A picture that is worth a thousand words!
The curse has been broken. Raul and Guti now have what had been the only thing missing in their glittering career in a Real Madrid jersey – a win at the Riazor. Also, Barcelona’s lead over us remains 5 points and keeps us within reach of the top of the table.
The picture above is definitely worth a thousand words!
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Deportivo La Coruña 1-3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid demonstrated just how title-hungry they are on Saturday with an historic victory at Riazor Stadium. The eight unavailable players served as added stimuli for the Madridista starting eleven, which included eight Spaniards. Granero notched the first goal of the night and Benzema fired home the second two, the first following a heel flick by Guti. Riki, a former Merengue youth teamer, scored Deportivo’s only goal of the evening from the penalty spot with five minutes remaining, by which time it was too late. Real Madrid broke the 19-year curse at the Riazor.
Real Madrid couldn’t pass on the opportunity to win in La Coruña, and it reflected on the faces of Manuel Pellegrini’s starting eleven. Casillas started in goal and was protected by Arbeloa, Albiol, Ramos and Marcelo. Guti, Granero, Xabi Alonso and Kaka got the nod in the midfield and were supported in attack by Raul and Benzema.
Deportivo gave Madrid plenty of room to work with in the early going and granted the Whites possession of the ball. It was easy to understand why the visitors had the first scoring opportunities, all of which were long range shots. First by Xabi Alonso (5’), followed by Benzema (6’) and Guti (7’). The hosts, meanwhile, relied on long crosses that never found their targets.
The pressure on the final third by the Whites paid off following a corner kick that at first appeared unsuccessful. Kaka passed to Guti and the ball wound up being struck four times by players’ heads before Granero pushed it into the back of this net with a header of his own (13’).
With the game well in control, Real Madrid continued the onslaught and had as many as seven chances on goal, two of which belonged to Raul. The captain was unable to get a toe to a low cross by Benzema (19’) and was then stymied by a brilliant Aranzubia save (21’). Then on a near-perfect counterattack, Kaka found Guti, who magically heel flicked the ball back to Benzema and the Frenchman struck gold to put the Whites up by two (40’).
The second half began the same way the first ended and Real Madrid continued boasting of golden opportunities. Kaka had two but was unable to beat Aranzubia either time (47’ & 54’). Riki, who rose through the ranks of the Real Madrid academy, cut the lead to one by converting a penalty after Ramos committed a foul in the box (85’), but it was too little too late for Deportivo. Real Madrid managed to hold on and in added time put the nail in the coffin as Benzema finished off an assist by Arbeloa (91’).
Deportivo La Coruña vs Real Madrid | Spanish Primera Division | Round 20 | Preview
Real Madrid will have to overcome several obstacles if they are to be successful at the Riazor on Saturday night. Not only is a cold, rainy night in the forecast, but as many as eight players -Pepe, Garay, Lass, Diarra, Gago, Van der Vaart, Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo- are unavailable. In their stead, Manuel Pellegrini has tabbed four young talents –Mosquera, Mateos, Raul Ruiz and Rodrigo- to complete the roster. The Whites already proved they could overcome adversity at Mestalla earlier this year, and tonight they hope to put on a repeat performance.
“I think the team is capable of winning in the Riazor,” said Pellegrini during Friday’s press conference, ” I don’t intend on using our unavailable players as an excuse.” He was referring to the eight Madridistas unavailable for duty against Deportivo, seven of whom are injured and one, Cristiano Ronaldo, who is suspended. So shorthanded, the Madridista coach called up four Castilla players to travel with the team and to contribute their share if called upon.
Not only are Real Madrid up against a hostile environment, but their opponent is as also tough as they get. Despite their recent elimination from the Copa del Rey, Deportivo have had an impressive season so far. Currently fifth in the league table -tied in points with Mallorca, who hold the last berth for the Europa League-, Los Blanquiazules have only lost two matches at home this year.
