El Clásico. Spanish Super Cup. 2nd Leg 10pm BST tonight.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

That is the one thing about our austerity policy that makes me sick, to miss out on a guy of the quality for such a small amount is incredible, even for us.

How close were you actually from signing Alonso though? I've read nothing (granted I've never actively looked) that says you were all-but £2m from signing him other than the inevitable tabloid articles where everyone is literally hours from signing.

I'm just glad we didn't swap him for Barry; even if it did mean losing him a year later.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Wide from Ronaldo.

[Niall_Quinn]

Wow, Ronaldo was close with that FK, keeper nowhere.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Valdes denies Ronaldo.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Benzema header, straight at Valdes.

[Niall_Quinn]

Watched Chelsea, Utd and Barca today. Of the three, if I had to pick just one, I'd want Barca to lose. I'm even sitting here hoping Ronaldo scores. Crazy, to loathe a team that much. But I do.

[Master Splinter]

How close were you actually from signing Alonso though? I've read nothing (granted I've never actively looked) that says you were all-but £2m from signing him other than the inevitable tabloid articles where everyone is literally hours from signing.

Exactly. Just because Balague and Sky Sports tell you something, doesn't mean it's true.

Just like we never actually offered anything for Mata this summer.

Also, Barry .

[Niall_Quinn]

Benzema header, straight at Valdes.

He looks ordinary enough to play for us.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Ronaldo shot, deflected just wide. Valdes was scrambling.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Ronaldo scuffs another one.