Match Report: Real Madrid 3-2 Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid’s notorious hoodoo over Atletico Madrid continued on Sunday night as a second half Bernabeu blitz saw Los Blancos come from a goal down to defeat their near city neighbours 3-2.

Strikes from ex-Liverpool duo Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa put Real Madrid in control of proceedings after Jose Antonio Reyes had slotted home a first half effort for the away side giving them the lead. Gonzalo Higuain then continued his fine record against the down town Madrid outfit with Madrid’s third, whilst a Diego Forlan penalty was a late consolation to reduce the arrears for the visitors.
Manuel Pellegrini’s mens second derby duel in less than a week following Thursdays 4-2 triumph at neighbours Getafe saw Brazilian Marcelo return to the first team fray in the absence of Ezequiel Garay whom picked up a knock at the Coliseum. This switch meant Spaniard Sergio Ramos reverted to a centre back role with Fernando Gago retaining his place in the heart of midfield.

Following an inconsistent but improving season, Atletico under the calm and astute leadership of Quique Sanchez Flores settled the better and it was who else but Jose Antonio Reyes (10) once again planting himself in the thick of the action. The wide-man, scored two goals three seasons ago to rescue the La Liga title for Real Madrid at home to Real Mallorca on the last day of the season in David Beckham’s fairytale send-off but this time he had no such debt to pay as he collected a tidy pass off a skilful Tiago- Aguero exchange to then wonderfully curl the ball with his left foot around Iker Casillas from 18 yards out into the bottom of corner, creating a deafly silence at a capacity Bernabeu.

Atletico appeared in control and they were looking good for their lead, as well as hoping they could secure their first win across the city in a decade. To do this, nonetheless they had to defend manfully at the back, but they were inches away from being unstuck mid-way through the first half. A Whites corner somehow found its way to La Pipeta, who swivelled and poked goalwards into an empty net at close range only for Portuguese starlet Tiago to make an incredible clearance on the line prolonging a chorus of frustration sailing around Madrid’s headquarters.

Cristiano Ronaldo had a lot of first half possession but he along with the rest of the Real Madrid could not find the creative instinct they were looking for to carve through an experienced Atletico centre. Just before the half time exchange the world’s most expensive marksman had the goal at his mercy finding himself unmarked six yards out but he somehow managed to screw a header wide much to his and the 80,000 plus spectators disbelief.

Real Madrid’s first half midfield display had been disjointed whilst lacking a prominent imaginative spark, though Xabi Alonso found the answer to the home team’s woes straight after the re-start. Pellegrini must have sent his men out fired up as Raul Albiol won a potent first header from a corner directing it into the path of Alonso (50) positioned on the goal line to blast into the roof of the net, the Spanish international’s second consecutive home strike. The goal scorer brilliantly turned provider just minutes later. After picking up the ball in his own half Alonso drilled an immaculate long range path diagonally to Alvaro Arbeloa (57)and the full back on the run controlled exquisitely, jinking right then left past Dominquez in the Atletico box before delicately placing the ball past goalkeeping prodigy David De Gea completing a devastating Real Madrid fight back.


Alvaro Arbeloa (above) can barely contain himself after scoring Real Madrid's second.

The floodgates were now open for relentless pressure by the home side and it appeared only a matter of time before Gonzalo Higuain scored yet again against one of Los Blancos’s closest rivals when he took advantage of a defensive miss-hap to sneak in and tuck away his 23rd league goal of a blistering campaign.

A late consolation goal for Los Indios added a more competitive appearance to the score line then it actually was, but Diego Forlan’s (69) penalty following a Xabi Alonso handball aside Real Madrid were good value for their win which means they continue their reign at the top of the La Liga summit.

Real Madrid

Casillas: 7: At fault for neither of the goals.

Arbeloa: 8: Outstanding take and finish, the un-song hero of the Madrid side.

Marcelo: 6: Added his usual energy and fight on the left, but lacking in the final third.

Albiol: 7: Solid as ever, done brilliantly to win the first header for Alonso’s goal.

Ramos: 7: Looks a natual at centre half even though he prefers playing full back.

Gago: 6: Made some early runs forward and got about the pitch but lacking any real quality in his game.

Alonso: 7: Poor first half, but sprung to life in the second with an instinctive finish and a breathtaking assist for Arbeloa.

Granero: 5: Too slow whilst in possession and didn’t look a threat from midfield.

Van der Vaart: 6: Tried his hardest to be the attacking force in a defensive first half midfield but he struggled to get on the ball.

