@ Tallesty1 : I agree that love is a decision, but I disagree on your formular for a relationship.
Come to think of with what blinds us to certain 'faults' in people and still make us love them? In as much as love is a decision it blinds us to the 'wrongs'...

@ datguru : You are very correct.

@ MzMycoli : Lol. I guess u'll agree with me that love and lust can't cohabit!

@ ibnjarir93 : hmmmm... That's a serious one.

@ MrCock : I don't understand what my picture or my shirt has to do with the topic. Besides I can't make any sense of what you said. Your words seem uncoordinated. #noDisrespect

@all : Thanks for commenting...

By Richard Eromosele (Vanguard, Wednesday, Oct 1st, 2014) pg 41

The truth is that there are many questions and issues sorrounding love. For example, what is the attraction for a beautiful woman with sight marrying a blind ugly man? Why will a highly educated woman marry an illetrate man? What would prompt a woman boss in an office to marry her driver? What would have informed a professor coming down from his olympian height to marry his house girl? Why will the daughter of a millionaire marry a pauper? Why will a lady lawyer marry a taxi driver? Why will the king descend low to marry the daughter of a poor man? Why?
Is love blind? Really, love trascends every boundary and breaks every barrier. It knows not the rich, the poor, the educated or the illiterate.

What do you think?

Mods, Front page material.

Mods, kindly move to front page. Thanks

MODS, pls front page calling... Thanks

I prefer my method that always works for me. I do my best at being 'ME'
And naturally, I may not be a comedian but I'm fun to be with and I've got good sense of humour.
In as much as girls love a guy who can make them happy (smile, laugh) always... They don't want a 'joker'
#gbam

By Sheila Blagg
A divorce mediator with over 10 years experience dealing with separation, divorce& dating after divorce. Creator of Divorce2dating.com


The kids-or-no-kids debate is an issue for many couples. But, bring a child into a new dating relationship and the issue becomes even more complex. As people move from one relationship into the dating realm, they often wonder, "Does he want kids?," Will she still want to date me?"

When both parties are on the same page in regard to the kids question (either in favor of kids or not), the new relationship experiences fewer bumps. But if one wants kids and the other doesn't, the debate may result in a huge rift that not many couples survive.

When to Talk About Kids
It is my opinion that the do-you-want-(more)-children question should be tackled within the first couple of dates. Why continue to date someone who doesn't have the same goals and desires as you do? Sure, there are some cases where, along the way, someone changes his or her mind, and they all live happily ever after, but there are more cases that end in heartbreak and anger.
Are you willing to take that chance? Does it make sense to invest so much time in a relationship that may never work?

Most people know whether or not they want children by the time they reach adulthood. Personally, I have five children, and two of them already know that they definitely want to have kids of their own. Two of my kids say "No WAY", and one is still on the fence (which is fine since he's only 15!). My point is that, even though my kids are still relatively young, they already have a picture of what they want their family lives to look like.

I Can Change His/Her Mind
I've heard so many stories of heartbreak resulting from one person trying to change a potential partner's mind about having or not having children. The bottom line is, if someone you're dating does not want children (and vice versa), don't try to talk him/her into it. It's important to respect the vision of what that individual has in mind for his/her future.

Stop trying to change the other person and accept that you may need to change how you deal with the situation.

When I began dating after my divorce, I decided that I wanted to date only men who wanted children. I felt that the desire for kids was one common ground on which we could relate to one another.

But, one of my very best friends approached the kid debate in a completely different way, She decided that she had no interest in dating a man with kids. She didn't feel that she was cut out to manage someone else's kids and the ex-wife that would inevitably come as part of the package.

Know What You Want
What it boils down to is that you must first decide what your goals are for the future. Do you want (more) kids? Do you want to date someone who already has kids? Know your limits, set boundaries, and stick to them. It has been my experience -- and the research will back me up -- that it's never a good idea to try to "change his/her mind" on something as important as having a family.

Although there are always exceptions to every rule, dating someone who is like minded -- especially when it comes to children -- makes for a less complicated relationship.

no harm trying

onome710: By Cortland Coffey
Divorce happens. This is just a fact of life. But if they could all be done like this man and woman the world would be a better place.

