I feel the same," he continued. "The situation is different, though. I am happy to be here and happy with what has happened to me and to the team.<br /><br />"Reaching a final isn't easy. What the players have done is phenomenal and this is the cherry on top of the cake.<br /><br />"As you'd expect, I'm a bit stressed right now because I have to answer all these questions. When the match begins I'll be a bit more tense but that's usual too, it's part of coaching. I like it, I like this kind of pressure.<br /><br />"I've experienced it as a player but as a coach it's completely different. Carlo Ancelotti used to tell me that often. He told me before the final in Lisbon 'I hope you experience this some day as head coach'. Here we are, so I keep thinking of Carlo."<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/27/14643679123801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/27/14643679123801.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Champions LeagueAtletico Madrid's style won't be an issue for Los Blancos

Ahead of the 2016 Champions League final, Zinedine Zidane highlighted the need for hard work against opponents Atletico Madrid, if his side ...

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Champions League FinalZidane's use of the Brazilian has impressed Cholo Simeone

With just one day to go until the Champions League final in Milan, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone highlighted the impact Casemiro has had on Real Madrid.<br /><br />The two sides face off at the Stadio San Siro on Saturday evening with the Rojiblancos having lost to their great rivals in the final two years ago, though Atleti are unbeaten in their last six matches against Los Blancos.<br /><br />Simeone did highlight the difference in the Real team since his opposite number Zinedine Zidane put Brazilian Casemiro into the starting eleven.<br /><br />"It's amazing the work Zidane's done; he's taken the decision to rely on Casemiro, which has changed the team," the Argentine told reporters.<br /><br />"He didn't allow the past of the club to affect him, and that's making him an important coach.<br /><br />"For the balance of the side, Casemiro is their most important player, certainly.<br /><br />"He allows them to regroup better if they lose the ball and maintain their offensive potential."<br /><br />Moving onto the topic of tactics Simeone was clear that both teams will likely stick to similar ways of playing, and doesn't see much between the two sides.<br /><br />"I'm always looking forward, trying to find the best for each situation," he went on.<br /><br />"If you think we're superstitious, you under-estimate the work we're carrying out.<br /><br />"The beginning of the game will be very tense, very even.<br /><br />"Whoever wins the early battles in midfield will have an advantage and Madrid, with their technical qualities, might try to play more."<br /><br />The desire to win is a trait Simeone has deeply engrained in his players, and this he feels this coupled with the resolve the group has, could give them an advantage.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/27/14643450298814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/27/14643450298814.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Champions League FinalZidane's use of the Brazilian has impressed Cholo Simeone

With just one day to go until the Champions League final in Milan, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone highlighted the impact Casemiro has ha...

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Champions LeagueThe keys to winning the final How Real Madrid can beat Atletico

<br /><br />Just how do you beat Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid side?<br /><br />The Real Madrid players will be given their instructions in the coming hours ahead of the 2016 Champions League final in Milan.<br /><br />Of late, Los Blancos have endured much suffering at the hands of their city rivals however there are plans in place to emerge from Italy with the eleventh Champions League trophy.<br /><br />The midfield is in the hands of Modric and Kroos: The German and Croatian pair have the task of moving the ball at a high tempo to try and pick holes in the almost watertight Atletico defence.<br /><br />Make use of set-pieces: Dead ball scenarios can be crucial in tight matches. Atletico is well versed in this art yet Zinedine Zidane's charges are not far behind.<br /><br />Try to run in behind: Attacking against Atletico can be very difficult but Real must try and run in behind the full-backs in order to try and create chances by overloading the penalty area.<br /><br />Be effective in front of goal: Atletico are undone so rarely that Real's forwards have to be clinical when they get their chances, and there cannot be any profligacy.<br /><br />Utilise Casemiro's qualities: The Brazilian midfielder is vitally important. His position as a holding midfielder is key as he will have to double-up on both flanks to prevent Saul and Koke dictating play.<br /><br />Play through Marcelo: The Brazilian full-back is a key figure in both phases of play for Zidane and he was the difference maker from the left in Lisbon two years ago. If he can repeat his performance in Milan on Saturday, he will cause chaos for Los Colchoneros.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/26/14642824553357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/26/14642824553357.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Champions LeagueThe keys to winning the final How Real Madrid can beat Atletico

Just how do you beat Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid side? The Real Madrid players will be given their instructions in the coming hours ...

