Sporting B 3-0 Real Madrid Castilla
Real Madrid Castilla clashed with Sporting Gijon’s second team at a classic academy venue, Mareo. The locals proved their positioning on the table is not a fair reflection of their quality and dominated in the opening 20 minutes, scoring three goals. Castilla played a solid game, but were unable to recover from such a harsh blow early in the match.
MATCH REPORT
SPORTING B: Laviana; Pedro, Javier Garcia, Jonathan Lopez, Carracedo; Guillermo Perez, Landeira, Ignacio Cases, Juan Muñiz; Carlos Menendez (Pablo Acebal, 68′), Alvarez (Luis Lazaro, 70).
REAL MADRID CASTILLA: Adan; Nacho, Gary, Mateos, Marcos Alonso; Sarabia (Raul Ruiz, 68′), Cordero (Fran Rico, 68′), Mosquera, Juan Carlos; Samu (Vazquez, 52′), Cristian.
GOALS:
2-0 (10′): Carlos Menendez
3-0 (14′): Carlos Menendez
Referee: GOMEZ RIOS.
Booked: Carlos Menendez (12′), Pablo Acebal (70′), Nacho (60′), Marcos Alonso (61′) & Gary (68′).
Real Madrid 3-0 Espanyol
Real Madrid were forced to earn a victory tonight to keep their distance with Barcelona intact and to remain undefeated at the Bernabeu in La Liga. Ramos, Kaka and Higuain scored the evening’s goals, while Casillas was undefeated for yet another game.
The starting lineup was the same as in last week’s match against Deportivo. Four minutes into the game, Granero took a free-kick from one of the sides and Ramos notched in a header.
Espanyol were well positioned and tried to fight back by keeping possession, but Real Madrid soon took over. Kaka forced Kameni to make a save with his fists on the 26-minute mark with a powerful shot from outside the box. One minute later saw Sergio come close to scoring from an identical play to that which resulted in the team’s first strike. Raul had a header on the goal-line and Kameni managed to miraculously clear it, but the ball landed at Kaka’s feet and the Brazilian netted the second goal for the Whites in a near-acrobatic way (29’).
Granero took another free-kick in the 35th minute. Albiol tried to finish it off but was off target. The midfielder tried to score from yet another set piece, but Kameni saved the day for Espanyol (41’). The goalkeeper was spectacular tonight despite his team’s defeat. One minute later he saved another header from Raul (42′). Benzema sent the ball over the crossbar and the captain had another shot that grazed one of the posts before the end of the first half. Coro and Marquez also tried to surprise Casillas right before half-time.
Real Madrid were the same in the second half and Espanyol improved. Roncaglia crossed the ball into Casillas’ box, but Verdu was too late to finish it off (50’). Marcelo responded with a crossed shot from outside the box (55′) and Kaka hit the crossbar after Benzema passed the ball back to him (59’). It was Espanyol’s turn to try to score through Osvaldo, who overtook Arbeloa and would have netted a strike if Casillas hadn’t been in his way (61’). Soon after Lass came on for Guti, Arbeloa failed to score from a brilliant pass by Granero (71’).
Benzema was replaced by Higuain, who netted the third strike following a magnificent control of a long pass and dribbling past Kameni’s right and then turning left before flicking the ball into the back of the net.
Real Madrid vs Espanyol | Spanish Primera Division | Round 21 | Preview
Real Madrid want to remain undefeated at home in La Liga and to cut Barcelona’s lead short. The Whites’ fight for leadership continues tonight against Espanyol at the Bernabeu (22:00 CET).
Several important Madridistas will miss tonights clash. Pepe, Metzelder and Garay are still injured, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s suspension still stands. Nevertheless, Lass, Higuain, Diarra, Van der Vaart and Gago have made the coach’s squad list and may play against Espanyol.
Real Madrid have been victorious in their 10 home league games this season, scoring 32 goals and conceding just six.
Espanyol are in the middle of the league table. They’ve earned six victories, five draws and nine defeats. They have failed to win their last seven games away from home, but they are sure to be extra motivated at the Bernabeu, where they haven’t won since the 1995/96 season. Important players such as Callejon, Chica and Ivan de la Peña (who will be operated on one of his tibias next week) will miss the clash. Coach Pochettino has called up academy players to complete his 19-man squad list.
ESPANYOL SQUAD LIST: Kameni, Cristian Alvarez, Pillud, Pareja, Baena, Marques, Sahar, Victor Ruiz, Marquez, Luis Garcia, Osvaldo, Didac, Ivan Alonso, Verdu, Roncaglia, David Garcia, Coro, Amat, Molina.
Both teams have clashed 151 times in La Liga, resulting in 86 victories for Real Madrid, 31 draws and 34 victories for Espanyol.
Referee: Mr. Turienzo Alvarez
Just another Madridista
Post-match comments
Director General Jorge Valdano described Real Madrid’s performance against Espanyol as “solid and serious.” Manuel Pellegrini was happy with the victory against Espanyol. Kaka scored the team’s second strike against Espanyol. The Brazilian was happy with the victory and said he feels better on the pitch. Higuain, Granero and Marcelo were very satisfied with the team’s performance against Espanyol. Sergio Ramos and Raul Albiol gave excellent performances in defence, helping Real Madrid to concede no goals against Espanyol. The former even scored the opening goal.
Valdano:
Pellegrini:
(more…)
Share this:
February 7, 2010 | Categories: Post-match Comments, Spanish Primera División | Tags: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Esteban Granero, Gonzalo Higuaín, Jorge Valdano, Kaká, Manuel Pellegrini, Marcelo Vieira, Raúl Albiol, RCD Espanyol, Sergio Ramos | Leave A Comment »