Higuain confirms Madrid exit plan

Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain has confirmed he will leave the club this northern summer.



The Argentina international scored the opener as Madrid saw off Osasuna 4-2 on the final day of the Primera Division season but revealed afterwards his 122nd goal for Los Merengues would be his last.



He is widely expected to join Juventus in the coming weeks, although confirmation of his availability is sure to attract the interest of a host of elite clubs.



"I feel that my time here has come to an end and I want a change of scenery. I have experienced seven intense, tough and happy years here," the 25-year-old told reporters



"It was a decision I have been thinking about for some time. It's tough, it wasn't easy to make, but I will go to another club to seek new challenges.



"My family have suffered a lot too. It's a decision the club and me took together, and I hope it's for the best."



Despite his fine scoring record since joining Madrid in January 2007 from River Plate, Higuain has not always enjoyed a good relationship with either fans or coaches, and was booed during the second leg of Madrid's UEFA Champions League semi-final loss to Borussia Dortmund at the end of April.



"I am not going because I was booed," he added. "In seven years this is the first time I have been booed. There are other reasons, but I'm not going to reveal them.



"I have stayed here for seven years and that is for a reason. I equalled the record of a legend like Juanito by becoming the 16th greatest goalscorer in the history of the club.



"No one has given me anything for free, I've had to work my guts out. I leave here happy with the goals I've scored and I managed to get the fans on my side and sing my name."



Pressed on his future, he added: "I haven't decided where I am going.



"There have been offers from Juventus, but I honestly don't know where I'll go.



"I want to go to a club that really believes in me and where I will be happy."

Suarez may be ‘forced’ to leave Liverpool

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has admitted that he would find it difficult to turn down a move to Real Madrid, claiming he was not prepared to put up with the criticism from the press any longer.



Suarez claimed in an interview with Uruguayan radio station sport 890 that the treatment he has received from the press this season has affected his family and may force him to leave the Merseyside club.



The striker also confirmed that he has spoken to Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers, and the manager knows what he wanted.



The 26-year-old will miss the first six games of next season as he serves the remainder of a ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic. This is the second lengthy ban he has faced after being forced to miss 8 games after being convicted of racially abusing Patrice Evra.



Speaking to 890 Sport, Suarez said: “I’ve worked hard since childhood to get where I am and I keep getting constant criticism from the English press. It makes me tired. Liverpool want me to stay, but do not know what will happen. It would be difficult to say no to Real Madrid.”



Suarez said Liverpool had treated him well and he had “only words of thanks for the fans”, and added: “So far I have not received any official offer from Madrid.”



He continued: “I have a contract with Liverpool, but it would be very difficult to say no to Real Madrid. There are a lot of rumours in the transfer period, but you never know until firm offers are made.”



He added: “I’ve talked to the coach (Rodgers), and he knows what I want. He was a player. Some of the players understand my situation – enough said.”

Ramos: Bale would suit us

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos believes Gareth Bale is "in the right mould" to be a star player at the Bernabeu should he ever sign for the Spanish giants.



There has been considerable speculation about the future of the Wales international after Tottenham failed to qualify for the Champions League, with Madrid the most likely destination.



Quoted in The Sun, Ramos said:

"Gareth Bale is a Real Madrid-quality signing. He has had an exceptional season. He can punish any team in the world and has the footballing qualities we look for in Madrid.



"I am sure Madrid will not be the only team that want to sign him - but he is the right mould for us."



"We fought hard this season, the team and the manager have been great," he said.



"We have got the record points for the club in the Premier League.



"That would normally be enough to qualify for the Champions League, but it's not meant to be again.



"It's disappointing, but we will pick ourselves up again.



"We will just have to regroup this season and give it another go."

Bale rounded off a remarkable year on Sunday by scoring his 26th goal of the season, but his wonder winner against Sunderland was not enough to earn the club Champions League qualification.



The club are understandably keen to hold on to their star man and manager Andre Villas-Boas recently called on the forward to end speculation about his future by signing a new deal at White Hart Lane.



For now, the signs look promising for Tottenham fans. From his comments in the immediate aftermath of the victory over Sunderland, he seemed in no mood to abandon ship and head to Madrid.