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Ronaldo: I hope Mourinho can help bri

Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo has said that he hopes his former coach Jose Mourinho can be a success at Manchester United.<br /><br />The Portuguese striker admits that he still feels a lot for the English club he once played at.<br /><br />"If that's what Manchester United want, then I think it's good," he said about the coach's seemingly imminent arrival.<br /><br />"I hope Mourinho can help Manchester get back to the top - it hurts me to see them how they are at the moment because I still have a place for them in my heart."<br /><br />The attacker admits he holds no grudges against his compatriot, saying: "I'm sure one day I'll hug him.<br /><br />"You have to know how to forgive, my father taught me not to be resentful.<br /><br />"In general, we had our problems like anything else in life- like you'd have with your wife or your girlfriend- but if I saw him today there'd be no problems.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/26/14642847866066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/26/14642847866066.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Ronaldo: I hope Mourinho can help bri

Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo has said that he hopes his former coach Jose Mourinho can be a success at Manchester United. The Portu...

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Cristiano Ronaldo: I'd rather have the Champions League than the double

Cristiano Ronaldo said that he would rather win the Champions League over the double and that he isn't bothered by Barcelona's success.<br /><br />The Portuguese attacker was speaking at an interview which is to be aired on Spanish television on Friday.<br /><br />"I'm not bothered by Barca's double, not at all," he said.<br /><br />"I know that if we win the Champions League it's worth more than the double - there are amazing players that have never won it and it's a dream."<br /><br />When pressed on Gerard Pique's celebrations, during which he imitated Ronaldo, the Madrid forward admitted that people seem to have a fascination with him.<br /><br />"Whenever people are celebrating, they remember Cristiano Ronaldo.<br /><br />"I'm always there but there won't be a problem when I play against Pique again."<br /><br />The striker did admit however, that he was disappointed not to end the season as top goalscorer.<br /><br />"It's obvious that it annoyed me not to win but I wasn't obsessed.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />

Cristiano Ronaldo: I'd rather have the Champions League than the double

Cristiano Ronaldo said that he would rather win the Champions League over the double and that he isn't bothered by Barcelona's succe...

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Real Madrid Forward opens up about family Cristiano Ronaldo

<br /> <br /> Cristiano Ronaldo has talked intimately about his family, revealing how his deep love for Real Madrid means his young son can never follow Barcelona, and opens up about fellow Portuguese Jose Mourinho's decision to coach Manchester United.<br /> <br /> The forward gives a rare insight into his personal life including his relationship with his son and his mother.<br /> <br /> "My son has changed my life in many ways," he said in an interview for 'Jugones' being broadcast on Spanish television channel La Sexta on Friday.<br /> <br /> "It is impossible that he will support Barcelona because he has my genes, but if he fought his ground on this, I would accept it.<br /> <br /> "My mother is the pillar of the family and she helps me a lot with Cris," the forward said.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="full-video" id="video-57473e5546163fef3d8b4584_container" style="height: 402px;"> </div>

Real Madrid Forward opens up about family Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has talked intimately about his family, revealing how his deep love for Real Madrid means his young son can never follow...

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Real Madrid600,000 euros each if they beat Atletico Madrid

The Champions League is worth its weight in gold, particularly for Real Madrid players who will pocket a handsome 600,000 euro bonus if they get their hands on the trophy.<br /><br />Either Real or Atletico Madrid will be crowned the best in Europe on Saturday to receive more than sporting glory - the monetary reward is worth having too.<br /><br />For winning the Champions League and going on to take part in the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup, it is estimated a club will get close to 120 million euros from the two sporting bodies based in Nyon and Zurich.<br /><br />In the case of Los Blancos, that would mean 600,000 euros for each participating player who helped them to win their 11th continental title.<br /><br />The lion's share would go to all first-team players, regardless of how many games they've played, while participating reserve players would get a proportion along with employees.<br /><br />The agreement has been decided by key players such as Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo with the president Florentino Perez.<br /><br />It is considerably more than the 400,000 euros they received for winning the trophy in Lisbon two years ago.<br /><br />This extra outlay can cause problems in balancing the books but Real Madrid always makes provisions to prevent problems.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/27/14643366817144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/27/14643366817144.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Real Madrid600,000 euros each if they beat Atletico Madrid

The Champions League is worth its weight in gold, particularly for Real Madrid players who will pocket a handsome 600,000 euro bonus if they...