According to Rob Letcher:
'Divorce doesn't just 'happen'. Most divorces start during the dating phase - others during the engagement phase. And many start after the marriage begins. But they all 'happen' as a result of a choice. A choice to be abusive. A choice to put up with the abuse assuming it will end (and that we have the ability to make the other person stop the abusive behavior). A choice to not live up to their marriage vows. A choice to not take it seriously. A choice to not forgive a moment of poor judgement. But it doesn't just 'happen'.

onome710: By Adam Estepp
This article makes me want to be a better husband!

This makes me want to be a better husband as well, but I am not even married.

chimerase2: And y did u break up with her

lol. Its not my post... I also asked the same question.

I'll be sharing comments by viewers on the Original Site.

solomonbrown64:

damn....u wicked oh

not my fault. it wasnt mutual. i cant tell someone 'i love you' without meaning it.

MisterLongman: Number 11 is the most annoying..... The kind of reply meant for those stuck in the friendzone

i tell u. very f*ckd up reply.

BY: Michael Cheshire
Author, spiritual leader, humorist and serial entrepreneur


Well, today our 20 year marriage ended in courtroom 2-D.

To be honest, it was surreal. When we came to this decision months ago, I felt like the world had ended. In truth, I was afraid of what life would look like now without you. But now, standing here, it seems much more survivable. I read a German proverb once that said, "Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is." And I was truly afraid of life without you. You have been the one constant person in my life for so long. In fact, longer than any other person on earth. You are the voice in my head. I owe you so much for these last 20 years. So I thought I'd let you know a few things on this first day of our new relationship. I know it's weird writing this to you on this day, but life speeds by and there is simply no time to leave the right words unspoken. So allow me to share a few of my thoughts and feelings from today with you...

• You deserve an award for making it 20 years with a man like me. We both know I'm not easy to love. I'm beyond driven, don't sleep much, make jokes in every situation, and you could always count on me to misbehave. I have taken more then my fair share of risks over our years together. That's the problem with being married to a person who pursues dreams. You get dragged into adventures you never signed up for. I realized too late that many of my dreams became nightmare situations for you. My passions have always driven me. And that my heart is all about pursuing new things and bold plans. In many ways, my life is like a room full of dynamite... and I sit in that room playing with matches far too often. But hang in there... you were always ready with your southern charm and classy manners to correct my brash nature and follow me into another venture. I realize now that even though we had some real success, it took a toll on those I loved. For that I am truly sorry.

• Statistically, this was a good decision. We both know that 50 percent of marriages end in divorce... but the other 50 percent end in DEATH! So we really dodged a bullet there :-)

• You are an AWESOME mom. Your kindness and love for our children is, perhaps, the single most beautiful thing about you. You will never fully know how much I studied your example while we raised these kiddos. You somehow breathe out love and they breathe it in.

• I want you to be happy. You deserve to be happy. Being married and also "in ministry" is often a nightmare. The pressures of having a good marriage makes having an authentic one a real struggle. Honestly, I'm happy you don't have to deal with that anymore. For me, I know this is what I must do with my life. But you deserve a much more peaceful life and I'm excited you get that.

• For the record, I would have married you all over again... even if I knew it would end like this. Yes, we have three amazing kids out of this, but even if there was no Chloe, Titus, and Silas... I still would have picked you. I'm a better and different person today because of you. I cannot imagine going through life without any real time with you.

• You need to stay off WebMD. Headaches are rarely brain cancer. I mean it. It's SUPER rare! You can be stubborn and ornery. People like you live longer than everyone you know. Let death be a surprise when it arrives. Enjoy the many years you have in front of you.

• You can't get me to stop loving you. I honestly tried to convince my heart to hate you for a while. It didn't take. You're just too good of a person. The one thing that surprised me about our desperation was how easy it was to just be friends again. For us, that's where "we" started. And so I'm happy that that's where we are ending. As great friends. I love that we still talk about our kids, life, plans, movies, music, and what famous person died. It feels normal to me.

• I'll always be here to help you in any way you need. I love that you're going to school and exploring new avenues for your journey through life. I'm always going to be around in case you need help... because I'm a fan. Always will be.

