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.
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
Director General Jorge Valdano commented on Real Madrid’s solid outing in Albania.
Valdano:
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January 21, 2010 | Categories: Post-match Comments, Taçi Oil Cup | Tags: Albania, Jorge Valdano, KS Gramozi Erseke, Qemal Stafa, Tirana | Leave A Comment »