Quarterfinals 1st Leg match between Real Madrid vs Barcelona will be played at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain on January 18, 2012 Wednesday 4PM EST / 9PM GMT.

Quarterfinals 2nd Leg match will be played at Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain on January 25, 2012 Wednesday 4PM EST / 9PM GMT.

Real Madrid-Barcelona Preview:

Competition: 2011-2012 Spanish Copa del Rey – Quarterfinals Round
Date: 1st Leg – Wed January 18, 2012, 2nd Leg – Wed January 25, 2012
Kick off time: 4PM EST / 9PM GMT
Venue: 1st Leg – Estadio Santiago Bernabeu (Madrid), 2nd Leg – Camp Nou (Barcelona)
Watch on TV: United Kingdom – Sky Sports 2/HD; Canada – GolTV Canada; Spain – Canal+ 1 / HD / 30

Once again, the Santiago Bernabeu will be set to flames. It’s the first leg of the Copa del Rey’s Real Madrid-Barcelona tie on Wednesday, January 18. You just can’t miss it!

El Clasico is back and Messi’s Barcelona are ready for it! Watch out for Ronaldo’s Real Madrid, though. Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance in the latest Clasico was so appalling that many fans and pundits, non-Madridistas and Madridistas alike, suggested that the player gets benched in the next Barcelona meeting. However, this is very likely not to happen. What every Real Madrid supporter can now hope is for Ronaldo to live up to expectations at the Bernabeu.

Jose Mourinho has been urged to start with Karim Benzema, Gonzalo Higuain and Özil against Barcelona. The good news for Real Madrid is that Angel di Maria has been deemed fit to make his return after missing so many matches lately. The Argentine’s place in Mourinho’s starting XI is yet to be confirmed as competition against Jose Callejon exists.Meanwhile, the visitors are preparing to do what they know best. All eyes will be on reigning Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi. He has been tipped to put Casillas in trouble once again. If Barcelona score at least one goal at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, they’ll be even more favorites to reach the semifinals of the Copa del Rey.

A look at Real Madrid and Barcelona’s previous results in the 2011/12 Spanish Copa del Rey:

Round of 32:

- Ponferradina 0-2 Real Madrid; Real Madrid 5-1 Ponferradina (7-1 to Real Madrid on aggregate)

- L’Hospitalet 0-1 Barcelona; Barcelona 9-0 L’Hospitalet (10-0 to Barcelona on aggregate)

Round of 16:

- Real Madrid 3-2 Malaga; Malaga 0-1 Real Madrid (4-2 to Real Madrid on aggregate)

- Barcelona 4-0 Osasuna; Osasuna 1-2 Barcelona (6-1 to Barcelona on aggregate)

What’s next for Real Madrid and for Barcelona in the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey? Where will each team stand ahead of the second leg in Catalonia? (Via Angela Asante)

So, don’t forget to Watch Real Madrid vs Barcelona live streaming 1st leg match on Sky Sports 2/HD UK this January 18, 2012 Wednesday at 4PM EST / 9PM GMT.

It will also be shown on Spain’s Canal+ 1 / HD / 30. Watch out for it at game time.

UPDATE 1st LEG: FULLTIME: Real Madrid 1 – 2 Barcelona (Aggregate 1-2)

Goal Scorers: RM – Cristiano Ronaldo (11′)
Goal Scorers: BAR – Carles Puyol (49′), Eric Abidal (77′)

UPDATE 2nd LEG: FT: Real Madrid 2 – 2 Barcelona (Aggregate 3-4)

Goal Scorers: BAR – Pedro (43′), Dani Alves (45′)
Goal Scorers: RM – Cristiano Ronaldo (68′), Benzema (72′)

Barcelona wins via 4-3 aggregate score against Real Madrid in their Quarterfinals tie.

Barcelona advances to the Copa del Rey Semifinals and will face the winner of Valencia-Levante tie.

Round of 16 Second Leg match between Real Madrid vs Malaga will be played at Estadio La Rosaleda in Malaga, Spain on January 10, 2012 Tuesday 4PM EST / 9PM GMT.

In the first-leg of their round of 16 encounter, Real Madrid produced a stunning second-half comeback, scoring three times in a brilliant 10 minute spell to earn the reigning Copa del Rey winners a 3-2 victory against Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid.

Real Madrid vs Malaga Preview:

Competition: 2011-2012 Spanish Copa del Rey – Round of 16 Second Leg
Date: Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Kick off time: 4PM EST / 9PM GMT
Venue: Estadio La Rosaleda in Malaga, Spain
Watch on TV: United Kingdom – Sky Sports 2/HD; Canada – GolTV Canada; Spain – Canal+ 1 / HD / 30

Do not count Malaga out just yet. They have a first leg deficit to overturn but the two goals they scored at the Santiago Bernabeu last week may mean a lot.