Their success is based on their ability to control open ground in the midfield. Five players on two different midfield lines put tremendous pressure on opponents trying to establish a presence in the second third of the pitch. The first is a two-man defense line whose task it is to recover balls. The second is instructed to retreat on defense and open up the playing field on offense by passing to the only striker. The 4-2-3-1 scheme is led by Alberto Lopo on the back line and Manuel Pablo along the wing. The creativity is added by Juan Carlos Valeron. However, Deportivo also have significant injuries. Miguel Angel Lotina is without Guardado, Filipe Luis, Angulo, Mista, Lassad and Sergio.
Four of Depor’s players rose through the ranks of Real Madrid’s academy, but only two, Laure and Riki, may see action tonight. The other duo, Filipe Luis and Mista, are two of the six unavailable for duty.
Pellegrini press conference
Manuel Pellegrini believes Ronaldo’s suspension is unfair and called up the player hoping his punishment will be rescinded before the match against Deportivo.
Cristiano Ronaldo:
Cristiano is on the squad list. We hope he can play. I think his two game suspension isn’t fair. Ronaldo just happened to hit the other player on the nose and it started bleeding, which prompted the referee to show him the red card. I don’t think it deserves a two game suspension. Legal issues are there to be used by the Club whenever it deems it necessary.
Everything that has something to do with Ronaldo is overblown. He isn’t the problem. The problem is what the sports world has generated around him in recent months. People admire and envy Ronaldo. Everyone all over the world wants to see what he does next and they also want him to make a mistake. It is a strange situation. He is just another player on this squad, but he is in a special situation wherever he plays.
Title hopes:
The first leg has just ended. The entire second leg lies ahead and we can’t speculate about what will happen to Barcelona, Valencia and Sevilla. We hope to take three more points at Riazor, which is a complicated venue to play in.
Enough is enough! Its time for a change – Deportivo pre-preview
Its been a while. The best statement to get you back to date if you are a blogger. Just say its been a while and you’ll feel like you have been there all along. Well it isn’t the case – reality check. I have not been blogging nor following Real Madrid (which is basically the world of football to me) for the past month or so as I used to way back in 2009. It seems like a long time back to me when I had everything about Real right on my finger tip. You can surely find Real’s DNA strands still somewhere there if you search properly. Anyhoo that isn’t the point. The points lie at Riazor where Real travel next, mind you with a depleted squad, to do something that they haven’t been able to do for the past 18 years and that is to come back with 3 points. And this year if they fail to do so then they will be giving Barcelona the chance to go up by 11 points which can be considered as good as conceding the title considering the fact that other pussies in the league aren’t even willing to put up a fight against those damned Catalunatics and their glorified cunt in Leocunt Pussy. Ah! Now I am back in business. My Real Madrid senses seem to be perfectly in tact.
But Guti, who WILL stay at the Bernabeu, thinks it still ain’t over yet. Though my heart agrees with him my brain seems to cogitate the truth in the statement. While speaking to you-know-who, he said:
There is still half a league to be played and we can turn it around. Our goal is to lose as few points as possible and to try to capitalize on any Barcelona mistakes.
We are surely off target if that is our goal. We should have won at Pamplona and San Mames if we had intended on putting what you call pressure on the leaders. We couldn’t. And now it seems way tougher especially when you consider where we are playing and the resources currently available. Guti concurs but feels that crossing these hurdles is what makes champions.
Riazor is a tough place to play in and I have never won there. We will see what the game plan is, but I know we will try to win. League titles are won at the Bernabeu, but also in hostile environments like the Riazor.
He then spoke about the Champions league and that the team would do all that they are capable of to win it. They have to. They have no choice whatsoever.
Casillas to AS
Iker Casillas sat down with Spanish newspaper AS to comment on various aspects of the team prior to Saturday’s match.
Intentions:
We are going to La Coruña to win. We cannot let the three points slip through our fingers.
Cristiano Ronaldo:
Cristiano didn’t intend on elbowing Mtiliga, who wasn’t at fault for having his head where it was. He gets hit but there was no intention of doing any harm. Two matches is excessive and undeserved.
Filipe Luis:
It’s a shame he cannot play. He grew up in our academy and was an exceptional player.
Benzema:
Karim has a lot of Zidane’s attributes. I like the gestures his makes. He scores a lot of goals in training and everything will come in due course.