Real Madrid's Coentrao want out this summer

Fabio Coentrao looks set to follow Jose Mourinho out of Real Madrid after revealing his unhappiness in the Spanish capital, and is already being linked with Chelsea.





The 25-year-old Coentrao joined Madrid in 2011 from Benfica and he has impressed, playing at both full-back and in midfield.



However, with Mourinho's departure confirmed and the Portuguese coach expected to join Chelsea, Coentrao is looking to follow his fellow countryman through the Bernabeu exit doors.



Speaking to Ojogo in his homeland, Coentrao said: "From the first day I do not think I was wanted here.

"Today it seems that everyone wants me to leave the club. I do not know what I have done wrong.



"We must find a solution that is good for both the club and myself, so that no one will lose out."



"If I leave Real Madrid, I do not close the door to anyone," he said.

Coentrao was asked about the prospect of following Mourinho to Chelsea, and he admitted he would not rule it out.

Official: Carlo Ancelotti to leave PSG

Carlo Ancelotti will not be the Paris St Germain coach next season, Qatar-owned television channel BeIN Sport reported on Sunday.



"Carlo Ancelotti will not be the PSG coach next season. He met (club president Nasser al-Khelaifi) and (sporting director) Leonardo this afternoon in Paris for more than an hour," BeIN Sport, who have television rights for Ligue 1, said on their Twitter feed.



Italian Ancelotti joined PSG, who are owned by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), in December 2011, leading them to their first French league title since 1994 last weekend.



PSG were not immediately available for comment.



Ancelotti ducked questions about his future on Friday, saying he had not made his decision then.



Earlier this week, Al-Khelaifi told Reuters that he had turned down a Real Madrid move to hire Ancelotti.



"They (Real) came and I discussed it with them. He's got a contract with us for one more year...for me, he's here next year," Al-Khelaifi said on Monday.



Ancelotti, 53, won league titles with PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, also taking the Italian club to the Champions League title in 2003 and 2007.



His contract at PSG was automatically renewed by one year until June next year when the club secured a Champions League spot for next season.

Jose: Worst ever season

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho remained non-committal about where he will be next term after his side lost 2-1 in the Copa del Rey final against local rivals Atletico Madrid to round off the "worst season" of his life.



Diego Costa's first-half equaliser cancelled out Cristiano Ronaldo's early header at the Bernabeu, before Miranda's extra-time goal delivered Atletico's first victory over Real for 14 years.

Madrid's frustration told and, with Mourinho having been sent from the technical area during normal time, Ronaldo saw red in the 114th minute for kicking out at Atletico captain Gabi - who was himself dismissed in the frantic final minutes for a second bookable offence.

The defeat rounded off a trophyless campaign for Real and Mourinho, disregarding the Spanish Supercopa, prompting the Portuguese to declare: "This is the worst season of my life."

Mourinho has been widely tipped to return to Chelsea but reiterated that he would not make any announcement about his future until he has a meeting with the club president Florentino Perez at the end of the season.

He said: "I have a contract here for three more years. I still haven't sat down with the president to talk about the future."

On rumours touting Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti as his potential replacement, he continued: "I think it's normal that they talk about Ancelotti. That's normal, if I go to Chelsea, or here or there... that's normal for people to talk abut that. We will make it official when me and the president sit down and decide what to do.

"That's the way it should be. There are still two games in the league to play. We have to play the league and respect the other teams we are playing - Real Sociedad and Osasuna - who still have objectives, like qualifying for the Champions League and avoiding relegation."

If Mourinho does leave the Spanish capital this summer, he will have won just three trophies in his three-year tenure at the club: the 2011 Copa del Rey, the 2011/12 Primera Division title and the Spanish Supercopa - traditional season curtain raiser - this term.

He defended his record in his first two years in charge of Los Blancos, but admitted he had "failed" this year.

"I failed this season," he said. "I think it's normal in my first season that we won the cup - a cup the club had not won in 20 years - reached the semi-final of the Champions League, fought virtually to the end for a league that they (Barcelona) won year after year... the team everyone said was the best in the world.

"My second season was not a failure because we won the league against the best team in the world and got to the Champions League semi-final and lost on penalties, and I'm sorry, because I can't take penalties.



"The third season is a failure. This is the worst season of my life. For many coaches it would be good, but for me it's terrible. I had never finished a season without one of the important trophies. The Supercopa does not satisfy me."


