Hamburg Takes Solo Third

In Bundesliga action, Hamburg SV beat Arminia Bielefield two goals to nil in their match in Frankfurt. Despite the falling snow, Hamburg was hot in pursuit of the ball all day to be able to eke out a win to bolster their chances to topple league leader Hoffenheim and Hertha.

Piotr Trochowski scored the first goal as he shot a free kick over the outstretched arms of Bielefield keeper Dennis Eilhoff. He was able to reach the ball but could not thwart the goal attempt. The score was almost tied in the 55^th minute as a penalty was awarded to Artur Wichniarek as he was brought down in the box by Alex Silva. Thanks to Hamburg goalkeeper Frank Rost, the volley from the spot was read and was able to block the ball. The win was sealed in the 60^th minute as Hamburg’s Ivica Olic set up Paolo Guerrero for a superb goal off the edge of the area into the far goal post.

The goals proved to be the points needed for the move in the standings. As of twenty games, Hamburg is just a point off league leading Hertha and is in third place behind Hoffenheim only because of goal difference.

Real Madrid signs Van Der Vaart

Real Madrid will unveil new signing Rafael Van Der Vaart next week according to reports, this after the club reached an amicable agreement with the player. Van der Vaart will sign for Real for €9m with another €2m going to Hamburg based on appearances and what he achieves with the La Liga champions. Van Der Vaart’s contract with Hamburg was set to expire in 2010, but it is believed he will sign for Los Blancos over the weekend when Real meet the German’s in the Emirates Cup.

Real Madrid’s president Ramon Calderon; whose primary pursuit was Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo seems to have gotten impatient with the Manchester United star and looks to have given up on his relentless pursuit of the midfielder. Much to Ronaldo’s dismay, who earlier this week stated that he would be traveling to England next week to inform Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United that he is leaving Old Trafford for the Santiago bernabeu.

What will happen now? Calderon is said to be traveling to England to seal the deal for Dutchman Rafael Van Der Vaart with Hamburg officials. Cristiano Ronaldo may still be playing at Old Trafford after all.

Sneijder encourages Van Der Vaart

Real Madrid’s Wesley Sneijder has stated that he would welcome Dutch teammate Rafael Van der Vaart at Real Madrid and stated that his versatility would make him an asset to the La Liga champions. Reports have suggested that los Merengues are set to finalise the transfer of the Hamburg player next week and if that move goes through; it would see the club give up their pursuit of Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

Sneijder stated that It would be great to play again alongside him at Madrid.” “He can play in the middle or in the same role that Raúl has been playing behind the striker. I think he is also comfortable in the two central midfield positions too.

“Having a player so versatile would be great in a season that will not doubt be very long and see some injuries.” However, with Cristiano Ronaldo stating that he will be playing for Real Madrid in the upcoming season; Sneijder’s dream may yet be deferred.