Cristiano Ronaldo incredible hat-trick record for Real Madrid

Ronaldo has struck an incredible 19 HAT-TRICKS for Real Madrid since 2010… and his latest one is just perfect


August 28 – Zaragoza (A) League 24, 71, 87 (won 6-0) 63min
September 24 – Rayo Vallecano (H) 39, pen 51, pen 84 (won 6-2) 45min
October 22 – Malaga (A) 23, 28, 38 (won 4-0) 15min
November 6 – Osasuna (H) 23, pen 54, 58 (won 7-1) 35min
December 17 – Sevilla (A) 10, 41, pen 85 (won 6-2) 75min
February 12 – Levante (H) pen 45, 50, 57 (won 4-2) 12min
April 11 – Atletico Madrid (A) 25, 68, pen 83 (won 4-1) 58min

2012-2013
September 30 – Deportivo La Coruna (H) pen 23, 44, pen 84 (won 5-1) 61min
October 3 – Ajax (A) Champions League 42, 79, 81 (won 4-1) 41min
January 9 – Celta Vigo (H) Copa del Rey 3, 24, 87 (won 4-0) 84min
January 27 – Getafe (H) League 62, 65, pen 72 (won 4-0) 10min

How does Ronaldo's perfect hat-trick compare to these

Peter Crouch (Liverpool v Arsenal 2006/2007)

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (Chelsea v Tottenham 2001-2002)

Joel Pohjanpalo (Perfect hat-trick in three minutes 19 seconds for HJK Helsinki)

WILL OLD TRAFFORD'S BOBBLY PITCH SLOW HIM DOWN

The inconsistent playing surface at Old Trafford has caused difficulties at times for Manchester United this season – so much so that Darren Fletcher has not been able to play on it.

But it could prove a blessing in disguise when Real Madrid – and ex-United star Cristiano Ronaldo – come calling in the Champions League next month.

The less-than-perfect pitch is coming towards the end of its lifespan – having been laid six years ago.

And it was again noticeable on Saturday, when large areas started cutting up during United's FA Cup tie with Fulham.

Muddy: The Old Trafford turf kicks up as Javier Hernandez shoots during the recent match with West Ham

Muddy: The Old Trafford turf kicks up as Javier Hernandez shoots during the recent match with West Ham

But it won't be re-laid until the summer – meaning Ronaldo and co will have to make the best of it as they try to get past United into the last eight.

Earlier this month, Sir Alex Ferguson said the surface had 'collapsed' and that it was so heavy, Fletcher, who was trying to make a return following a bowel condition, was unable to make progress.

Ferguson said: 'We have had six great years out of the pitch. Our groundsman, Tony Sinclair, has done a fantastic job. But it is looking tired now and I think we will have a new pitch in the summer.'

Falcao to be offered new contract by Atletico Madrid

Atletico look to ward off Chelsea interest in 46m Falcao with new contract offer

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UPDATED:

07:07 GMT, 30 October 2012

Atletico Madrid hope to end Chelsea's interest in star striker Falcao by offering the Colombian a new and improved contract.

Blues owner Roman Abramovich is ready to meet the player's 46million release clause in January and the 26-year-old has hinted he wants to move to Stamford Bridge.

Hot property: Falcao (centre) scored against Osasuna on Sunday night

Hot property: Falcao (centre) scored against Osasuna on Sunday night

Falcao only joined Atletico last summer
and his current deal runs to 2016, but the club hope that improved terms
will convince the player to stay, according to talkSPORT.

A new deal would also included a higher release clause for a player who is considered by most to be the best striker in world football at the moment.

The former Porto and River Plate man is enjoying a prolific season in front of goal.

Prolific: Falcao has been in scintillating form this season

Prolific: Falcao has been in scintillating form this season

He took his tally to 13 goals in nine league games by scoring on Sunday night's 3-1 win over Osasuna and he also netted a memorable hat-trick against Chelsea in the European Super Cup back in August.

Falcao is seen as the last piece in the jigsaw for Roberto Di Matteo's new-look side with the Chelsea boss and Abramovich remaining unconvinced by current first-choice striker Fernando Torres.