• If our divorce has taught me one thing it's this: if I had known it was going to end after 20 years, I would have absolutely done more sit-ups. Dating again is going to be interesting. But my friend signed me up for something called Grindr so I'm sure I'll have a lot of dates soon.

• I'm not stupid. I know a woman like you will not be alone long. You are too easy to love. And I want you to know that I will be a fan of whomever you choose to love again. I will, no doubt, share embarrassing stories about you with them whenever I can. But that's to be expected because I can be a real tool!

I guess that sums up most of it. I have thought about this day a lot as it approached. And all I knew was I wanted to end "us" well. Sounds stupid I guess... to want to end our marriage in a "good way." But I keep thinking back to that old movie The Lion in Winter. When the sons, in the dungeon, think they hear Henry coming down the stairs to kill them.

Richard says,"He's here. He'll get no satisfaction out of us. Don't let him see you beg...Take it like a man!

Geoffrey replied, "You fool! As if the way one falls down matters!"

Richard replied, "Well, when the fall is all that's left, it matters a great deal."

It was an honor to have you for 20 years. It will be my privilege to be a close friend the rest of your life.

So I will end this with a few words with from the great theologian Cyndi Lauper.

"If you're lost you can look -- and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you --
I'll be waiting
Time after time"

With all my heart,
Michael

solomonbrown64: ...All these epistles on Nairaland des days, anyway, i m guilty of no 7....

I'm guilty of 14 and 20.

So, thats how u copied my topic and reposted. very unintelligent.

The Huffington Post | By Brittany Wong

It takes nerves of steel to say "I love you" to someone for the first time.

Sure, they could say they love you back, but what if the feeling is anything but mutual and they let you know in the most soul-crushing way possible?

Take, for instance, any one of the terrible, terrible responses in this list, culled from an Ask Reddit thread that popped up Tuesday. Read what the Redditors had to say below -- and if you've ever been on the receiving end of any of these replies, our deepest, deepest condolences.

1. "Take it back' was said the other day to my friend's face. Ouch.

2. "'Wait...why?' I'm sad to say that I'm the owner of this response."

3. "And I love spending time with you!"

4. "My ex said 'thank you' and that was it. Shame ensued. There were a few moments of silence which I broke by saying 'juuuuuust kiddinggggggg' in a shaky, trying-not-to-cry voice and then we broke up a few days later."

5. "'Thank you' is bad, but the worst has to be 'thank you?' stated as a question, dragged out in an awkward way, so their response is actually more like, 'Why are you saying that? What am I supposed to say back? Am I supposed to be happy? Well, that's not how I actually feel and now you ruined this relationship.'"

6. "I love me, too!"

7. "I'm sorry."

8. "'Oh....no.' The tone of her voice sounded more disappointed than anything else. Sad day for me."

9. "Yeah, you're not too bad yourself."

10. "Awesome sauce."

11. "Via text: 'K' In person: 'I love you too, like a brother/sister.' On the phone: '-dial tone-' Webcam: 'Your session has ended.'"

12. "In ninth grade, some girl said 'I love you' in front of a group of 8-10 of us. The guy replied, 'You want fries with that?' Devastating."

13. "That's... sweet."

14. "'I wish I loved you.' Yeah, I got that once."

15. "Woah, I thought this was just physical."

16. "But I don't love you."

17. "Laughing. One of my close friends told me he loved me and always had. I laughed. I thought he was joking. He wasn't... He looked so crushed."

18. "I know how you feel; I love someone, too."

19. "Aww, crap."

20. "'The feeling is mutual.' I was 13, she was 12, it lasted a month and now we're both gay. At least something was mutual."

JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military shot down a Syrian fighter jet that infiltrated its airspace over the Golan Heights on Tuesday morning — the first such downing in decades, heightening tensions in the volatile plateau.

The military said a "Syrian aircraft infiltrated into Israeli air space" in the morning hours and that the military "intercepted the aircraft in mid-flight, using the Patriot air defense system."

The military would not say what type of aircraft was downed and said the circumstances of the incident were "unclear."

A defense official identified the downed aircraft as a Sukhoi Su-24 Russian fighter plane. Perviously, it was reported to have been a MiG aircraft. He said the Syrian jet penetrated 800 meters (2,600 feet) into Israeli air space and tried to return to Syria after the Patriot missile was fired.

