This was an exciting game that had everything. Real Madrid scored 34 seconds into the game through an opportunistic effort by Van Nistelrooy. On the half hour mark Atletico had Perea sent off but he was followed by Van Nistelrooy 9 minutes later.
Atletico brought on Simao at the start of the 2nd half and he seemed to galvanise the home team into action. The action was non stop and Atletico seemed to have the edge in terms of domination but they were mostly ineffective in the last third of the pitch. Aguero wasted a good chance when one on one with the keeper and it seemed as if the visitors where going to steal yet another win at the Calderon. Madrid had their chances too. Higuain had a few chances to double Madrid’’s lead but couldn’t take advantage. Atletico were still threatening and in the 90th minute they equalised through a Simao free kick. Simao lifted the ball over the wall and Casillas could only watch it as it flew into the net. The Vicente Calderon went wild and the ref booked Simao for overdoing the celebrations. The referee’s assistant indicated 6 minutes of added time and both teams still played to win. Just when you thought the game was going to end in a draw, Drenthe was fouled in the area and a penalty was awarded. Higuain scored from the spot and handed the victory to Madrid.
Thoughts
Great win for Madrid and Atletico lose yet again. The referee was awful in this game. He sent off Van Nistelrooy for a yellow card offence and it seemed to be a decision to make up for the earlier expulsion of an Atletico player. If that wasn’t bad enough he also disallowed 2 legitimate goals.
Aguirre made a big mistake with his opening line-up as he was too conservative and this handed the initiative to Madrid. He corrected the line up at half time but he was chasing the game by then.
This Madrid team has great character. Atletico equalised on 90 minutes but Schuster’s men never gave up and the rest is history.
We need pace up front. Raul is too slow and while Atletico were chasing the game we could have punished them if we had a player with electric pace. He was the outlet the team needed but at times he was easily hussled or beaten to the ball by defenders.