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Ronaldo confident of Spanish Cup success

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo is confident his side can end the season with victory in Friday's Spanish Cup final against local rivals Atletico.



The capital city's rival teams meet at the Bernabeu, with both sides seeking their first silverware this year.

"If we play to our potential, and stick to what we do well, I think we will win,"the 28-year-old said.



While Real have struggled this season, the Portugal international has scored 52 goals for them in all competitions.

Ronaldo's formidable scoring record holds good in derby games - he has scored eight times in the fixture since he joined Real from Manchester United for a world-record £80m fee in 2009.

He continued: "I am going to try to help my team-mates in the best way possible - I am going to try to score.

"I am sure we will be prepared for the occasion."

Real are in second place in the table, nine points and one place ahead of Atletico.

In an underwhelming campaign, they have easily surrendered their league title to Barcelona, and exited the Champions League at the semi-final stage losing 4-3 on aggregate to Borussia Dortmund after a 4-1 defeat in the home leg.

With speculation continuing to link head coach Jose Mourinho with a return to Chelsea, the final of the Copa del Rey could ensure his reign ends on a high.

Recent record

The Portuguese has endured a trying third season in Madrid, with rumours of clashes with players after captain Iker Casillas was left out of the side in January.

He will also be troubled by the absence of promising centre-back Raphael Varane, whohas been ruled out following knee surgery this week.

Atletico come into the game without a win in the fixture since October 1999. During that spell, they have lost 19 times and drawn six.

This season in the league, Atletico lost 2-0 to Real at the Bernabeu and 2-1 at Vicente Calderon in their most recent meeting on 27 April.

"Of course our fans don't like the situation, but I don't think it will influence the match,'' Atletico forward Diego Costa said.

"We know it's a final and we have to be at our best to win. The key is to stick together as a great team and for each one of us to give it his all."

Despite that poor form, in Radamel Falcao they boast a goalscorer to rival Ronaldo. The Colombian has netted 28 times in the top flight this season, as well as scoring in two Europa League finals earlier in his career.


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Dortmund holds on to reach UCL final

Borussia Dortmund are through to the UEFA Champions League final after securing a 4-3 aggregate win over Real Madrid.



Following their stunning 4-1 success in Germany a week ago, the visitors were stubborn throughout, with Madrid only able to breach their backline in the final 10 minutes through Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos.



Jose Mourinho made two changes from the first leg, bringing in Michael Essien and Angel di Maria for Pepe and Sami Khedira, while Dortmund went with the same XI that had won so convincingly at the Westfalenstadion.



The hosts exploded into the game and could have taken the lead as early as the fourth minute. Luka Modric robbed Marcel Schmelzer and touched the ball to Mesut Ozil, who found Gonzalo Higuain first time in the box, but Roman Weidenfeller rushed out to smother the Argentine.



Ronaldo then blasted an effort over and hit a swivelling volley at Weidenfeller, either side of an opening for Robert Lewandowski, before Dortmund were handed an early blow as Mario Gotze was forced off with a hamstring strain and replaced by Kevin Grosskreutz.



Madrid were swarming forward and wasted yet another gilt-edged chance as Higuain's flick sent Ozil through on goal but, with Ronaldo waiting square for a tap-in, the German screwed his effort wide at the near post.



In the build-up to Tuesday's game Mourinho had lamented Real's soft approach to handling Lewandowski in the first leg, but his side went about roughing up the Pole where they could at the start of the second. Fabio Coentrao was the first to go into Howard Webb's notepad for a crunching challenge on the striker, while he was also caught by a stray Sergio Ramos elbow in an aerial challenge.



The visitors smelt blood and went after an early goal in the second half. Lewandowski blazed over after good work from Jakub Blaszczykowski on the left and had an even better chance just a minute later as Reus slipped him through on goal, but the number nine rattled the crossbar from eight yards.



Dortmund kept the pressure on and Madrid had Diego Lopez to thank as he thwarted Ilkay Gundogan from point-blank range after Marco Reus and Grosskreutz's one-two had left Raphael Varane for dead.



Madrid were struggling, with Mats Hummels and Neven Subotic proving nigh-on impossible to breach despite wave after wave of attack.