The crew managed to abandon the plane in time and landed in Syrian territory, the Israeli official said.

It was the first such incident since the war with Lebanon in 1982, the official said. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

Israel has largely stayed on the sidelines of Syria's civil war raging across the border. But Israeli leaders appear increasingly nervous about the possibility of al-Qaida-linked fighters occupying the Golan's high ground over northern Israel.

Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon said the aircraft had crossed into Israel in a "threatening way" and vowed to retaliate to any similar attempts in the future.

"We will not any allow element, whether it is a terror group or a state, to threaten our security and breach our sovereignty," he said. "We are committed first and foremost to ensure the security of the Israel's citizens and we will use all means at our disposal to do so," he said.

Israel has avoided taking sides in the three-year civil war in Syria, though Israeli troops have responded to occasional mortar fire that has landed on the Israeli side of the Golan. Israel says some of the attacks have been accidental spillover, while others have been intentionally aimed at Israeli civilians and soldiers. It has always held Syria responsible for any cross-border fire.

Israel and Syria are bitter enemies who have fought several wars.

Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Middle East war and later annexed the strategic area in a move that has never been internationally recognized.

While relations are hostile, the ruling Assad family in Syria has kept the border area with Israel quiet for most of the past 40 years. Israel is concerned that Assad's ouster could push the country into the hands of Islamic State extremists or other al-Qaida linked militants, or plunge the region further into sectarian warfare.

The Syrian government confirmed that Israel shot down one of its planes.

In August, Israel shot down a drone that had entered its side of the Golan Heights from Syria.

The Spain international claims he "takes advantage" of physical match-ups and will punish defenders who rile him as the table-toppers prepare to face the Premier League champions

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has warned his rivals that he responds with goals when being provoked, ahead of his side’s showdown with Manchester City on Sunday.

The 25-year-old has scored seven goals in four matches since joining the Blues from Atletico Madrid and has seemingly adapted well to the physical nature of English football.

Costa celebrated in front of Seamus Coleman after scoring against Everton, feeling he had been provoked by the Irishman, and vowed to do the same to others.

"They go looking for it," he told The Telegraph, when asked about his altercation with Coleman.

"You’ve got to know how to manage these situations. The truth is I’m fairly relaxed. If they provoke me, I’ll score against them.  

"That happens here, it happened in Spain. Wherever I play, it’ll always be like that. It’s a perception people have of my character and people will look for any way to try to take advantage of it.

"The reality is, for the moment, that I haven’t had any really physical battles. Things have been going well. So far, I’m enjoying it."

The Spain international feels his desire to always win games means he plays with an added edge, which in turn allows him to be easily provoked, but he believes he will  never change.

"I don’t like to lose," he continued. "I think that gets noticed. It’s something that many times goes well but other times goes badly for me. I’m just like that.

"I just always try to win, to get better, do my best and it always annoys me to lose."

Play by Play Commentary!

Deportivo 2 vs 8 Real Madrid CF - Played

… -  Full time at the Riazor! It has been goals galore here in this Spanish Primera Division clash ends 8-2 to Real Madrid away to Deportivo. A solid opening 20 minutes for the hosts mattered not as Madrid went into the break three goals up thanks to a Ronaldo double and a James Rodriguez wonderstrike. The hosts rallied after the break and grabbed a goal back through Medunjanin, but two from Bale, two from Javier Hernandez, and a hat trick goal from the Ronaldo sealed the comprehensive win. Madrid back in business in the league! I'm Martin Macdonald, thanks for joining us, see you next time!

90′ + 2 -  Assist - Marcelo (Real Madrid CF)

90′ + 2 -  Goal - Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez (Real Madrid CF) GOOOOOOAALLLLLLLLL FOR REAL MADRID!!! EIGHT-TWO NOW! This is getting crazy! Hernandez is on the scoresheet again as he bursts forward before sending a deflected strike looping over Lux!

90′ -  Should be too much added time here. The Depor fans, players, and manager, just want to head home!

