| Banesto first-quarter net profit rises
Spain's Banco Espanol de Credito SA, or Banesto, said Wednesday that first-quarter net profit rose 11 percent on strong loan growth and improving lending margins. Madrid-based Banesto said net profit rose to euro187.5 million (US$251.74 million) in the three-month period, up from euro168.7 million in the year-earlier period. Banesto's comparative figures were affected by the November sale of real estate company Inmobiliaria Urbis SA, as Urbis no longer contributes to the bank's earnings. Banesto said first-quarter net interest income rose 18 percent to euro349.2 million (US$468.84 million). Total loans grew almost 28 percent in the first quarter, as Banesto continued to gain customers in the small- and medium-sized business segment.
Celta de Vigo v Real Madrid: Success or Adios for Capello
Real Madrid are currently five points behind Sevilla and Barcelona, and unless coach, Fabio Capello, can galvanise his side to overhaul that gap by the end of the season, he is unlikely to be in charge next season. There has been continued speculation surrounding the Italian's future, but that is nothing new for Real Madrid, where success is demanded not expected. This pressure may explain why Los Blancos have picked up more points on the road, and also have a better scoring record away from the expectations of the Bernabeu. Madrid have another opportunity to add to their away tally when they visit struggling Celta Vigo, who have the worst home record in La Liga. .
Spain La Liga Upate: Celta In Deep Trouble, Nàstic And Sociedad Doomed
La Liga Upate: Celta In Deep Trouble, Nàstic And Sociedad Doomed As Sevilla blew the chance to move level with Barça at the top of the table, Nàstic and Real Sociedad missed their chance to make up some ground on the teams outside of the bottom three. Celta's lack of concentration in the final minutes against Recre has also left them in deep trouble. .
Ronaldinho, Beckham to face United
Twice World Player of the Year Ronaldinho has been confirmed in a Europe squad to play Manchester United in a jubilee charity match on March 13. The Brazil forward will be joined by Barcelona team mates Carles Puyol, Lilian Thuram and Gianluca Zambrotta in a squad to be overseen by Italy's World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi. Real Madrid's former England midfielder David Beckham will return to Old Trafford as part of the European selection. The match celebrates the 50th anniversary of both United's participation in European football and the Treaty of Rome, which led to the formation of modern Europe through the Common Market. "It promises to be a fantastic occasion with Ronaldinho and David Beckham facing our Manchester United team," said former England forward Bobby Charlton, now a United director.
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