Indeed it was Dortmund who continued to make the better of the chances and they should have killed the tie off for good with 15 minutes to play. Reus danced into the box and, with a sight of goal, squared for Lewandowski, but Varane threw himself in front of the Pole's effort to preserve the stalemate on the night.



But the home fans were given cause for hope in the 83rd minute as Khedira played Ozil in down the left flank and crossed for Benzema, who finished high into the net.



With two minutes left on the clock, Madrid had another. Benzema did magnificently to control a high ball on the bye-line and cut back to Ramos, who thumped the ball past Weidenfeller, but it was not enough for the hosts and Dortmund will go on to face Barcelona or Bayern Munich, who are 4-0 up from the first leg, at Wembley in May.

Mourinho believes in Real comeback

Jose Mourinho believes Real Madrid's naivety lead to them losing so heavily against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semi-final first leg last week, but has backed his side to turn the tie around at the Bernabeu.



Real head into tomorrow's match 4-1 down after they were outplayed by Jurgen Klopp's side at the Westfalenstadion.



Robert Lewandowski scored all of Dortmund's goals and Mourinho felt his players did not mark him properly, and even complained they did not commit fouls against the Polish striker.

"My team only does legal things and only can do legal things," he said.



"We are so pure and so naive that Lewandowski scored four goals and we didn't foul him even once. They (Dortmund) fouled Cristiano (Ronaldo) five times as soon as the game began.



"How can you play 90 minutes and not commit a foul on a player who scored four goals?"



Mourinho expressed reservations about the team's chances of qualifying for the final, but still believes it is possible if they learn from their mistakes.



"I respect the history of this club but I never like to be in this situation, especially with a scoreline like that, when you start 1-4 behind. It's difficult to mathematically justify that we have a chance," he said.



"If we play like we did in Dortmund then it's difficult to see us doing it, but if we play the same way we have played in many games and we have the spirit to win a great game we will do it.



"We are an excellent team and we have excellent players.We are going to play to try and go through. We have to go for it right until the end of the game. Football is football and everything is possible."



Los Blancos beat rivals Atletico Madrid 2-1 at the weekend and Mourinho would like to see that performance replicated against Dortmund.



"I want my team to play with mental strength," he said.



"I have read that Saturday's game was boring but for me it was an example of how to be a compact, united and an aggressive team all working together for one objective."

Defender Sergio Ramos declared that the team were motivated to make amends for their disappointing performance in Dortmund.

"We can't wait for the game to arrive," he said.



"There is a desire in the dressing room to get revenge and stay in the competition."

Ramos, who will be the team's captain tomorrow, called on the fans that will be in the Bernabeu to make an extra effort but emphasised that ultimately it is down to the players to reverse their fortunes.

"You have to do your talking on the pitch," he said.



"Of course it is a boost to be able to play at home and have the fans roaring us on till the death. They can lift us, but that'll be no use if we aren't concentrated. It's up to us."

Ronaldo a doubt for Dortmund clash

Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged as an injury doubt for Real Madrid's Champions League semi-final second leg against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.



Ronaldo missed Real's 2-1 derby win over Atletico on Saturday with a thigh injury which he suffered in the 4-1 defeat in the first leg in Germany in midweek.



The Portugal forward did not train with his team-mates on Sunday either, working alone with Madrid's fitness team as he bids to get close enough to 100% to feature in the return contest.



Madrid's hopes of overcoming their three-goal deficit would clearly not be helped by the absence of a player who leads the Champions League scoring charts with 12 goals - Ronaldo has scored in their last six European matches.


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Spurs boss reacts to quit rumours

Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has dismissed rumours linking him with a move to Real Madrid.



The Spurs manager has become one of the favourites to succeed Jose Mourinho at Los Blancos, however, Villas-Boas has stated that he wants his future to be in London.



Focused



The Daily Mirror reports how AVB is determined to stay at a club for more than one year, and he joked: “At the moment, I am very, very focused on trying to get another year at one club. The same club!”



Before getting employed as Tottenham manager, Villas-Boas had an inauspicious reign as Chelsea boss, getting sacked 10 months into the job.



He started his management career with Portuguese outfit Academica Coimbra, leaving them after a season to join Porto where he achieved his most success, lifting the Portuguese title and the Europa League, before moving on to Chelsea.