Ronaldo: 6: Off target with his shooting but was always involved as well as looking the most likely to produce something when he had the ball.

Higuain: 7: Another game, another goal, there is no let-up for the Argentinean.

Substitutes: Raul 6: Came close to scoring a possible farewell derby goal. Guti: 6: Probably thought he would of been needed earlier but game was already sewn up upon his arrival. M.Diarra: 5: Late cameo appearance to sure things up.

Atletico: De Gea 7: Dominquez 6: Lopez 7: Valera: 5 Assuncao 5: Tiago 8: Reyes: 7: Simao 6: Aguero 5: Forlan 6. Substitutes: Perea 6: Jurado 5: Salvio 5

Keep Calm and Carry On: That's my boy Kelly

I’m in trouble, you’re in trouble, deep deep trouble, someone burst our bubble, I’m in trouble, wont’ you save our souls tonight. Trouble, what trouble? Well, Welsh rockers Stereophonics certainly caused some trouble and went out with a bang in London on their final UK tour date performing the newest string to their bow, album ‘Keep Calm and Carry on’ in front of a near full Wembley Arena, with the majority of the crowd breathing every breath and singing every word of the unique vocals sung by lead star Kelly Jones, whilst the experienced and technical talent of bassist Richard Jones, supported by guitarist Adam Zindani and the contemporary drumming style of Javier Weyler, were notable companions, closely making quite the dream quartet.


The 'Phonic's' quartet (from left to right) Richard, Adam, Kelly, Javier.

The ‘Phonics’ seventh album is their latest quest for continued success, but it does not necessarily bring them a plethora of new fans. Much of the bands following has derived from years of intrepid hard graft and commitment to producing a representation of ‘rock’, perhaps, which hasn’t been seen before. The whisky, gritty and phenomenal vocal ability of Kelly Jones, the Cwmaman born front-man conjuring backlists of tracks like ‘Local Boy’, ‘Mr Writer’ and ‘Dakota’ underlines the no let up in the ‘Phonics’ accomplishment stretching well over a decade. This, coupled with a few more sensitive and sentimental issues like the down to earth relationship and appreciation Stereophonics has for its fans, thus establishing a profound likeability about them, well in most quarters.

Despite, the laden path which has seemingly been laid out in the ‘Phonics’ decade in the sun, the band and its personal have had to battle through many dark moments, probably leaving their current triumphant status as a very sweet pill in which to swallow. Personal exits from the band, (drummer Stuart Cable in 2003 following a dispute over commitment) aimless firing of ammunition at front man Kelly Jones from press, columnists, bouncers and other musicians alike, did leave a bitter taste reverberating around the inner compartments of the ‘Phonic’ dressing room, but nevertheless the band and Jones, in particular, have managed to push all this into a discarded memory bank and once again come up trumps with their all in conquering skill, on display for all last night.

Keep Calm and Carry On is the band’s latest album and the stage was set at Wembley Arena, the last date in their whistle stop UK tour, where eight new tracks were belted out, but rest assured there were plenty of ‘Phonic’ classics and moments, Kelly Jones passionately throw at the London audience, whilst poised ever so effortlessly straggling his guitar, sporting a sophisticated black shirt and oh yes... the now Elvis esc quiff...one that not too many barbers can attach a sign saying ‘I do know how to do this’ on their CV.

Undeniably memorable, it is hard not to pin-point Jones as one of the greats of modern rock. Ok, he may not be everyone’s milk and two sugars, nonetheless the passion, pride and desire enshrined in him to achieve cannot be doubted and it was a pleasure to see him incapitulated in his state of natural comfort once again, on stage. For starters, a key component to the engineering of live performing is to work with the crowd and to en-sue a relationship with them, but too much and all can go to pot. Interaction is key, but Jones issued a simple remit, “let’s have a party” as the readily tuned musicians went into ‘Innocent’, the bands first release from the album which provides an easy listening pitch, added to the side-bonus of reaching out to most of the crowd, whom may only be familiar with the bands publicised items.

A instant noteback to the ‘Word Gets Around’ album, considered one of their best, exercising exhilarating upbeat guitar tracks, whilst simultaneously pumping life into a crowd, which all night were good, but probably didn’t make the same impact as a cult Cardiff Castle ‘Phonic’s’ outing. ‘A thousand trees’, ‘Traffic’ and ‘More life in a tramps vest’ definitely expelled there is more than enough life left in the ‘Phonic’s’ yet as they seem to exude the passion, musical exposition and impact, they have had at the same time as yester year when they were drilling into the depths of material in their early albums. Stereophonics are a true musical religion.