Malaga aren’t doing badly at La Rosaleda this season. That’s where they staged a late comeback to draw 2-2 against Getafe en route to the Spanish Copa del Rey’s Round of 16.

But trace back Malaga’s home run in all competitions, and you’ll find an interesting fact. Manuel Pellegrini’s men haven’t lost any of their last five matches at La Rosaleda. Their most recent defeat at this venue dates from October 22; and it occurred in the hands of Jose Mourinho’s flying Blancos.

It was a thumping 4-0 defeat, which ended Malaga’s perfect home run. Prior to that, Los Boquerones enjoyed league wins against visitors Granada, Athletic Bilbao and Getafe.

However, hat-trick hero Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain stole the show in front of almost 29,000 spectators at La Rosaleda on October 22.

The good news for the Merengues is that Karim Benzema has been deemed match fit to feature against Malaga on Tuesday. The French striker was inspirational for Real Madrid against Granada last weekend.

The Spanish giants will most likely opt for an attacking game. It might be safe to bet on Cristiano Ronaldo to get on the scoring sheet in an eventual victory for Real Madrid over Malaga. (Via Angela Asante)

So, don’t forget to Watch Real Madrid vs Malaga live streaming on Sky Sports 2/HD UK this January 10, 2012 Tuesday at 4PM EST / 9PM GMT.

It will also be shown on Spain’s Canal+ 1 / HD / 30. Watch out for it at game time.

UPDATE 1st Leg: FT: Real Madrid 3 – 2 Malaga (On Aggregate: 3-2)

On Aggregate: Real Madrid 3 – 2 Malaga
Goal Scorers: Real Madrid – Sami Khedira (68′), Gonzalo Higuaín (70′), Karim Benzema (78′)
Goal Scorers: Malaga – Ortega Sergio Sanchez (10′), Martín Demichelis (29′)

UPDATE 2nd Leg: FT: Real Madrid 1 – 0 Malaga (On Aggregate: 4-2)

Goal Scorers: Real Madrid – Karim Benzema (72′)

GAME RECAP

A solitary effort from Karim Benzema, after a horrible mistake from Willy Caballero, was enough to earn Copa del Rey holders Real Madrid a 1-0 victory over Malaga at La Rosaleda in the second-leg of the Copa del Rey round of 16 matchup on Tuesday evening. Madrid wins the two-legged tie by a 4-2 aggregate score and set-up a likely quarter-final with rivals Barcelona.

Karim Benzema’s tame shot on the Malaga goal midway through the second half looked to have been a comfortable task for Caballero, before the ball slipped through his legs and rolled over the line, much to the relief of Jose Mourinho’s men.

With the win, Madrid progresses to the quarterfinals of the competition and will be waiting for Barcelona to progress in order to set up another epic tie between the rivals. Malaga exits the competition and will now focus its attention on securing a spot in next season’s Champions League with a strong second half in La Liga.

Round of 16 First Leg match between Barcelona-Osasuna will be played at Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain on January 4, 2012 Wednesday 4PM EST / 9PM GMT.

Both teams last met at Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain on September 17, 2011 for the La Liga match where Lionel Messi scored a hat trick as Barcelona trashed Osasuna 8-0.

Barcelona vs Osasuna Preview:

Competition: 2011-2012 Spanish Copa del Rey – Round of 16 First Leg
Date: Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Kick off time: 4PM EST / 9PM GMT
Venue: Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain
Watch on TV: United Kingdom – Sky Sports 2/HD; Canada – GolTV Canada; Spain – La Sexta

So, don’t forget to Watch Barcelona vs Osasuna live streaming on Sky Sports 2/HD UK this January 4, 2012 Wednesday at 4PM EST / 9PM GMT.

It will also be shown on Spain’s La Sexta Channel. Watch out for it at game time.

UPDATE: FULLTIME: Barcelona 4 – 0 Osasuna

Goal Scorers: Barcelona – Cesc Fábregas (14′, 18′), Lionel Messi (73′, 90′+1)

The match between Manchester City vs Bayern Munchen will be played at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England on December 7, 2011 Wednesday 2:45 PM EST.

Manchester City’s last UCL game was a 1-2 loss against Napoli on November 22. While Bayern Munchen’s last UCL game was a 3-1 win over Villarreal club de Futbol on November 22.

Both teams last UCL meeting was at Allianz-Arena in Munich, Germany on September 27 where FC Bayern Munchen won via 2-0.