However, AVB has stated that he is completely focused on trying to gain Champions League qualification with Tottenham and believes Arsenal will not be adversely affected by the three-match suspension of Olivier Giroud.



He added: “Giroud is key, but I think they have the option of Gervinho, who has finished his last few fixtures very well. Lukas Podolski also offers that.”



Game in hand



Tottenham are currently sitting two points behind their fierce rivals, however, they have a game in hand.



If they are to win their remaining games they will reach their goal of Champions League qualification, with their away game to fellow Champions League qualification chasers Chelsea being the toughest of their remaining five fixtures.

Lewandowski destroy Real Madrid

Robert Lewandowski's stunning four-goal haul inspired Borussia Dortmund to a memorable 4-1 win over Real Madrid in the first-leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.



Polish hit-man Lewandowski became the first player in Champions League history to score four goals against Real to leave Dortmund well-placed to reach next month's final and set up the possibility of an all-German final with Bayern Munich.



Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed what could prove to be a crucial away goal for Real, but Lewandowski was the hero for Dortmund with a stunning individual performance.



Dortmund settled the better of the two sides and they went close to scoring after just seven minutes when Marco Reus picked the ball up and ran to the edge of the box before firing in a low shot which Diego Lopez did well to keep and Lewandowski was just unable to capitalise on the rebound as the ball went too wide and Sergio Ramos got back to block his shot.



The home side did make the breakthrough a minute later with Robert Lewandowski losing Pepe inside the six-yard box to sweep home Mario Gotze's inviting cross from the left and send the home fans into raptures.



Real were struggling to make any real impact in the early stages and it took them 24 minutes to have their first shot on target when Ronaldo fired in a trademark free-kick from fully 35 yards which Roman Weidenfeller did well to push away.



The game swung in Real's favour just before the break with Dortmund feeling they should have been awarded a penalty only for seconds later for the Spanish side to draw level.



Marco Reus went down in the box under pressure from Raphael Varane, but the home side's penalty appeals were waved away and the suffered a double blow as play switched straight down to the other end as Real equalised.



Mats Hummels made a mess of an attempted backpass to allow Gonzalo Higuain through on goal and he unselfishly crossed for the unmarked Ronaldo to slot the ball into the empty net.



Dortmund came flying out of the traps at the start of the second half and they restored their lead five minutes after the break as Reus's shot landed at the feet of Lewandowski inside the box and despite claims for offside from the Real defence the Pole poked home his shot from close-range.



Things got even better for Dortmund on 55 minutes as Lewandowski completed his hat-trick with a superb finish. Marcel Schmelzer's cross from the left found its way to Lewandowski inside the box and he showed great skill to drag the ball back past Pepe before smashing an unstoppable shot high into the net past Lopez.



Dortmund were in full flow and Ilkay Gundogan was denied a stunning goal by a superb fingertip save by Lopez after a fine run by the Dortmund midfielder past a couple of Real Madrid challenges.



The German side were awarded a penalty on 67 minutes when Reus was barged over in the box by Xabi Alonso and Lewandowski made no mistake from the spot as he drilled his shot straight down the middle.

Ozil relished the challenge against former club

Real Madrid midfielder, Mesut Özil is excited over the chance to play just 30 kilometres from where he grew up when Real Madrid take on Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League Semi-final tie.

He is excited by the chance to play against his team-mates on the national squad.



In his pre-match press conference, Özil spoke about Wednesday evening’s match at Westfalenstadion and the thrill of facing Marco Reus and Mario Götze.



“Logically it’s very exciting for me to get to play against my team-mates but it’s even more special to be still playing for Real Madrid. This is the third time I’ve made it to a semi-final and it’s a vital game for us. The most important thing is that we give the best of ourselves and try to reach the final.”



The German international then spoke about his recent goal scoring performances, but says it’s not for individual recognition, it’s to help the team.



“I’m happy to be on a goal scoring run but the most important thing is that we function as a team.



“I hope we can give a good image of ourselves to everyone watching and work as a team, scoring goals is not the most important thing for me.”

Özil concluded by giving his thoughts on the shocking transfer of Borussia Dortmund midfielder, Mario Götze to rivals, Bayern Munich next summer.



“I didn’t know anything about this before, I just found out today. I know him well and I’m happy for him but I don’t want to talk any more about this issue because I want to focus on tomorrow’s game.”


