Sporting Gijon 0-1 Real Madrid
Bring it on!
Real Madrid battled past 19 fouls, 6 yellow cards, a red card and an extremely hostile atmosphere at El Molinon to grab three points thanks to a solitary Gonzalo Higuain goal to silence Manolo Preciado and the Sporting fans and regain the top spot in the Primera Division table. It was once again Karim Benzema who played the super sub role as it was his effort that led to the eventual goal eight minutes from time. Iker Casillas proved for the umpteenth time that he is still the best goalkeeper in the world by making yet another top notch save from a David Barral header which could have easily been Sporting’s equalizer. We were jeered, booed and whistled continually by the crowd but the players remained focus to finish the job off which was particularly important considering all the happenings prior to the game.
Valdano said it all about the game when he remarked that the match had more fighting than actual playing in it. Preciado’s men’s attitude was crystal clear. They went for the players from the word go and it looked as though the only place where they wouldn’t foul was their own penalty box. But that failed to bother our men as they proved that they too had mettle and the first chance of the game came within the first ten minutes. Ozil’s lay off from Pepe’s pass found Higuain’s run perfectly but Pipita’s low drive across goal met the post and went straight to Juan Pablo’s hands. And that was as close as we would get in the first half as Sporting failed to let us settle. But we did trouble their defense constantly with Ronaldo and Di Maria doing a fair bit of dribbling going past three to four defenders at a time only to be fouled by all three or at least one of them. Real then tried the aerial route with Di Maria repeatedly crossing in from the right but sadly all of them were cleared easily by Sporting’s defense. One other disappointment were our set pieces. There were a lot of free kicks that we won and from a few good positions. The fact that we were not able to materialize any says a lot about that side of our game. Real continued to attack and Sporting continued to throw whatever they had at us. Hell, even their fans started throwing stuff. But Real saw them all off. The game was still 0-0 with a half to be played.
Following the interval, four minutes into the second half, Di Maria brought out the best from Juan Pablo from a wonderful shot that was going into the top corner after he had cut in from the right. All this reminded me of last season when Real were repeatedly denied by Juan Pablo as Sporting held on to a 0-0 draw. The game did have a lighter side to it, believe it or not, when Sergio Ramos was asked to leave the field for sporting number 4 on his jersey and number 3 on his shorts. How he ended up wearing Pepe’s shorts, I dunno. With 63 minutes gone Real brought on Karim Benzema for Angel Di Maria to give a different dimension to our attack. Di Maria was active when he was on the field but I am sure the management had the physical nature of this game in mind when they made the replacement. Juan Pablo continued to save the blushes for Sporting as he brought about yet another splendid save this time to deny Gonzalo Higuain who only had the keeper between himself and the goal. Sporting would have gone ahead a minute later when Sangoy fired just wide of the far post after being put through. But that was just an one-off chance as with quarter of an hour to play Juan Pablo was made to deny Real again this time through Benzema’s shot from outside the box. It did look like one of those nights when things didn’t go well and Sporting made a couple of changes bringing in Barral and De Las Cuevas for Carmelo and Sangoy.
The last ten minutes brought about all the exciting moments of the game. Firstly we went ahead in the 82nd minute when Karim Benzema powerfull headed Sergio Ramos’ cross which Juan Pablo could only scupper leading to Higuain tapping in from inside the six yard box. A minute later Iker Casillas showed the world why we call him St.Iker when he reacted in a lightning quick manner to deny a darting header from David Barral. That sapped out all the confidence that Sporting had of scoring. Lass came on for Higuain in the 84th minute to stabilize the defensive side of the midfield and Arbeloa replaced Ozil in the 88th minute further solidify the defense. Three minutes into added time Botia made a deliberate foul on Ronaldo to earn a direct red. Ronaldo clamored “Mas, Mas” in the bring it on sense but that was as much as what was left in the game. Our players celebrated the sending off as much as they celebrated the goal and the game ended 1-0 in favor of the good side.
Following the game Ronnie spoke about the coach:
The coach gave us the right instructions despite not being with us on the pitch. He deserves the victory. We scored late, but we scored. It was a tough game ad we showcased a good attitude. We had many chances on goal. We played to win and we don’t care about anything else that may have happened. We are proud of this victory.
And the captain spoke about the crowd and the coach.
The game was complicated for many reasons, such as the comments made before the match, the atmosphere at the stadium… We stepped up to the challenge and earned three vital points. In all fairness, the atmosphere tonight was hostile. The home crowd supported its team 100%, which is normal. We responded well to that. Regarding what was said, I limit myself to defending my coach. I respect other opinions, but I do not share them. I stand by my coach, who is the best.
But to me it was Higuain who summed it all up perfectly.
It was a very tough game given the atmosphere at the stadium and everything that happened on the pitch. We expected it, but we won and took three vital points. We knew Barcelona didn’t drop points yesterday and we had to win. This is a very important victory because points like these may decide the title. It’s important for us to be leaders when we play at the Camp Nou. I was substituted soon after scoring, but that’s up to the coach. What matters is I’m very happy with my performance.
It couldn’t have been better written. We needed three points from a crucial game. We knew that it would be tough. We also knew that it is games like these that win you titles. And we did a good job. The only worry coming out of the game would be that Carvalho picked up an ankle knock during the course of the game and the extent of the niggle remains to be seen. But I doubt if it would culminate to be anything serious.
Right then, the international break is on and with Portugal playing Spain and England playing France it should be fun to watch. The players have been given a well deserved rest for a couple of days and should be back by Tuesday. But that’s not gonna stop me from writing. Before I sign off here are the match stats.
Match Stats:
Lineups:
Sporting de Gijón: Juan Pablo, Lora, Gregory, José Ángel, Botía, Rivera, Diego Castro, Eguren (Luis Morán 88′), Carmelo (De las Cuevas 73′), Nacho Novo, Sangoy (David Barral 80′);
Real Madrid: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Ricardo Carvalho, Marcelo, Khedira, Xabi Alonso, Özil (Arbeloa 91′), Cristiano Ronaldo, Di María (Benzema 66′), Higuaín (Lassana Diarra 86′);
Goals:
0-1, 84’: Higuaín;
Referee: Turienzo Alvarez
Booked: Diego Castro Gimenez (11), Gonzalo Higuaín (35), Gonzalez Carmelo (45), Sami Khedira (45), Sebastián Eguren (72), Alberto Ramos (82), Miguel de las Cuevas (89), Luis Morán (89)
Sent Off: Alberto Botía (90)
Notes: 2010/2011 Spanish Primera División
Played at: El Molinón
Men of the match: Iker Casillas, Cristiano Ronaldo
Real Madrid 5-1 Real Murcia
And finally the curse is broken!
Real Madrid avoided yet another calamitous Copa Del Rey exit with a resounding 5-1 win over Real Murcia at the Bernabeu. The match was full of incidents right from the sending off of our manager Jose Mourinho in the first half till Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso getting their names on the scoresheet. Real also ended up with 10 players with Alvaro Arbeloa being sent off towards the end of the game.
Mourinho made his line up more Spanish than ever by naming 7 Spanish players in his starting XI. The two others apart from the 9 already revealed yesterday were Diarra and Higuain with the latter being paired up with Benzema up front for the first time this season. Mourinho had reiterated that this was game should be used by the fringe players to prove their mettle and Esteban Granero made an immediate impact by scoring a blinder just four minutes into the game. Sergio Ramos, who started as a center half along side Albiol played a diagonal to Pedro Leon on the right. The former Murcia man laid the ball perfectly for Granero to curl in an unstoppable shot into the top corner from outside the area. El Pirata had a point to prove and that was one heck of a way to do so. And post-match he admitted it.
We were fortunate to score early. I am happy that I was able to help the team. I wanted to play well. We are Real Madrid and we know what is expected of us, but we are all professionals and we all try our hardest to earn a spot.
Real, I felt were far more dynamic than they were in the first leg of the tie. I don’t know if it was because of the change in strategy or because of the lack of players who prefer dribbling passing (like Ozil, Di Maria and Ronaldo). The passing was good and Real maintained possession well. Murcia needed the ball to score and Real clearly had other ideas. And having gotten the all important first goal Real were looking confident and comfortable. Granero and Pedro Leon to me were a class apart from the rest.
The match reached the half hour mark and Real had not created that many chances apart from the goal itself. There were fouls all over the park and two of our players were booked in the first 15 minutes. It was six twenty minutes later and then it happened. Mourinho, who was furious with the refereeing for a while now retorted both at the fourth official as well as Paradas Romero resulting in his expulsion from the game. JM was clearly outraged by what was going on in the center of the park and as he decided to express how he felt about the referee. As expected the post-match presser was full of questions with respect to the referee. This is what the manager had to say regarding the referee:
I cannot say he was a bad referee. I would make a terrible referee. All that matters is that we won.
Just look at this referee’s statistics. It is in his nature. I’m not saying he is good or bad. I am not one to judge him, but I do usually analyze referee statistics. This one has officiated about 50 matches in Primera and has shown more than 250 yellow cards; an average of more than six per match. He booked ten players in his last match. I knew once I was sent off that I couldn’t stay where I was, so I looked for the best vantage point and didn’t have a problem.
The sending off didn’t hamper the spirits of neither the fans nor the players. The Madridista faithful went on chanting Jose Mourinho and the players ensured that the team was in a comfort zone going into half time. The first attempt at that was when Higuain shrugged off a defender to shoot way over the bar from just outside the six yard box and the second attempt was the goal itself. Marcelo’s cross after a short corner fell straight to Higuain at the far post who slotted the ball in for Real to go 2-0 up on aggregate. There was a lot of confusion with respect to the legibility of the goal as Sergio Ramos was in an offside position when Higuain shot the ball. While the Murcianos felt that his presence affected the play, the referee felt otherwise. The goal stood and Real went into half time two goals ahead. Personally I felt that the goal shouldn’t have stood.
The second half saw Mourinho make two changes to the side that started the game. Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Canales came off for Xabi Alonso and Cristiano Ronaldo. The manager’s intentions were clear. He wanted the team get as many goals as they can. But he also mentioned that he was not at all happy with the way Sergio Canales played. Well, I don’t know how exactly he wanted the youngster to play. As far as what I could see he was doing fine. The only bad thing that I could get out of his performance was his positioning. It looked as though he didn’t know his place on the pitch. I am sure he didn’t have a free role in the team as we were playing with two up front.
Anyways, Real continued their domination of the game as expected. The first chance of the half fell to Pedro Leon after a penalty box scramble involving Ronaldo and Benzema. The Spaniard could only fire wide when he definitely should have scored. Cristiano Ronaldo had the next chance after some clever interplay between Pedro Leon and himself. Ronaldo shot on the volley but the shot went just wide of the post. The match was closing the hour mark when Sergio Ramos’ beautiful through-ball found Arbeloa’s run perfectly but the latter was unable to cut the ball back to our forwards. Even though we dominated the game the number of times we had tested Dani Hernandez was far and few. Meanwhile, Murcia brought on Chando for Abraham Quesada. Real almost had their third when Pedro Leon played a beautiful/cheeky lob to catch Benzema on the run perfectly. The Frenchman’s shot hit the underside of the crossbar and fell to Ronaldo who was offside. And I was beginning to think if Benzema would ever score!
In the next minutes there were three changes made. Two for Murcia and one for us. Miguel Albiol, Raul Albiol’s sibling, made way for Camara while Rosquette was taken out for Canadas. Real brought on Di Maria for Pedro Leon who won a well-deserved ovation from the Bernabeu faithful. And the Argentine immediately tested the keeper which was probably why he was brought on. And while all this was happening Mourinho was sitting in the front row issuing orders to Aitor Karanka as animated as ever.
