Don't Forget!

Ok, this is not related to our blog or to Real Madrid, but you should also check out our friends David and Carlos' blog Feel Good Inc. Here's the link:

http://feelgoodincblog.blogspot.com/

So if you like rock music, that blog's for you :)

A Real Footballer: Di Stéfano

If you're a Madridista, you know who is he. Or let's rephrase that. If you're a football fan, you HAVE to know who is he. One of the best football players of all time, and a Real Madrid legend: "La Saeta Rubia", the Great Alfredo Di Stéfano.

Even though everyone that knows about the club's history knows that he is one of our team's greatest players ever, it is important to know how this football genius ended up in Real Madrid, something that wasn't easy at the beginning.

In 1953, FC Barcelona had an interest for the player and had been contacting him, but they never made a formal agreement with Di Stéfano's current team at that time, Millonarios de Bogotá. Then there was a big mess with the Spanish Federation, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Millonarios de Bogotá and River Plate.

After that, the Spanish Federation made a public decision to allow Di Stéfano four seasons in Spain -two for each team, to be played alternatively. The decision created such a storm of protests by the Barcelona management that they let him go. And thank God, he ended up in Real Madrid, giving the club more than 11 years of great football, joy and CUPS.

He scored a club record 216 league goals in 262 games for Real, striking up a fearsome partnership with Ferenc Puskás. He won with Real Madrid the first FIVE Champions League in 1955–56, 1956–57, 1957–58, 1958–59, and 1959–60.

One of the greatest who had the honor to play for this team. A true idol for the club, legend, a Real footballer who will never be forgotten. That's Alfredo Di Stéfano.

That Feeling You Get

by Daniela

I've realized that everytime a game ends, I just want time to go faster to watch my team's next game. And it makes me so anxious. I don't know if it's just me but, I can't get enough of watching my team on a match, especially when they're winning, of course...

All I'm trying to say is... I CAN'T wait for Real Madrid's next game, especially March 10...

¡Hala Madrid! ¡Hala Madrid! ¡Hala Madrid!

Every team needs a symbol, something that makes you feel proud and recognize it right away. Real Madrid C.F. has many of those. One of them is the club's hymn, written and created on a train that went from Aranjuez to Madrid, and originally sang by José de Aguilar.

Lyrics (in spanish of course):

De las glorias deportivas, que campean por España

va el Madrid con su bandera, limpia y blanca que no empaña.

Club castizo y generoso, todo nervio y corazón,

veteranos y noveles, veteranos y noveles,

miran siempre sus laureles con respeto y emoción.

¡Hala Madrid!, ¡Hala Madrid!

Noble y bélico adalid, caballero del honor.

¡Hala Madrid!, ¡Hala Madrid!

A triunfar en buena lid, defendiendo tu color

¡Hala Madrid!, ¡Hala Madrid!, ¡Hala Madrid!

Enemigo en la contienda,

cuando pierde da la mano

sin envidias ni rencores,

como bueno y fiel hermano.

Los domingos por la tarde,

caminando a Chamartín,

las mocitas madrileñas, las mocitas madrileñas

van alegres y risueñas porque hoy juega su Madrid

¡Hala Madrid!, ¡Hala Madrid!

Noble y bélico adalid, caballero del honor.

¡Hala Madrid!, ¡Hala Madrid!

A triunfar en buena lid, defendiendo tu color

¡Hala Madrid!, ¡Hala Madrid!, ¡Hala Madrid!

A Real Footballer: Zizou

Every week we will have a special entry for a player with a big importance for the club and it's history. This week's homage is for: Zinedine Zidane.

Zizou, as people call him, had already a big history of records and even a FIFA World Cup with France; but it was in one team that the player will finish playing, and with him his heart staying: Real Madrid C.F.

In 2001, Zidane signed for the Spanish team for a then world-record fee of €78 million and a four-year contract; bringing magic, passion, and a beautiful football to the team.

His best night playing for the club was at Hampden Park, Glasgow, in the 2002 UEFA Champions League Final, where he scored the match-winning goal making Real Madrid beat Germany's Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 on a very close match. That is one of the best goals scored in the UEFA Champions League history, and many times considered one of the best in football's history.

Zidane was named FIFA World Player of the Year three times: 1998, 2000 and 2003. And he is considered by many as one of the best 5 footballers of all time (along Johann Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, Diego Maradona and Pelé).

Even after his retirement in 2006, Zizou is still inspiring young players, all because of his leadership in the field and incredible management of the ball. And he is currently Advisor to the President as Florentino Perez was announced President of his beloved team, Real Madrid C.F.

If you have never seen Zizou playing, you have seen nothing.

Going Against History

Real Madrid, who has never beaten Olympique Lyonnais in history of the Champions League, must get past the French team to reach the last eight for the first time in eight years in a tie that means a reunion for the French club with Karim Benzema, Real Madrid's player since last summer.

The Spanish team arrived in a snowy Lyon, who's at sub-zero temperatures, on Monday morning. Never underestimating the oponent, Manuel Pellegrini says,"the squad is optimistic".

Hopefully our team will win this important match, to achieve our most desired dream: La Décima.

A Closer Look: Gonzalo Higuaín

by Dani Carías

Born with soccer in his blood, Gonzalo "Pipita" Higuaín is an Argentine footballer who plays for Real Madrid and Argentina's national team, and who's always at the right place when his team needs it the most.

Higuaín was born in Brest, France, during the time his father, Jorge Higuaín- a former footballer who played for some of the best clubs in Argentina (Boca, River and San Lorenzo), played for Stade Brestois 29.

At his debut club, River Plate, Higuaín started to demonstrate his abilities as a striker. Especially in the Superclásico against Boca Juniors on 2006, where he double scored. Then the offers from Europe started pouring in. Milan, Lazio, Chelsea and Manchester United were all interested in his scoring ability, but it was Real Madrid who made the best possible offer.

Real Madrid successfully signed Higuaín for €13 million, after River Plate had earlier turned down a €10 million offer for the striker from Real.

Higuaín's role in Real Madrid has been very important in the past 3 years, always being in the right time in the right place, never giving up on the team even when there's no hope. And even after the club has brought many great football stars; like Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema; Gonzalo has kept his spirit up high, taking advantage of any opportunity Pellegrini has given him.

All Madridistas have a special hope for this young striker; and as one, I hope to celebrate many Higuaín's goals to come.

San Iker's 500

by Dani Carías.

This Saturday, Iker Casillas will be celebrating his #500 official game as Real Madrid's goalkeeper -who is currently first choice goalkeeper for both club and country and serves as a vice captain for the club. A big number for such a young player, but not surprising for all those who have been watching him since his debut in San Mamés ten years ago.

Casillas has been praised by fellow Spanish goalkeepers and even by England's goalkeeping legend, Gordon Banks, who said: "Casillas' reflexes are incredible. If he continues to play this well he will become one of the best goalkeepers in the history of the game".

Hopefully Iker will keep playing for the team, with the same incomparable love and passion that has characterized him, for many years more.