88′ -  Assist - Isco (Real Madrid CF)

88′ -  Goal - Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez (Real Madrid CF) GOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLL FOR REAL MADRID! WHAT A FANTASTIC STRIKE FROM JAVIER HERNANDEZ! Chicharito receives a bouncing pass from Isco down the left channel and decides to have a crack! He ends up sending a sensational half volley into the top corner! Seven-two!

86′ -  Should have mentioned a few minutes ago that Javier Hernandez entered the fray in place of Bale. That's Ancelotti used all three substitutes with the Mexican, Isco, and Illarramendi all on the pitch now.

84′ -  Assist - Cuenca (Deportivo)

84′ -  Goal - Toché (Deportivo)

84′ -  GOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLL FOR DEPORTIVO!! A CONSOLATION, BUT IT GIVES THE FANS SOMETHING TO CHEER ABOUT! Cuenca collects the ball on the right-hand side and whips a superb ball into the box for Toche, who bullets a header into the bottom corner! Great goal! Six-two!

82′ -  Just under 10 minutes remaining now at the Riazor and Deportivo are playing for pride in front of their own fans now. Even just one more goal would make the scoreline look a lot more presentable, but Madrid looking comfortable at the moment.

80′ -  You have to hand it to Deportivo a bit. They came out after the second half knowing they had nothing to lose having been hit for three in the opening 45 minutes. However, turns out they did have something to lose; three more goals.

79′ -  Yet another hat trick to the collection for the Ballon d'Or winner!

78′ -  Assist - James Rodríguez (Real Madrid CF)

78′ -  Goal - C. Ronaldo (Real Madrid CF) GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLL FOR REAL MADRID! THAT'S SIX!! Some absolutely terrible defending at the back from Sidnei allows James to pounce and pass to the back post for Ronaldo, who lashes a powerful strike past Lux! Six-one!

77′ - Substitution  Gareth Bale  Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez (Real Madrid CF)

76′ -  Well, I criticised Deportivo for their negative attitude towards attacking in the first half but it appears they have went the completely other way in this second period. Their defence looks all over the place at the moment and you can only see Madrid adding more to their tally!

74′ -  Assist - Isco (Real Madrid CF)

74′ -  Goal - Gareth Bale (Real Madrid CF)

74′ - Substitution  L. Fariña  Toché (Deportivo)

74′ -  GOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLL FOR REAL MADRID! INSTANT IMPACT FROM ISCO! The substitute drifts in from the left wing and threads a lovely pass into the box for the unmarked Bale, who takes a touch forward before lifting a strike into the right corner! Five-one! Game well and truly over!

72′ -  Time is running out for Depor to make this a grandstand finish at the Riazor. If they can grab one now, they are sure to make the last few minutes at least slightly nervous for Los Blancos.

71′ - Substitution  Luka Modric  Isco (Real Madrid CF)

70′ -  Carlo Ancelotti makes his second change of the match and it is Isco who is coming on in place of Modric. Previous substitute, Illarramendi, and Isco rarely get a chance to play together in midfield, so let's see how they fare.

68′ -  Well, that Bale goal has completely halted the ascendancy of Deportivo in the second half. The hosts came out after the break with a much better tempo and even clawed a goal back through Medunjanin, but it is back to square one now as they are three behind again. It would take an incredible capitulation for Madrid to surrender this lead now.

66′ -  Assist - Marcelo (Real Madrid CF)

66′ -  Goal - Gareth Bale (Real Madrid CF) GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLL FOR REAL MADRID!! AND IT'S GARETH BALE!! Marcelo gets into an advanced position just outside the Depor box and spots the run of the Welshman, who darts into the box before squeezing a precision strike in off the post! It took Lux by surprise! Four-one!

65′ -  Yellow Card - Sidnei (Deportivo)

64′ -  Surprisingly, Madrid opt to take the set piece short and they move play from side-to-side, attempting to find an opening. An odd one, as it looked prime for a Ronaldo crack at goal.

63′ -  Kroos picks up the ball 35 yards out and fizzes a pass into the feet of Ronaldo, who takes an assured touch away from the defender before being taken out by Sidnei. Madrid get the free kick in a useful position outside the box and the Depor defender is handed a booking.