The third goal did come and as expected Di Maria was the creator. Xabi Alonso found a free Di Maria on the right whose low drive with the outside of the left foot found Ronaldo inside the six yard box. All that the Portuguese had to do was be there. Someone who wouldn’t be there in our next Copa game would be Alvaro Arbeloa who was sent off after being booked for the second time in the game. Real were down to ten men for the last 10 minutes. From the resulting free-kick Murcia won a penalty. Yes folks, it was all happening out there. Xabi Alonso was adjudged to have handled the ball and Pedro stood up to take the resulting penalty. He sent St.Iker the wrong way and the score was 3-1. Real have had a history of being knocked out on away goals and this seemed like one of those days.
But that wouldn’t be the case. Angel “The Angel” Di Maria came to our rescue winning a penalty for us. And to everyone’s surprise it wasn’t Ronaldo or Alonso who were tugging to take the kick. Benzema placed the ball on the spot and stepped and slotted the ball home confidently delighting not only the fans but also the players and the media so much that the headline on AS read “Even Benzema Scored!”. Benzema though was more happy with the way he was feeling as each day passed saying:
Scoring is always important, but what is even more significant is that I feel better and better each day.
The Madridistas would feel even better soon as Real Madrid won a free-kick just outside the box after yet another hand ball. Xabi Alonso shot low and the ball went in off a Murciano. Xabi of course was given the goal. Even Xabi Alonso scored, I thought.
Game, set and match, Real Madrid.
My men of the match choices were pretty easy. Pedro Leon until he was there was involved in all of our plays. He was simply fantastic showing us fans why he deserves to play more regularly. He was replaced by Angel Di Maria who showed us why players like Pedro Leon are still on the bench. Both of them were sensational and made a huge impact on the game. I know that Granero too had a good game but I doubt if it was a MVP-esque performance. The same applies to Karim. Sergio Ramos was actually brilliant. The fact that he is able to adapt so quickly wherever he plays simply amazes me every time it happens. He made sure that Carvalho was not missed. Arbeloa and Marcelo virtually had no work in defense. All their duties were offensive ones. Diarra was solid. He played a good destructor. I’ve already spoken about Canales so I’ll skip him. Alonso and Ronaldo were simply Alonso and Ronaldo. Enough said. Higuain was elated by the fact that he scored finally. His reaction to the goal displayed relief more than joy actually.
As far as the overall match is concerned, one of the positives that we can take out of the game is that we did not lose possession cheaply. We had the ball and we looked like we wanted to have the ball. The ideal way to play knock-out football if you ask me. After the game Pedro Leon told us why he thought we dominated the game:
This team’s attitude is great no matter who plays. Murcia really fall back to defend, but the first goal made them change strategies. We were given more space to work with and the chances came one after another.
That sums the game itself actually. Real went ahead virtually even before the game had started. And that piled on the pressure on the Murcianos. They had to score to stand a chance. They moved forward and Real capitalized. As simple as that. Mourinho was appreciative of our opponents though, saying:
It was a good match. Murcianos can be pleased with their team’s performance. They put Real Madrid in a bind. Madridistas can also be happy because they got over the Alcorcon and Real Union debacles. Now we must wait and see who we draw in the next round.
Match Stats:
Lineups:
Real Madrid: Casillas, Arbeloa, Albiol, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Granero, Mahamadou Diarra, Pedro León (Di María 71′), Canales (Xabi Alonso 47′), Benzema, Higuaín (Cristiano Ronaldo 47′);
Real Murcia: Dani Hernández, Mario Marín, Gotor, Amaya, Góngora, Isaac, Urzaiz, Albiol (Cámara 65′), Rubén Rosquete (Cañadas 69′), Pedro, Abraham Quesada (Chando 60′);
Goals:
1-0, 4′: Granero;
2-0, 44′: Higuain;
3-0, 76′: Ronaldo;
3-1, 83′: Pedro (Pen);
4-1, 86′: Benzema (Pen);
5-1, 90′: Alonso;
Referee: Paradas Romero
Booked: Granero (10), Diarra (37), Canales (14), Alonso (80), Urzaiz (86), Miguel Albiol (23), Gongora (46), Mario Marin (56), Canadas (89)
Sent off: Mourinho (38), Arbeloa (30, 78)
Notes: Last 32 of the Copa Del Rey. Real qualify to last 16 on a 5-1 aggregate
Played at: Santiago Bernabeu
Men of the match: Pedro Leon & Angel Di Maria
Real Madrid 2-0 Atletico Madrid
Carvalho carried the team on this shoulders for most of the game. Here he is seen carrying Di Maria.
Real Madrid remain at the top of the Primera Division table after securing yet another regulation derby victory over Los Rojiblancos. Ricardo Carvalho scored his second goal in White and Mesut Ozil added to the scoreline from a clever free-kick with both goals coming within the first 20 minutes of the game. But as many suggest the game was marred by the lack of competition offered by the men in red and white stripes which is just another way of saying Real were at their dominating best and gave Atleti no chance of getting back into the game.
We are Atletico Madrid, and we go to the Bernabeu to win. This year we have self-esteem in place, and our goal is to enter the Champions League. For this we need things to work and to go our way.
So said Quique Sanchez Flores prior to the game. As ambitious as it might sound to you it is clear that Atleti are clearly not bothered about the league title. All that they are playing for is a top 4 finish which they probably will get even if they drop all points against the top sides in Spain. But then again the gulf in quality between the two sides seemed so large that even if Atleti had wanted to stay in the game they couldn’t have. Having said that this was probably one of the toughest games we have had to play season considering the fact that Atletico breached our defense on several occasions and St.Iker had to make more saves than he had had to make in any other game of this season.
Real kicked off the game in usual fashion with Di Maria on the right and Ronaldo on the left and looking dangerous right from the first minute of the game. Forlan as expected returned to the line up and several eyes were on De Gea as many expect him to succeed Iker as the Spanish National Team’s custodian. And he would be tested as early as in the third when Xabi Alonso swung in a corner from the left for Pepe to hand our neighbors the first warning with a header which somewhat went straight at De Gea. The 80, 000 fans were at their hostile best and so was Real as in a few minutes later Ronaldo showed quick feet to find Di Maria in the box whose darting shot could only be scuppered by De Gea with the rebound falling straight to an offside Sami Khedira.
The first goal then came. In the thirteenth minute, former Madridista Jose Antonio Reyes was dispossessed by Xabi Alonso in midfield and the ball fell straight to Ricardo Carvalho who kick started yet another Real Madrid attack by passing to Higuain and continued his darting run into the box. The Argentine while trying to get past a couple of Atleti players lost the ball only to fellow Argentine Di Maria whose slightly deflected pass to Carvalho was met by the Portuguese center half. Carvalho made no mistake and expertly finished the move to net his second goal for Real Madrid and clearly hammered the all important first nail in Atletico’s coffin. And within a couple of minutes Real should have doubled the lead through Pipita when Ronaldo sent him through. But he could only find De Gea’s long legs with his shot. Carvalho was on hand post-game to comment on the game, saying:
My goal was important. I got lucky. We are playing well and it was important to win this match. We cannot let points leave the Bernabeu.
And we didn’t. The final nail in the coffin would come a few minutes later, six to be precise. Sergio Ramos lofted a ball over Atleti’s defense for Cristiano who was marked by Dominguez. The defender fouled CR just outside the edge of their box on the right for the referee to award a free kick in favor of the Whites. Even though at first glance it just didn’t seem like a foul I have to say that Ronaldo is quick and even the slightest obstacle can bring him down pretty easily. And to everyone’s surprise the Portuguese did not line up for the free-kick. It was between Xabi and Ozil and it would be the German who would take it. Ozil’s low and curling drive defeated the Atletico custodian comprehensively going in at the far post. There were three important things to be noted with respect to this goal. Firstly, it was Reyes’ mistake again as he was Atleti’s first line of defense behind the wall and he failed to clear the low shot. To put it in a nutshell Reyes was clearly outsmarted by Ozil. Secondly, Florentino Perez’s reaction to the goal. It was clearly a “Suck on that, Gil!” kind of reaction something that you rarely see our President do. Our First Lady too seemed delighted with Ozil’s masterclass. And finally, the man himself, Mesut Ozil kissing Real Madrid’s crest. And that is what concerns me. I am a very, what you could call, conservative fan. I really do believe that kissing the crest is something that you should do only when you are Hierro-esque or Maldini-istic or Raul-ish kind of a player. Seeing Ozil do that did bring tears in my eyes as I see him as the future of this club. But if he does leave the club he would then become a cunt which I hope doesn’t happen. I hope you get my point here.
Anyhoo, moving on with the game (which was virtually over by then), Reyes the root cause for both the goals shifted the blame on to the team as a whole in what I feel was a clever move. Real’s hero of the 31st League title said during the post match presser that:
Their goals arrived from our mistakes. The first goal was a blow, but the second knocked us for six. It was hard for us to recover, but little by little we got back into the match and we had chances to get a goal.
Yeah, yeah. If ifs and buts were candy and nuts, we’d all have a merry Christmas.
Even though we did not have that many problems defensively there was one thing which I noticed. Almost all of their chances were created from the wings, more from their right than the left. I know that Marcelo is far better than what he was last season, defensively that is. But then again is that enough? If he is going to struggle to keep Reyes and Simao quiet I doubt what would be the case when he faces the likes of Messi, Muller and so on. Patrice Evra apparently is interested in the job, but then again he is a cunt and we need no cunts. Little Marcel is learning a lot though, which he admits:
I am learning a lot playing next to Pepe and Carvalho. Playing with such experienced players boosts my confidence.
As the match neared the half an hour mark Atletico were piling the pressure on Real with several half chances. And then they almost had a penalty. Simao’s corner from the left eventually fell to Aguero on the half volley. Maradona’s son-in-law’s shot struck Xabi Alonso on the hand in what was a completely involuntary incident. Xabi clearly had no intention of blocking the shot with his hand and it did seem like a clear accident. And thankfully the referee either didn’t see it or didn’t give two hooping hoots about it. But since that was their only real chance of getting back into the game all that Reyes could do was blame it all on that single incident.
Then came the penalty against Xabi Alonso due to a clear handball. It could have been a penalty and a red card. The match would’ve been very different.
Different, my ass.
Reyes’ effort from the edge of our box was saved well by Casillas while we ourselves should have had a penalty for Simao’s 50:50 challenge on Di Maria inside their box. And that’s just about it. The chances just stopped coming towards the last fifteen minutes of the first half for both sides.
The second half started and Real immediately signaled their intent to score as many as they possibly can. Ozil cross from the left fell perfectly for Higuain to volley it against the post from just inside the box. The ball fell harmlessly for a goal kick. That was probably the only good chance that Higuain had throughout the game. It’d be harsh to say that Pipita had a poor game as the supply just was not there. Ozil was excellent throughout the game mesmerizing their defense from time to time. But he too couldn’t provide much to our offense. Di Maria had an average game considering the standards that he has set himself. But Ronaldo, I felt, was pathetic. He wasted possession by taking lame ass shots almost every time he had the ball in attack and all his crosses fell to no one. But the manager was happy with his performance or at least that is what he told the world.
Ronaldo is a team player. I can’t expect him to score all the time and steal the ball in the midfield and score. He is a difference maker. If he works as hard as he does, I cannot demand anything more from him. I am more than satisfied with his work. He is a great player and I am thrilled to habe him.
Well, even though it is sort of a round about way of saying “he works hard but just isn’t able to do anything” I should say that I unequivocally agree with JM. Ronaldo is indeed a difference maker. You can somehow feel it when he isn’t there in the game. His mere presence somehow seems to boost the rest of the players. The same applies to Kaka as well. I guess that’s what makes them superstars.
