56'
Moisander :: 42', 79', 81' Cristiano, 48' Benzema
Sincerest apologies, Madridistas, for the lack of
updates on our men, but I am here now.
Real Madrid faced Ajax tonight at the Amsterdam ArenA in their second
UCL match of the season. These two
powerhouses have enjoyed varying success within the UCL competition these
recent years, where the Spanish giants have racked up a 12-0 aggregate against
the Dutch in their past four meetings.
Now while statistics favored Real Madrid, it would have been a grave
mistake on Mourinho's men's parts to underestimate their opponents.
Madrid employed a 4-2-3-1 formation as opposed to
Ajax's 4-3-3 and wouldn't you believe it?
Mourinho made alterations to his Starting XI, choosing to start Kaká and
José Callejón over Ángel di María and Mesut Özil in the attacking midfield. It certainly has been a while since I saw the
likes of Kaká so his presence on pitch was most welcome.
Los Blancos clearly dominated in the first half with a flurry of
chances, but Ajax GK Vermeer was intent on keeping Mourinho's men at bay. The Spanish powerhouse kept up the pressure
on the Dutch, and by the 9' minute mark had won their third corner of the evening.
Portuguese all-star Cristiano Ronaldo made attempt after attempt
throughout the half and it would not be until the 42' minute mark that attempt
translated to result. Cristiano broke
the deadlock, sending the ball home from six yards out following a cross from
Karim Benzema. Wonderful team effort,
men!
Dutch defense crumbled three minutes into the second
half when Benzema scored Madrid's second of the evening. Callejón began the play, slipping the ball to
Marcelo at the far left post, who then passed to Kaká. The Brasilian set himself up nicely before
curling a cross to the back post, where Benzema lay waiting in the shadows,
shooting the ball in with an impressive overhead kick past Vermeer. Beautiful, beautiful play from los Blancos.
The Dutch side would not go down so easily, having
pulled one back at the 56' minute mark.
Ajax captain Moisander headed it home from close range following a
corner. Iker Casillas was visibly
displeased. Perhaps it was because
Madrid's clean sheet went out the window.
Callejón was subbed out minutes later to be replaced by Di María.
Ajax had a golden opportunity of equalizing, one that
left many a Madridista shaking and praying for RM's third. Van Rhijin sent a ball in Madrid's box,
landing at the feet of Hoesen, who could ended things for RM. However, his shot went high over San Iker's crossbar. Hallelujah.
Rest assured, Madridistas. The Cristiano we all know and love gave us
two brilliant back-to-back goals, earning Madrid's third and fourth... and
himself a hattrick. This would be his
second hattrick in the span of a week! Perhaps
the 27-year-old is feeling a bit happier these days? Let's hope he continues along this path with
a Clásico in the winds...
Los Blancos will play their next match this Sunday up against
bitter rivals FC Barcelona in an away match at Camp Nou. Until then, ¡Hala Madrid!
written by Gail Hidalgo
Real Madrid civil strife upgrade. Looked so many years this way, I am most surprised most sad game season championship did not also sad.
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