Real Madrid Dominate Group D

Real Madrid has done well in the Champions League, having already clinched first place within their group prior to the match against Ajax.  With El Clásico closely approaching, Mourinho chose to rest some key players, such as Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, and Cristiano Ronaldo.  Ajax held a 3-point, +7 goal lead over Lyon within the group stage, but that all changed in a surprising twist of events by the end of the evening.  This match against Ajax allowed Madridistas to see some men that do not get a lot of playing time as well as some canteranos in action.  Los Blancos have already advanced, but what better way to advance than with an unbeaten record? 

Real Madrid took the lead with José Callejón scoring a brilliant goal – a left-footed shot from the center of the box to the bottom right corner – at the 14' minute mark, with Kaká at the assist.  Karim Benzema attempted to up the score 2-nil for Madrid with a beautiful right-footed shot, Gonzalo Higuain at the assist, but the attempt was saved.  The duo paired up again at the 41' minute mark, this time successful with their efforts.  Higuain took a right-footed shot from the center of the box to the top left corner, Benzema with the assist following a fast break.  Ajax and their fans called for an offside ruling in response to the injustice they felt for the questionable calls earlier in the evening.  The ruling was not given.

The Dutch men had not one but two goals ruled out by a lineman at the 32' and 36' minute marks, Ajax supporters clearly unhappy.  Upon watching the replays, these two goals appeared to be legitimate for Madrid's opposing side.  Adding more insult to injury for Ajax, vice-captain Jan Vertonghen was shown the yellow card at the 37'.  But this is the nature of fútbol.  It is hardly perfect and riddled with questionable calls.

The 2^nd half was relatively slower in comparison to the first.  Mourinho made his first substitution at the 54', Hamit Altintop on for Benzema, who played very well tonight.  More substitutions were made at the 59' and 67' minute marks, Xabi Alonso on for Esteban Granero and Pedro Mendes on for Álvaro Arbeloa.  As aforementioned, Ajax needed to maintain their lead over Lyon in order to secure second place and advance.  However, the unpredictable happened.  In the Dinamo Zagreb – Lyon match, Lyon managed to net 7 goals by the 75' minute mark.  What seemed to be like a sure thing for Ajax, had become unstable at best.  The Dutch team needed to score two goals, but with morale and confidence low, it looked particularly grim leading into the final 15 minutes.  Desperate for a change and hopeful for goals, 2 substitutions were made.

Even with three minutes of added time, Ajax was unable to score in this half.  That was not the case for los Blancos.  Callejón scored a brace at the 90'+2' mark, with a right-footed shot from the right side of the box to the center of the goal, Xabi Alonso at the assist with a through ball.  With Real Madrid winning 3-0 against Ajax, Lyon's 7 goals in Zagreb have taken them through to the Round of 16 of the Champions League.  Surprising, surprising turnout.  Congratulations to all teams in the CL who advanced and well played to all the teams who haven't.

Los Blancos play bitter rivals FC Barcelona next come Saturday, December 10^th at the Santiago Bernabéu.  ¡Hala Madrid!

written by Gail HIdalgo