FC Zurich 2-5 Real Madrid

Real Madrid fought, dominated and scored many goals against Zurich. Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul and Higuain netted strikes in the first half. The locals scored two goals in the second half, but Ronaldo and Guti sentenced the match.

Pepe, Drenthe, Cristiano and Raul were the new faces on tonight’s starting lineup. Zurich had a strong start to the game and had the first chance to score when a corner kick served by Magairaz reached the far post. The ball hit Stahel and Tihinen forced Casillas to make an easy save with a heel shot (8′). Real Madrid gradually took control of the game, with Ronaldo venturing down the left, Raul running down the centre and Higuain covering the right wing. The Portuguese star was awarded a free-kick and scored the game’s opener when keeper Leoni failed to grab the ball (27’).

Impeccable in defence and solid in midfield, the Whites played touch football that tired their opponents. Higuain ventured into the box and missed a shot that landed at Raul’s feet for the captain to score the second strike of the evening (33’). It was the striker’s 65th goal in the Champions League. A few minutes later, Raul passed the ball to Higuain and the latter dribbled past Rocha, defeating Leoni with great skill (45′).

Neither Zurich nor their fans gave up. The Swiss took the pitch looking to turn the score around at the start of the second half. They made more fouls and played a tougher game. Xabi Alonso injured  his right ankle and had to be replaced by Fernando Gago on the 59-minute mark. Koch tried to score for Zurich to no avail, but the team soon netted a strike when Vonlanthen tricked the referee into thinking he was tackled inside the box by Casillas. A penalty was awarded and Margairaz defeated the keeper (62’).

The locals took advantage of Real Madrid’s dismay and Aegerter netted a header from a corner kick served by Vonlanthen. The Madridistas decided to pull rank and seal the game once and for all, and did so with two strikes. Cristiano Ronaldo scored from a 30-metre free-kick; the goalkeeper tried to clear the ball with his fists, but sent it inside the goal instead (88’). In added time, Guti scored the team’s fifth and final strike from a beautiful lob.

Lineups

Zurich: Leoni, Tihinen, Rochat, Koch, Stahel (Gajic 91′), Aegerter, Margairaz, Okonkwo (Abdi 68′), Vonlanthen, Alphonse, Hassli    (Djuric 48′);

Real Madrid: Casillas, Arbeloa, Albiol, Pepe, Drenthe, Lass, Kaká, Xabi Alonso (Gago 61′), Cristiano Ronaldo, Raúl, Higuaín (Guti H. 70′);

Goals:

0-1, 27′: Cristiano Ronaldo;

0-2, 34′: Raul;

0-3, 46′: Higuain;

1-3, 66′: Margairaz;

2-3, 67′: Aegerter;

2-4, 91′: Cristiano Ronaldo;

2-5, 96′: Guti.H;

Referee: Martin Atkinson;

Booked: Casillas, Drenthe, Lass, Kaka, Gago, Guti, Stahel, Okonkwo;

Notes: Group C Matchday 1 in the First Round of the Champions League.

Venue: Letzigrund Stadion.

Attendance: Full house.

Injury Report:

Xabi Alonso was unable to finish the Champions League match against FC Zurich on Tueday after suffering a heavy second-half knock to his right Achilles tendon.