Los Blancos
played against Galatasaray last night to a Champions League showdown, claiming
a 3-0 victory over their opponents by way of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema,
and Gonzalo Higuain. With his goal,
Cristiano sits pretty on top as the top goal-scorer in the competition this
season. The victory of Galatasary brings
Real Madrid one step closer to their third consecutive UCL semifinal. The Bernabéu was alive with fire, the home
crowd roaring with song and pride for the men in white. The crowd itself proved crucial, serving as
motivation for the players, aware that their spectators have not seen them lose
for 14 months. It would have been a let
down all around to see them fail at home.
It took a mere nine minutes for Madrid to show up on the scoreboard, Cristiano chipping in the ball over Muslera from a beautiful pass from Mesut Özil. There was no doubt in Özil's, Cristiano's, anyone's minds that the play would result in Madrid's favor. The start could not have been any more promising of what was to come, los Blancos sending a message to their opponents... They were hungry – starved – for goals.
That proved true when
Benzema sunk the ball in back of net with a clinical finish, right-footed shot
from the center of box to the bottom left corner. It would be Michael Essein at the assist with
a cross.
The first half produced
nothing more than brilliant counterattacks and a few yellow cards flashed in
Galatasaray's direction. But
nevertheless, los Blancos' dominance
more than placated the souls who had come to see them score and play brilliant
football.
The second half was
riddled with yellow cards, Sergio Ramos receiving his second – meaning he'll
miss the next match. It certainly was a
good strategy, having him suspended now than during the semifinals. Oh my.
Looks like I'm getting ahead of myself here. There still is that 2nd leg to
play...
Many a player, many a
foul in the second half and many a free kick as well. However nothing came of these free kicks,
that is, until Pipita came in to replace Benzema. No one was surprised when the Argentine came
on as the Frenchman's substitute. One is
always replacing the other. At least we
goals out of it. Pipita scored Madrid's
third and final goal of evening at the 73' minute mark, with a header from
center of box to the top left corner, following a cross from Xabi Alonso
following a set piece.
Galatasaray's desperation
became evident, becoming undone at the seams as they recklessly played,
yearning to at least save face. It would
not happen, even with three minutes added.
Los Blancos
will play in La Liga next, a match at home against Levante, Saturday, April 6th. Clos Gómez will be officiating the
match. The 2nd leg against
Galatasaray will be played Tuesday, April 9th at Ali Sami Yen. Until then, keep calm and ¡Hala Madrid!
written by Gail Hidalgo
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