61′ -  James battles well in the middle of the park and eventually wins possession before dinking a lovely pass over the top of the Depor defence for Ronaldo. The Portuguese looks poised to run through on goal but the linesman puts his flag up for offside! Extremely tight but probably just the right decision!

59′ - Substitution  Karim Benzema  Asier Illarramendi (Real Madrid CF)

59′ -  Terrific response from Deportivo in this second period. They have come out with a 'nothing to lose' attitude that was sorely devoid of the performance in the opening 45 minutes. If they can grab a second soon, then it is sure to put the frighteners on Los Blancos!

57′ -  LUIS FARINA! Not a bad attempt at all! Cuenca drives towards the Real Madrid defence once again and has a crack at goal. The deflected strike finds its way to the Argentine on the edge of the box who fires a wicked half volley at goal, but Casillas is concentrated enough to get down and make the save!

55′ -  Cavaleiro has only been involved in the action 10 minutes since coming on at half time but he has already had a positive impact on the hosts. The midfielder actually have a decent target to aim to and he seems eager to stretch the Madrid defence with runs into the channels.

53′ -  Now, it will be extremely interesting to see how Real Madrid cope mentally with Depor clawing a goal back. As I mentioned before, they surrendered a half time lead against Sociedad a few weeks ago, so let's see how they react here as Depor's tails are up!

51′ -  Penalty Goal - Haris Medunjanin (Deportivo) GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLL FOR DEPORTIVO!! A RAY OF HOPE FOR THE HOSTS! Medunjanin steps up and confidently dispatches the penalty into the bottom corner! Casillas goes he wrong way! Three-one!

50′ -  Yellow Card - Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid CF)

49′ -  PENALTY TO DEPORTIVO!! The hosts break forward down the left wing and a cross comes into the box which appears to brush off the hand of Sergio Ramos! The Madrid defender receives a yellow card and the hosts get the spotkick!

47′ -  A change to report for you at half time as Helder Postiga is replaced by Ivan Cavaleiro for Deportivo. It's unclear whether there is an injury involved, but the former did not perform at all well in the first half, so may be tactical.

46′ - Substitution  Juanfran  Juan Domínguez (Deportivo)

46′ - Substitution  Hélder Postiga  Ivan Cavaleiro (Deportivo)

46′ -  We are back under way at the Riazor!

… -  Half time at the Riazor. A solid start for Deportivo has been swiftly undone as Real Madrid lead them 3-0 heading into the break in this Spanish Primera Division clash. Los Blancos looked frustrated for 20 minutes but a wonderful Cristiano Ronaldo header put the visitors a goal up before a James Rodriguez screamer and a second from the Portuguese made it three. Long 45 minutes in store for Depor!

43′ -  Well, is this game, set, and match already for Madrid? Depor can take heart that Los Blancos have surrendered from a winning position already this term, but Ancelotti's men look hungry for more goals! Not promising for the hosts!

41′ -  Assist - Karim Benzema (Real Madrid CF)

41′ -  Goal - C. Ronaldo (Real Madrid CF) GOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLL FOR REAL MADRID!! WHAT ON EARTH IS LUX DOING!!? Benzema runs through the middle and for some reason the Deportivo keeper rushes out of his box to try and tackle the Frenchman! The loose ball ends up at the feet of Ronaldo, who gratefully whips a strike home into the empty net! Three-nil! Awful goalkeeping though, that's a gift to Los Blancos!

39′ -  Real Madrid will no doubt have that result against Sociedad in the back of their minds, so you would feel that the general consensus is that they will want to grab another before half time, just to ease any nerves. Depor there for the taking at the moment!

37′ -  Deportivo have got a hell of a lot of work to do to save this game now. However, don't forget that Real Madrid were in this exact same position a couple of weeks ago against Real Sociedad, only to end up losing 4-2 to the Basque outfit. Carlo Ancelotti will be urging his players not to make the same mistake again!

36′ -  Assist - Karim Benzema (Real Madrid CF)

36′ -  Goal - James Rodríguez (Real Madrid CF) GOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLL FOR REAL MADRID!! WHAT A STRIKE BY JAMES RODRIGUEZ!! The Colombian collects the ball 25 yards out after some neat build up play and rifles an unstoppable left-footed shot into the top right corner!! Superb! Two-nil!