Dudek press conference
Dudek believes the team can catch up with Barcelona. The goalkeeper also praised team-mate Iker Casillas and commented on Cristiano Ronaldo’s suspension.
Injury crisis:
Every team in every sport sustains injuries. Our squad is large and now is the time for others to have their chance. We will try to do our best.
Cristiano’s suspension:
The suspension puts us and Cristiano in a complicated situation. He never tried to hurt the player. It was just an accident. He was unlucky. I think a two game suspension is excessive, but I believe we can win without him. He is important, but we managed to win in Valencia without him.
Iker Casillas:
Casillas is the best goalkeeper in the world. He’s like a machine and he naturally wants to play as many games as he can, which is a shame for me. I train hard every day to get my chance.
Title hopes:
We have to cut Barcelona’s lead short in the second leg. We can do it.
Sergio Ramos press conference
Sergio Ramos told the media at Valdebebas that the entire team supports Ronaldo and believes his suspension isn’t fair. The defender also said Real Madrid must do their best in every game to keep their options to win the title alive.
Riazor:
The match at Riazor will be like a final. The league title will be at stake for us at every stadium. We have to give our all in every game. We’ll have to reduce our distance with Barcelona to aspire to win the title. We will fight to the death.
Ronaldo’s suspension:
Cristiano Ronaldo is a crucial player who does a lot for the team. Our squad is large and I’m sure other players will make good use the chance they get to cover for him.
We all think Cristiano never intended to hurt the player and we believe the suspension is unfair. Duda hit me with his elbow and nothing happened. It was an involuntary action, just like Ronaldo’s. Messi did the same against Sevilla, but he was lucky not to hit the player’s face.
Filipe’s injury:
Deportivo’s Filipe was shining and I’m sure his untimely injury will make the team miss him.
Playing centre-back:
I will play wherever the coach tells me to. We are waiting for Garay to recover. I will be delighted to play as a centre back. I’m available for whatever the coach or the team may need.
Cristiano Ronaldo suspended for two games
The Spanish FA’s Competition Committee decided this morning to suspend Cristiano Ronaldo for two games after the player was sent off last Sunday against Malaga.
The Portuguese netted a first-half double at the Bernabeu but was shown a straight red card in the 70th minute for lashing out at Patrick Mtiliga and breaking the Malaga defender’s nose. Real, who had asked for the card to be rescinded, are likely to appeal against the ruling but if that is rejected Ronaldo will miss Saturday’s trip to Deportivo Coruna and the home game against Espanyol the following weekend.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Garay press conference
During the first player press conference of the week, Ezequiel Garay said his hamstring is feeling better and that he hopes to be ready to play on Saturday against Deportivo.
On Recovery:
I still feel a little pain, but I hope to be fit by the weekend. I’m following a treatment and I hope to play against Deportivo because our match against them will be very important.
On title hopes:
I don’t think the title will be at stake for us next weekend. The entire second leg has yet to take place and many points can still be taken. It will be a complicated and difficult game, but we know the season is far from over.
On the 5 point lead:
We can catch up to Barcelona. We cannot fail. We have to wait for them to drop points. They have yet to play at difficult stadiums and at the Bernabeu. We hope to cut their lead short in order for the Clasico to be decisive.
On Cristiano:
Cristiano is fine. I think the struggle he was involved in was unfortunate. He didn’t intend to hurt the player. We hope the suspension is as short as possible because he is a very important player on this team.
Sergio Ramos to Don Balon
Sergio Ramos commented on himself and several of his teammates in an interview with football magazine Don Balon.
Current form:
I feel good. Physically, mentally, spiritually and I am confident, all of which are crucial for a footballer. I continue reaching my best form and my best moment.
It is important to remain stout and to try to make my teammates know that I am doing my best so that it rubs off and shows in their performance. I think the defense is doing a great job in that regard.
Cristiano Ronaldo:
I was surprised to see how professional he his and his work ethic. He is obsessed with improving and reaching perfection. It is good to have players who know how to compete and train because you can learn a thing or two from them.