Before I start jizzing over them let me finish off what I started. On the hour mark, Atletico came closest to scoring a goal. Yet another corner from the left was cleared by our defense but only as far as Forlan who was outside the box. His Mendieta/Scholes like volley was low and hard and struck the post. A few inches to the right and it probably would have beaten St.Iker. A few minutes later Marcelo released Mesut Ozil with a superb pass from our own half. The German, tracked by former Madridista Filipe Luis, had his shot blocked resulting in a corner. A half-chance as it may be, it should have been finished off.
Atleti made the first change of the game bringing in Raul Garcia on for Tiago Mendes. And a few minutes later Real made theirs as Karim Benzema came on for Gonzalo Higuain. The game was starting to get a little boring so to speak and I started dozing off. Flores brought on Diego Costa for Sabrosa Simao to liven things up but hell it only got worse. Carvalho, who by far was probably our best player on the pitch, had to be taken off as he sustained a jagged left lower eyelid bruise with mild concussion. He was replaced by Albiol and things were no different. Momo Diarra too came on and for Di Maria indicating that the match would only get slower and might even come to a standstill.
Mourinho, speaking post-game, said that he wanted to make things slower and for us to get a hold of the game. He justified his move by admitting that Atletico were by far the team that gave us maximum trouble at home. Hell, this guy is always right and no wonder the game put me to sleep.
We were up against an opponent who obligated us to hold onto the ball and think defensively. We slowed the pace in the second half in order to control the game, not because of fatigue. We ended up with Diarra, Alonso and Khedira on the pitch; players who slow the pace and control the open spaces.
The team that has given us the most trouble at the Bernabeu was Atletico. We have played against some good teams like Milan, but when you’re up against Reyes, Simao, Kun and Forlan, you are up against four of the best players in the league. These four players create two-on-two plays and have great dynamic with one another. Good players and a good coach. These were three crucial points. You cannot beat Atletico by six or seven.
We could have scored five though, through Marcelo, Khedira, Benzema and Ronaldo respectively. But all the shots were saved by De Gea. Sergio Ramos had the best chance to extend our lead. Xabi’s cross came on perfectly for Ramos, who was completely unmarked in Atleti’s box, but he couldn’t hit the target with his header from close range.
And that was that. Real Madrid have not lost to Atletico Madrid in 18 games now over a 11 year time period. My man of the match choice was easy and pretty much universal. Ricardo Carvalho had a fantastic evening and surely he is on of our best signings of recent times. Valdano summed up pretty much whatever I want to say:
Carvalho deserves a lot of credit for his goal. His confidence is soaring. He even moved into attack in search of the goal. His defensive duties today were unbeatable and he left with a warm round of applause.
Match Stats:
Lineups:
Real Madrid: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo, Ricardo Carvalho (Albiol 83′), Khedira, Xabi Alonso, Özil, Di María (Mahamadou Diarra 83′), Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuaín (Benzema 74′);
Atletico Madrid: De Gea, Valera, Ujfalusi, Domínguez, Filipe Luis, M. Suárez, Reyes, Tiago (Raúl García 69′), Simao (Diego Costa 76′), Forlán, Agüero;
Goals:
1-0, 13’: Carvalho;
2-0, 19’: Ozil
Notes: Week 10 of La Liga
Played at: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
Attendance: 80,000
Referee: Mr. Mateu Lahoz
Booked: Tiago (66), Mario Suárez (61), Sami Khedira (72), Ricardo Carvalho (76)
Man of the match: Ricardo Carvalho
AC Milan 2-2 Real Madrid
The Road Runner (in white) and the Hungry Coyote (the old smelly cunt in red and black)
Real Madrid qualified to the knock-out phase of the UEFA Champions League thanks to Pedro Leon’s 92nd minute equalizer last night at the San Siro. The substitute’s goal could well have been the winner if not for some poor refereeing and surprisingly poor goalkeeping from none other than St.Iker which saw Milan come back after going down to a Higuain goal just before half-time through a Filippo Inzaghi brace.
As expected Real fielded the same XI that faced Hercules last weekend while Milan made two changes to the side that started a fortnight ago in Madrid bringing in Ignazio Abate and Kevin-Prince Boateng for Luca Antonini and Clarence Seedorf. Real started the game positively created chance after chance testing Abbiati repeatedly mostly from range. Milan did put up a good fight literally with the likes of Gattuso, Pirlo and Nesta bullying around with us throughout the game. Gattuso, in particular, was totally fired up and was at his Wolverine best.
The first chance of the game fell to Gonzalo Higuain who received the ball on the edge of the box from Marcelo to drill a shot which was saved well by Abbiati for a corner in the 4th minute. Real continued to dominate and probably the best chance of the half (apart from the goal) fell to Angel Di Maria. The Argentine was set free of the defense when his compatriot flicked a Sami Khedira clearance only for the little Argentine to blow it despite faking off two of their defenders. He could not even hit the target. Higuain had the next chance with Di Maria involved again. This time the winger’s cross was headed goalwards by Pipita only to be cleared off the line by Pirlo. His clearance fell straight to Di Maria whose half-volley was yet again blocked by the Italian international. The Argentines were awesome in all in the first half and always looked like they were going to score. And score they did. Sergio Ramos’ stole the ball from inside our own half to start a counter attack. His eventual pass to Angel Di Maria let the angel fly free into the other half. Di Maria twisted and turned and then made a stunning dissecting pass to Higuain when everyone thought he was going to shoot. Pipita made no mistake finishing aplomb to score Real Madrid’s 700th goal in European competition. Real thus took a well deserved lead going into half time leaving Milan trailing and with a lot of thinking to do.
The second half was more open with both teams wanting to attack. Ronaldinho, who until then had had a poor game, was replaced by Filippo Inzaghi with the 37-year-old Italian coming in seeking an equalizer for Milan at the hour mark. Inzaghi was irritating our defense, our midfield, our forwards and our fans with his constant pestering of our players and foul play. Gattuso continued to assault our players and with Howard Webb, apparently England’s seniormost referee, doing almost nothing about it the former Rangers midfielder was at his best. Eight minutes on Milan would get their first. Pepe slipped while attempting a clearance of a long ball and Ibrahimovic was quick to latch on to it. The Swede’s cross was completely misjudged by St.Iker who spilled the ball only for a rushing Filippo Inzaghi to score and start off with his weeping celebration. I hate footballers who cry after scoring a goal and this man has a doctorate on such a celebration. Milan were back in the game and Real decided to change things around and attack a bit more. JM brought in Karim Benzema, the hero from the weekend, to replace the man who had given us the lead, Higuain At the same time Ambrosini replaced Pato showing the contrasting attitudes of the two managers. But it would be Allegri who would celebrate as Filippo Inzaghi scored again from an offside position to give Milan the lead in a game which they were trailing only ten minutes ago. Gattuso’s ball over the Real defense was received by Inzaghi who was waiting behind our last man. The Italian surged into the box and slotted it underneath a rushing Iker Casillas for Milan to lead 2-1 after 78 minutes.
JM then made his master move. Pedro Leon was brought on to replace Pepe leaving only three defenders in the playing XI. And the former Getafe man was fantastic. He ran continuously not ceasing for a second and fought for every ball in his region. With time running down it looked as though JM’s homecoming would end in a defeat and thus end Real’s current undefeated streak under Mourinho. But that was when JM’s subs came into light. In added time Benzema made a clever reverse pass to Pedro Leon who shot low and hard for the ball to pierce through Abbiati’s legs to save both Mourinho and Real the blushes leaving the San Siro crowd silent. It was Pedro Leon’s first goal in Real Madrid colors and afterwards he said:
The most impotant thing about my goal was that it helped the team. I’m happy with eventually drawing the match because we deserved to.
We had a very good start to the match; we played well and had many chances to score. We suffered more in the second half and Inzaghi’s two goals hurt us. We managed to draw the score in the end and took a very important point that mathematically qualifies us for the Last 16. We also remain undefeated.
Mourinho then brought on Albiol for Ozil immediately so as to avoid a disaster. Real thoroughly deserved to win the game but in the end had to settle for a draw. We played an excellent first half and probably should have finished off Milan when they were on the back foot. We wasted several chances and in the end we paid for it. The other thing I noticed was that Real was careless at times. Milan were given the ball too easily when we had to keep them under pressure. The manager was quick to acknowledge the fact that the game was rightfully ours in the post match presser. He heaped praise on Pedro Leon and Benzema and said that he will be forced to start Karim if he goes on playing the way he is playing at the moment and I concur. He also said something that really interested me:
My team has yet to learn and improve. It has to learn how to play Champions League knock-out stages, which showcase a completely different way of playing football. I believe tonight’s match was a fantastic experience for my men.
I believe we can play at this level at the end of the campaign. I have faith in all my men. I’m happy with all of them and I’m grateful to them all. Those aren’t just mere words. To thank them means to use them on the pitch. That’s why I will eventually use a rotation system. We have a fantastic squad and some of the benched players sometimes live each match more intensely than those on the pitch. I couldn’t be happier with my players.
And it couldn’t have been put in a better way. We haven’t played in a Champions League quarter final since 2004 and what he just said says it all doesn’t it? We really don’t seem to know how to play knock-out football. It speaks a lot about our Copa record as well.
Casillas had an awful day considering the standard which he usually sets. He lacked judgement and I realized that that’s a mistake even the best of players can make. Sergio Ramos was good. He kept Ronaldinho out of the game and forced him to make long balls and was pretty good in attack as well. Pepe I feel was not all that great. I don’t know whether it was the pitch or lack of concentration – the Portuguese was not as solid as he usually is. On the contrary Ricardo Carvalho was fantastic. We might have conceded two goals for the first time this season but I have to say that I was totally impressed with the way he controlled our defense. Marcelo I felt was playing like the Marcelo of last season. Attack more and defend less. It probably was because Ronaldo was on the left most of the time which meant that there was virtually no one there. Alonso was just Alonso. You just couldn’t see him but he was behind everything. Khedira I felt was not present in the fixture. It is very important that a holding midfielder makes his presence felt unlike Alonso. But it just was not his night. Ronaldo was OK. Then again, its only because of the standards he has set for himself. I felt that a few of his claims for a foul were pathetic. Ozil had a poor game. He virtually had no effect on the game and I was surprised to not see him subbed earlier. Its probably fatigue and that’s just my gut feeling. Di Maria and Higuain were fantastic. And I mean Fantastic. They virtually created all our chances. Di Maria would have been the standalone Man of the Match if only he had scored from the vital chance he had in the first half. But sadly that wasn’t the case. Benzema came on late and was really good. He created Pedro Leon’s goal from a zazzy reverse pass and worked really hard just like the other difference maker from last night Pedro Leon. Both the subs were running hard, going for the ball as though it was a matter of life and death. He had defensive duties as well considering the fact that he had replaced Pepe and he did that too with perfection. Hats off young lad.
Its easy to say that Pedro Leon would be my Man of the Match because of obvious reasons. But it wouldn’t be a whole hearted decision considering the fact that Di Maria and Higuain too were awesome. Yes, our official website handed them the honor of being the men of the match and I too will do so but will be adding the names Pedro Leon and Ricardo Carvalho along.
Its now time to shift our focus to the Madrid derby and Pipita came straight at it.
We achieved our main objective to reach the next round. We would’ve liked to confirm the pass as group leaders, but we have yet to play two more games and we will work very hard to achieve this. We are now very motivated to face Atletico Madrid. We managed to remain undefeated after such an important game and we want to keep this streak up.
