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Real Madrid v Barcelona: Alonso v Xavi stats and the art of playmaking

Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that Xabi Alonso has conceded 38 fouls this season in La Liga, while Xavi has conceded only four. The statistics suggest a deeper role occupied by Xabi Alonso, with fewer shots, chances created, crosses or dribbles, but more tackles, clearances, blocks and interceptions. Xavi is central to Pep Guardiola’s system,…

Tottenham vs Real Madrid in Fives

A quick look at Real’s 1-0 win at White Hart Lane through lists of five: things we learned, the best moments, and the best and worst players on the night

Mourinho: Tottenham need more than 5 goals to go through

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho was at his pragmatic best today, saying that even if Tottenham Hotspur score five goals, Real Madrid would still be able to score and go through to the semi-finals of the Champions League (where they would meet Barcelona). Mourinho, speaking at a news conference at White Hart Lane ahead of…

Tottenham Target Goal Fest Against Real Madrid

Tottenham Hotspur welcome Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid to White Hart Lane facing nothing short of a mountain to climb in their Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg. After a 4-0 defeat in Madrid a week ago, Harry Redknapp’s side will need to match that score line just to take the tie to extra time. Any…

Tottenham must shackle Ozil to beat Real Madrid

Tottenham must contain the creative threat posed by Mesut Özil if they are to avoid a repeat of their heavy defeat at the Bernabeú.

The German midfielder set up two of Madrid’s four goals at home, including the opener by Emmanuel Adebayor, but also assisted 12 shots in total in the match, the most by a single player in a game in the competition in the last five seasons.

Xavi, Alonso And The Secret Of Great Playmakers

Oh, how Liverpool miss Alonso. Before he left, Liverpool were looking champions elect for 09-10. Afterwards, Liverpool fell spectacularly from grace as they paid the price for blooding Lucas Levia into the squad in his place, when Aquilani was blighted by injury. Such is the way of a playmaker – he is a key foundation…

Scoring Stats – The European clubs most reliant on one player

It’s surprising how many teams rely so heavily on one player for scoring.

Aaron Lennon on beating Gareth Bale, his football idols and Madrid

The campaign for the latest Superfly is just taking off as the Nike Superfly III hits the market. At the launch event, Soccer Bible sat down with Tottenham’s Aaron Lennon this week and asked him about Gareth Bale, Real Madrid, his football idols and the new football boots. What was your first reaction when you…

Mesut Ozil’s Seven-Figure Nike Deal Revealed

Football boots manufacturers are not shy of splashing the cash when it comes to getting some of the top players on their payroll. Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney and even Michael Ballack make more than decent amounts of money from football shoes. The break-out star of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Mesut…

Real Madrid vs Tottenham: Why Caution Should Win the Day for Mourinho

Real Madrid vs Tottenham: Why Caution  Should  Win the Day for Mourinho Before reading this article, forget the stereotypes imposed on the respective sides. Forget about ‘Spirited Spurs’ and what the English press relentlessly dub the ‘Mourinho factor’. Tonight, two reasonably well-matched teams, one of whom happens to have enormous Champions’ League pedigree, will take…