Real Madrid target Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel to replace Iker Casillas

From Leicester to Real Madrid Mourinho considers shock swoop for Schmeichel

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UPDATED:

06:42 GMT, 16 October 2012

Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is a surprise target for Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The son of Manchester United legend Peter has been identified as a long-term successor to current No 1 Iker Casillas.

Real target: Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel

Real target: Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel

It follows Real boss Jose Mourinho instructing his goalkeeping coach Silvino Louro to recruit a young keeper to provide competition for Casillas, reports the Daily Star.

Real are also looking at Real Zaragoza's Roberto, 26, and Osasuna's Andres Fernandez, 25.

Schmeichel, 25, was voted Leicester's player of the season last campaign.

The Denmark Under 21 keeper began his career at Manchester City and made his league debut on loan at Darlington in 2006.

Schmeichel had spells at Notts County and Leeds before joining Leicester in 2011.

Chelsea bid for Cesar Azpilicueta rejected

We'll be back! Chelsea to up offer for Azpilicueta after 5.4m bid is rejected

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UPDATED:

05:47 GMT, 2 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Chelsea have seen their first bid for Marseille full-back Cesar Azpilicueta rejected.

The Blues offered just 5.4million for the Spain international, almost 3m below the French club's asking price. They are expected to bid again by the end of week.

Last week, the troubled former Ligue 1 champions admitted they would have to sell before they can buy as they look to arrest an alarming slump since they won the title in 2010.

The club's sporting director Jose Anigo,
said: 'Everybody has to sell before buying. In effect, it could either
be (Stephane) M’Bia and Azpi.'

Must try harder: Chelsea have had a bid for Cesar Azpilicueta rejected

Must try harder: Chelsea have had a bid for Cesar Azpilicueta rejected

Arsenal have previously been linked with a move for the 22-year-old who missed a large portion of the 2010/11 season – his first in France following a move from Osasuna – after suffering knee ligament damage.

However he returned to fitness and went on be one of Marseille's most accomplished players, despite those around him struggling.

European champions Chelsea have already splashed out more 70m on transfer fees this summer, bringing in a raft of attacking talent, but admitted last week they were still in the market.

Chief executive Ron Gourlay said: 'While we ended with a very strong season, it was clear that there were some areas where we did have to strengthen, so we knew we were always going to have to do that.

'If the right players become available at the right time, we will sign them. We've done that and we are still continuing to look at one or two positions and we will see how that develops over the next couple of weeks.'

Carlos Vela set to leave Arsenal for Real Sociedad

Mexican waves goodbye to Arsenal as Vela closes in on Real Sociedad move

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UPDATED:

15:49 GMT, 17 July 2012

Carlos Vela is on the brink of sealing a move from Arsenal to Real Sociedad.

Vela is in the final stages of talks over a permanent move after spending last season on loan with the Spanish outfit.

A statement from the Gunners read: 'Arsenal Football Club has announced that striker Carlos Vela is in San Sebastian this evening for final discussions about a permanent move to Spanish La Liga side Real Sociedad.'

Gone for good: Carlos Vela (right) is set to join Real Sociedad on a permanent deal

Gone for good: Carlos Vela (right) is set to join Real Sociedad on a permanent deal

The 23-year-old Mexico international arrived in north London in 2005 and had loan spells with Salamanca and Osasuna before making his Gunners debut in 2008.

Vela struggled to force his way into Arsene Wenger's first-team plans, making 62 appearances in all competitions.

Carlos Cuellar favouring Olympiakos over Sunderland

Cuellar favouring Olympiakos or Osasuna over Sunderland

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UPDATED:

21:44 GMT, 10 June 2012

Sunderland target Carlos Cuellar is in talks with Olympiakos. The former Aston Villa defender, 30, has already held talks with Sunderland and has been linked with a return to Spain with Osasuna.

Villa are keen on Tottenham right back Kyle Naughton, 23, who was on loan at Norwich last season.