And that we should. Its derby time!
Match Stats:
Lineups:
AC Milan: Abbiati, Abate, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Zambrotta, Prince-Boateng, Pirlo, Gattuso (Seedorf 84′), Ronaldinho (Inzaghi 60′), Pato (Ambrosini 72′), Ibrahimovic;
Real Madrid: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Pepe (Pedro Leon 80′), Carvalho, Marcelo, Xabi Alonso, Khedira, Di Maria, Ozil (Albiol 93′), Ronaldo, Higuain (Benzema 74′);
Goals:
0-1, 45′: Higuain;
1-1, 68′: Inzaghi;
2-1, 78′: Inzaghi;
2-2, 92′: Pedro Leon;
Referee: Howard Webb (ENG)
Booked: Gattuso, Ibrahimovic, Prince-Boateng, Abate, Carvalho, Pepe;
Venue: San Siro
Attendance: Full house
Men of the match: Angel Di Maria, Gonzalo Higuain, Ricardo Carvalho and Pedro Leon
Hercules CF 1-3 Real Madrid
Karim Benzema (#9) produced a stellar performance in the 13 minutes that he was given.
Real Madrid remain at the top of the table and will remain there until next week at least as a late brace from Cristiano Ronaldo helped Los Merengues stage a marvelous comeback after going a goal down just three minutes into the game. Trezeguet’s header in the second minute was neutralized eight minutes into the second half when Calatayud spilled Ronaldo’s shot from range only for Angel Di Maria to tuck in the rebound. Real had to wait till the eighty second minute to take the lead through Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese was assisted by Karim Benzema who played a pivotal role after coming on late in the second half. Ronaldo sealed the victory with another goal through yet another assist from Benzema three minutes later making sure that Jose Mourinho’s men left the Jose Rico Perez with all three points in the bag.
Jose Mourinho made seven changes to the side that started against Murcia midweek in the Copa Del Rey with Carvalho, Marcelo, Khedira, Alonso, Ozil, Di Maria and Higuain replacing Albiol, Arbeloa, Diarra, Granero, Canales, Pedro Leon and Benzema respectively. Real stuck to the usual 4-2-3-1 formation with the trio of Ronaldo, Ozil and Di Maria playing behind Higuain. Hercules deployed a similar formation which saw Trezeguet play the central role up front just ahead of Valdez, Tiago and Thomert.
Hercules dominated the first couple of minutes and were given a dream start when Cortes’ cross from the right was met by a waiting David Trezeguet. The former Juventus man’s looping header defeated Saint Iker raising questions as to why there wasn’t a single white shirt challenging for the ball inside our own box. And as a result Real Madrid went down by a goal for the first time this season. A comeback was mandatory if three points had to be taken.
The fan support for the Alicante club was tremendous as the crowd tried their best to make sure that Real never really got into the groove. Credit, though, must be given to Hercules for not trying to sit on their lead and for making it a compelling contest. I felt that Real were losing the ball quite easily unlike the previous games. Hercules though didn’t capitalize on it and continued to give the ball back. Real slowly started looking like the side that beat Santander 6-1 and started making use of the superior possession as the game progressed. Hercules were happy to have little possession of the ball and it looked as though their plan was to counter attack Real on the break. But the tiring legs of Trezeguet and the Valdez’s agility was well matched by the Portuguese central defenders.
With a little over twenty minutes gone Real had their first real chance on goal. Cristiano’s shot from distance was parried by Calatayud and his save fell right into the feet of Higuain whose low curling shot went straight to the keeper. And almost instantly Hercules almost had their second goal. Cortes released Tiago Gomes on the right hand side of midfield and Gomes’ searching cross fell to Thomert on the other side of the box. Thomert somehow managed to cross the ball over to Trezeguet to the center of the six yard box and thankfully his header was directed straight at Saint Iker. Close call and yet again Trezeguet was left unmarked. JM clearly was upset.
Trezeguet seemed to provide Hercules with what Real currently lack. Aerial Prowess. Throughout the game one can see several crosses from the likes of Di Maria, Alonso and Marcelo fall into no man’s land as only Ronaldo has the ability in our front four to meet such crosses. Higuain as we all know cannot head to save his life. Either Real should stop wasting possession by crossing or go out there and get a real #9.
Half an hour had gone by and some good passing by Real led to Higuain crossing for Ronaldo to shoot into an open goal only to be blocked Cortes in a last ditch effort. It wasn’t the best of chances but that was all that we had. Hercules’ wide players and especially Thomert was posing a serious threat to the Real defense. Sergio Ramos unlike Arbeloa was concentrating more on attacking duty that defensive ones. Real on the other hand had failed to make any use of the possession that they had and the game was nearing the halfway mark. It looked as though Hercules were playing to Esteban Vigo’s script. A minute was added on to the first half and Real’s last attack would be Marcelo’s low shot which went wide. It was half time and the Alicante crowd went frantic.
The second half started with no changes made by either side but that wouldn’t last long as Olivier Thomert was stretchered off after the Frenchman had pulled a muscle or so it seemed. Sendoa replaced him and in the meantime Di Maria had tested Calatayud twice within a span of 60 seconds. A minute later the Argentine got the better of the custodian as Cristiano’s shot from range was too hot for the keeper to hold. But the spill would be costlier. Di Maria tucked in the rebound and Real were level with a little more than 40 minutes to play. Real should have rightfully gone ahead when Xabi Alonso’s beautiful long ball left Ronaldo one on one with the keeper but the number 7 was adjudged to be offside when in fact he wasn’t.
The match was sixty five minutes old when Xabi Alonso was booked for stretchering off Abel Aguilar. The player was hurt but was fit enough to continue and Vigo then decided to make his second change of the game. One veteran for another and Francisco Rufete, the former Valencia and Espanyol winger was brought in for the goal scorer Trezeguet. Real continued to dominate possession and had several half chances but it looked like one of those days when you dominate a game but still end up with nothing. A few minutes later an Ozil corner was headed straight at Calatayud (I just love typing that name) by Sergio Ramos and that was as close as we could get. Hercules then brought on former Madridista Javier Portillo on for Nelson Valdez who was injured by the ball and had to be stretchered off.
A change was on the cards as Karim Benzema suited up on the sidelines. He was brought in for Pepe (when everybody thought it would be Higuain who would be taken off) showing how intent Real were on bagging three points. But why Benzema I am sure many Madridistas wondered. The French striker was coming under immense criticism for underperforming and was coming out of a poor show against Murcia in the King’s Cup game. And just then the number 9 played a quick exchange with little Marcel inside the Hercules box and took a shot which Calatayud spilled straight to the waiting Cristiano Ronaldo who was happy to slot home his 11th goal in 8 games this month alone. Benzema had made an immediate impact against a team at a ground in which he scored a brace only a couple of months back and his team mates clearly showed how happy they really were with him.
JM immediately brought in Arbeloa and Albiol for Ozil and Higuain with Marcelo moving to midfield and Sergio Ramos was playing right back again. The clock struck eighty five minutes and a Sergio Ramos stole the ball from Hercules and released Di Maria who set Benzema free into their box. Ronaldo was waiting inside the box and Benzema made the right pass for the Portuguese to score his 12th goal of the season making October 2010 the best ever month in his illustrious career. Benzema’s second assist in ten minutes of coming on. Game, set and match Real Madrid. Ronaldo should have and could have scored his third of the night when a combined effort from Di Maria and Benzema put Ronaldo through on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat which he did but shot high over the bar. It wouldn’t matter as Real completed a well fought victory over a very good side which fought right till the end.
Mourinho had this to say about the match:
The first half was very complicated because our opponent was aggressive. I didn’t like Hercules’ goal because I talked to my players about efforts such as the one it came from. We were practically alone playing football during the second half. We increased our defensive efforts. The most important thing is we took three points that keep us at the top of the table for another week.
Hercules are having a good run in the championship and they have players who are very good at playing this sort of game. Their fans were very supportive of them, adding intensity to their game, which relied on fast ventures in attack. We took risks and everything tastes better when you risk and also win. We had to win this game.
He was quick to appreciate Benzema’s performance and also commented on the fact that Mano Menenzes did not call up Marcelo for Brazil’s upcoming friendly against Argentina in Doha.
Benzema didn’t score, but he created three goals: the first, the third and a possible fourth Cristiano could have netted. He was an extra help in attack and became a new problem for Hercules to solve. He completely changed the game’s dynamics. He may not have scored, but his influence on our game was enormous. This performance will be good for his morale. I am very happy for him.
Marcelo has been playing fantastically well since the start of the season. He has more time to recover because he hasn’t been called-up by Brazil. This is better for us but worse for Brazil, who miss out on having a full back of his quality. This may help him play the whole season at this level.
Director General Jorge Valdano shared his satisfaction with the victory.
We played a tough match tonight. Hercules defended well and had strong counter-attacks during the first half. We controlled the game better in the second part and won thanks to our insistence. This is the first time we’ve had to turn the score around this season and it will be useful to boost our confidence and to carry on working the way we do.
Hercules scored early in the game and we grew anxious. We controlled the game better after we scored our first strike. We pulled through thanks to our insistent attitude.
The players then commented on their performance with Ronaldo heaping praise on Benzema as well as talking about his current rich vein of form. He revealed that it was Mourinho’s half time talk that changed things around. Di Maria too was delighted with the win and said that the team will shift its focus to Milan.
Cristiano Ronaldo:
I’m in great form and having a phenomenal run. I scored goals and I’m happy because we are still leaders. The team played well after half-time, doing the never-easy task of scoring three goals. I am also very happy for Benzema. He played a decisive role and assisted me in our third goal.
Mourinho gave perfect and correct orders during half-time that changed the team. Everything has to work on the pitch, it isn’t enough to attack well. Everything we did in the second half was perfect and that’s why we won.
Di Maria:
I am very happy. Winning was what really mattered. We deserved it because we changed in the second half and did our best to win. These are the games that help you win titles. We had to win whatever the cost. I’m happy because the fans support me. I always try to do my best. I play to help the team do well. I’m happy for the victory and we will start to think about Milan tomorrow.
Along with Xabi and Iker, Benzema too spoke to the media post-game. While the captain was appreciative about the roles of Mourinho and Benzema, Xabi insisted that the team should now try and seal their passage to the next round of the Champions League with a win over Milan midweek.
Benzema:
Whenever we speak, Mourinho always tells me I can do much for the team on the pitch. People will realise I am a good player, I just need to play. Before the game, I told the coach I was going to work to play more.
Casillas:
The important thing is we continue to win and to be at the top. Real Madrid were different in the second half from the team they were in the first. Our mentality changed. Our reaction to losing against a difficult opponent was also important. We played at a small and complicated venue.
We are all very happy for Benzema. He deserved to play this well after having to listen to endless comments about him during the past week.
Mourinho is a phenomenon because he controls each half very well and always knows how to say the right thing at the right time. Our reaction in the second half was due in part to what he said in the dressing room and to the successful substitutions he made.
Alonso:
We know every point dropped could eventually be decisive. That’s why these three are so important. We will also try to seal our pass to the next round in the Champions League in Milan this week.
In all it was a good win. A new kind of victory somewhat so to speak as this was our first comeback win of the season. The rarer the better I’d say. I am very happy with Benzema’s performance in particular. He came on and worked hard for the ball and almost whatever he did was productive. I hope he continues to work the same way and give Pipita a good run for his money. Its time to focus on Milan now as Real heads to the San Siro on Tuesday. A win there would take us through. A draw should also do. But I am looking at revenge and hence I would love for Real to get all three points when they get back home.