33′ -  Madrid look to have been buoyed by that opening goal and look hungry to go and grab the second here. Depor are going to have to show some kind of attacking ambition at some point now!

31′ -  Penalty shout for Depor! Cuenca, who has probably been the hosts' brightest player so far, goes on a twisting and turning run before driving into the box, before going down under the challenge of James! It was an awkward tackle from the Colombian, but did not look a foul! Good decision from the ref!

29′ -  Assist - Arbeloa (Real Madrid CF)

29′ -  Goal - C. Ronaldo (Real Madrid CF)

27′ -  Madrid have been pretty lackadaisical going forward so far but it is mainly due to the blue and white wall of Depor players they face whenever they receive the ball in advanced areas. It'll be tough for the hosts to keep up this level of concentration for an extended period.

25′ -  There's a game of head-tennis going on a the moment as Sergio Ramos, Varane, Diakite, and Sidnei all trade clearances forward. Eventually Kroos calms the play down with an assured touch and Madrid look to move up the park.

23′ -  Important interception by Lux! James latches on to a threaded pass down the inside right channel and takes a few strides forward before smashing a wicked cross to the back post. Ronaldo looks poised to tap in but Madrid are thwarted by the Depor keeper, who pounces off his line to make the clearance.

21′ -  Modric receives the ball to feet just outside the centre circle and looks for the run of Arbeloa with a diagonal pass. The precision ball out wide finds it's mark but the former Liverpool defender is forced back as he fails to get past the full back.

19′ -  Another attempt on goal from Ronaldo after some good work by Marcelo. The Brazilian initially provided width on the left-hand side before sliding inside to his team-mate, who only has one thought in his mind. However, the resulting strike is dragged well wide.

17′ -  Great save by Lux!! Ronaldo skips past a few challenges inside the box only to lose the ball. However, it finds its way fortuitously to Benzema who attempts a snapshot at goal, but the Depor goalkeeper makes himself big enough to deny the Frenchman! Best chance of the match so far!

15′ -  Decent start to the match here at the Riazor. Madrid have enjoyed the majority of the possession so far but they have been frustrated by a Depor side who's clear objective is to sit back and hopefully grab a goal on the counter. They certainly have the quality to do so!

13′ -  Ronaldo bursts down the left wing at pace before looking for the overlapping run of Marcelo. The Ballon d'OR winner decides against the pass and moves play back inside, where Modric collects possession. No way through at the moment for Madrid as Depor are set up solidly at the back.

11′ -  Ronaldo should be doing better! James drifts out to the right wing and then reverts back on his left foot before whipping a teasing cross to the back post. The Portuguese rises high and gets his head on the ball, but the attempt is easily gathered by Lux. That was a chance there!

9′ -  Cuencaaaaa! Unlucky! The former Barcelona winger pops up on the left-hand side once again then typically cuts inside on his right foot before having a crack at goal. The 25-yard strike just lacked a little direction, which allows Casillas to see it by the post.

7′ -  Benzema receives possession to feet up top but finds himself surrounded by blue and white shirts, and eventually surrenders the ball. No surprises coming from the way Depor have set up; plenty of men in and around their own penalty area!

5′ -  The first free kick of the match comes for Real Madrid, which Modric will take. The Croatian whips a decent cross to the front post but Diakite is on hand to commandingly head away.

3′ -  Cuenca collects a decent ball down the left-hand side and hits the byline before swinging a cross into the middle. Varane and Sergio Ramos make a meal of dealing with the clearance but they are let off the hook as Postiga commits a cheap foul on the former.

1′ -  We are under way at the Riazor!

… -  The players make their way to the field and we are almost ready for kick off!

… -  It is basically as suspected by Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian is without the services of Dani Carvajal due to a hamstring injury, which has opened up a spot at right-back for Alvaro Arbeloa. The usual suspects feature up top with Ronaldo, Bale, Rodriguez, and Benzema all starting.

… -  Deportivo boss Victor Fernandez welcomes back Luis Farina to the first XI against Madrid today. The Argentine missed the win over Eibar on Monday due to a hip problem, but has shook off the injury to start in the No.10 role behind Helder Postiga.

