Reuters Real Madrid touched down in Los Angeles earlier this week, about to start their swing through North America as they prepare to defending their Spanish title. As with any major European team that swings through Southern California, Los Merengues are mixing in publicity with their preseason preparations. This usually leads to a string of awkward, cost-sport moments where awesome soccer player is humbled trying his hand at another sport, such as when Cristiano Ronaldo met then-UFC champions Cain Velasquez last year. Why didn’t they have Cain try to stop a Ronaldo direct kick?
On Monday, stars from José Mourinho’s team tried their hand at baseball, with Arizona Diamondbacks Miguel Montero and Gerardo Parra looking on. Per Marca, most of what followed was folly. Iker Casillas’ instincts lent themselves to catching, Montero said, but when it came to hitting, most Merengues were useless.
The one exception: Xabi Alonso. Apparently the Real midfielder had previous taken swings off a pitching machine. Perhaps he owns the only one in Spain. Regardless, he impressed the two Diamondbacks.
“Iker would be a great catcher. He has the movements and reflexes of a goalkeeper and that always helps,” said Montero, who was somewhat more critical when analysing the players with the bat: “It’s a good thing they play football,” he chuckled. “They’re not very good, except for one, Xabi, who has really surprised me to tell the truth. He told me he has practised on the batting machine and played a little, and the truth is it shows. He hit very well.”
And so it’s answered: The never asked question about whether Xabi Alonso would be good at baseball.
Real Madrid takes on LA Galaxy Thursday at Home Depot Center, their first match of their seemingly annual (José loves the States) U.S. tour.
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What’s been coming for a long time is now official. Jose Mourinho’s three-year tenure at Real Madrid has a finish line.
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Ben Olsen? Frank Klopas? … Someone else?
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The big, soon-to-be out of contract Galaxy center backs says talks with MLS commenced:
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Kljestan becomes the fifth American to defend a title in a top league:
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The Scottish striker will hardly be missed around Vancouver:
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Sporting K.C. makes it clear after blown call – “I scored the goal”
May 19, 2013, 10:00 PM EDT
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Sporting K.C. manager Peter Vermes and defender Ike Opera didn’t appreciate the pivotal offsides call that disallowed a possible winning goal against D.C. United, and they made that very obvious.
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D.C. United rue own goal but end losing streak against Sporting KC
May 19, 2013, 7:51 PM EDT
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A dull, scoreless first half picked up in the second term as D.C. United grabbed a point against the league’s second-best team and ended their club-record losing streak at 7 matches.
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Carlo Ancelotti denied release from PSG as he looks to Real Madrid job
May 19, 2013, 5:50 PM EDT
Reuters
With his eye on the imminent vacancy at Real Madrid left by Jose Mourinho’s almost certain departure, Paris Saint-Germain’s mastermind Carlo Ancelotti may now have a large hurdle to get past if he is to land his ideal job in Spain’s capital.
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Fernando Torres scores first Premier League goal in 2013 as Chelsea secures third place
May 19, 2013, 5:34 PM EDT
Fernando Torres broke his Premier League scoring drought by banging home the game-winner to secure Chelsea a third place finish.
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Heartbreak in Serie A this year belongs to Fiorentina. Mario Balotelli converted a penalty in the 84th minute to draw level and two minutes later Philippe Mexes slotted home a cross to secure Europe’s top competition for AC Milan.
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Despite little to play for, Premier League final day provides prize money shifts
May 19, 2013, 4:47 PM EDT
Reuters
With Arsenal and Tottenham the only teams battling for any meaningful positioning in the Premier League table, the final day still had implications for many teams in the form of placement prize money.
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Sir Alex Ferguson managed the final match of his career away from Old Trafford, and it looked set to complete on a high note, until the opposition had other ideas late.
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(Video) Gareth Bale’s wonder strike not enough for Tottenham to capture Champions League dreams
May 19, 2013, 4:25 PM EDT
Another game-winning strike from Gareth Bale wasn’t enough to save Tottenham from more Champions League heartache.
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New York took all the points from the L.A. Galaxy on Tim Cahill’s late goal. So let’s talk about that goal.
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Where Landon Donovan’s afternoon takes us in the ongoing U.S. national team debate
May 19, 2013, 3:17 PM EDT
This Landon Donovan debate regarding his place on the national team is not going anywhere. So, did Sunday’s performance move the needle either way?