Match Stats:
Hércules: Calatayud, Cortés, Pamarot, Rodríguez, Peña, Abel Aguilar, Fritzler, Tiago Gomes, Valdez (Portillo 82′), Thomert (Sendoa 51′), Trezeguet (Rufete 70′);
Real Madrid: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Carvalho, Pepe (Benzema 77′), Marcelo, Alonso, Khedira, Ronaldo, Ozil (Arbeloa 85′), Di Maria, Higuain (Albiol 85′);
Goals:
1-0, 3′: Trezeguet
1-1, 53′: Di Maria;
1-2, 82′: Ronaldo;
1-3, 85′: Ronaldo;
Notes: La Liga, Matchday 9.
Venue: Jose Rico Perez
Referee: Mr. Clos Gomez
Booked: Carvalho, Marcelo, Alonso;
Man of the match: Karim Benzema
Real Murcia 0-0 Real Madrid
Outnumbered
Real Madrid will have to wait until the 10th of November to find out if they will finally progress to the last 16 of the Copa Del Rey or not after drawing a blank at the Nueva Condomina against a very resilient Real Murcia side which like predicted prior to the game played for a draw. Despite the poor refereeing, the pathetic condition of the pitch and a very hostile bunch of players who were happy to take out the player if not the ball Real only have themselves to blame as they failed to capitalize on their potential superiority in a game which should have been a cakewalk considering the gulf in quality between the two teams.
The starting XI that Jose Mourinho put out signaled Real’s intention. Real had four world cup winners and a former world player of the year starting for them. Casillas was playing his first Copa game in 4 years and Ronaldo his first for Real. Albiol made his first appearance since getting injured early in the season and Sergio Ramos was back in the line up after missing a few weeks through injury. Diarra and Granero were considered as replacements for Alonso and Khedira with the latter starting on the bench and the former rested for the game along with Ozil, Marcelo and Carvalho – probably four of our best performers till now this season. Up front were Canales along with Ronaldo and Karim Benzema for whom this game was the perfect stage to prove himself and get his confidence back. Pedro Leon too started – on the right of midfield.
A former Murcia player himself, Pedro Leon won cheers from the crowd when his name was announced and the game kicked off. The initial few minutes saw Ronaldo entertain the crowd with his fancy footwork. But the players were not ready to let him do so as they went straight for his feet whenever he started dancing. Cristiano Ronaldo, who has a remarkable 44 goals in 46 games for Real Madrid, had the first chance of the game as a little exchange between him and Esteban Granero lead to his shot being parried away by Murcia’s goalkeeper, Dani Hernandez to safety. It seemed to me as though Inaki Alonso had done his fair share of home work as he employed the same tactics that Jose Mourinho used with his Inter Milan side last season when they faced Barcelona last season in the Champions League semi-final with Messi enveloped by three to five players whenever he had the ball and Inter themselves defending with 9 players. In this case it was Ronaldo who was marked by at least 5 red shirts and Murcia played with 6 at the back and three in front of the back six.
Such a strategy resulted in Canales playing deeper than one would have liked and also in players canceling out each other. One could have often seen Ronaldo and Canales fighting for the same ball and Pedro Leon and Granero in the same position. But still Real managed to retain almost all of the possession with Mahamadou Diarra being right at the center of things. Also, Real lacked the dynamism that the Alonso-Khedira partnership usually provides with Granero and Diarra being a fair bit more static and safe – it was clear that neither of them wanted to take even the slightest of risks. Karim Benzema, yet another player playing to save his place in the team failed to impress and looked out of sorts. Moreover the opposition’s style of play totally put off several of our players and the frustration was clearly visible in several of their faces. It was going to be one of those days. It looked as though the players were not familiar with each other and the team lacked the flow that was there last weekend. A couple of players did impress me though. Arbeloa and Pepe were brilliant I felt. Especially the former as he was playing at left back following weeks of playing as a right back. Arbeloa was there when you needed him – be it attack or defense.
Real continued to dominate possession but were unable to penetrate into their box. There were several efforts from range, a few saved and the rest parried away or deflected away to safety. The creativity of Alonso and Ozil was clearly missing. Canales, though potentially capable of creating good chances was unable to do so. Amaya seemed to have gotten the best of Karim Benzema as whenever the Frenchman got the ball the Murcian was all over him. And exactly when it looked as though we might just nick a goal, Esteban Granero’s shot from range hit the top of the crossbar after it comprehensively beat the goalkeeper. The move was started by Cristiano who played a good pass to Granero on the edge of the box and continued his run expecting a return pass from the El Pirata who had other things in mind. Quickly converting to his weaker foot he unleashed a shot which hit the woodwork and flew away resulting in a Murcia goal kick. Five minutes later, Pedro Leon’s magical first touch saw him race past the Murcia defense down the right wing and cross it over to a free Cristiano at the far post whose header across goal was met by no one. Benzema who was also inside the box was too close to CR to have gone for the ball. Wretched luck or poor thinking from Benzema? The chances continued to come in as this time, around the 40th minute mark, a Sergio Ramos cross was met by no one in the box. Real looked like they really are missing a number 9, someone who can win those crosses in the box. The first half was almost over when following a quick free kick Granero crossed into the box only for an open Raul Albiol to volley over the crossbar. That would be the best chance of the match for Real.
The second half started and there were no changes neither in personnel nor strategy. And the chances continued to come. This time it was the giant Malian in midfield who initiated the move. Benzema who played a quick exchange with Pedro fed the latter with a neat pass in the box which the Spaniard failed to meet. The refereeing was as debatable as it had ever been. Call it strict but the players were just not protected enough by the ref. Real started loosing the ball too easily but not a single move from Murcia materialized into a serious threat. Continuing with the flow, Ronaldo’s header after an interplay with Benzema was deflected away for a corner. Real won several corners throughout the game but the set pieces were absolutely pathetic. Blame the pitch but corners and indirect free-kicks are aspects which this team has to work on. Neither the desperate Benzema nor the other world class players in our ranks were enough to penetrate Murcia’s defense. It did look as though both the teams would maintain their undefeated status cometh the end of the game.
Murcia were the first to make a change bringing on the fox like Pedro in for Aquino. The substitute provided the much needed pace that they needed up front but didn’t trouble Sergio Ramos as much as the Murcia faithful would have liked. As a Madridista, you have to feel bad for Granero. He, like Benzema, has all the talent in the world to be a starter here at Real. Its high time the couple proves that form is temporary while class is permanent. And exactly when I was thinking Granero and Benzema need more time to regain their form Higuain and Khedira were brought in to replace the out of form duo. The two players who needed this game more than anyone else were taken off. With little more than half an hour left the game was heading nowhere. Mario Marin was replaced by Canadas with some hope that Murcia could pull off the unexpected. But it would be Dani Hernandez who would prove to be Murcia’s hero. Crisitiano Ronaldo’s free-kick from just outside the Murcia box saw Dani Hernandez pull off not one but two brilliant saves as the rebound fell to Pedro Leon who could have and should have slotted the ball in comfortably. But Dani Hernandez got in the way to make it a wonderful double save and keep Murcia in the game.
Mourinho then made Real’s third and final substitution around the seventieth minute mark when he brought on Angel Di Maria for Cristiano Ronaldo. Its fair to assume that JM didn’t retain Ronaldo till the end of the game keeping his fitness in mind but I think the substitution was more because of the lasers that were targeted at Ronaldo than the fatigue factor. I am unsure as to whether it was Ronaldo who was hindering Pedro Leon from participating more actively in the game but his substitution saw the former Getafe man lighten up and play a more productive role. With a little over fifteen minutes left Sergio Canales was booked for making a stupid challenge as the frustration kept growing as Real missed chance after chance. And it got worse. Canadas went down for no reason and the referee didn’t bother blowing the whistle. Pedro Leon, rightfully, continued playing and saw his wild shot from wide left just outside the box clip the top of the bar again. Murcia’s men were furious for him not kicking the ball out of play but then again after seeing Canadas get up and pretend as though nothing happened just after the play was over justified Pedro Leon’s actions. Kike was then replaced by Rosquete but to no effect. In the 20 minutes that Di Maria spent on the field he made Dani Hernandez pull off three good saves proving why he is probably our best player right now form wise. His first shot came after he dribbled past a couple of players as though they weren’t there and shot from an acute angle resulting in a corner. Just when I realized that Canales had gone AWOL since moving behind Higuain (who too has had almost nothing to do), a Pedro Leon corner was headed away from the box and fell to Di Maria whose effort was saved again. Pedro Leon’s corners were very poor and JM decided that enough was enough. Canales was assigned the duty of taking corners and his corner was even worse and yet again the ball was cleared away from the box. It again fell to Di Maria whose pile driver went straight into Dani Hernandez’s arms. You’ve got to love the Angel. He has been brilliant ever since joining us.
The final chance of the game fell in no man’s land. As agonizing as that sounds, yes, it did fall to nobody. Canales’ cross from the right (following yet another pathetic corner) was met at the far post by Pipita whose cushioning header across goal was cleared by Amaya. These are the kinds of chances that the players need to grab and we didn’t seem to have anyone waiting for them. The final whistle was blown and the match ended 0-0.
Following the match Jose Mourinho had this to say:
I am happy with the team. We played a serious match and tried to win. Any negative remarks out of my mouth go towards those who don’t try their hardest, but tonight that is not the case. I cannot say anything negative about my team. I am pleased with their performance despite the outcome. We always want to win.
We worked hard, played well and had plenty of chances to score. We had some limitations due to the fact we didn’t play with more creative players like Alonso and Ozil. I am satisfied with the way my men played. They did everything they could and that is all that matters.
Every team we play against closes up in defense. Racing played with five defenders, which wasn’t a problem. Murcia also played well. We didn’t win because the goalkeeper had a fantastic night. The pitch was in poor shape, just as it was against Levante.
If you look at the outcome from a two-leg perspective, this is pretty good. We will win at home and will move through to the next round. I am convinced we will win this tie.
The players too had a few words of their own. Pedro Leon, Pepe, Granero and Albiol all believe that we will progress to the next round.
Pedro Leon:
We played a good match but we weren’t able to win, but I am sure we will take care of business at the Santiago Bernabeu. It’s a shame we only managed to draw, but we played well. It was a tough game because Murcia closed up on defense and were very focused.
Pepe:
We worked hard tonight. The return leg won’t be easy but I am convinced that we will win the tie. The turf was dry and hard, which made playing very difficult. We played with a positive attitude and dominated the match despite the fact that Murcia were very motivated. We looked good and sought the win from the very start. I am sure we will win in the Bernabeu if we play like this.
Raul Albiol:
The team put in a solid effort and our attitude was much better than in previous years. We had some trouble when it came to creating plays, we weren’t able to score and we weren’t as fast as we would have liked to be, but we are committed to winning the return leg.
Esteban Granero:
This match has nothing in common with that against Alcorcon. Real Madrid players must play with the attitude we had tonight. We will go through if we play like this. We were very focused and had our chances, but the ball didn’t want to go in.
I too am confident that we can seal the deal come the second leg. But what I also like everyone else feel is that this is a game that we should have won. I wonder if it is the new XI that was fielded or whether it was the pitch and other conditions that caused us three points. Either way we have to wait till November 10 to know whether or not we will go through to the last 16 this year at least.
Match Stats:
Lineups:
Real Murcia: Dani Hernández, Gago, Luciano, Amaya, Óscar Sánchez, Carles, Richi, Albiol, Cañadas (Mario Marín 65′), Dani Aquino (Pedro 58′), Kike (Rubén Rosquete 79′);
Real Madrid: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Albiol, Arbeloa, Mahamadou Diarra, Pedro León, Canales, Granero (Khedira 63′), Cristiano Ronaldo (Di María 70′), Benzema (Higuaín 63′);
Notes: Copa del Rey, Last 32. Venue: Nueva Condomina. Attendance: 20,674.