Manchester City-Bayern Munchen Preview:

Competition: 2011-2012 UEFA Champions League (UCL)
Date: Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Kick off time: 2:45 PM EST
Venue: Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England
Watch on TV: USA – DirecTV, FoxSoccer.tv, Fox Soccer Plus; United Kingdom – Sky Sports 2/HD; Germany – Sat.1

This will the the last UCL Group A match where Bayern has already qualified for a spot in the last 16 knockout stage as the top team from Group A with 13 points with 4-1-0 W-L-D record. Napoli is at 2nd spot with 8 points (2-2-1 record) while Manchester City at the 3rd spot with 7 points (2-1-2 record).

Napoli takes on Villarreal on the final match-day and Manchester City must hope that Villarreal, a team that is yet to garner a single point from five matches, somehow takes a point or three against Napoli and at the same time, Manchester must beat the mighty Bayern. City  hopes that Villarreal has the heart to fight and beat Napoli.

The odds are stacked against City. This is almost an impossible task but achievable. City will fight for the match.

So, don’t forget to Watch Manchester City vs Bayern Munchen live streaming on Fox Soccer Plus USA this Wednesday at 2:45 PM EST.

It will also be shown on Sky Sports 2/HD in United Kingdom and on Sat.1 in Germany. Watch out for it at game time.

UPDATE: Manchester City defeated Bayern Munchen, 2-0, but does not qualify to the next found as in the other Group A match, Napoli beat Villarreal, 2-0. Thus, Napoli advances to Round of 16 with 11 points while Manchester with only 10 points.

Goal Scorers: David Silva (36′), Yaya Touré (52′)

The match between Ajax and Real Madrid will be played at the Amsterdam Arena in Amsterdam, Netherlands on December 7, 2011 Wednesday 2:45 PM EST.

Ajax’s last UCL game was a 0-0 draw against Olympique Lyon on November 22. While Real Madrid’s last UCL game was a 6-2 drubbing of Dynamo Zagreb on November 22.

Both teams last UCL meeting was at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, Spain on September 27 where Real Madrid won via 3-0.

Ajax -Real Madrid Preview:

Competition: 2011-2012 UEFA Champions League (UCL)
Date: Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Kick off time: 2:45 PM EST
Venue: Amsterdam Arena in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Watch on TV: USA – DirecTV, Fox Sports Net, FoxSoccer.tv; United Kingdom – Sky Sports Interactive; Spain – Forta

This will the the last UCL Group D match where Real Madrid already qualified for a spot in the last 16 knockout stage. Real Madrid leads Group D with 15 points, a perfect 5 game win record, while AFC Ajax is at second place with 8 points with 2-2-1 win-loss-draw record ahead of Olympique Lyon with only 5 points, a 1-2-2 record.

AFC Ajax can guarantee qualification into the last 16 with a point against Group D leaders Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Even if Ajax lose this game, Lyon must beat Dinamo Zagreb and overhaul a seven goal differential to see the Dutch club eliminated. Madrid have already sealed their progress into the knockout stage as group winners.

Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has stated his intention to rotate his squad, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos among those who will be rested.

So, don’t forget to Watch Ajax vs Real Madrid live streaming on FoxSoccer.tv USA this Wednesday at 2:45 PM EST.

It will also be shown on Sky Sports Interactive in United Kingdom and on Forta in Spain. Watch out for it at game time.

UPDATE: Real Madrid defeated Ajax, 3-0. In the other Group D match, Lyon beat Dinamo Zagreb 7-1.  Thus, Lyon advances to Round of 16 via a higher Goal difference against Ajax.

Goal Scorers: José Maria Callejón (14′, 90′+2), Gonzalo Higuaín (41′)

The match between Sevilla vs Real Madrid will be played at Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán in Sevilla, Spain on December 17, 2011 Saturday 4PM EST / 9PM GMT.

Both teams last met at Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán in Sevilla, Spain on May 7, 2011 where Real Madrid trashed Sevilla 6-2.

Sevilla vs Real Madrid Preview:

Competition: 2011-2012 Spanish La Liga
Date: Saturday, December 17, 2011
Kick off time: 4PM EST / 9PM GMT
Venue: Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán in Sevilla, Spain
Watch on TV: United Kingdom – Sky Sports 3/HD; Australia – ESPN Australia

So, don’t forget to Watch Sevilla vs Real Madrid live streaming on Sky Sports 3/HD UK this Dec. 17, 2011 Saturday at 4PM EST / 9PM GMT.

It will also be shown on ESPN Australia. Watch out for it at game time.