The obvious tracks, the ‘Pick a Part that’s New’ did it’s job as always, but watching on, the vibe I personally felt from the crowd spoke of its desire for the bands new material. ‘Trouble’, for example, a buoyant burst of rhythmic guitarring, and simple but affective lyrics bought everyone together, one of the band’s key successes in relating to it’s followers, in particular the preceding six albums being songs based on people, ritualising a rapid connection. Too add, a born and bred Welsh upbringing as the stigma for the band, only thrusts injections of support into the band from a passionate country. I’m straying off the gig itself, but the ‘Phonic’s’ are difficult to tie-down you see.

I wouldn’t say that the Stereophonics are reaching the twilight of their career at all, as plenty more musical inhibitions seem to be left in their boisterous genie yet, but the way Kelly Jones handles himself on stage, feeding off the crowds energy, blossoming in the spotlight, sporting one of the finest voices in rock, really conveys how much this man has at his disposal when the people of London are shouting ‘Kelly, Kelly’. This, as hard as it is, should not discount from bassist Richard, Guitarist Adam and lightening drummer Javier whom play their own decisive parts in the make-up of the Stereophonics. Although, a criticism or reference to Adam, would be that he seems a bit stagnated and lifeless (on occasions) on stage, which is unusual to say the least, but maybe fair enough, as Kelly Jones does rightfully steal the limelight, making me as an onlooker crave for his boyish good looks, to want to copy his sense of style (particularly in a leather jacket) and his rustling hair every time I see him in action.


Kelly Jones, the 'Phonic's' front man himself in action.

The emotional ‘Could you be the one?’ bought a tear to a few eyes voicing Kelly’s lyrics around me and the melody behind the vocals bring a real personal feeling to ones love conundrum. ‘Beerbottle’ played in perfect unison, echoed Stereophonics talent in making new substance, different to their old ventures, in turn with tracks like ‘Mr Writer’ written about a journalist who toured with the band for a certain period, before publishing an article criticising the group, refreshing Kelly’s on-going disliking for journalists far and wide, but the song is still a stand-out in the 25 song, strong setlist. For me, the bands new tracks, perhaps if not known word for word by the crowd, made their mark in some style. ‘I got your number’ and ‘She’s Alright’ definitely had a ‘Phonics’ aura about them, with again catchy lyrical play, oozed with strum by strum methodical guitar work underlining perfection.


Keep Calm and Carry On, the Stereophonic's seventh album.

Encore! It was a shame it had to come, but after finishing with ‘The bartender and the thief’ and the band’s only UK number one ‘Dakota’, the energy and panache in which Kelly and band mates performed with unity was untouchable. Kelly Jones and his Stereophonics give as good as they get, and they indeed do put on the ultimate live show. As confetti fell and glitzy cameras flashed before the ‘Phonics’ set foot into the sunset once more (next stop New Zealand) the warm heartfelt glow on Kelly’s faced as he turned back all but three times to wave to his adoring crowd when exiting the stage, must keep the music bug inside him glowing for years to come. Can the band come back yet again, bigger and better? Yes, they undoubtedly can and they will, whilst others should watch and learn. Kids pay special attention to Mr K Jones, as genius’s only come once a lifetime.


Here is Thursday nights setlist:

Innocent
A thousand trees
More life in a tramps vest
Vegas two times
I got your number
Pick a part thats new
Superman
Uppercut
Stuck in a rut
Maybe tomorrow
I wouldn't believe your radio
Live n love
Trouble
Could you be the one?
Mr.Writer
Same size feet
Beerbottle
Have a nice day
Caravan holiday
Just looking
Traffic
Local boy in the photograph

Encore:

She's alright
The bartender and the thief
Dakota


A Few favourite lyrics of mine from the new album:

Innocent:


I remember walking around the streets at night
I remember people talking about their lives
One of us never made it home that night
Drunken high got the better of her mind
Jenny Died
The setting sun with music on
The risk and day was...
You canґt see when thereґs sun in your eyes
You're innocent
You think everything is possible
And nothings gonna get you baby
Everything is touchable
Nothing's gonna beat you in this life


Could you be the one?