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Jose ready for Dortmund

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho hopes this is the year his star-studded side finally get their hands on the Champions League trophy after coming up agonisingly short in the last two seasons.

Madrid's desire to claim a record 10th European Cup crown was floundering badly prior to Mourinho's arrival in 2010, with the Spanish giants suffering six successive exits at the last-16 stage.

However, since the Portuguese took charge Madrid have re-established themselves as a force to be reckoned with on the continent with three successive semi-final appearances.

The first two ended in disappointment with defeats to Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but Mourinho hopes it will be third time lucky when they take on Borussia Dortmund and that his team can then go on to lift the trophy he believes they deserve to win.

"We have a way of playing which is well-known, we've been on the brink for three years and we have s style of the play that guarantees quality," he said.

"I would like football to do justice to our players because with a few exceptions, none of them have won this competition so far and we've never won it as a team, and they deserve to do so."

"We've fallen in two semi-finals, one is best forgotten (against Barcelona) and the other on penalties (against Bayern) in a very tough manner.

"Hopefully football will now be fair with my players."

He added: "At this club to finish second is not enough, nor is it to reach the semi-finals. We need to give our maximum to reach the final."

Madrid met Dortmund in the 1998 Champions League semi-finals and knocked the then holders out 2-0 aggregate defeat before going on to lift the trophy themselves.

Dortmund have had the better of the meetings between two in the season's competition though, winning 2-1 at home in the group stages before drawing 2-2 at the Bernabeu in a match which saw Madrid net an 89th-minute equaliser through Mesut Ozil.

Mourinho concedes his side will need to defend better than in those games, saying: "All the goals they scored against us in the group stages were our own mistakes. We could have avoided them.

"In this tie we will have to be much better focused defensively. We will be more solid. If they score against us they need to be fantastic goals or because we haven't been able to do anything about them."

Mourinho, whose side could lose their Primera Division title to Barcelona this weekend if results go against them, opted to reveal at Tuesday's pre-match press conference what his side will be for the first leg, with the only question mark being winger Angel Di Maria who is set to travel to Germany on Wednesday following the birth of his child on Monday.

Mourinho has again preferred Diego Lopez to Iker Casillas in goal, while Sergio Ramos will line up at right-back, Fabio Coentrao will play at left-back with Marcelo out injured and Gonzalo Higuain will start up front ahead of Karim Benzema.

Dortmund have a pretty healthy squad, with Mats Hummels set to return to the starting line-up following his long lay-off. Midfielder Sebastian Kehl, though, is a doubt through injury.


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Alonso stalls over new Real Madrid deal

Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has fuelled speculation that he could leave the Bernebeu in the summer as he is hesitant over signing a new contract.

Alonso's contract is due to run out this summer, and talks have reached an impasse.



We reported a few weeks ago that Real have been lining up PSG's Marco Verratti as a potential replacement for Alonso, if he were to leave.



Alonso's father, Periko, has been quite coy about his son's future.



"What he wants to do is to wait a bit to see what happens and how things go, and then, when the time is right, he'll make the appropriate decision," Periko told Marca.



"It's as simple as that - there's nothing else to it."



Alonso would be welcomed back with open arms if he returned to Liverpool, as he was a fans' favourite during his spell at Anfield.



Alonso has made over 120 La Liga appearances since joining Los Blancos in 2009.

PSG's director has ruled out CR7

Paris Saint Germain sporting director Leonardo has ruled out a move for Cristiano Ronaldo and has said his side have never made a bid for the Real Madrid forward.

The Ligue 1 outift have been linked with a summer move Ronaldo since the turn of the year, with many predicting the club’s rich owners would fund a double move for both he and coach Jose Mourinho, however, former Brazilian midfielder Leonardo has said an offer has never been made.



“On Ronaldo, there has never been an offer,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.



“I’ve never heard anything about (Wayne) Rooney or (Edinson) Cavani either. I do not rule out big signings, but only if there is a suitable opportunity.



“We do want a larger squad with adequate cover in all areas in order to avoid the sort of problems we had in January in midfield with all the injuries and suspensions.”

Marcelo: Dortmund are a very strong team

Real Madrid defender Marcelo says that he and his team-mates are fully aware of the quality Borussia Dortmund possess.