Referee: Mr. Ayza Gamez
Booked: Diarra, Aquino, Carles, Canales
Man of the match: Cristiano Ronaldo
Mourinho press conference
Jose Mourinho offered his thoughts on Real Madrid’s victory at Auxerre following the match.
Mourinho: "My team came through in what was a tough game"
The match:
It was a good match all-in-all. It was tough playing a well-organized adversary fell back to defend and that created a lot of danger on the counterattack. It wasn’t easy because we wanted to control the match as well as defend against the counter. Winning this match and earning our sixth point are all that count.
Difficulty:
The team came through in a very difficult game. We were put through two tough moments on defense; the first in the first half and another in the second. We didn’t create as many chances as we have been, but we moved the ball well. We sought other solutions in the second half.
Ozil:
I spoke to Ozil before subbing him in in order to explain what I wanted once he was on the pitch. It was a pre-planned change. Perhaps there was a communication issue because of the language difference and maybe he didn’t understand very well.
Chances:
We created many more chances against Mallorca and Levante and we left empty-handed when everyone thought we would win. We created fewer opportunities tonight, but scored one goal and leave with three points in hand. It’s all a matter of being pragmatic.
The Dubious Foul:
The distance from the foul to where Di Maria was is so far. You couldn’t even see him on the television. He was very far away. I don’t know if it was a hand ball by Ramos.
Real Madrid 2-0 Peñarol | Post-match comments
Mourinho: "To stand undefeated at the end of the preseason is very good indeed"
Jose Mourinho was satisfied with his team’s performance, but regretted Fernando Gago’s injury.
There have been positive and negative things tonight, just like in any other game. We’ve played two fixtures in three days and we had to control the amount of minutes played by all our men, including those from the academy. The worst thing tonight was Gago’s injury because it looks serious.
Tonight’s match was a realistic test because many teams in La Liga will play against us like Peñarol did tonight. They will focus on defending and will showcase positive aggressiveness. It wasn’t important to win tonight, but winning is always positive and to stand undefeated at the end of the preseason is very good indeed. We have to be more patient, move the ball better and pressurise more in attack.
Our preseason was very difficult. We’ve had little time to come up with a new style taking into account the team has a new coach and six new players. We are satisfied with our work so far and we will improve with time. It will be easier to improve by winning.
This is a very young squad, but full of quality. We have European champions, World Cup winners and Ballon d’Or players. We have the emotional quality needed to play in any competition. What matters is that we have room to grow, to be solid and to play at a medium-high level while being consistent in our style and results.
I don’t like Lass much as a full back, but he does very well nevertheless. He keeps possession. He has greater quality to construct the team’s game than natural defenders.
My decisions are the product of circumstance and of what my players have to offer. It’s a shame Mateos can’t join us, but I like him a lot and I would like him to be part of the first team.
I like Van der Vaart. He played less today because we had to play other men that needed more playing time. Cristiano had to play more today because he didn’t face Hercules.
Di Maria is going to grow as a player. He is 21 years old, creative and unbalancing. It is hard to stop him once he’s on the run.
Mallorca are the same side they were last year and they will face us at their stadium, so the game will be difficult. Nevertheless, we are Real Madrid and we will do our best to take three points.
Hercules 1-3 Real Madrid | Post-match comments
Marcelo, Granero and Di Maria agree: "The team improves with every game"
Marcelo, Di Maria and Granero shared their views on the match against Hercules with the media. Youth teamers Juanfran, Joselu and Mateos were thrilled with coming on in the second half of the match against Hercules.
Di Maria:
I’m happy because I scored my first goal with the Real Madrid shirt. We played well. Real Madrid always wants to win. We did well in the first half and we turned the score around in the last 45 minutes. Mourinho is happy and satisfied with our work. We have to carry on like this.
Marcelo:
The preseason games show Mourinho’s influence on the team. The team improves with every match.
Granero
We are doing a good job. We increasingly feel better and we are anxious for La Liga to start.
Standard Liege 1-1 Real Madrid | Post-match comments
Mourinho: "We couldn't afford not to sign a player like Ozil"
Jose Mourinho addressed the media after the match in Liege and said he is happy with the signing of Ozil.
I am very happy with the signing of Ozil. Aside from what the coach thinks the team may need, the Club has worked very hard and made great efforts to come up with a team in the best possible conditions. Real Madrid has invested a sum sufficient to get its coach to respect the entity and its sports, management and financial departments.
Ozil is creative and more offensive than Gago or Lass. He is similar to Canales. I hope tactical work and the natural disposition German players have to work hard allow us to use him in one of the more defensive positions of our midfield.
I cannot bring Ozil’s and Canales’ progress to a standstill. I hope the latter continues to have the same mentality he’s showcased so far. Everyone says wonders about him and I like him very much. He will enjoy many minutes of playing time on this team if he doesn’t change.
The most important thing for Van der Vaart tonight was to do things well and to show his coach he is ready to play for this team. Rafael did well and he has the Club’s and my respect for everything he did last year. It isn’t a problem to have Rafael and Ozil on the pitch at the same time. They could offer solutions to the team together.
Raul Albiol, Sergio Ramos and goal scorer Rafael van der Vaart shared their views on the game and the signing of Ozil with the media.
Albiol:
Ozil is a great signging. He proved his worth in the World Cup, performing at a very high level. We are still in the preseason and tonight’s game was useful to correct mistakes and to get into shape for our first league clash against Mallorca.
Ramos:
Everything that may add to the team is good. We are very happy with Ozil’s singing and we will help him adapt as soon as possible. We would have liked to win tonight, but Liege have been working out longer than us. We tried to the end but failed to win.
Van der Vaart:
I will work hard for a spot on the team. I think my goal was very nice. I wish to stay at Real Madrid. The Club always wants to have great players and Ozil is a quality footballer.
Los Angeles Galaxy 2-3 Real Madrid | Post-match comments
Mourinho: "I can tell the players want to win every match"
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho discussed his team’s perfomance following its match against the LA Galaxy and although admitting he saw things he wasn’t pleased with, he also commented on what he did like. He said:
Gonzalo Higuain is a top forward. He scored two goals, which is quite important to a forward. What I liked most were his movements on the pitch, which were those of an intelligent forward. He makes the game easy for other attackers because he plays from behind and opens up a lot of ground.
Real Madrid cannot spend ten months playing with only Cristiano or Higuain. We will be participating in three competitions, so I need Benzema as he is an important player in my book.
I liked the team’s mentality. They did not want to lose. I always tell my players that friendly matches do not exist, that preseason matches are used to make a lot of changes and that winning isn’t what counts. I do no like the word “friendly” in football. I can tell the players want to win every match.
There were moments I didn’t like in both of our matches, but that’s logical because we are still working and learning and there are many things to iron out. That said, there were also a lot of things I did like, such as the second half of today’s match. I liked how we played on defense, how we pressured, how we played the ball and how we managed to score.
Real Madrid 3-2 Club América | Post-match comments
Jose Mourinho: "Real Madrid is a team that wants to win and its history proves it"
Jose Mourinho was pleased with his team’s first preseason performance, but he made it clear that there is still plenty of work to be done. He said:
We won, but we would rather win real matches than preseason ones. It was a different kind of practice against a competitive, fast and motivated team.
We have six players including Casillas who are in Los Angeles and not yet able to play. I want to try three different tactical systems which I explained to my players yesterday. What we used today was one of them. Based on the players who were on the pitch it was best to use this system for Canales, Cristiano and Pedro Leon.
I am not making a mistake by counting on Canales this season and by not allowing him to stay at Racing for another year. I think he proved me right today.
Pedro Leon is physically exhausted, but he continues to impress. He has some things to improve and I get on his case quite often, but it’s a good thing becase it means I am pleased with how he is working.
Kaka is loved by all his teammates and he is an excellent player, but we want him to be 100% so that he is happy. It’s no big deal if we have to lose him for a while. We have other players and that is that. He is one of the best players in the world.
Raul and Guti did so much for Real Madrid and I have done nothing, which is why I respect them so much. I knew that Guti had already bid farewell to the fans. Raul’s case was different. I would have loved to have him here, but he had the right to choose his future and to continue playing at the top of his game. Real Madrid’s future offense lies in the feet of Benzema, Higuain and Cristiano.
Canales scored in his debut and was delighted with his performance in his first game as a Madridista adding:
It is a dream come true to be able to debut with Real Madrid. I can’t wait to continue learning and working for this club. I honestly didn’t think about how my first game was going to be, but everything went well and scoring made it unforgettable.
Real Madrid 3-2 Club América
The Whites win first preseason match
Mourinho’s unexpected 4-4-2 formation to start the match saw Canales in attack with Benzema and Cristiano and Pedro Leon glued to the wings, but Canales and Ronaldo on several occasions switched positions and it was the Portuguese who would join the Frenchman as the most advanced player.
Real Madrid’s game plan was quite obvious during the opening minutes of the match. Players relentlessly chased the ball and pressured the opponent. Once the Whites had the ball in their possession, they would send it to one of the two wingers or cross it from one flank to the other. It was a perfect reflection of what had been worked on during training.
Already wearing the number ‘7’ shirt, Cristiano Ronaldo had the first scoring opportunity of the match but Ochoa managed to clear with difficulty. Real Madrid had clear control of the game, while America hoped to pull the upset by way of counterattacks. Benzema could have given the Whites the lead 15 minutes before halftime, but his header struck the crossbar.
A brilliant combination between Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema and Canales resulted in the first and best goal of the match. The ball was stolen in an advanced position, Cristiano curled it into the box and Benzema lifted his head and passed to an unmarked Canales, who tapped the ball into the back of the net. A goal that combined speed and precision and did justice to what had been seen on the pitrch.
The second half began with several new faces on the turf as Higuain, Granero, Diarra, Drenthe, Adan, Di Maria and Nacho came on for Canales, Benzema, Pedro Leon, Marcelo, Juanfran, Gago and Dudek. The game plan was still the same as Granero filled in for Canales and ‘Pipita’ replaced Benzema. The changes, however, resulted in some players not covering their positions and Esqueda capitalized for America. The Mexican side advanced and on a counter took the lead with a goal by Sanchez.
Having to come from behind, Higuain pulled Real Madrid level by beating Navarrete on his first touch of the ball. Real Madrid loosened up and regained control. With ten minutes left on the clock, Cristiano Ronaldo struck gold off a set piece and sent the 47,000 spectators into a frenzy. With the game in the bag, Mourinho brought in youth teamers Tebar, Alex and Morata for their few minutes of glory.
Post-match comments
Director General Jorge Valdano shared his thoughts on tonight’s draw and the overall season. Manuel Pellegrini analysed the team’s season following the 1-1 draw in Malaga. The squad was sad for not winning the title, but all the players are aware of the great season they’ve had.
"This was an extraordinary La Liga run"
Valdano:
We are Real Madrid. History has shown we always know how to win or lose. Two teams had a great run this season, breaking several records along the way.
As Barcelona scored their goals the tension of our match decreased, but not for Malaga. Their life was at stake. You could tell by their players and the crowd.
Barcelona had the advantage and made good use of it. We should congratulate them for being worthy champions.
We are as excited as we were at the start of the year because this is a long-term project. We knew how great the challenge was. We stood firm in the race for the title.
We have a lot of time ahead of us to decide which way we should go for next year. There won’t be as many changes as there were last year, but we will have to make some adjustments to reach the highest quality and get over this season.