UPDATE: FULL TIME: Real Madrid defeated Sevilla 6-2

Goal Scorers: Real Madrid – Cristiano Ronaldo (10′, 41′, Pen 85′),  José Maria Callejón (37′), Ángel Di María (66′), Hamit Altintop (89′)
Goal Scorers: Sevilla – Jesús Navas (69′), Álvaro Negredo (90′)

GAME RECAP

A Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick helped Real Madrid to a 6-2 victory at Sevilla on an eventful night as both sides were reduced to ten men.

Madrid looked edgy at times during the first half as they looked to bounce back from their defeat to Barcelona, but emerged comfortable winners as Jose Callejon, Angel Di Maria and Hamit Altintop added to Ronaldo’s three strikes.

Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo scored for the hosts in a game that saw both Madrid’s Pepe and Sevilla’s Manu dismissed.

Real Madrid storm back to the top of La Liga and a three-point lead over bitter rivals Barcelona.

The match between Real Madrid vs Barcelona, also called as El Clasico, will be played at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, Spain on December 10, 2011 Saturday 4PM EST / 9PM GMT.

Barcelona’s last La Liga game was a 5-0 win against Levante on December 3 at Nou. While Real Madrid’s last League game was a 3-0 drubbing of Sporting Gijon on December 3 at Gijon.

Both teams last met at Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain the 2nd Leg of the Supercopa (Super Cup) match on August 17, 2011 where Barca won 3-2, with 5-4 aggregate score.

Real Madrid-Barcelona Preview:

Competition: 2011-2012 Spanish La Liga
Date: Saturday, December 10, 2011
Kick off time: 4PM EST / 9PM GMT
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, Spain
Watch on TV: USA – ESPN Deportes; United Kingdom – Sky Sports 3/HD; Australia – ESPN Australia

So, don’t forget to Watch Real Madrid vs Barcelona live stream on ESPN Deportes USA this Dec. 10, 2011 Saturday at 4PM EST / 9PM GMT.

It will also be shown on Sky Sports 3/HD in United Kingdom and on ESPN Australia. Watch out for it at game time.

UPDATE: Barcelona defeated Real Madrid, 3-1.

Goal Scorers: Barcelona – Alexis Sanchez 30′, Xavi (Marcelo OG) 53′, Cesc Fabregas 66′
Goal Scorers: Real Madrid – Benzema 1′

GAME RECAP

Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-1 at the Bernabeu, having gone behind to a shock Karim Benzema goal after just 23 seconds, and leapfrog their rivals to go top of La Liga on goal difference.

The game got off to a blistering start as Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes miskicked a clearance to Angel Di Maria and his shot rebounded to Benzema, who slotted home from close range.

Madrid pressed hard and forced Barca into more errors, but could not get another goal and, after letting Lionel Messi slide a through ball to Alexis Sanchez, the Catalans were level. Sanchez broke away and shrugged off the attentions of Pepe before firing a low shot past Iker Casillas.

After half-time, Barca took control, but were fortunate to go ahead. A long shot from Xavi rebounded off the heel of Marcelo and spun past Casillas, dropping in off the far post. As Madrid tired, the wind went out of their sails and Ronaldo spurned a glorious chance to level the scores; he headed wide from five yards out after a great cross from Xabi Alonso.

Minutes later Cesc Fabregas showed him how to do it as he got on the end of a Dani Alves cross to head the third goal and send Barcelona fans into raptures. (via espn)

The match between Barcelona and Levante will be played at Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain on December 3, 2011 Saturday 2PM EST / 7PM GMT.

Barcelona’s last La Liga game was a 4-0 win against Rayo Vallecano on November 30 at Nou. While Levante’s last League game was a 4-0 drubbing of Sporting Gijon on November 27.

Both teams last met at Estadio Ciudad de Valencia in Valencia on May 11 where they end in a 1-1 draw.

UPDATE: FULL TIME: Barcelona defeated Levante 5-0

Goal Scorers: Cesc Fábregas (4′), Cesc Fábregas (33′), Isaac Cuenca (37′), Lionel Messi (55′), Alexis Sánchez (61′)

Barcelona-Levante Preview:

Competition: 2011-2012 Spanish La Liga
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2011
Kick off time: 2PM EST / 7PM GMT
Venue: Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain
Watch on TV: USA – Gol TV; United Kingdom – Sky Sports 4/HD; Australia – ESPN Australia

Barcelona have to close the gap on Real Madrid, but they face a tough task. Levante come to the Camp Nou with good reasons to spoil the Catalans’ plans.

Barcelona occupy the second position with 31 points, but they have played a game more than leaders Real Madrid. In midweek, they thrashed Rayo Vallecano 4-0, but they still sit three points behind their arch-rivals.