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Benzema faces up to his final challenge in Champions League

In the Champions League final in Milan Karim Benzema will say goodbye to a difficult season because, despite being prolific on the pitch, his alleged involvement in a sex scandal has marred his year.<br /><br />It could be the perfect end to a campaign that has seen the striker embroiled in sex-tape blackmail allegations involving France teammate Mathieu Valbuena, which led to him being overlooked for the Euro 2016 tournament being played in his home country.<br /><br />Despite being put in the spotlight, his performances have not suffered - far from it.<br /><br />Los Blancos have drawn on his pride and talent to steer him through one of his best seasons since arriving in summer 2009.<br /><br />With just 90 minutes left of the season, the Frenchman has clocked up 28 goals - 24 in La Liga and four in the Champions League - to be the best supporting goal scorer for the insatiable Cristiano Ronaldo.<br /><br />Now his final challenge is to rise to the occasion in Milan.<br /><br />The big games don't faze him as his record shows, having already won one Champions League, La Liga, two Copa del Reys, one UEFA Super Cup, Supercopa de Espana and a FIFA Club World Cup.<br /><br />However, the important thing is how he shapes up on Saturday and how he compares to the opposition.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/27/14643378941515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/27/14643378941515.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Benzema faces up to his final challenge in Champions League

In the Champions League final in Milan Karim Benzema will say goodbye to a difficult season because, despite being prolific on the pitch, hi...

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Real Madrid don't just play finals, they win them

<br /><br />Real Madrid's supporters are in confident mood ahead of their clash against local rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final, suggesting that Los Blancos don't just get to the showpiece occasions, but win them.<br /><br />Zinedine Zidane and his side travel to Milan knowing that they have the Madridistas right behind them.<br /><br />MARCA went to speak with some of the fans about their team's prospects, 11 meeting with our journalist in Madrid's famous Meson Txistu restaurant.<br /><br />"Madrid don't play finals, they win them," said Gabriel Ortega, who is a member of the Mortera Blanca supporters branch.<br /><br />This confidence was also expressed by fan Jose Carlos Romero, who asserted: "The final will be like the one in Paris [in 2000, when Madrid beat Valencia 3-0], very easy."<br /><br />On whether Zinedine Zidane should stay with Los Blancos in the coming season, the opinion was unanimous.<br /><br />The Frenchman guided the side to second in the league as well as into the final and it's led to a desire from the supporters for the former player to remain at the club.<br /><br />"Zidane is a Madridista, he's revitalised the team and I wish he'd been there at the start of the season," said a member of the Ciudad Imperial supporters club.

Real Madrid don't just play finals, they win them

Real Madrid's supporters are in confident mood ahead of their clash against local rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final, ...

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Real players making great steps under Zidane

Previous coach Rafa Benitez's final game in charge came in a 2-2 draw against Valencia on January 3, whilst Zidane beat them on Saturday and now has a 33rd league title for the club in his sights.<br /> The difference between the present day and Benitez's final moments are staggering.<br /> Real are now one point behind league leaders Barcelona going into their final against Deportivo La Coruna and have a second Champions League final in three seasons to look forward to.<br /> Quite a few factors can point to this remarkable turnaround but none more so than the players themselves.<br /> <figure class="multimedia-item photo-decoration" itemprop="image" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><img class="full-image" itemprop="contentUrl" src="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629642392041.jpg" width="660" /></figure> Casemiro and Lucas Vazquez are considered two of the most improved under Zidane, whilst with Benitez their game time came off the bench, or they simply had to watch on from the stands.<br /> Casemiro started seven games and made four substitute appearances for Benitez.<br /> Zidane, meanwhile, has already made him a key figure in his line-up by starting the Brazilian nine times and bringing him off the bench just once.<br /> The 24-year old made appearances against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid on September 12 and October 4 respectively, but endured a five-game wait absence in between as he was lowered down the pecking order.<br /> He then kept his place in Benitez's squad until the Clasico on November 21, where the former Liverpool manager reverted to tactics of old playing James Rodriguez in a three-man midfield.<br /> <figure class="multimedia-item photo-decoration" itemprop="image" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><img class="full-image" itemprop="contentUrl" src="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629642745943.jpg" width="660" /></figure> Real went on to lose 4-0 and thus began the unfolding of Benitez's time at the club.<br /> Academy graduate Lucas Vazquez played two games for Benitez making eight appearances as a substitute.<br /> With Zidane, however, Vazquez has made seven starts and as many introductions from the bench.<br /> The 24-year old has made good use of the opportunities after injuries to Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema.

Real players making great steps under Zidane

Previous coach Rafa Benitez's final game in charge came in a 2-2 draw against Valencia on January 3, whilst Zidane beat them on Saturda...