Karim Benzema:
He is phenomenal. He has adapted quickly. We have given him a lot of support. He is a natural born goal-scorer and he will reach his best form with Real Madrid. The sky is his limit.
Conquense 1-1 Real Madrid Castilla
Real Madrid Castilla only mustered up a draw at La Fuensanta on Sunday despite the numerous chances they had to earn a ‘W’. Marcos Alonso put the Whites ahead on 25′, bubt Martins equalized for the hosts shortly thereafter. Castilla finished the match with four strikers on the pitch hoping to capitalize on the offensive tactics. Next week they host Cacereño at Alfredo di Stefano Stadium.
MATCH SUMMARY
Conquense: Sebas, Aridani, Antonio, Javi Hernandez, Francoli (Cristian, min.60), Juanma, Martins, Gato, Oscar Silva (Juanjo, min. 69), Santacruz, Cubillo.
Real Madrid Castilla: Adan, Mateos, Nacho, Gary, Marcos Alonso, Luis Hernandez (Sarabia, 73), Cordero (Juanan, min. 79), Juan Carlos, Vazquez, Cristian (Samuel, min. 50), Rodrigo.
Referee: Abad Esteban.
Goals:
1-1, min. 35: Martins
Notes: Week 22 of Segunda Division B Group II played at La Fuensanta.
Attendance: 2,000.
Van Nistelrooy press conference
Ruud van Nistelrooy had an unforgettable night. The fans at the Bernabeu bid him farewell with a standing ovation before the Real Madrid-Malaga match, after which the player addressed the media in his last press conference in Madrid.
I will never be able to forget this. It was very emotional. I can only thank everybody for this. Real Madrid will always be with me wherever I go.
I will now tackle a new footballing and personal experience. I remember fondly the second half of my first season at Real Madrid, during which we made a comeback and won the league title. I know the team will soon win its tenth European Cup and I will celebrate when it does.
The Club has always treated me magnificently well and made me feel comfortable. I am very grateful to the Club for allowing me to leave in such a wonderful manner.
I feel fine and I’m anxious to start this new stage in my career. I hope to play in South Africa this summer and achieve great things. I will work hard in the next few months to earn a spot on the national team.
Post-match comments
Manuel Pellegrini is happy with the victory against Malaga but believes the team could have played better. Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals against Malaga, but he was sent off later in the game with a red card. Ezequiel Garay could only play 45 minutes against Malaga due to a strain on his left hamstring muscles. Nevertheless, the defender was delighted with the victory. Sergio Ramos showed just how versatile he can be on Sunday after starting at right back and later taking over center back duties for Garay.
Pellegrini:
Cristiano Ronaldo played a great game and scored two goals, but unfortunately, he was mixed up in that play that got him sent off. I couldn’t see it well. We’ll have to see what the referee writes in his report. The Competition Committee will have to decide if it was an agression or not.
I’m not hapy with how we played. We should have started more plays. We faced a good team that knew how to steal the ball from us. We were firm in defence.
We’ve had a perfect home run in the first leg. We know we can improve and in order to do that we must focus on each game at a time.
Guti is an important player. He is coming out of a long injury, but we are all aware of the great talent he has.
Ronaldo:
I always want to play and these things anger me. I’ve spoken to Mtiliga and he said he doesn’t believe I should apologise because he doesn’t think I hurt him intentionally.
Those who understand football will see the tackle wasn’t worthy of a red card. I was unlucky to hit his nose.
I never try to trick referees. I never intended to injure the player. I believe they should be fair with what really happened. I didn’t want to injure anybody. I’m not that kind of person. I’m not a bad person. I just want to shine while I play football. I’ll be angry when I get home because I’m suspended and won’t be able to play in the next match.
Real Madrid 2-0 Malaga
Real Madrid defeated Malaga 2-0 tonight, thus earning their tenth home victory in La Liga this season. The Whites have won all their games at the Bernabeu in the first leg. Cristiano Ronaldo scored both strikes. Ruud van Nistelrooy said farewell to the fans before the match.
