Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho shrugged off jeers aimed at him from his side’s fans prior to last night’s 4-3 win over Real Sociedad following his decision to again omit Iker Casillas in favour of Antonio Adan.

Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol is hoping speculation linking Cristiano Ronaldo with a move away from the Bernabeu proves unfounded, describing his team-mate as the best player on the planet.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque praised the control shown by his side after two goals from Xabi Alonso secured a 2-0 win over France and a place in the Euro 2012 semi-finals.

Spain may have wowed the world over the last four years with their stylish passing football, but they would not be defending European, or World Cup, champions without [the interventions of keeper Iker Casillas.

Andres Iniesta has rounded on Spain’s critics after their nervy 1-0 win over Croatia but reiterated his belief that the Euro 2012 will be even harder to win than the World Cup two years ago.

Anyone who has watched Spain’s two opening Euro 2012 games will not be surprised that La Roja have statistically made a blistering start to the tournament.

Posh will have to wait for the Olympics and Crouchy’s omission has kept Abbey Clancy at home. So, asks Larry Ryan, where will frisky TV directors point the cameras during injury stoppages this month?

REMEMBER Paul the Octopus? Well he has a successor. Iker the Octopus predicted a draw in the first El Clasico, a win for Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey and the Madridistas for tonight’s Champions League semi-finals at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho insists he is not worried about his side’s lack of goals so far this season, warning upcoming opponents that a thrashing is in the pipeline.

ONE-TIME Man City goalkeeping target Gianluigi Buffon says he is glad he turned down the Light Blues, because their defenders are not good enough.

ANDRES INIESTA insists Spain’s Euro 2008 final victory over Germany will give them no psychological advantage when the sides meet in the last four of the World Cup.

Andres Iniesta insists Spain’s Euro 2008 final victory over Germany will give them no psychological advantage when the sides meet in the last four of the World Cup.

David Beckham has continued to pile the praise on his team-mate Zinedine Zidane following the Frenchman’s outstanding performance in Valladolid.