In an entertaining game at the Granillo a superb hat-trick by Goran Pandev gifted Lazio a great start to the New Year.

Reggina 2-3 Lazio

The home side were looking to build on their away draw with Cagliari and gift their new Coach Beppe Pillon his first win of the season.
Delio Rossi’s men who were hoping to stay in contention with the top 6 on their quest for Europe were without Stephan Lichtsteiner who was forced to sit out with an on-going ankle sprain.

First Half

The home side started brightly, and within just 120 seconds Brienza was set through on the Lazio box and then upended by an advancing Carrizo. Although the Argentinean appeared to make contact with the ball referee Bergonzi had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Bernardo Corradi stepped up for the subsequent spot-kick and fired a powerful drive down the middle to score against his former club and gift the home side an early lead.

Lazio looked stunned, but immediately poured forward as they looked to get back on level terms. Some good work by Meghni on 12 minutes produced a golden chance for Pandev to fire from close range, but Campagnolo was equal to the shot and put the danger out for a corner.

Less than a minute later however the Macedonian got the away side back on level terms. After stealing possession within the Reggina half he turned his marker a fired a powerful drive over a stranded Campagnolo. His shot took a cruel deflection on the way in which left the Reggina keeper with little chance to save.

On 21 minutes Lazio took the lead in splendid fashion. After some sublime solo play, Zarate produced a wonderful chip into the box which landed on the chest of Pandev. The Macedonian spun round to unleash a close range drive into the bottom corner doubling his and Lazio’s tally after their difficult opening.

On the half hour mark Zarate showed his fine form following the Christmas break with a mazy run within the Reggina half. After skipping past his marker he offloaded to Meghni on the left but the Algerian’s cross was too long for the reach of Pandev.

The away side were showing far more hunger and as the whistle blew for half time, it was arguably Lazio’s best first half performance of the campaign so far. Whilst Reggina had started extremely well they could do little to hold off the advances of the away side, given their superior pace on the counter attack.

Second Half

The second half started just as the first with the home side on an immediate assault at the Lazio box. This time however the Biancocelesti managed to clear their lines, and gradually started to maintain superior possession.

The away side were taking control as they started to pour forward with their attacking trident a constant menace in and around the Reggina box.

On 60 minutes Zarate floated a delightful ball into the box for Rocchi who controlled well just metres from the goal. The Lazio Captain ran out of pitch however before he could only shoot into the side netting.

It was Reggina who found the back of the net however on 62 minutes, when a searching cross from the right found Cozza with little to do, but tap in from close range. Lazio had quite literally fallen asleep momentarily, and they were made to pay dearly by relinquishing their lead.

The Amaranto appeared to have renewed belief as the pushed forward in search of victory. On 68 minutes they could have re-taken the lead when a set of passes were sent in and around the Lazio box caused extreme difficulty for the Lazio defence who were appearing ever shakier. 

Despite this it was Lazio who re-gained the lead on 76 minutes when Pandev completed his hat-trick. A trademark dribble on the left from Zarate was followed by a delightful cut-back into the box. The pass was met by an advancing Pandev who fired home, sending the travelling fans into immediate frenzy.

Shortly after the goal, Delio Rossi looked to consolidate by removing the influential Zarate, and introducing Foggia to give more cover to the midfield three.

As the clock ran down the home side continued to search for an equaliser, as they built increasing pressure on the Lazio backline. Delio Rossi’s men were still more than suspect at the back but managed to hold out the Reggina assault.

When the whistle blew for full time Lazio celebrated a hard fought victory that left them just three points off fourth and very much in the hunt for the Champions league spots. Reggina were left to rue their missed opportunities as they remained stuck just three points from the bottom of the table, and very much in a relegation dogfight.

Goals:

4’Corradi (R)                                                                                                                       

14’,21’,76’Pandev (L)                                                                                                                        

63’Cozza (R)

Teams

Reggina (4-4-2): Campagnolo; Cirillo, Lanzaro, Santos, Costa (Cozza 53’); Sestu (Di Gennaro 86’), Baretto, Tognozzi (Viola 55’), Barillà; Corradi, Brienza

Lazio (4-3-3): Carrizo, De Silvestri, Diakité, Rozehnal, Radu; Dabo (Brocchi 66’), Ledesma, Meghni (Mauri 74’); Pandev, Zarate (Foggia 80’), Rocchi

Referee: Bergonzi

I would like to say Merry Christmas to all orthodox Christians.

