:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/1651637/GYI0063015894.jpg)
Don't forget that los blancos will be in action later today against Malaga, as the Copa del Rey kicks up again. It's nice to know that Real Madrid is five points clear of FC Barcelona, but I'm going to be the voice of reason -- there's still a lot of season to go. A bad run of form can easily erase the five point lead we have right now. Just sayin'.
It was a lot of fun to read all about the fallout shortly after FC Barcelona dropped points in their Catalan derby with Espanyol. It was almost comical. It was all reactionary and some even started to blame poor officiating, which seems to be the norm whenever they drop points. Take Sergio Busquets for example; he didn't blame the ref but he did believe that the Blaugrana should have had won that match.
"We were having a difficult time at the end of the first half, because they had clear chances. In the second half we were better than Espanyol, but they drew level," Busquets told the club's official website.
"We had opportunities to win, but in the end it didn’t work out that way. Even though we deserved more, we were up against a difficult rival and we can’t do anything about the result now."
Please, someone grab him a tissue...
Right now, Real Madrid is enjoying a great run of form. In the first 17 matches of la Liga they've scored 61 goals, which works out to just over three a game. This is the best goal scoring start to la Liga since the 1950/51 seasons. Cristiano Ronaldo leads the team and the Liga with 21 goals, which is four clear of 2nd place (or first loser), held by FC Barcelona's golden child, Lionel Messi.
More great news: Real Madrid Castilla is the best road side in the Second Division B. Also, with last weekend's win over Vecindario, they were crowned winter champions. RM Castilla has picked up 20 points on the road this term which amounts to a 6-2-2 run of form. Maybe this is the season they get promoted?
It seems that the media has chosen to focus on Cristiano Ronaldo's non-celebration of his goal in the 5-1 thumping of Granada during the weekend. This lack of response sparked transfer rumors (none of which I chose to report on). Jose Mourinho has Ronaldo's back -- and that's all the counts.
"I think it is more relevant that he celebrates the goals that win games and not the fifth goal in the 90th minute. I saw him celebrate the other four that were the important ones. If there are going to be criticisms of a player for not celebrating goals, then why not criticise me because I didn't celebrate any of the five goals. I didn't even get up."
Ligue 1 outfit Paris Saint-Germain are on the look out to strengthen their defensive corps and have turned their eyes to FC Barcelona and left back Maxwell. PSG are in the mood to make some splashes during this transfer window, and this could be the start of it. Maxwell for the most part has gone unused with the Blaugrana this season, where he has only made 12 appearances in all the games. It's seems that with the 3-4-3 the Catalans have no need for the Brazilian defender.
Barcelona B striker Jonathan Soriano believes that his time in Catalunya is over. Since signing with Barca in 2009, he has never made a first team appearance. In his time with Barca B he's done well for himself racking up 57 goals in 81 appearances.
He's been linked to Benfica in this transfer window and would welcome the opportunity to leave Barca.
"So far, I have not been contacted by Barcelona's board about renewing," Soriano told O Jogo. "Pep Guardiola has not spoken with me about it either, so I know I will not make it to the first team. As such, I am ready to go to another club."
Racism has been at the forefront of soccer lately in both Spain and England. According to Espanyol boss Mauricio Pochettino, racism occurred during the Catalan derby, with the fans directing their abuse towards Barcelona defender Dani Alvez. According to Pochettino, the fans were making 'monkey' noises at Alvez.
"We condemn it, we want to get away from these situations. We want to eradicate these things and I'm right behind that.''