On the move: Carlos Cuellar in talks with Greek club

On the move: Carlos Cuellar in talks with Greek club

La Liga round-up: Real Madrid thrash Osasuna and Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao

Five star Madrid thrash Osasuna but Messi keeps Barca in the title hunt

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UPDATED:

22:24 GMT, 31 March 2012

Real Madrid continue to boast a six-point lead over Barcelona at the top of the Primera Division standings after both sides claimed impressive victorioes this evening.

Madrid brought up 100 league goals for the season in their 30th match after thumping sixth-placed Osasuna 5-1 at the Reyna de Navarra stadium.

Ronaldo took his own tally to 37 for the league campaign with a brace, while Gonzalo Higuain also netted twice after Karim Benzema had given Jose Mourinho's title-chasers a seventh-minute lead.

Top of the charts: Ronaldo scored for Madrid

Top of the charts: Ronaldo scored for Madrid

Osasuna, who saw coach Jose Luis Mendilibar sent to the stands early on and substitutte Roland Lamah red-carded late on, pulled a goal back through Nino just after half-time but they were already 3-0 down at the time.

Ronaldo's goals lifted him two clear of Barcelona's Lionel Messi at the top of the scoring charts, but the Argentina superstar reduced it back to one when he scored from the spot as his men beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0.

Andres Iniesta opened the scoring as Barca rarely had to leave second gear.

High five: Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain celelebrate

High five: Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain celelebrate

Malaga's bid for a Champions League spot suffered a blow as they slumped to a 2-0 home defeat to Andalusian rivals Real Betis.

Ruben Castro and Jose Dorado netted the goals in the final five minutes of the first half as Malaga, who could have moved three points clear in third place with a victory, suffered a rare defeat after winning five and drawing the other of their previous six matches.

At the other end of the table, Real Zaragoza continued their impressive charge to escape relegation as they picked up their third successive victory and fourth in six matches – they only have seven all season – with a 2-1 win at Sporting Gijon.

Another goal: Lionel Messi scored in Barcelona's win over Athletic Bilbao

Another goal: Lionel Messi scored in Barcelona's win over Athletic Bilbao

After a nervy opening, Helder Postiga gave the visitors the lead but Sebastian Eguren equalised for Sporting three minutes into the second half.

However, Zaragoza would go onto claim the points thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Angel Lafita.

Guilherme Siqueira's 89th-minute penalty was enough to secure Granada a deserved 1-0 win over second-bottom Racing Santander.

Cristiano Ronaldo caps rout as Real Madrid open six-point gap over Barcelona

Ronaldo caps rout as Real Madrid open six-point gap over Barcelona

Real Madrid extended their lead at
the top of the Primera Division to six points with a comfortable win
over Granada on Saturday.

Madrid looked in for a testing
evening when Mikel Rico (22) cancelled out Karim Benzema's 19th-minute
opener to reward the visitors for an encouraging performance.

On target: Cristiano Ronaldo scored again

On target: Cristiano Ronaldo scored again

But Sergio Ramos headed Jose Mourinho's side back in front on 34 minutes and the game was over as a contest when Gonzalo Higuain and Benzema scored within five minutes of the start of the second period.

Cristiano Ronaldo then added further gloss to the scoreline with the fifth goal two minutes from time as Madrid extended their lead over second-placed Barcelona, who play Espanyol on Sunday.

Elsewhere, goals were in considerably shorter supply with just one scored in the day's other four games.

Manolo Jimenez made a losing start to
his tenure as Real Zaragoza coach as Racing Santander inflicted a narrow
defeat on the Primera Division strugglers.

Hit man: Karim Benzema scores against Granada

Hit man: Karim Benzema scores against Granada

Jimenez took over a side rock bottom of the table after the departure from the hotseat of Javier Aguirre, four points behind 19th-placed Racing and five adrift of safety.

Yet it was Racing who gave themselves a shot in the arm at El Sardinero as Bernardo Espinosa's header in first-half injury-time proved enough to earn a welcome victory.

The games between Levante and Real Mallorca, Real Sociedad and Osasuna and Malaga and Atletico Madrid – for whom Diego Simeone was making his debut in the hotseat – all ended goalless.