They have a big game ahead of them, as they face Real Madrid in El Clasico on December 10. But Coach Pep Guardiola prefers to focus on his match against Levante.

However, Levante’s hopes of playing in the UEFA Champions League next season are still very much alive. They lie in 4th position with 26 points, with 8 wins in their campaign so far.

So, don’t forget to Watch Barcelona vs Levante live stream on Gol TV USA this Dec. 3, 2011 Saturday at 2PM EST / 7PM GMT.

It will also be shown on Sky Sports 4/HD in United Kingdom and on ESPN Australia. Watch out for it at game time.

UPDATE: FULL TIME: Barcelona defeated Levante 5-0

Goal Scorers: Cesc Fábregas (4′), Cesc Fábregas (33′), Isaac Cuenca (37′), Lionel Messi (55′), Alexis Sánchez (61′)

The match between Sporting Gijon vs Real Madrid will be played at the Estadio Municipal El Molinon in Gijon, Spain on December 3, 2011 Saturday 12PM EST / 5PM GMT.

Sporting Gijon’s last La Liga game was a 0-4 loss against Levante on November 27. While Real Madrid’s last La Liga game was a 4-1 drubbing of Atlético Madrid on November 26.

Both teams last met at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid on April 2 where Sporting Gijon defeated Real Madrid 1-0.

Sporting Gijon-Real Madrid Preview:

Competition: 2011-2012 Spanish La Liga
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2011
Kick off time: 12PM EST / 5PM GMT
Venue: Estadio Municipal El Molinon in Gijon, Spain
Watch on TV: USA – ESPN Deportes; United Kingdom – Sky Sports 4/HD; Australia – ESPN Australia

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is adamant the Primera Division leaders are fully focused on the trip to struggling Sporting Gijon and not the following week’s Clasico with arch-rivals Barcelona.

Madrid and Barca will undoubtedly contest the title come May and the significance of the result at the Bernabeu on December 10 cannot be underestimated.

However, Madrid are determined to go into the encounter with at least a three-point advantage, something they will guarantee with a victory in Gijon.

France international Benzema told the AS newspaper: “Sporting comes first. It will be a tough game because they are in need of points.

So, don’t forget to Watch Sporting Gijon vs Real Madrid live stream on ESPN Deportes USA this Dec. 3, 2011 Saturday at 12PM EST / 5PM GMT.

It will also be shown on Sky Sports 4/HD in United Kingdom and on ESPN Australia. Watch out for it at game time.

UPDATE: FULL TIME: Real Madrid defeated Sporting Gijon 3-0

Goal Scorers: Angel Di Maria 34′, Cristiano Ronaldo 64′, Marcelo 90′ +2′

The match between Liverpool FC vs Manchester City FC will be played at the Anfield in Liverpool, England on November 27, 2011 Sunday 11AM EST / 4PM GMT.

Liverpool’s last Premier League game was a 2-1 win over Chelsea on November 20. While Manchester City’s last EPL game was a 3-1 drubbing of Newcastle United on November 19.

Both teams last met still at Anfield in Liverpool on April 11, Liverpool defeated Manchester City 3-0.

Liverpool-Manchester City Preview:

Competition: 2011-2012 English Premier League (EPL)
Date: Sunday, November 27, 2011
Kick off time: 11:00AM  EST / 4:00PM GMT
Venue: Anfield in Liverpool, England
Watch on TV: USA – FOX Deportes, Fox Soccer Channel; United Kingdom – Sky 3D, Sky Sports 1/HD; Canada – Sportsnet World

League leading Manchester City will travel to face in-form Liverpool in a high profile Premier League clash on Sunday.

City currently hold a four point lead at the top of the table after winning their last seven league games on the bounce. Liverpool have climbed up to seventh after a seven game unbeaten run.

Both teams will have to work hard for what they get in this game, as it will be a meeting of the two best defensive sides in the Premier League. Both these teams have conceded only 11 goals so far this season, and both teams have kept four clean sheets this term.

Striker Mario Balotelli has recovered from illness for City, and will be fighting it out with Sergio Aguero and leading goal scorer Edin Dzeko for a place in the attack.

So, don’t forget to Watch Liverpool vs Manchester City live stream on Fox Soccer Channel USA this Sunday at 11AM EST / 4PM GMT.

It will also be shown on Sky Sports 1/HD in United Kingdom and on Sportsnet World in Canada. Watch out for it at game time.

UPDATE: FULL TIME: Liverpool 1 – 1 Manchester City

Goal Scorers: Manchester City – V. Kompany 31′; Liverpool – J. Lescott (OG) 33′