Toronto FC confirms exhibition match against Real Madrid at BMO Field in August

September 30th, 2009 MADRID - A Spaniard warlock has claimed that he has been hired to cast a spell on Real Madrid star and former Manchester United footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. Jose "Pepe" Ruz, 58, from Malaga, has written to Florentino Pirez, the president of Real Madrid - the club that paid 80 million pounds for the Portugal international - to warn him that the hopes of millions of fans are about to be dashed.

September 24th, 2009 Kasparov beats Karpov in exhibition chess matchMADRID — Garry Kasparov has defeated Anatoly Karpov in an exhibition chess match marking the 25th anniversary of their first title bout. On the last of three days of play, Kasparov won five games of speed chess, while Karpov took one game and two others ended in a draw.

August 29th, 2009 Bolt arrives in Spain to watch Real-Deportivo gameMADRID — Usain Bolt has arrived in Spain for a weekend visit to watch Real Madrid play Deportivo La Coruna in the kickoff to the Spanish soccer season. The Jamaican sprinter who smashed the 100- and 200-meter world records in Berlin will fulfill another dream when he kicks a ball at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Saturday night.

August 5th, 2009 LONDON - Liverpool agreed Tuesday night to sell Spanish midfield footballer Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, subject to him passing a medical test. Liverpool said the fee would remain undisclosed, but it is thought to be close to 30 million pounds.

July 21st, 2009 Ronaldo misfires in 1st match for Real MadridDUBLIN — Cristiano Ronaldo struggled in his first match for Real Madrid, missing two free kicks in a preseason friendly against the Shamrock Rovers, a Dublin club of part-time players. The team held Real Madrid's starters at bay through the first half Monday in front of a sellout crowd of 10,800 at Tallaght Stadium.

July 14th, 2009 MADRID - Real Madrid player Kaka has urged all his teammates at Bernabiu to combine their talents with hard work, if they have to execute their absolute potential. Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Raul Albiol have all joined Real Madrid following a dramatic summer of spending by the Spanish giants.

July 7th, 2009 MADRID - Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo was unveiled as a Real Madrid player last night and nearly sparked off a riot. According to The Sun, a staggering 80,000 fans crammed the Bernabeu to welcome Ronaldo following his world-record 80-million-pound move from Manchester United.

June 27th, 2009 MADRID - Portugese giants Benfica announced late Friday that they had bought Javier Saviola from Real Madrid. According to Spanish and Portuguese media, Benfica will pay Real 5 million euros (6.98 million dollars) for the little Argentine striker.

June 25th, 2009 Real Madrid agrees to deal for Valencia's AlbiolMADRID — Real Madrid has reached a deal to sign Spain defender Raul Albiol from Valencia. Real Madrid said on its Web site Thursday that the transfer will go through next week after Albiol has passed a physical and signs a five-year contract.

June 9th, 2009 MADRID - Brazil's Kaka has sealed a 62 million pound deal with Real Madrid, certifying his transfer from A C Milan. The Sun quoted the Brazil superstar, 27, as saying: "Everything I've always done for Milan has been by mutual agreement, from the moment I arrived until my departure today - I'm leaving by the front door." "I've won everything that I wanted as a player and this is a new motivation for me.

June 9th, 2009 Madrid signs KakaMADRID, Spain — Real Madrid has announced the signing of Brazilian star Kaka from AC Milan. Madrid gave no financial details but reports on Monday said the Spanish club will pay Milan euro65 million ($92 million) for the attacking midfielder, making it one of the richest deals in soccer history.

June 3rd, 2009 Real Madrid to play exhibitions in Canada and USMADRID — Spanish soccer powerhouse Real (Ray'Al) Madrid has added a preseason exhibition in Canada to its North American tour this summer. The club said on its Web site Wednesday that Madrid will play Toronto FC at BMO Field on Aug.

June 1st, 2009 Reports: Manuel Pellegrini to coach Real MadridMADRID — Villarreal has reached an agreement that will allow coach Manuel Pellegrini to take over at Real Madrid, news reports said Monday. Club manager Jose Manuel Llaneza told the national news agency Efe that contacts were made and "as is logical between two clubs that get on, an agreement was reached." Pellegrini would replace Juande Ramos, who took over at Real Madrid midseason after Bernd Schuster was fired.

June 1st, 2009 MADRID - Osasuna made sure they remain in the Spanish football's Primera Liga after beating Real Madrid 2-1 in the last round Sunday. Barcelona won the championship, while Real Betis, Recreativo de Huelva and Numancia were relegated to the second division.

May 28th, 2009 MADRID - Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy looks to play for the club next season after making progress on his comeback from knee surgery, the Dutchman said. "I will start some gentle jogging next week.