Hamit Altintop joined Galatasaray’s pre-season training camp earlier this evening. An official announcement of his transfer has not been made. However, it’s been reported that he would be signing a four-year deal, earning approximately €3.2m per season. Although Alltintop came to Real Madrid on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, Madrid will reportedly turn a €2m profit in the deal. [video | update]
Twenty-six men were on hand for today’s training, including five youth teamers: Nacho, Álex, Merchán, Morata, & Denís. Di María worked out with Carlos Lalín & did some muscle strengthening, stretching, & running exercises. Alonso trained in sneakers, while Marcelo & Khedira continued their respective recovery processes.
Mourinho:“I don’t believe anyone will be offended if I say we have different objectives and different human material. We won 1-0 here last year and lost against them at the Bernabéu. We knew it would be difficult to play here tonight and Sporting used their weapons. They used positive aggressiveness and had a tight defense. We scored one goal in the first half despite having few chances. We knew the game would be different after Di María’s strike and the difference between both teams was more noticeable after half-time. This wasn’t the case in the first 45 minutes because the game was very even.” [videos - English / Spanish]
Marcelo:“We kept possession at the end of the game and found room to attack. We don’t think about Barcelona now, only about Ajax. We have to win our next game.” [video - Spanish]
Casillas:“It’s difficult to win here if Sporting play like us. Our run is actually rather incredible in both La Liga and the Champions League. We must keep this up and win our next game despite having the advantage of already being in the UCL Last 16. We must be in the best possible shape in Amsterdam and try to sustain no injuries in that game.” [video - Spanish]
Di María:“We knew the game would be difficult. The important thing is we’re winning our games. I scored an identical goal against Sevilla. Thank God I managed to pull it off again. I’m having a good run and doing well. We’re calm and must focus on the Champions League before the Clásico.” [video - Spanish]
Pepe: ”We’re doing a good job. We worked hard, played a serious game and fought for every ball. This was an important victory at a difficult venue. Before the Clásico we’ll have a mid-week Champions League clash against Ajax. Barcelona have worked very hard and so have we. We’ve now earned another victory. We must respect our match with Ajax before thinking about Barcelona.” [video - Spanish]
In just 13 seasons, Iker Casillas has the third most appearances as a starter in club history (433).
Tonight, Mesut Özil appeared in his 50th league game.
Karim Benzema played in his 100th official game with Real Madrid, becoming the fifth Frenchman to reach that milestone. [x]
Ángel di María now leads the league with 9 assists.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal tonight crossed Sporting off his list of clubs he has failed to score against in league competition. The remaining two are Levante & Real Betís. [x]
About 400 fans went to the airport to see the team off to Madrid. [x]
The next training session wil be held Sunday morning at 11 local time. [x]
![Hamit Altintop joined Galatasaray’s pre-season training camp earlier this evening. An official announcement of his transfer has not been made. However, it’s been reported that he would be signing a four-year deal, earning approximately €3.2m per season. Although Alltintop came to Real Madrid on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, Madrid will reportedly turn a €2m profit in the deal. [video | update]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m72ippsBWu1qbiysso1_500.jpg)
