Real Madrid Blog

Real Madrid needed this win but this game was yet another example of Madrid’s unconvincing form. On the plus side Higuain is starting to show that he is a talent capable of starting games and scoring goals.

Malaga took an early lead in this game after scoring after just 6 minutes but Madrid soon equalised through Higuain. Malaga again took the lead in the 18th minute and Madrid had to wait till later in the half to equalise through a penalty, which Higuain took. Before the half came to a close Sergio Ramos was sent off for stamping on a Malaga player. The second half saw Malaga regain the lead for the third time through a penalty to make it 3-2. A minute later Madrid were level through Higuain. The young Argentine scored a fantastic goal from outside the area when he drilled home a shot to the keeper’s right. The 78th winner saw Madrid win the game with a penalty which they were fortunate to receive. Higuain took it but the keeper saved it before the rebound fell to the penalty taker who made no mistake this time round.

Thoughts

Madrid’s defence was the backbone of the team last season but at the moment they are plain awful. They are commiting too many mistakes and even the normally trustworthy Casillas isn’t having the best of seasons.

Higuain seems to have come of age. He is having a very good season and his 4 goals in this game underlines his quality. Two of his goals were from the penalty spot and Im not sure he should be the main penalty taker as both efforts weren’t great. Personally I’m very pleased for Higuain as I always thought he had the potential and the great thing about him is his level headed attitude which always comes across in interviews.

Real Madrid’s season is going from bad to worse. Madrid were very unconvincing and Juventus took full advantage.

Alessandro Del Piero scored early on with a very well taken goal. A bad pass by Guti in midfield saw Juve advance on Madrid’s goal and from outside the area Del Piero scored with a left foot shot. As has been evident this season, Madrid lacked cutting edge and struggled to get going. Juve were very well organised and had numbers back. They threatened a few times but were more concerned with protecting their lead. The second half was similar but Madrid did have a few good periods of pressure. A free kick outside Madrid’s area gave Juve another chance to extend their lead. Casillas lined up his wall but it was not good enough to keep out Del Piero’s free kick. The game was effectively finished after this goal.

Thoughts

Very bad performance and Schuster has to take the blame. Madrid were very poor and although Juve have picked up form recently, a victory for the home team was expected.

There is no cohesion in the team and Robinho’s presence is missed. His creativity and goals was the difference last season and there is no-one else capable of taking on his role. The summer transfer policy is looking more disastrous by the minute.

Real Madrid visit Almeria in a game where both teams will be looking to restore some pride. Almeria were thrashed  5-0 by Barcelona at the Nou Camp while Madrid lost 3-2 in the midweek King’s Cup game versus Irun.

Ruud van Nistelrooy was expected to return to the line up after his suspension last week but has picked up an injury and is unable to play. Raul and Higuain will lead the attack as expected and are likely to be supported by Guti who is expected to start. Sergio Ramos is likely to regain his place after he was punished for criticising the team and manager in the press. 

Almeria had an excellent campaign last season and they finished in 8th spot which was thoroughly deserved. Their key player is Alvaro Negredo who is an ex Real Madrid youth player. So far this season he has scored 5 goals and he is eligible to play against Madrid after his red card versus Barcelona, as he served his one match suspension during the midweek cup game. Its odd that Real Madrid play the same team as Barcelona the week after.

Its difficult to predict which Madrid will turn up today but the 3 points are critical to keep pace at the top. The week has been partly dominated in the news by the negative influence of referees. Lets hope their influence on events is minimal and they are not the talking points of the match.