Los Blancos Make It Rain Goals

What a special night at the Santiago Bernabéu.  Tonight's clash against Dinamo Zagreb was the team's 1500^th match at the stadium.  And what other way to celebrate such an important milestone with a goalfest and making some records?  The atmosphere in the stadium could only be described as electric.  The Bernabéu crackles with energy – chants, vuvuzelas, the thundering spirit of Madridistas.  Could Dinamo Zagreb have been intimidated?  Perhaps.  Maybe.  Most likely.

Real Madrid's Starting XI list was laden with fringe players – such as Antonio Adán, Raphael Varane, and Nuri Sahin – on account of the fact many members of the main squad are out injured.  While it may have been a bit unsettling that these players have hardly seen the pitch, it was wonderful seeing them play so well, proving just how strong Real Madrid has gotten under the leadership of José Mourinho.

1:25. One minute and twenty-five seconds.  That was exactly how long it took for Real Madrid to score this evening.  French striker Karim Benzema opened the scoring very quickly in tonight's Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb.  This was only the beginning of what would be an amazing first half of football from los Blancos.  José Callejón, a product of Real Madrid youth ranks, scored at the 6' minute mark, Benzema with the assist, doubling Madrid's lead.  Argentine striker Gonzalo "Pipita" Higuain scores not two minutes after Callejón with Madrid's third.  Eight minutes, three goals.  Los Blancos were hungry – craving – for más golazos.  So early into the match, the team had set the fastest three-goal lead by any club in UEFA Champions League history.

Pipita had a great opportunity, taking a powerful shot, but Dinamo Zagreb keeper, Ivan Kelava, deflected the ball.  However, Kelava could not push the ball far enough and the ball ends at Mesut Özil's feet.  The talented playmaker finishes beautifully, scoring Madrid's fourth in the 20' minute, netting the ball in the far right corner.  Fabio Coentrão made an individual attack, getting dangerously close, and took an on-goal shot.  However, Kelava blocked his effort.  Zagreb manager Krunoslav Jurčić looked on, clearly frustrated with how his men were playing on the pitch.  He may want to rethink lineup with halftime coming up.

Dinamo Zagreb was awarded a free kick at the 16' minute mark, with Luis Ibáñez taking the shot, only to miss.  They were awarded another free kick later in the first half.  Sadly for the visiting team, ball did not meet net, but rather the able hands of Madrid's keeper of the evening, Antonio Adán.

Los Blancos ended the first half with a comfortable 4-0 lead, even with one minute of added time.  Changes in lineup were made on Madrid's side at the beginning of the second half – Hamit Altintop for Mesut Özil, Esteban Granero for Xabi Alonso, and Raúl Albiol for Sergio Ramos.  Three simultaneous changes is considered odd for Mourinho.  However, he is resting the legs of key players, most likely in preparation for Saturday's match against Atlético Madrid, El Derbi madrileño.

Callejón made it 5-0 at the 48' minute mark, earning a brace.  He is now the fourth Spanish player to score a brace with Real Madrid in the CL after Raúl, Guti, and Fernando Morientes.  Callejón was not the only with a brace tonight.  Benzema scored his second goal of the evening, with Pipita at the assist with a back heel, making the score 6-0.  Los Blancos have now equaled their all-time record for most goals in a single Champions League match.

It is not to say Zagreb did not put up a fight.  They managed to do something that no other team had been able to do in the CL thus far – to score.  Not only once, but twice (Fatos Beciraj 80', Ivan Tomecak 89').  Madridistas, say goodbye to our clean sheet in the CL.  But of course, we would not want Adán to feel bad about conceding.  He must have been under a lot of pressure.  Either way, Real Madrid remains the Group D leader and will go through the next round.  Madrid's Men of the match are Callejón and Benzema, very well deserved.  ¡Hala Madrid! 

By: Gail Hidalgo