Christmas is celebrated by Orthodox Christians in Central and Eastern Europe and throughout the world on the 7th of January.

Some Orthodox churches have Christmas on January 7 because they follow the old Julian calendar. In the 16th century, Pope Gregory of Rome reformed the calendar, and so Western Christmas is on December 25.

Real Madrid have recalled Daniel Parejo from his loan spell at Queens Park Rangers, the Spanish club confirmed this evening.

Parejo signed a one-year loan deal with QPR at the end of July but, with the Primera Liga champions plagued by injuries, Madrid have activated a recall clause to bring him back to the Bernabeu.

"Parejo, the Spain Under-21 international, was loaned out last summer to Queens Park Rangers,'' read a statement on the official website www.realmadrid.com.

"The midfielder, following a brilliant path in the youth sections of Real Madrid, played last season in the Castilla (reserve team) and has already played minutes in the first team.

"Daniel Parejo becomes one of Real Madrid's reinforcements for the winter transfer market.

"Dani Parejo, 19, is already in Madrid and will be immediately at the service of Juande Ramos in the Ciudad Deportiva de Valdebebas.''

QPR confirmed that while Parejo is officially set to return to Madrid on New Year's Day, they have agreed to release him a couple of weeks earlier.

With midfielders Ruben de la Red and Mahamadou Diarra both out for the rest of the season (along with striker Ruud van Nistelrooy) and Madrid's injury list seemingly growing by the day, sports director Pedja Mijatovic has opted to bring the youngster back to the Spanish capital.

Parejo made 18 appearances for QPR during an impressive loan spell at Loftus Road.

"We have a very good working relationship with (president Ramon) Calderon and Mr Mijatovic at Real Madrid and we are very grateful to them for allowing us to take Daniel on loan in the first place,'' Rangers manager Paulo Sousa told the club's official website www.qpr.co.uk.

"He is a player of great potential and I am sure that with a good professional attitude, he has the talent to achieve at the very highest level.

"I will continue to follow his progress at Madrid, and of course, we wish him all the best for his future career.''

Lyon starlet, Karim Benzema, has given the surest sign yet about where he will be playing his football next season. He's stated that he promised his mother he would play for Real Madrid, and that is what he wants to do...

With Klaas-Jan Huntelaar joining Real Madrid this winter, rumours have already circulated that this might effectively put the defending La Liga champions out of the race to sign Karim Benzema.

However, the young French international still seems intent on leaving Lyon for the Spanish capital, as he revealed to Le Buteur today.

"It is my hidden dream in sport and it is a dream that is coming closer little by little," he declared.

"I like the white kit, the stadium, the atmosphere that exists around the Bernabéu...I promised my mother that one day I would play for Real Madrid, and I want that to come true."

Benzema has already become a hit in France, despite his young age (he turns 21 in four days' time), and it seems almost certain now that he will move on next summer.

However, the main stumbling block to any move could be Lyon president, Jean Michel Aulas, who stated a few months ago that whoever signed him would have to pay 'more than €100 million.'

The French international made his debut for Lyon back in 2004, and this campaign he has already scored nine goals in 16 matches as Les Gones bid for an eighth straight league title.

La Liga Champions Real Madrid have put the names of three Premier League manager’s at the top of their list to replace under-fire coach Bernd Schuster at the Bernabeu next summer. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger tops the list followed by Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari and Liverpool’s Rafa Benitez, according to the Sunday Express.

 Los Merengues have already tried to lure Wenger (left) away from the Gunners twice, but despite being rebuffed on both occasions by the Frenchman believe they have a better chance next summer. With the North London club faltering in the Premiership and reeling from the effects of ‘Gallasgate’ last week. Real feel that Wenger could be ready to leave the Emirates Stadium for a fresh challenge and have made him their number one target to replace Schuster.