Pellegrini:
We knew it was going to be difficult for Barcelona to lose the title, but our intention here was to win and hope they earned a complicated result.
We had an extraordinary run in La Liga and the numbers we earned prove this. It’s never a good year when you don’t win a title, but the team’s work in the league may be positively valued later on.
It’s logical for there to be great assessments after a season at a great club like Real Madrid, but it is not my place to publically defend my job.
We have to work much more to correct certain aspects of our game and to surpass a team that plays excellent football and has been doing so for a long time. People may realise in the future just how difficult it is to take so many points and to earn the numbers we have.
We knew Malaga were tough as locals and they were fighting to avoid relegation. We could have won the match in the second half, but our morale was influenced by what Barcelona were doing. I am glad Malaga remain in the First Division.
I wish to thank my men for the season they had. They are hard workers and they set a great example both on and off the pitch. They had a brilliant run in la Liga, but their work hasn’t been properly valued because we didn’t win the title and we fought against a great Barcelona. I am very grateful to them. We can’t conform ourselves with being runners-up in the future. We have to continue cutting distances shorter with Barcelona.
Post-match comments
Jorge Valdano transmitted a message of hope following Real Madrid’s 5-1 victory against Athletic Bilbao. Manuel Pellegrini was very pleased with his team’s victory on Saturday, but he didn’t shy away from commenting on his displeasure with the score in Seville. The message is loud and clear. Members of Real Madrid’s first team still believe they have a shot at the league title and 98 points after beating Athletic Bilbao 5-1 on Saturday.
"We will fight until the end."
Valdano:
We are still hopeful. We have fewer chances percentage-wise, but we will fight until the very end. A lot can happen in this sport including things that seem impossible.
We took care of business in the second half after suffering from a lot of anxiety in the first. The best news was the five goals we scored for our fans. Their support was a deciding factor.
We are setting records for wins and are close to the all-time scoring recod, which proves that this is a great team that has only improved over the course of the season. We will not be discouraged. We will defend Real Madrid’s pride in Malaga and will fight until the very end.
Ronaldo and Higuain have a great partnership, but we also have other talented players like Benzema and Kaka. Ramos’ goal was evidence of his grit and pride. He has had an exceptional season and will one day go down in the history of Real Madrid.
Pellegrini:
The team felt anxious and discouraged for a while. We have one more match and although we had a lot of hope riding on the game in Seville, Valladolid have a lot at stake when they visit Barcelona next week. We will maintain our pressure until the end.
We knew that Barcelona’s match against Sevilla would be more complicated than next week’s against Valladolid, but you never know what may happen. We need to maintain this spirit and fight until the very end. Hope is the last thing we can lose.
We closed out a great season at the Bernabeu. We won 18 of 19 matches and scored 60 goals here, which is more than three per match. We have now scored more than 100 goals. The numbers are there. We are the top scoring team.
Post-match comments
Director General Jorge Valdano praised his team for earning a crucial victory in Mallorca tonight. Manuel Pellegrini was very satisfied with his team’s victory. The coach pointed out his men performed better in the second half. Mallorca coach Gregorio Manzano declared that the difference between Real Madrid, Barcelona and the rest of the Primera Liga is “astronomical.” Afterwards, Manzano acknowledged the superiority of Los Merengues and in particular Cristiano Ronaldo. Delighted with the victory and his hat-trick, Ronaldo shared his thoughts on the match with the media. The Real Madrid squad was delighted with the victory.
"We improved considerably in the second half and won a difficult game"
Valdano:
We were somewhat uneven in the first half, but we showcased our dominating skills in the last 45 minutes. We concentrate on the job at hand and we always show our professional character and excitement to win this title.
Cristiano Ronaldo showcases the Club’s trademark winning spirit. He is an extraordinary player, but I don’t think it’s fair to say the team depends on him.
We will have to win our match this weekend regardless of what happens between Barcelona and Sevilla. We must play a serious game, like we did during tonight’s second half, and wait for our chance.
Pellegrini:
I think there was a considerable difference between our performances in the first and second halves. We suffered a lot in the first against Mallorca’s counterattacks. We were better organised in the second part and managed to tip the scales towards us.
We knew we were going to have a rough time. We all know what Mallorca are capable of, especially as locals. We luckily managed to win the match and to do so decisively.
We all know Cristiano is an extremely important player. This team plays in regard to the quality of its men and Cristiano is one of them. He plays a crucial role. Nevertheless, the team responded well when he missed two months because of an injury.
We need to defeat Athletic Bilbao and Malaga to reach the 98-point mark. There’s much at stake for both sides. We feel strong and confident both on and off the pitch, but we still don’t depend on ourselves, so we have to avoid mistakes and wait for Barcelona to make some.
Manzano:
For 60 minutes we played a very good game. We kept the order, nullified Madrid and we created chances but the second goal affected us in terms of mindset. Then, we opened up looking for an equalizer and Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in individual actions. He is very dangerous with the ball at his feet.
It is very difficult to take the ball off Madrid, despite the enormous physical effort we made. The difference between Madrid and Barcelona with the rest of the teams is astronomical.
Post-match comments
Director General Jorge Valdano was very happy with the team’s victory over Osasuna, admitting the game had been “strange” because the team gave an “uneven” performance at times. Manuel Pellegrini admitted the team “suffered to win,” but was overall happy with the victory. Osasuna coach Jose Antonio Camacho was pleased with the effort of his players despite going down. Cristiano Ronaldo (2) and Marcelo scored for the Whites this evening. The squad expressed its satisfaction with the victory over Osasuna.
"That mental strength, combined with the crowd's support, is vital in the final stage of the competition"
Valdano:
My heart is pounding. It was a strange game because we were uneven, managing to sentence the match only at the end. Real Madrid never give up the fight and the crowd has been there for us. We hope to write a new chapter in this fight, which everyone used to think we had already lost.
The title would have been practically unreachable had we drawn the match, but the team would have kept on fighting to the end. This victory will help us keep Barcelona on edge. It’s never the same to face a game knowing that another team is also putting pressure on you.
Cristiano Ronaldo is very much like Real Madrid and the crowd notices. We have players with great character and Cristiano is one of them. He brings life to the team. It always seems something is about to happen whenever he gets the ball.
Juanfran seemed quite at ease in his debut. He was fast and confident with the ball. He read the game intelligently, knowing when to up the pace of the match and when to slow it down.
Our next three games will be tremendous. Barcelona must be going through the same as us. It will be a clash of titans. We hope to win the title in the end.
Pellegrini:
I think tonight we saw the worst defending we’ve done all year. We were weak at the back.
It is impossible to deny Cristiano Ronaldo makes a difference. We are lucky to have him.
I think the team is very strong, especially on a psychological level. This is vital in the final stage of the season. The crowd’s support is always great. They know as well as us that it is very important to take three points in Mallorca.
We can’t draw early conclusions now. We must stay strong to force Barcelona to take 99 points if they want the title.
Camacho:
We can take something positive from this defeat. The players are hurting but we must continue fighting.
If we play in Wednesday’s game with this level of intensity, then we must get a result.
The goal that Masoud has failed to score, I thought it was so easy that I have looked away and I saw that there hadn’t been a goal. Fate was not with us on this occasion.
Post-match comments
Jorge Valdano sung the team’s praises after their gritty 1-2 win against Zaragoza. Real Madrid head coach Manuel Pellegrini stressed his team’s ability to not let their nerves get the best of them. Raul had missed ten days and Kaka had been sidelined for 45, but the duo came off the bench on Saturday to lead Real Madrid to victory. Sergio Ramos and Fernando Gago offered their opinions on the victory shortly after the match concluded.
"The team showed just how mature it is"
Valdano:
Zaragoza were a solid team tonight who really put us in a bind. We were very determined throughout the entire match. Our lives were at stake and Zaragoza were trying to steer clear of the relegation zone.
The referee is there to calm the game down. Zaragoza played their cards and we were prepared to maintain order and discipline.
Raul is a club icon and very important both on and off the pitch. I congratulate him for his effort. We hope we can enjoy watching him play for a long time.
Kaka worked very hard to recover from injury. He is a noble person and an incredible professional. He will prove just that in the many years he has left on his contract. It’s the team that wins matches and we have managed just fine depsite the absence of such a significant player like the former Ballon d’Or winner.
We need players who are extremely focused if we are to remain in the title hunt. We are obligated to remain astute and to take on each match like we did tonight. You never know what weekend might bring some surprises.
Pellegrini:
We have two or three great chances that we didn’t finish in the first half, but we were prepared to play hard until the final whistle. I don’t think we would have deserved the 1-1 draw.
I am always worried when I see the team play anxiously and nervous, but we managed to calm down and earn the win.
Zaragoza were too aggressive and fouled too much.
Kaka has always been an important player for us and he proved it again tonight.
We don’t control our own destiny. Our goal is to reach the 98-point mark and hope that Barcelona slip up.
Post-match comments
Manuel Pellegrini was very satisfied with the victory over Valencia. The coach had words of praise for all his men. Valencia coach Unai Emery admitted that his side were simply beaten by a better team. The Real Madrid squad was happy with the victory. Everyone agrees the league is still open.
"I am proud of my men's mental strength"
Pellegrini:
We studied Valencia’s style thoroughly, so I am delighted with the victory. I am proud of my men’s mental strength and fighting spirit.
We’ve won 15 of our 16 home games in La Liga and we’ve also scored an important number of goals. I am very satisfied with what my men do both on and off the pitch. It was very important to win in Almeria and seal that victory with another one here tonight. We are a straightforward and goal-scoring team.
We try to make progress in each game. Our intention is to always win.
I am very happy for Guti. He is having a great run, but we need our 23 men to be in top form if we are to win the title.
Emery:
Madrid has been better and that is reflected on the scoreboard. At Real Madrid’s home ground it is very difficult to stop them because they have great potential. The result is fair and we have not challenged effectively.
We came with the intention of winning the game, but our opponents are competing for the league and have been better than us. The difference is how often they have chances to score and the result, that is the reason for the difference in the table between [everyone else] and Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The first thing is to get back that offensive and defensive strength. We must reinforce our home form and strengthen it on the road. We must win five games. There is no cushion whatsoever, we go match by match. Away from home we must have more chances to win, I am convinced that will change things.
Guti:
We had many chances on goal and managed to control the entire match despite facing a great team.
We are proving the league is far from over. We have to win every game to put pressure on Barcelona. We have to make them feel we are coming closer to them each week. Barcelona and Real Madrid are the two best teams in the championship. The winner of the title will be the side that does best from here on end.
Post-match comments
Jorge Valdano had nothing but words of praise for Real Madrid following their victory against Almeria. Manuel Pellegrini was pleased with several facets of his team’s performance, but especially their mental preparation. Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael van der Vaart, Gonzalo Higuain and Raul Albiol expressed their thoughts on their important win on Thursday night.
Valdano:
We did a great job and had a lot of scoring chances. We deserved this win and we earned it in a very difficult place to play.
Winning was a must and the team responded magnificently. We got over any jitters and the players put on a great display of professionalism. Our fans really value the fact that we don’t ever give up.
We have champion-worthy numbers. We need to maintain this rhythm to make things as difficult as possible for Barcelona. We don’t control our own destiny, but we know exactly where we stand and will resist losing in every way possible.
Pellegrini:
We played well in many aspects. We managed to recover psychologically, which was very hard after the last match. Tonight we also were more elaborate in creating plays, as we had been in previous matches. We had six or seven clear chances, but Alves had a great night.
The final outcome gives me the impression that the team was wary about Almeria’s chances of equalizing, but we had plenty of chances to increase the lead over the ninety minutes in order not to be so mindful of conceding another goal.
