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Real Madrid 2012/2013: Day Two

José Mourinho again supervised the squad’s two-a-day sessions. The morning’s training began with a 15-minute window open to the press. Rui Faria was on hand to lead the 22 players in warmups then sprints. Players ended the session pairing up in resistance training.

Following the session was Gonzalo Higuaín’s press conference. According to Cuatro, the last player to give one was José Callejón during last season’s Champions League. In response to Sandro Rosell’s statement about La Liga’s “strange season”, the striker replied, “100 points, 121 goals, victory in the Camp Nou - yeah, it was a strange season, but a spectacular one for us.”

In addition to his favorable comments about rumored signing Luka Modric, Higuaín also gave his thoughts on what to expect from him this campaign. ”I’m stubborn and don’t like to give in. I’ll fight for my place, which is what I’ve done since my first season here.“

The evening training focused more on tactics & ball work. The final exercise was a game in which Aitor Karanka participated. Those vested in blue won 2-1, with goals coming from Kaká & Gonzalo Higuaín.

For the second day, Ricardo Cavalho was absent from practice; Fernando Gago also failed to make an appearance. A closed training resumes Wednesday at 5:30. There will be no press conference.

In other news. The RFEF announced that the second leg of the Supercopa is moving up a day (August 29). Both legs will kick off at 10:30 pm CEST.

via Four Four Two -

“UEFA have asked the Spanish federation (RFEF) to change the date for the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup, from August 30th to the 29th,” the RFEF said in a statement on Tuesday.

“So that it does not coincide with the gala put on by European football’s governing body in Monaco.” 

There are conflicting reports on the return of the Euro 2012 players. In conflict with Marca’s published dates, El Mundo & Europa Press report that Karim Benzema will appear at Valdebebas on July 23 & the remaining players on July 28.

José Mourinho has added another member to his technical staff. Luis Campos is a former coach & TV commentator who has joined Real Madrid as club scout.

Photo credits: Getty Images / Agencia LOF / Jesús Aguilera 

Club legend Raúl González stopped by Valdebebas Wednedsay. Álvaro Morata was sure to capture the moment with his “idol”.

Photo gallery: training - morning / evening

Videos: morning training - English | Spanish / presser English | Spanish

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Photo credit: Chema Rey / Marca

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Marcelo & Callejón at Game 4 of the ACB Finals, 6.13.12

Since Real Madrid lost 75-81 to Barcelona, the league title will be decided this Saturday (kickoff at 7 pm CEST).

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Marcelo & Callejón enjoying Real Madrid defeat Barcelona 85-59 in Game 3 of the ACB Finals.

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The Plane Ride Home

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Let us all appreciate the faces of drunk Xabi.

H Q

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More RM/Sporting Gifs

Match gifs

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“*insert name here* if you give me your shirt, I’d be the happiest kid in the world”

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RM/Sporting Gifs

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1st Half:

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Training gifs, 4.13.12

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More Atleti/RM Gifs

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RM: Post-Atleti Comments (4.11.12)

Karanka: “The outcome of the league has not been decided. We’ve been saying this for a long time. We know who we are & where we stand. We said this two months ago when some people believed we could be greeted as champions at this stage, & we said it again three days ago when everyone thought we would lose. We’ve always been confident. We must continue working hard, fighting & believing in ourselves.”

Cristiano: “The team is in good form, confident & ready for its next game. I’ve been one booking short of a suspension for two months, but I’m behaving myself.” [videos: English / Spanish]

Callejón: “I always try to do my best. I’ve supported Real Madrid since I was a kid, & I always will.” [video: Spanish]

Alonso: “My booking was circumstantial. These things happen in a match, & I was reaching my limit.” [video: Spanish]

Ramos: “Taking three points was vital after drawing against Valencia. A team like Real Madrid lives with pressure, but we know how to withstand it and we have to be ready for everything. Each match is a matter of life and death. We earned an important victory tonight. Everything turned out well and we’re calm.” [videos: English / Spanish]

Man of the Match: Cristiano Ronaldo

[photo credit: Reuters]

Photo gallery / In Case You Missed It / Video highlights / Match gifs

Of note.

  • Pepe celebrated his 150th official appearance with the club Wednesday night.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo became the 1st player to score 40 goals in consecutive seasons in the history of Europe’s top 4 leagues (Spain, England, Italy, Germany).
  • Real Madrid is the 1st club to score 2,000 away goals in the Spanish league.
  • Sergio Canales, who is on loan to Valencia, made his return to the pitch after a long recovery from a knee injury back in October. In less than 10 minutes on the field, he assisted a goal (88’) against Rayo.
  • Yellow cards: Xabi Alonso will miss the Sporting match because of accumulation. Cristiano Ronaldo, Ángel di María & Fábio Coentrão are both 1 card away from missing the next league match.
  • Injury report: Marcelo did not suit up because of back pain.
  • The team will hold training at noon today.
  • Upcoming matches: 4.14, 8 pm CET vs Sporting Gijón; 4.17, 8:45 pm CET at Bayern Munich; 4.21, 8 pm CET at Barcelona.

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Atleti/RM Gifs

1st Half:

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