Madrid met Dortmund in the group stages earlier in the competition and were unable to beat the Germans, losing in Germany and drawing 2-2 at Santiago Bernabeu and Brazilian defender Marcelo is fully aware of the threat they possess going into next week’s Champions League semi-final.



“We are clear that we want to arrive at this much-anticipated final but we also know that Borussia are a very strong team,” Marcelo told AFP.



“We drew with them in the Bernabeu and we know it will be very difficult because they are a great side. They also like to attack a lot and in the way we attack we are similar.

“Lewandowski is a difficult man to defend against. The whole team is very strong, so we cannot fixate on just one player and we will see what happens because we are desperate to go to the final.



“The team is very united in the dressing room and you notice this on the pitch. Many times I hear people talking about the 10th European Cup.



“It is a dream for the supporters but we are first dreaming about getting to the final and going step-by-step.



“We have a great chance and we will see if we can achieve it,” he added.

Real Madrid line up Alonso replacement

Spanish newspaper Marca is reporting that Real Madrid are considering a bid for Sevilla starlet Geoffrey Kondogbia.



It is no secret los Merengues are looking for a long-term replacement for Xabi Alonso, who is set to enter the final year of his deal at Santiago Bernabeu.



They have been linked with a number of players in the past few months, but Marca has suggested that Sevilla’s Geoffrey Kondogbia has been elected as the most suitable successor to the Spain international.



The Frenchman has largely impressed in a holding midfielder role since joining the club from Nantes, and he has seen his name linked with a number of Europe’s top clubs.



Due to the difficult financial situation, Sevilla may have no choice but to cash in on their star player in the summer, with Real ready to pounce.



Kondogbia, 20, has featured in 25 La Liga matches this term and scored the only goal of the campaign in a 3-0 home win over Granada.

La Liga top guns secure wins

It is as you were in Spain's Primera Liga as Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid all recorded comfortable wins on Sunday.

Cristian Tello bagged a brace while Thiago was also on target as Barcelona eased to a 3-0 victory over Real Zaragoza at La Romareda.

Zaragoza came into the match having taken just 27 points from 30 matches and occupying 18th place.

And their performance replicated their standing as Tito Vilanova's team - 13 points clear of second-placed Real Madrid - dominated from the off.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid coasted to a comfortable 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao.

Ronaldo struck with a fine free-kick in the second minute before heading a second after 69 minutes.

Gonzalo Higuain scored a third as Jose Mourinho's side made sure the gap to leaders Barcelona stayed at 13 points. Defeat left Bilbao eight points above the relegation zone.





Radamel Falcao scored twice as Atletico Madrid continued their bid for a top-two finish with a comprehensive 5-0 home win over Granada.

Falcao, who was the centre of more transfer speculation this week with Manchester United mooted as a possible destination this summer, struck in the 27th and 47th minutes to take his tally to 30 in all competitions this season.

Diego Costa, Raul Garcia and Filipe Luis were also on the scoresheet as Diego Simeone's men made it 14 wins from 16 league matches at the Vicente Calderon this season while also keeping up the pressure on second-placed Real Madrid.

Real Sociedad continued their outstanding run of form with a convincing 2-0 win away to Rayo Vallecano.



Two goals by Imanol Agirretxe in the opening 14 minutes set the Basque side on their way to victory and although they took their foot off the gas somewhat in the second half, they were always in control of the game.

This was Sociedad's fifth win in seven games and means they maintain their grip on fourth spot in the Primera Division table, staying four points clear of Malaga and moving four points ahead of Valencia.

Salgado: Mourinho heading back to England

Former Real Madrid defender Michel Salgado believes Jose Mourinho has already made a decision about his future and will return to England.



The Portuguese coach said earlier this week he will sit down with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez at the end of the 2012/13 campaign to discuss his future at the club.



But Salgado has little doubt Mourinho will soon return to the Premier League.



"It would be no surprise if he returns to the Premier League," Salgado told Sport 360.



"I think he has made a decision and it will have nothing to do with whether he wins the Champions League this season or not.



"I can see Mourinho returning to England because he loves England, he loves the atmosphere of English football, and the respect English football has for him."



Mourinho previously worked in England at Chelsea from 2004 until 2007.