Every little thing you do is magic lately
Every single thing that you do is cool
Every little thing you do is tragically hip
Even when you tend to play the fool


Shes Alright

Sandy was from out of town
And I met her at the beach
She drove a white Mondeo ride
Which I thought was kinda cheap

She danced a while and drank some wine
Before she rolled her eyes at me
I picked them up and I rolled them back
And then we swam into the sea

Beck to the beginning

One of the most decorated sporting stars on the planet, tomorrow night will go back in time to where it all began. The theatre of dreams, a place steeped in many footballing fairytales will open its doors once again to welcome home one of its favourite sons. David Beckham is back on Manchester turf, but this time he will be pitting his wits against the club he dearly loved as a boy and still does. Now donning the famous rossonari colours of AC Milan in his second loan spell with the Italian giants, the midfielder will come face to face with Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United side on English soil, hoping to overturn the current aggregate score of 3-2 in the red devils favour in the last 16 of Europe’s premier competition.

Now in the apex of his career, seven years on from when he was a Manchester United player, the England international will knew only too well that these sort of matches do not come around very often and he along with his ageing Milan team mates will want one last pot shot at the big time.

After jetting in from Italy earlier today, a media frenzy awaited Beckham, with flashing cameras, over-eager journalists and batches of security marking a typical Beckham esc star studded arrival. In the pre match press conference, the global icon told a glut of press reporters he is excited, but not nervous about his return ‘home’. It’s not surprising. This match is probably just another milestone in Beckham’s career scrapbook, which has seen him go from hero to zero during the 1998 World Cup, become England Captain and all but single handidly win the La Liga title for Real Madrid in his final season in the Spanish capital.


The England star is mobbed by press and fans alike after jetting in at Manchester Airport.

With Milan staring defeat in the face, following a Wayne Rooney masterclass at the San Siro, the stage is set for a Beckham performance of some sort. The sort is what we do not know. Adrenaline and blood pressure will be riding high, but does the Manchester returnee have enough fuel left in the flailing tank, along with his peers to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and produce one of the great champion’s league comebacks. I suspect not, purely on the grounds of too much underlining damage appears to have been constructed in the first leg against his side in terms of away goals conceded, but it would be hard not to bet against a bit of Beckham magic turning a few heads tomorrow.

Many have criticised the private life of Ac Milan’s number 32 during his career, the off-field drama and whether he still deserves a place in Fabio Capello’s England outfit but what is unquestionable is the level of professionalism in which he conducts himself with on the football pitch and the obsession that courses through him to play his first love, football.

Whatever happens under the Old Trafford floodlights tomorrow night, nothing will de-rail the impact David Beckham has made on football and the true gentleman he is. Few can boast of a more successful career or for that matter a more successful life. Hats off to the man, and one just hopes he can have one last moment in the sun...

Will the ICC please re-consider it's current rulebook?

If a player is selected for the England Cricket team, something tells me they should have traces of English blood coursing through them. Craig Kieswetter is certainly not one of those. The three lion’s latest import has impressed whilst opening the batting in England’s tour to Bangladesh following Captain Andrew Strauss’s decision to rest up ahead of a hectic 2010, but the explosive wicket-keeper batsman, born in South Africa to parents of Afrikaner and Scottish descent respectively surely shouldn’t be able to qualify for the English national side. It’s fast becoming a joke. With all due respect to Kieswetter, it was no monkey on his back that he was chosen for the tour; however he only qualified for England two weeks prior to his debut and has represented South Africa at youth level. There needs to be some toughened regulations ruling over whether a player can represent the country in question.

Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Strauss and Jonathon Trott were all South African born and they incumbently make up the bulk of the English batting line-up, but Kieswetters inclusion despite his promising talent at the tender age of 22 was a step taken too far by the ECB and the ICC need to iron out a rulebook stopping players cross tripping nations, especially if they have no next of kin family member connected with the country they find themselves plying their trade for. It can be said, his mother is Scottish and obviously British, but at the end of the day there isn’t a ‘British Cricket Team’ and the line has to drawn somewhere.



Two of England's leading lights in the ODI series against Bangladesh, but does there need to be stricter regulations on players turning out for countries their respective family histories don’t really relate too?

For the time being though, Kieswetter has grabbed his opportunity in the ECB’s makeshift touring squad and few can have any qualms about the nature in which he powered to his first three figures in international cricket securing a one-day series win for the tourists.

