Real Madrid vs. APOEL: Don't Call It A Comeback

APOEL 0 - 3 (74', 90' Benzema, 81' Kaká) Real Madrid

Tonight, los Blancos faced APOEL Nicosia in the first leg of the Champions League Quarterfinals at the GSP-Stadion.  It was by no means an easy game, even up against the underdog in this fairytale (that is far from over).  The first half of the match could only be described as sheer frustration and lackadaisical at best for Real Madrid.  In spite of looking so assured in ball possession, plays fell short, balls went wide, and chances were missed.  Even as the men came back from descanso, things did not look so promising as APOEL continued to hold Madrid off.

Gonzalo "Pipita" Higuaín saw the end of boot as he went down at the 53' after being De Jong'd in the ribs.  The Argentine certainly looked like he was in pain – inciting a wave on Twitter of many a Madridista, vowing to avenge him – and was eventually subbed off 10 minutes later by Brasilian teammate Kaká, who seemed to make all the difference in this game.

 

Karim Benzema, who had been desperately seeking the back of net the entire evening, finally scored at the 74' with a diving header, Kaká at the assist with a cross.  Madrid nearly grabbed another at the 76', but Cristiano's shot went straight to Chiotis.  What a shame...  Madrid scored a second at the 81' thanks to the efforts of our Brasilian duo of Marcelo and Kaká.  A great run from Marcelo down the left created the chance.  He had been fouled in the box, but kept on his feet before cutting the ball back to Kaká, who slid it in from 10 yards away to the center of goal.  Madrid's third and final goal came at the 90' minute mark from Benzema.  The Frenchman bagged a brace with a right-footed shot to the center of goal.  Teammate and German international Mesut Özil set everything up perfectly with a beautifully crafted cross along the goal mouth, allowing Benzema an easy tap in.

The two minutes of added time passed without incident and Madrid walked away with a 3-0 victory over the Cypriot underdogs.  Los Blancos face Osasuna next this Saturday, March 31 at the Reyno de Navarra in La Liga.  The return leg of Champions League will be on Wednesday, April 4 at the Santiago Bernabeu.  Until then, ¡Hala Madrid!

written by Gail Hidalgo