… -  Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Casillas; Arbeloa, Varane, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Kroos; Bale, Rodriguez, Ronaldo; Benzema.

… -  Deportivo (4-2-3-1): Lux; Laure, Diakite, Sidnei, Luisinho; Bergantinos, Medunjanin; Juanfran, Farina, Cuenca; Postiga.

… -  TEAM NEWS...

… -  The last time Los Blancos made the trip to the Riazor in competitive action was in February 2013. Goals from the now departed Kaka and Gonzalo Higuain helped Jose Mourinho's outfit to the 2-1 victory.

… -  Deportivo, conversely, have made a relatively solid start to the campaign and currently find themselves 10th with four points taken from three matches. However, their only win did come up against newly promoted Eibar on Monday.

… -  However, a turn of the tide may be on the cards as Madrid stopped the rot with an impressive 5-1 victory over Basel in the opening match of their Champions League campaign on Tuesday. The front four of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez, and Karim Benzema all managed to get on the scoresheet in that win.

… -  Los Blancos have made a poor start to the season domestically and have lost two league matches on the bounce. A 4-2 defeat away against Real Sociedad proceeded a potentially vital 2-1 loss against city rivals, Atletico Madrid, at Santiago Bernabeu. The latter result prompted jeers and boos from the home crowd, who concentrated their anger on goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Carlo Ancelotti's men bounced back from their defeat to Atletico Madrid last weekend with a sensational goalscoring display on Saturday afternoon

Cristiano Ronaldo struck a hat-trick as Real Madrid produced a stunning 8-2 demolition of Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga.

Carlo Ancelotti's side were at their devastating attacking best at the Riazor, with a Gareth Bale double, James Rodriguez's first Liga goal and a late brace from Javier Hernandez supplementing Ronaldo's treble. 

Defeats to Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid had put Ancelotti under some pressure, but after a morale-boosting 5-1 Champions League win over Basel on Wednesday, Real never looked like falling to a third straight domestic reverse this weekend.

They went in three to the good at half-time courtesy of two goals from Ronaldo that sandwiched Rodriguez's superb strike. 

Deportivo were given a way back into the contest right after the break as Haris Medunjanin confidently converted a penalty following handball by Sergio Ramos, but Bale restored the three-goal cushion with 24 minutes to go.

Bale doubled his tally in the 74th minute and Ronaldo completed his hat-trick soon after, before on-loan Manchester United striker Hernandez came off the bench to add further gloss to the scoreline after Toche had grabbed a consolation for the hosts. 

Deportivo coach Victor Fernandez was wary about reading too much into Real's poor Liga form before Saturday's meeting, but it took the away side 29 minutes to go in front. 

Alvaro Arbeloa fired an inviting cross in from the right and, although the delivery forced Ronaldo away from goal, the Portuguese sent a fine looping header over German Lux.

Real's second followed just seven minutes later as Rodriguez opened his Liga account in style, curling an unstoppable drive into the top-right corner from 20 yards, before Ronaldo effectively wrapped up the win with his second before half-time.

Benzema found himself felled by Lux about 30 yards from goal and, with Deportivo expecting a free-kick to be awarded, Ronaldo coolly stroked into an empty net to give Real a commanding lead at the break.

Deportivo were given a lifeline right at the start of the second half as Ramos appeared to handle an Isaac Cuenca header in the area and Medunjanin nonchalantly dispatched the resulting penalty.

The hosts looked inspired during in a 15-minute spell immediately after half-time, yet they were unable to make the most of their improvement as Bale squeezed an effort past Lux following a clever pass by Marcelo.

Bale added the fifth from a similar position in the left side of the area after a good run from Isco, and Ronaldo grabbed the sixth and his hat-trick with 12 minutes to go, hammering home after Rodriguez pounced on sloppy defending by Sidnei.

Deportivo grabbed a late consolation as Toche nodded in at the near post, but Real were still not done.

Hernandez, who replaced Bale with 13 minutes to go, first scored a ferocious half-volley from the edge of the area before seeing another long-range effort deflect beyond Lux to make it the first time in Real’s illustrious history that they have scored eight away from home in a La Liga fixture.

TeamCFC