Wenger has always maintained that he will see out his contract at the Gunners, but the Frenchman has not won a trophy since the FA Cup in 2005 and might decide that he has taken Arsenal as far as he can take them and seek one final challenge at the La Liga giants.

Should Real fail in a third attempt to land Wenger as coach then they will turn to former Brazil and Portugal coach Scolari now in charge at Stamford Bridge. Though it is unlikely that Scolari would quit the Blues after just one season at the Premiership club. With the Brazilian already showing his loyalty in seeing out his contracts with Brazil and Portugal, despite being offered other jobs, which included the England manager’s job.

This would leave Benitez, who although committed to the Reds is at a club where the future is uncertain. With the American co-owners suspending work on the new stadium and Benitez being told he must sell before he can buy in January at the Merseyside club. This along with the fact that negotiations on a new deal at Anfield for Benitez have only just started would make third choice Benitez Real’s most realistic target.

However, as with everything a lot can change between now and the summer and while it is possible that anyone of Wenger, Scolari or Benitez could end up at the Spanish Champions. There is also a strong chance that they will all remain where they are.

A deflected goal from Wesley Sneijder has given Real Madrid a much needed 1-0 victory over Recreativo de Huelva...

Despite his claims to the contrary, Bernd Schuster would certainly have been wary of a potential sacking should his team not pick up the three points. In an effort to achieve this, he brought Miguel Torres, Pepe, Wesley Sneijder and Royston Drenthe in to the starting line-up. Raul, of course, kept his place.

Recreativo, meanwhile, lined up in their traditional 4-4-2 formation, with Kanga Akale preferred to Marco Ruben up font.

First Half

The Bernabeu was hardly rocking as the fans voted with their feet, leaving a large amount of seats empty. Those that were there would not have been impressed with the start, as Recreativo, 19th before the game, enjoyed far too much time and space. Indeed, the visitors had the first chance of the match when Javier Camunas shot straight at Iker Casillas, which was followed a minute later by another poor miss from inside the area by the same player. This woke Real Madrid up, as they found their feet in attack.

On 12 minutes, Los Merengues finally had their first chance, as Sneijder headed over folowing a cross from Drenthe. Two minutes later, they should have taken the lead as Gonzalo Higuain rounded the keeper, but his finish was a tame one and Morris was able to clear off the line. Sneijder then thought he had scored the opener, but his goal was ruled out because Higuain had taken the ball across the goal-line before passing it back to the Dutchman.

The home side had the momentum and should have continued to apply pressure, but instead it was Recre who regained the ascendancy, with Javier Camunas having an especially lively game. Not for the first time this season, Los Blancos looked toothless and unimaginative in attack, failing to exert any serious pressure on their opponents. For a side tipped to be playing in La Segunda, Recreativo were hardly looking daunted at what used to be a fortress for Madrid.

On 33 minutes, Higuain had a decent chance to open the scoring, but he blazed wide from an acute angle. Four minutes later, Raul had a golden chance to get on the scoresheet, but his finish was a poor one. Sneijder sent an excellent cross in from the left, but from eight yards out, Raul could only head wide.

Sneijder was looking lively, and it was the Dutchman who broke the deadlock on 39 minutes. There was a touch of fortune about the goal, however, as a trademark strike from 25 yards by the Dutchman deflected off Beto's knee and over Riesgo, giving Madrid a much needed lead. Recre were demoralized but not defeated, as Akale's shot just before half-time deflected wide off Pepe. That was the last action of the first half as Real Madrid entered the break ahead, but with considerable work still to be done.

Second Half

Real Madrid needed to make sure there were no disasters in the second period, and they started brightly, threatening to add to their lead. Higuan was lacking his usual killer instinct, as he flashed a shot wide when one on one with the keeper. Minutes later, some horrendous defending from Recre gifted the ball to Raul on the edge of the box, but his shot missed the mark as well. Recre showed Madrid that they could not afford to relax, however, when a golden chance ended comically as Jesus Vazquez ran into his team-mate Camunas in the box after Casillas had been left stranded.