Within six minutes of playing time, Kaka and Ronaldo managed to step into Malaga’s box, but it was the visiting side who had the first chance to score in the game with a cross from Duda that Xabi Alonso dangerously headed towards Casillas’ crossbar as he was trying to clear the ball, but the goalkeeper saved the day with a prodigious stretch (7’).
Kaka responded with a cross into Malaga’s area. Benzema passed the ball back to Guti, who shot on target from outside the box, forcing keeper Munua to make a spectacular save (14’). Malaga had dangerous bouts in attack close to the 30-minute mark. They had two shots that Casillas managed to clear with his head outside the box (27’). Fernando then came close to scoring from two headers, but he was off target. Malaga started falling back and focused more on defending from then on.
Real Madrid gradually began to dominate the game. They pulled off a magnificent effort that started with an exceptional pass from Guti to Benzema, who in turn served the ball to Kaka. The Brazilian controlled it and passed it to Cristiano Ronaldo, who then scored the evening’s opening strike (35’). Real Madrid wanted more, and Guti served an incredible ball to Ronaldo, who scored again from outside the box (38′).
Garay strained himself in the first half and was replaced by Marcelo after half-time. The substitution moved Ramos to the centre of the defence and positioned Arbeloa as a right back. Malaga’s Forestieri and Juanmi came on for Javi Lopez and Caicedo. Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso nearly scored from a header (49’) and Lass pulled off a dangerous shot from a distance (64’). Pellegrini made Granero come on and, shortly after the substitution, Cristiano Ronaldo saw a red card for hitting Mtiliga in a scrum (70’).
The few chances left in the match were all Real Madrid’s. Xabi Alonso sent the ball past the goal after receiving a great pass backwards from Arbeloa (72’) and Albiol misplaced a header following a cross by Granero (84’), who had the team’s last chance with a shot from outside the box (89’).
Real Madrid vs Malaga | Spanish Primera Division | Round 19 | Preview
Real Madrid will look to earn their tenth home victory in La Liga this season against Malaga (21:00 CET). A win tonight would make the Whites the best home team of the first leg.
At home, Real Madrid have scored 30 goals so far in the league this season (3.33 per game), and they have conceded only 6 (0.66 pg).
Malaga are currently 16th on the table, just one point shy of the relegation zone. Their 1-0 victory against Getafe last week allowed to leave the relegation zone twelve weeks after entering for the first time. Malaga have never defeated Real Madrid at the Bernabeu; since 1994 (year of Malaga CF’s foundation), the Whites have won seven games against them and drawn one.
Manuel Pellegrini won’t be able to count on the injured Higuain, Van der Vaart, Diarra, Pepe and Gago. The latter’s absence will be covered by Castilla’s Pedro Mosquera, who may get a chance to make his first team debut.
In Malaga’s camp, midfielders Juanito (suspended) and Apoño (injured) will miss the match, forcing coach Muñiz to improvise. Striker Nabil Baha is also suspended. Xavi Torres, Edu Ramos, Portillo and Duda missed last week’s game but will be at the Bernabeu tonight.
SQUAD LIST
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek
Defenders: Ramos, Metzelder, Arbeloa, Albiol, Garay, Marcelo
Misfielders: Lass, Xabi Alonso, Kaka, Drenthe, Guti, Granero, Mosquera
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul, Benzema
I want to have a Hamburger – Ruud van Nistelrooy
I hope all you lads have seen The Pink Panther cos if you haven’t you will not understand the thinking I had to do to get the apt title for this post. Anyhoo, the inevitable has happened. Ruud van Nistelrooy has finally left Real Madrid CF to join the Bundesliga outfit Hamburg SV in a deal for 18 months. The club’s official statement read:
Real Madrid CF and Hamburg SV have reached agreement for the transfer of Ruud van Nistelrooy to the German club.
Thus Real haven’t revealed the exact details of the move. The striker wished to say farewell to the fans before leaving, thanking them for their support in the four seasons he’s been at Real Madrid. The letter read as follows:
My dear club and Madridistas,
We will never forget our time here. You all made us feel right at home from the very first day. Madrid will always be in our hearts, also because our children were born here. You were always there for us, helping us, and that’s why we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We’ve enjoyed every single minute we’ve spent here and every single day. That’s why we wish you all the best.