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Zidane earns belief from Real turnaround

After the defeat to Atletico Madrid in late February, Los Blancos were in freefall with supporters unsure of Zidane's managerial attributes.<br /> It was his first defeat as manager yet it looked to be a damaging one with Barcelona so far ahead in La Liga at the time.<br /> <br /> Defeats against your local rivals are never received well and even the 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture earned by Rafa Benitez early in the season piled pressure on the former coach.<br /> Benitez was eventually dismissed and there was a fear Zidane may go the same way after the disastrous trip to the Estadio Vicente Calderon.<br /> Yet what has happened since that defeat has taken everybody by surprise as Real Madrid have put themselves back into contention for both the Champions League and La Liga titles.<br /> After the Atletico defeat, the Frenchman began to string together results with 11 consecutive victories taking full advantage of Barcelona's collapse in March.<br /> This collapse was started by a defeat to a resurgent Madrid side at the Camp Nou, a result which quietly earned Zidane huge amounts of respect amongst supporters and the press alike.<br /> <br /> <figure class="multimedia-item photo-decoration" itemprop="image" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><img class="full-image" itemprop="contentUrl" src="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629704142237.jpg" width="660" /></figure><br /><br /> <br /> Whilst those 11 victories in 11 matches have done enough to keep him in a job, Zidane also has his eyes locked on another good omen involving the number 11.<br /> The 'Undecima' is a possibility with Real facing Atletico in this season's Champions League final.<br /> Zidane won Real a Champions League with a famous volley and he hopes to do the same only this time from a position on the bench.<br /> Whilst an important match for the club, the decision on the Frenchman's future has already been taken, he will keep his job.<br /> His wonderful work since the Atletico defeat will be rewarded with patience with the belief amongst the Madrid board that had they appointed him sooner, Barcelona wouldn't be in such a strong position to win the title on Sunday.<br /> He handles the media well, he is well respected within the dressing room and now after an early wobble, the 11 straight victories has shown he has the makings of a good coach.

Zidane earns belief from Real turnaround

After the defeat to Atletico Madrid in late February, Los Blancos were in freefall with supporters unsure of Zidane's managerial attri...

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Navas and Carvajal return to real Madrid

The duo missed Sunday's clash with Valencia through injury worries but returned to training with the group ahead of the final La Liga matchday.<br /> <br /> <strong>Real head to the Riazor on Saturday needing both a victory</strong> and Granada to do them a favour when Barcelona play in Andalusia at the same time.<br /> Zidane's preparations for the trip to La Coruna have begun and it is expected both Navas and Carvajal will return to the team.<br /> <br /> <figure class="multimedia-item photo-decoration" itemprop="image" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><img class="full-image" itemprop="contentUrl" src="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629782103770.jpg" width="660" /></figure> <br /> <br /> Bale however remains a fitness concern and only managed some sprinting work alone on Wednesday at Valdebebas whilst Modric was merely rested and will return on Saturday.<br /> Lucas Vazquez picked up an injury on Sunday against Valencia and while he is recovering the winger remains a doubt for the final La Liga match.<br /> Zidane also welcomed three younger players into the setup to work with the group on Wednesday as Borja Mayoral, Martin Odegaard and Marcos Llorente were all invited to participate.<br /> <br />

Navas and Carvajal return to real Madrid

The duo missed Sunday's clash with Valencia through injury worries but returned to training with the group ahead of the final La Liga ...

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Real Madrid star's agent meets PSG

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer, the wealthy Ligue 1 outfit are keen to bring the Real Madrid forward to the Parc de Princes, and it seems that negotiations may have already begun.<br /><br />According to Le Parisien, Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes met with representatives of PSG and has come to an agreement with the French club for the possible arrival of the Portuguese international if he does in fact bid farewell to Madrid.<br /><br />Having previously promised to see out the remainder of his contract, which is set to run until 2018, PSG will likely have to wait at least until then to get their hands on the Portuguese.<br /><br />To add further difficulty, Real Madrid President Florentino Perez is also intent on getting the forward to sign a new five-year contract with Los Blancos, which would make PSG's pursuit of Ronaldo that much harder.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629851249870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629851249870.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Real Madrid star's agent meets PSG

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer, the wealthy Ligue 1 outfit are keen to bring the Real Madrid forw...

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Hopefully we'll see a repeat of the Lisbon final

The former Real keeper won European club football's most coveted prize in 2014 when Los Blancos defeated Atletico Madrid in Lisbon, with Casillas looking for a similar result when the teams come head to head again in Milan.<br /><br />"Hopefully we will see a repeat of the final in Lisbon. Let's see if the season will end well for the club, if they can't win the league then let's hope they win the Champions League," he said.<br /><br />The Real legend believes lots of the positive work coming from the team is down to new head coach Zinedine Zidane, as the club chase a league and Champions league double.<br /><br />"We now see a Real Madrid side in which few believed in two months ago, it's clear a big part of the team's turnaround has been down to the head coach."<br /><br />Following his departure from the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, many have craved a full explanation as to the circumstances in which he left, with the Spanish international declaring he will reveal it all in the future.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629833908776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629833908776.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Hopefully we'll see a repeat of the Lisbon final

The former Real keeper won European club football's most coveted prize in 2014 when Los Blancos defeated Atletico Madrid in Lisbon, with...

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