The first part of the potential banana skin trip to the sub continent has been handled with ease by an England team led by stand-in captain Alastair Cook. Bangladesh hardly provided the sternest of tests, but it is that same old chestnut, you can only beat what’s in front of you. Irrespective of the opposition, England’s Irish born batsman Eoin Morgan now seems an automatic shoe in slotting into the batting compartment with ease. His unbeaten century in the second ODI gave everyone a timely reminder of his undisputable technical ability. A cool, non pressurised head integrated into the heart of the England batting segment can only be a good thing for the future. Does this description sound familiar? Well, Mr Pietersen, in the series contributed three low scores and he does appear horribly out of nick, but the bottom line is he is England’s most talented player and he is too good not to return to the form that made his name. People tend to overlook the toughness and mental attribution it takes to battle back from a long term injury, and a career threatening Achilles problem at that. The Hampshire star was very much thrust back into the thick of the action in the Christmas tour of his native South Africa and I believe he should be given a bit more time to find his feet again in the Bangladesh Tests, before critics and analysts alike dig into the undergrowth of Pietersen’s mind.

The next challenge that awaits for England is to wrack up a two-nil Test series win. It should not be seen as slim pickings by the tourists nevertheless because as we saw in Tamim Iqbal’s prevalent batting in the series, there is some ability in the Bangladeshi team; but for them it’s more a case of replicating this form consistently in the unforgiving waters of international cricket. England have some injury doubts for the opening test, beginning on Friday ,with Graham Onions and Stuart Broad potentially sidelined alongside the already injured Ryan Sidebottom. The touring selectors nonetheless will gain the chance to look at debutants like batsman Michael Carberry, who I’m sure will be relishing the occasion to prove himself on the international platform.

A final point is what specifications do the English hierarchy judge Alastair’s Cooks performance as captain on? I would think a Test Series win. But more importantly Cook’s future leadership credentials need to be put under the microscope, if the opener is going to become the future England captain, many think he will become. Time will only tell.

Jagielka return, the perfect spoil to make sure Everton’s season doesn’t run dry

It’s April 2009 and you would find yourselves hard pushed at best to find a more reliable or capable central defender in England’s top league then Phil Jagielka. The Sale born player approaching the top of his game had already gained international recognition thanks to his no-nonsense and unflappable displays at the heart of an Everton defence, in a Toffees outfit which was pushing for top five contention in the league and awaiting the mouth watering prospect of a clash with Chelsea in the FA Cup Final.

A dispatched winning penalty kick against Manchester United in the FA Cup Semi-Final in mid April bought tears to Evertonian eyes and a just reward for Jagielka after his outstanding performances that season. Then disaster struck. One buckle of his right knee against Manchester City at Goodison Park just a few weeks before the richly anticipated final saw Jagielka sustain anterior cruciate ligament damage after an awkward fall, immediately ending his season, whilst stunting the growth on a promising career for the 26 year old.



The ecstasy of scoring the winning penalty shoot out spot kick soon turned sour for Jagielka (above) who missed the preceding FA Cup Final through a knee ligament injury.


Nine months of rehabilitation, setbacks, personal crusades and questions of which the man in question asked himself if he would ever be able to play again have finally been dispelled to the scrap books, as Everton’s number six is back and ready for a late flurry of form to rekindle some blues pride from an otherwise indifferent campaign.

The defenders substitute comeback appearance away to Sporting Lisbon in late February sparked a rapturous applause from Everton’s travelling contingent in a abysmal Toffees defeat. Jagielka, a popular figure in the Everton dressing room and amongst the fans arrival back into the fray has sent a new surging buzz around Finch Farm. A roller coaster season has seen Everton eliminated from three cup competitions and struggle with an endless list of injuries but some impressive recent league results could see them make a late push towards the Europa League places.

And I believe this late run, if it prevails needs to coincide with the form and fitness of Jagielka. Despite playing less then 90 minutes in the two games he has participated in since his return there have already been some clear indicators that he is quickly proficient of revisiting his old self, marshalling an Everton backline in the process, which has been less then concrete this term. If he can sturdy a shaky defence, and if his teammates in front of him can act as an attacking driving force willing to produce a final flurry of displays to cement a European challenge then the passports can once again be dusted down at Goodison. There’s a handful of other challengers that are better placed currently, but under the guidance of manager David Moyes, Everton have always been praised for their battling qualities, which now come under close scrutiny.

The spirit and determination Jagielka has showed to overcome a pretentious and career threatening injury emphasizes his mental toughness and inner attributes. He has eleven games to again prove his worth to Everton, and perhaps, if not a bit far fetched a potential England call in the offing? Few would bet against it and if the ingenious Italian Fabio Capello has a spare spot on the plane en-route to South Africa, he would find it hard to turn down one of the most combative defenders around. This space certainly needs to be watched.