The brief scare alerted the home side, who continued to press for a second. On the hour mark, Pepe's long shot ended up on the wrong side of the far post, while Guti's volley following Sneijder's corner suffered the same fate. On 65 minutes, the goalscoring hero Sneijder picked up a knock, and was duly replaced by his compatriot, Rafael Van Der Vaart. Lucas Alcaraz responded with a substitution of his own, bringing on Adrian Colunga for Javi Guerrero, thus creating a new frontline with Ersen Martin, who had come on from Akale.

Real Madrid have lost no opportunity to complain about referees this season, but on 70 minutes the officials did them a massive favour when they failed to award Recre a penalty following Pepe's handball in the box. On 78 minutes, Real Madrid fans looked on in horror as Higuain went down injured and was promptly stretchered off, following the collapse of the medical jeep. Forgotten man Javier Saviola was his replacement.

With time running out, Real Madrid could not afford to lose concentration, but they suffered a lapse on 83 minutes when Camunas cut inside from the left, only to see his shot well saved by Casillas. Los Blancos immediately created a chance at the other end, but Raul could only shoot weakly at Riesgo after being set up by Guti. The Recre keeper then made a brilliant save from Guti as Madrid tried to kill the game off.

Time was running out for the visitors, and Bernd Schuster decided to send some fresh legs on, replacing Raul with the youngster Bueno. There were no additional goals forthcoming in the four minutes of added time, as Real Madrid picked up an inavluable three points.

Bernd Schuster may have earned a reprieve following this result, but the scoreline was not anywhere near as emphatic as the Madrid faithful would have hoped. Still, three points and three points, and following Villareal's shock loss, Los Merengues climb up to provisional 2nd place, pending Valencia's match against Sevilla.

Real Madrid 1-0 Recreativo de Huelva
Sneijder 38

Real Madrid:  Casillas - Torres, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo - Sneijder (Van Der Vaart), Gago, Guti - Higuain (Saviola 78), Drenthe, Raul

Recreativo de Huelva: Riesgo - Morris, Bouzon, Beto, Casado - Sisi, Vazquez, Fuego, Camunas - Akale (Ersen Martin 53), Guerrero (Colunga 68)

Yellow Cards: Casado 30, Jesus Vazquez 45, Marcelo 48, Bouzon 89

Internazionale's veteran Argentinian striker Hernan Crespo is a reported transfer target for Spanish giants Real Madrid. Real are desperate to bring in a new frontman after losing Ruud van Nistelrooy for the rest of the season due to a knee injury, with Crespo currently out of favour at the San Siro. However, the former Chelsea, Lazio and Parma star has mixed feelings about heading to the Bernabeu. He told AS: "I could go to another team, but I would rather play less but win more. I would rather stay on and help the team win titles, even if I play less football. "Sometimes it happens where you will play less, but that's how it goes when you are at a big club." He had stated earlier: "I have always been excited about European and Spanish football. When you speak about Real Madrid, you associate them with the history of the game." Meanwhile, AS Roma have dismissed reports suggesting they could lose both Mirko Vucinic and Alberto Aquilani during the January transfer window. Montenegro international striker Vucinic has been linked with a £10million move to Real Madrid, while Italy midfielder Aquilani is reported to be a transfer target of Juventus. However, the Rome club's general director, Daniele Prade, is adamant that both players will remain at the Stadio Olimpico. "First of all, Roma will not sell Vucinic and second Real Madrid have never asked for him," he claimed. "I have also spoken to (Madrid sporting director) Pedrag Mijatovic and nothing is true. Vucinic is a Roma player and he will remain so. "Aquilani? We are talking with him regarding a new deal. His current contract expires in 2010. "I have spoken to the player and his agent and we are satisfied with the situation so far. We are convinced we will find the right solution." Unsettled Internazionale striker Adriano will not be joining Fluminense in January, according to his agent. The Brazil international remains out-of-favour at the San Siro following reports of a fall-out with coach Jose Mourinho. However, agent Gilmar Rinaldi claims stories in the Brazilian media which suggested Adriano was set to return to Fluminese on loan in January are wide of the mark. "It's ridiculous," he said. "There has been no meeting with them. There's no chance he will return to Brazil."

Roberto Mancini's representative Maurizio De Giorgis has told Goal.com that reports linking the former Inter coach to Real Madrid are just rumours - although he would welcome the move if the Spanish giants come forward...