¡Hala Madrid!
Ruud van Nistelrooy and family
Pellegrini press conference
Manuel Pellegrini addressed the media the day before the match against Malaga at the Bernabeu (Sunday, 21:00 CET).
On Malaga:
Defeating Malaga is very important, regardless of what Barcelona do in their own game. Our duty is to just think about our next match. This is the only way by which we can reduce the point difference.
On current form:
We failed to win in Pamplona and Bilbao. I think we did a good job in both games, but the ball sometimes doesn’t seem to want to go in the goal. We have to work hard to improve on this.
On title hopes:
We have to stay firm at home. We cannot think about the end of La Liga when there are still 60 points at stake in the competition. We must focus on each game at a time.
On Cristiano Ronaldo:
Cristiano Ronaldo is calm. Failing to score may sometimes make a player anxious, but I don’t think that is the case with him. What really matters is that the team wins and scores as many goals as it possibly can. Cristiano will score again; it’s only a matter of time.
Sergio Canales makes me forget the five point gap – Malaga pre-preview
Real Madrid have virtually signed Sergio Canales. The 18-year old Racing Santander starlet is considered to be one of the hottest properties in European football of late as the likes of Manchester United, her evil-twin-sister Manchester City, Chelsea, Barcelona, Sevilla etc have all been on the trail of the youngster vying for his signature. Such interest made it virtually impossible for Racing to convince the youngster that his long-term future lies at El Sardinero. They could, however, benefit from the agreement reported to have been struck with Real Madrid. Real are said to have agreed a five-year contract with Canales, with Racing set to receive €6million compensation for a player who would be out of contract in the summer.
Real are also believed to have agreed to send the youngster back to Racing on loan for the next two seasons, with regular first-team football needed to help aid his development. While the other European teams were prepared to offer a better financial package to player and club, the Spain Under 19 international feels a move to Madrid is the best choice for his career. Angel Canales, father and agent of the player, said:
The decision was Sergio’s and he thinks that Real offer the best option in a sporting sense.
I am delighted. I really am. This kid is absolutely brilliant. He is quick, intelligent and talented having everything that Real Madrid are looking for in a striker. He is the complete package. Well, I hope he is. And also, the two year loan spell means once El Siete has retired our front four will comprise of Higuain, Benzema, Negredo and Canales. Woah! Who needs Wayne Rooney!?! No we don’t. My sincere advise to all Madridistas: Do not trust these articles. They are just fabricated in order get Rooney more cash.
Xabi Alonso to Realmadrid.com
In an interview with Realmadrid.com, Xabi Alonso briefly analyzed how the team is playing and what it must do to continue improving.
If you play well does Madrid play well?
No. If Madrid play well then I probably play well. I think we all need one another. This is a team sport, so we need everyone to do well.
Has the Bernabeu seen the best version of you?
I think I have played an important rold and I am happy, but I am still adjusting. I am improving, as is the team. I feel more comfortable each day. The team is attacking and defending better. The more balanced we are the better.
What about the best version of Kaka?
There will always be comparisons with the past and many of us have room for improvement.
Does Cristiano Ronaldo still have something to prove?
He can do much more and I am sure he will.
Does the team need to play smarter football?
In my position I have to read the game well, understand what the team needs, provide balance, organize as much as possible and communicate with teammates.
Does that require keeping a cooler head than the rest of the team?
Sometimes, but there are others when tempers can flare. But you do need to have some perspective, distance yourself and try to read the game.
Lass press conference
A man of few words, Lass was direct and to the point during Thursday’s press conference when asked to compare Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Next match:
The team needs to recover from last night’s match and focus on Sunday’s game against Malaga.
Recent results:
We were unable to score in each of our last two league matches, but such things can happen in football. Since returning from Bilbao we have been working hard to improve and to be able to score in our upcoming matches.
Barcelona:
A five point lead for Barcelona is only a matter of two games. Things can change quickly in football. We need to improve our away performances and continue winning in the Bernabeu. We cannot be concerned about what Barcelona do.