The team will continue fighting every Sunday to be as far on top as possible. We can only wait for Barcelona to slip stumble. Tonight we beat a tough opponent that played very well. There are plenty of points still in play and both we and Barcelona have complicated matches coming up.
Ronaldo:
We managed to win which was all that counted. These were three crucial points. The team played well. We had to win and now we cannot give up. We are Real Madrid and we cannot stop fighting.
Post-match comments
Jorge Valdano refused to concede defeat to Barcelona in the Liga despite the Blaugrana’s win. Joan Laporta was in high spirits. Manuel Pellegrini was disappointed with his team’s defeat, but believes the league is far from over as there are still 21 points in play. Pep Guardiola admitted that it was not a dazzling victory, but one that needed a lot of courage and heart. The Real Madrid squad is “frustrated and hurt” for losing to Barcelona at the Bernabeu, but all the players believe the title can still be won. Messi said that beating Real was the first step to win the title. Andres Iniesta has issued a message of caution to his colleagues after Barcelona defeated Real Madrid, insisting that there are seven vital fixtures to go before the title is theirs. Goalscorer Pedro also discussed his satisfaction at the win, and his joy at netting the decisive second goal that extinguished Real Madrid’s hopes of victory, but was equally as cautious as his teammate, Iniesta.
Valdano:
We need to keep calm. We have to deal with the seven remaining games, and fight until the end. Seven games ago, Barcelona were five points ahead of us and we were able to cut that down. Now we hope to have a second chance.
The support are upset. Once again they got behind the team and I must thank them. I can’t speak ill of the team either, because they battled right until the end.
Laporta:
The important thing was to play the match as we did and take all three points. It was a very tough game but the team worked hard. We dedicate this to all the Barcelonistas throughout the world as we know that this is now a global game. We can’t think about the League Title now. We must be cautious and respectful, as we have been.
Pellegrini:
We lost the ball many times and were defeated by a team that is currently better than us. There are still 21 points in play and Real Madrid is not about to give up. We will keep trying to the very end.
I think my men were anxious to win. Barcelona hardly had any chances on our goal during the first half, but their first strike played a key role. We should have been calmer and had more moments to pause and think.
This is an important defeat, but there are still 21 points at stake. We could have done more things tonight. Barcelona didn’t play at their usual level, but their first goal strengthened their game. I think we could have hurt them much more.
Post-match comments
Manuel Pellegrini appeared very pleased following his team’s hard-earned victory that gives them the top spot in the table heading into next Saturday’s showdown against Barcelona. Casillas, Albiol and Metzelder dicussed the keys to beating Racing and the forthcoming Clasico shortly after tonight’s win. Real Madrid Castilla’s Marcos Alonso made his first team debut on Sunday by replacing Higuain in the late stages of the match.
Pellegrini:
We need to do what we do on a daily basis in order to win next Saturday. We cannot lose our identity. We will seek the victory and whoever makes the fewest mistakes will win.
Both of us won our matches this weekend. We are up against a great opponent, but I am sure we will win if we focus and stick to our football.
The Clasico is just another match that has to be played and it is followed by more matches. We cannot make any mistakes from here on out because we won’t be facing any easy teams.
Casillas:
Our defense was outstanding and we managed to keep a clean sheet. We did a good job. Saturday’s Clasico is just another match on the calendar. It will be fun. I am shocked about how many points we both have. It’s quite unusual.
Albiol:
We knew this would be a tough match. Racing had a lot at stake, but we knew how important it was to win and keep pace with Barcelona. Racing got few chances on goal, but we can never let our guard down with a 0-1 advantage. Once we scored the second we were able to take our foot off the gas a little.
Metzelder:
We had to win no matter what. The fact that we didn’t concede any goals and that we are leaders again is good news. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid are winning all their matches, so I am sure next week’s game will be crucial. However, there are still other difficult matches to be played, meaning that Saturday’s will not decide who wins La Liga.
Marcos Alonso:
All you think about when sitting on the bench is playing. If the score is in your favor, you think it may just be your day. Today I sensed it, which is why it is the happiest day of my life.
My grandfather [Marquitos] only ever speaks about Real Madrid. My who family was here and they are thrilled, but I am even more so.
I will continue working my hardest to be here every Sunday. It’s not easy to make room for yourself in a club like Real Madrid. Castilla players are there waiting for the call, so joining the first team is the greatest thing that can happen.
“Our defense was outstanding and we managed to keep a clean sheet. We did a good job.”
“Saturday’s Clasico is just another match on the calendar. It will be fun. I am shocked about how many points we both have. It’s quite unusual.”
Albiol:
“We knew this would be a tough match. Racing had a lot at stake, but we knew how important it was to win and keep pace with Barcelona. Racing got few chances on goal, but we can never let our guard down with a 0-1 advantage. Once we scored the second we were able to take our foot off the gas a little.”
Metzelder:
“We had to win no matter what. The fact that we didn’t concede any goals and that we are leaders again is good news. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid are winning all their matches, so I am sure next week’s game will be crucial. However, there are still other difficult matches to be played, meaning that Saturday’s will not decide who wins La Liga.”
Post-match comments
Director General Jorge Valdano expressed his pleasure with the team’s performance following the 3-2 derby win. Manuel Pellegrini offered his impression of the derby victory during the post-match press conference. Atletico Madrid coach Quique Flores was left to rue injuries to Juan Valera and Jose Antonio Reyes as they lost the city derby to Real Madrid at the Bernabéu. Xabi Alonso scored Real Madrid’s first goal of the evening and provided the precision pass that Arbeloa fired home to give the Whites the lead. Higuin later added the third, which proved to be the game-winner. Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Gago, Sergio Ramos and Esteban Granero appeared in the mixed zone following Real Madrid’s victory on Sunday to discuss the significance of the match.
Valdano:
Derbies are always unique. We were a little antsy at first, but in the last ten minutes of the first half and the entire second half we were a whirlwind of energy. The final score doesn’t reflect all the chances we had. We scored three goals again. This team’s scoring streak is quite impressive.
We need to continue winning. We need to go to Santander with the same attitude and our players need to maintain their rhythm. Real Madrid have had an admirable season. We have scored 84 goals and have notched 74 points with nine games to play.
I am very pleased for Arbeloa. He scored a beautiful goal that gave us the lead at a very tough stage in the match.
Pellegrini:
It was important to play well after the restart. We scored three goals and had chances to score more. We had a clear idea of what we wanted and I think the penalty allowed Atletico to gain confidence.
We were somewhat static during the first half, but we controlled every action after the restart. Perhaps we didn’t have clear opportunities during the first twenty minutes, but we they were intense opportunities. The football we played was enough to beat Atletico, which is all that counts.
Atletico are a good team that are competing in three competitions. We had to work hard. What interests me more than the point difference is the way we played and earned a fair victory.
The fact that Cristiano Ronaldo is so aware of the shots that could have been scored is just part of his game. I believe in him and Higuain. They don’t think about being the top scorers, although I hope they finish like that.
We had to beat Atletico and now Racing and Barcelona await. I have complete faith in the squad and in whoever is on the pitch.
Quique Flores:
We have been affected by the departure of Valera and Reyes and especially by the fact they scored so early in the second half. From there, the game has been different.
The start of the second half has been the key. Time would have been our friend had we managed to maintain our concentration and our handling of the situation. But all the goals could have been averted. A stationary ball, an error and a cross. We made a decent effort and we were quite close to achieving something positive.
Just another Madridista
Hala Madrid 
Levante 1-2 Real Madrid: The boy with the golden touch
It was ugly. It was brutal. It was wet. Hell, there was even blood! But yet we came out with three points in the bag in what was Mou’s first ever win at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia. It was the kind of game that we would have lost if it had come earlier in the season. The conditions were harsh on us, the opponents even more so. Xabi Alonso missed a penalty. Cristiano Ronaldo played only one half of the game and almost all of it seeing through only one eye. Levante could have done us and ceased all our hopes of retaining the title. But then again that did not happen. Thanks to a certain Álvaro Morata and his first touch after coming on as a substitute which ended up in the back of the net.
It was raining cats and.. no.. hippos and mammoths in Valencia. The pitch was water logged thanks to the remarkable drainage system that was not present in the stadium. The referee felt that the game could still go ahead and it did as per schedule. After three weeks of suffering without a recognized left back, Fábio Coentrão returned to the line up with Arbeloa returning to right back. Sergio Ramos and Pepe were paired in the center despite speculations that Varane could be used to give the Spaniard time to recover from an injury that he is carrying. Essien partnered Alonso in midfield like the second half against Dortmund and had yet another excellent game. On a side note, I wonder if its just Mourinho who makes him tick. Callejon too started alongside Özil and Dí Maria just behind Ronaldo.
It took only three minutes for the war to begin with David Navarro elbowing Cristiano on the face while challenging his own team mate for an air ball. Cristiano, bleeding profusely, required five stitches to keep his left eyebrow from coming apart. He remained on the pitch and gave us the lead through a brilliant volley after catching Levante’s defense napping following a Xabi Alonso free kick. It took us around 20 minutes to adjust to the pitch as several times the ball refused to roll irrespective of how insistent players were. Once we went ahead we were happy to play long balls hoping to out run our opponents. We didn’t have that many memorable chances in attack but we did somehow manage to maintain a fairly decent amount of possession given the nature of the game.
Half time arrived and Ronaldo was substituted after temporarily losing vision in both his eyes. Surprisingly, it was Rául Albiol who replaced him and the center back took his place in the middle of the park with the team (or should I say lake) with the team shifting from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3. Levante made a change around the hour mark and it worked for them immediately. Ángel was brought on in place of El Zhar and the super sub expertly chipped the ball over an on rushing Casillas from a marginally onside position after being sent through by Martins. The goal came just after both our center halves had hit the cross bar from successive corners. Unfortunately, the scores were still level and we were without a striker. Kaká immediately replaced Arbeloa and we shifted to a 4-4-2 with Albiol taking his compatriot’s position.
The conditions being as abysmal as they were played 12th man for an aging team that would have struggled otherwise against the speed of our players. We couldn’t afford to make quick passes nor were we able to dribble. We therefore continued to resort to old fashioned long balls that made the game look more like water polo than football. That said, the team responded well to the challenge as Mourinho concurred in the post-match presser:
Luck favors the brave they say and it actually seemed true. In the 73rd minute, we were awarded a penalty after Callejon was fouled on the edge of the box by Juanfran. Xabi stepped up to take it and went for the bottom corner only to meet Munua’s dive. The score remained level and nothing seemed to work for us.
To critics it might seem as though Mourinho had no other choice. Its partially true. But then again Morata is no proven striker and the situation wasn’t ideal for any manager to try out youngsters. We desperately needed three points and for Mou to send out the kid when the team needed a goal more than anything else was real gutsy and it said a lot about our manager’s confidence in him. The kid responded brilliantly nodding home from close range from yet another Xabi Alonso free kick with his first touch. The goal knocked the stuffing out of the home team and the game ended in our favor. Following the game there was a lot of banter with Juanlu claiming that the referee favored us whereas Ramos felt otherwise. There are also rumors that Ballesteros and Pepe went head to head while visiting Ronaldo after the game. More on that tomorrow.
All that aside it was a game which could have gone either way but went in favor of us. We are still behind our rivals in terms of points and we need wins of all kinds if we have to catch up.
Until next time,
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
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November 12, 2012 | Categories: Match Reports, Post-match Comments, Spanish Primera División | Tags: Álvaro Morata, Ángel Luis Rodríguez Díaz, Ciutat de Valencia, Cristiano Ronaldo, José Mourinho, Levante UD | Leave a comment