Roberto Mancini is currently clubless, but he has been linked with a number of teams around Europe - including Real Madrid

The Spanish giants have been struggling recently and Iberian paper AS had reported that the Italian was the number one candidate for the job if Bernd Schuster was kicked out by unforgiving president Ramon Calderon.

However, Mancio's representative Maurizio De Giorgis has denied the reports - but revealed that Mancini wouldn't mind the Real post should it become available.

"We are pleased with this news regarding the reported interest from Real, it's news for us too but there is nothing official," De Giorgis told Goal.com.

"They are just unfounded rumours as Real Madrid have not been in touch with us regarding Mancini.

"There is nothing official.

"I hope it's not all unfounded news though, but like I said, the Spanish club have not made contact.

"QPR? Absolutely not. We have maximum respect for QPR but I don't think Mancini would go there. If you compare Real Madrid with QPR...

"QPR have not been in touch, neither has Flavio Briatore.

"That is another rumour from the press who have nothing else to write about.

"The Golden Bench award? We are delighted. He deserves the award. He is a great coach and he has won many things and he deserves it."

Mancini will be hoping Real come knocking on the door sooner rather than later.

The former Sampdoria man is looking for a way back into football and there will be no better way than to do it with one of the world's biggest clubs.
 

Having been rocked by the news that Ruud van Nistelrooy will be out for the rest of the season, Real Madrid have wasted no time in drawing up a list of targets to fill the void...

As soon as Ruud van Nistelrooy was ruled out for the season, Real Madrid embarked upon a quest to sign a replacement. The list appears to have been narrowed down to three names.

The most realistic possibility appears to be Ricardo Oliveira. The Brazilian received a salary increase to remain in La Segunda, and is on €2.3 per season at Real Zaragoza, with a €30 million buy-out clause included in his contract. Zaragoza, however, will be willing to accept bids of around €20 million. The major advantage of this option would be that Oliveira would not have to wait until the transfer window to move, and could play in the Champions League.

The next option is Inter Milan's Hernan Crespo, who, at 33 years of age, is nearing the end of his career. He has not been registered for the Champions League, so being cup-tied would not be an issue, but any transfer would have to wait until the window opens on January 1. Real Madrid have sent scouts to watch Crespo in training. However, Jose Mourinho is not keen to sell the Argentine star. Despite giving him less playing time than Javier Saviola is getting in Madrid, the Portuguese has stated that "If Crespo is important for Madrid, then he is also important for Inter."

The final target is the Brazilian Vagner Love, from CSKA Moscow. The forward has scored 30 goals in the last two seasons, is only 24 years old, and would also be eligible to play in the Champions League. His asking price is also around €20 million.

In case none of these moves come to fruition, there are other options for Real Madrid, although these are more complicated. Carlos Tevez would cost €38 million, Klass-Jan Huntelaar is injured until January, and Genoa will not sell Diego Milito for less than €30 million. Indeed, when Genoa president Enrico Preziosi was quizzed on the matter, he replied: "We will not sell Milito. They can buy Crespo."

Carlos Tévez is on Real Madrid's shopping list for the January sales after it was revealed that the Spanish giants are determined to buy a new forward in the light of Ruud van Nistelrooy's injury.

Los Merengues' coach Bernd Schuster stated in the summer that he wanted another attacking player to add to his ranks and he may be given his wish in the winter market.

At the top of Madrid's list is Carlos Tévez and their interest will have grown after reports in England that the player is concerned about his future at Manchester United.

In June 2007, his agent Adrian Ruocco first held talks with the Spanish giants and is well known to the Bernabéu club after several rounds of negotiations about a move.

United have the option to buy Tévez in January for €37 million, but Madrid are hoping that Sir Alex Ferguson chooses not to take that up and looks elsewhere for additions to his squad.

While that may be a vain hope, the reigning Primera División champions have several other names that they are also considering and the majority would require less effort to sign.

Cruzeiro's 20-year-old Gilhereme, Corinthians Dentinho, Palmeiras' Alex Mineiro, CSKA's utility starlet Alan Dzagoev and Partizan's Adem Ljajic have all been linked to the club.