Post-match comments
Director General Jorge Valdano commented on Real Madrid’s solid outing in Albania.
Valdano:
This match was a good opportunity for those players who have received much playing time to play. It began the same way as Saturday’s match by us conceding an early goal, but we then took the initiative and despite the poor pitch conditions managed to equalize and keep the goalkeeper very busy.
It was a good chance for Pellegrini to gather conclusions. Real Madrid played well. The debate regarding the use of wingers only comes up when we don’t play well. I don’t pay much attention though because our midfielders and left and right backs cover the wings and our football is so vertical that our non-attacking players don’t have enough time to incorporate themselves.
We didn’t deserve the last two league match outcomes, which caused quite a stir. The team is on the right track and the players have shown exemplary attitudes. We will improve with time and hard work.
KS Gramozi Erseke 1-2 Real Madrid
The third edition of the Taci Oil Cup was postponed for 90 minutes when a citywide blackout cut off the power at Oemal Stafa Stadium during halftime. Real Madrid dominated the entire first half, but it was Xhafa JC who put the hosts ahead just over one minute after kick-off. Kaka scored the equalizer by laying out for a header, but the 1-1 draw didn’t do justice to the football displayed on the pitch. Once play resumed after halftime, Madrid continued to shine as Gramozi retreated its lines to avoid conceding any more goals. The solid Madridista performance paid off on 81’ when Benzema scored the game winner following an assist by Guti. Despite the blackout, the Whites ignited Albania.
K.S. Gramozi Erseke were eager to put on a show for their fans in Real Madrid’s first ever visit to Albania, and they did just that by taking the lead two minutes in when Xhafa JC headered home a Do Santos cross. It was all Real Madrid from then on out. The Whites insisted on pulling level and had numerous chances to do so. Cristiano came close on 4’ following a cross by Ramos. Raul almost capitalized on a Gramozi miscue in the box four minutes later. Kaka had two opportunities on 18’ and 30’ but the goalkeeper Sheshi got a hand to both shots. The third time was a charm for Kaka. Cristiano initiated the play along the left flank and his precise pass into the box was met by the Brazilian, who laid out to head the ball into the back of the net.
Sitting on a 1-1 deadlock, Real Madrid continued to press forward with precision combinations and passing. Gramozi’s only option was to clear long balls and hope Dos Santos was able to reach them in stride. The Whites had another three chances before halftime, including a ball that Cristiano put right on the goalline in hopes that a teammate would give it a final push. Thirteen was the total number of scoring opportunities for Real, while the hosts had just one.
With the second half almost under way, a citywide blackout shut off all the stadium lighting. The match was delayed for 90 minutes before resuming. Garay, Ramos and Kaka were replaced by Albiol, Arbeloa and Benzema. Cristiano was on his game all night and created the first scoring chance of the half with a free kick that was cleared to corner. Real Madrid had no intention of letting up and Gramozi could only sit back and watch. Benzema and Cristiano took center stage with perfect connections and the Frenchman came inches short of knocking in the winner on 77’ but was stymied by the keeper. He wouldn’t have to wait long to strike gold, though, and on 81’ beat Shehi following a precision cross by Guti. Real Madrid leave Albania with an historic first win and the praise of an impressed nation.
Just another Madridista
Post-match comments
Jorge Valdano discussed the importance of Saturday’s win at the Riazor following the match. Manuel Pellegrini underscored the team’s eagerness to win in statements made following the victory against Deportivo. Unquestionably one of the keys to Real Madrid’s victory against Deportivo, Guti commented on the historic win. Esteban Granero scored the first goal of the night and proved once again just how talented he his. Alvaro Arbeloa showed just how versatile he can be by covering the right back position with Marcelo back in the lineup. The defender also assisted on the third and final goal of the night.
Valdano:
Pellegrini:
Guti:
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January 31, 2010 | Categories: Post-match Comments, Spanish Primera División | Tags: Álvaro Arbeloa, Deportivo La Coruña, Esteban Granero, Jorge Valdano, José María Gutiérrez 'Guti', Manuel Pellegrini, Municipal de Riazor | Leave A Comment »