CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Real Madrid 0 Juventus 2

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.

 

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Juventus 2 Real Madrid 1

A disappointing performance and result in the match against Juventus in Turin.

Real Madrid went to Turin hoping for a positive result against a home side who were missing some key players. The match started badly after the Italians took an early lead after a majestic goal by Alessandro Del Piero. Del Piero combined well with a team mate to make space and score from outside of the penalty area. Casillas could do nothing but watch the ball hit the net. The Italians were well organised and there was no fluidity to the Madrid game which has been evident in recent games.

The second half did not start well for the visitors as after 4 minutes, Juventus doubled their lead through Amauri. Nedved from the wing was able to make space and his excellent cross was met by a powerful header which Casillas could do nothing about. Schuster reacted by sending on Robben for Higuain and Madrid were starting to look more dangerous. The Italians were happy to defend and counter although they had no choice at times as Madrid dominated. The pressure finally paid off when van Nistelrooy pulled one back to make it 2-1 on 66 minutes. Madrid pushed but there was no last minute equaliser or winner this time round.

Thoughts

Very disappointed with the perfomance and with Schuster who must shoulder a lot of the blame. His tactics were wrong and I have doubts he can take us far in this competition let alone win it. Things can change later in the season but I’m not hopeful right now.

No fluidity to our game. No invention or anyone pulling this team along. A lot of times the forwards are isolated with little or no support. Schuster played 433 in a very attacking lineup but this was a mistake. Sissoko their destroyer was influential and Diarra was missed in this game. A more conservative but solid approach would have fared better in my opinion.

 

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Zenit St Petersburg 1 Real Madrid 2

30th September 2008

The Champions League encounter between Real Madrid and Zenit St Petersburg ended in a win for los merengues. In the end Madrid did well to hang on as Zenit were unlucky not to get any points from this game. The line up did not feature Raul who sat out the whole of this game.

Madrid started the game strongly and scored in the 3rd minute through an own goal. Rafael Van der Vaart crossed into the six yard box and Hubocan could only deflect the ball into his own net. The home team seemed asleep and the first ten minutes saw Madrid play flowing football which should have resulted in more goals. Zenit eventually came back into the game and after some near misses equalised on 24 minutes through Danny. Andrei Arshavin crossed from the left hand side and Danny volleyed in the equaliser. It only took 6 minutes for the away team to restore their lead after a deflected ball fell to the one person Zenit probably feared the most, Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Dutchman controlled the ball and made no mistake in placing the ball perfectly to the keeper’s left, 1-2. The first half came to a close with both teams playing open and attacking football.

The game resumed and both teams had chances but the Russians were the more dangerous of the two. On the break Madrid did have some chances but were unable to score any further goals. At times the Madrid defence was overrun and Casillas had to make some interventions. Ramos on the right hand side found it difficult to contain the Russians but was lacking in support from the midfield which made his job harder. Schuster brought on Javi Garcia to stabilise matters but the Russians at times were rampant. Zenit kept pressing and Andrei Arshavin was inches away from scoring after his effort hit the post with 10 minutes to go. You had the feeling it wasnt going to be Zenit’s night and it wasnt when the whistle blew to end the game. Real Madrid won but Zenit will feel aggrieved they didnt get any points from this game after all their pressure.

Thoughts

Ruud van Nistelrooy is probably the best finisher in the game today. Without him Madrid wouldnt be anywhere near as effective. He can be quiet in games but give him the ball in a dangerous position and 9 times out of 10 he will score.

Madrid were overrun for large parts of this game and especially in the second half. They found it difficult to hold possesion which resulted in giving Zenit the initiative. If it wasnt for better finishing or a kinder bounce of the ball, they would have scored more than just the solitary goal.

Juve’s draw away to Bate is a good result. There is still a long way to go with some important matches ahead but Madrid are in a good position. 6 points from 2 games is an excelllent position to be in. I have a hunch Zenit will still qualify from this group.

 

PREVIEW: Zenit St Petersburg v Real Madrid

30th September 2008

Real Madrid face a difficult away game against Zenit St Petersburg in the 2nd match of the first group stage of the Champions League. It’s never easy going to Russia as the conditions can be harsh but apparently the forecast is for 8-10 centigrade. This is a crucial game for both teams. Madrid want to maintain their progress in this difficult group after beating Bate while Zenit lost their first encounter against Juventus.

Schuster didnt impress in Europe last season and it has been some time since Madrid last reached the quarter final stages of this competition. Personally Im not sure we have a team capable of taking on the best. Having said that, which Real Madrid fan can forget the 2000 season when we took the holders (Man Utd) apart on the way to winning it against Bayer Leverkusen in Glasgow. You have to have hope but maybe its wishful thinking on my part.

Zenit St Petersburg are a decent side as they have shown of late. With Andrei Arshavin, they have an excellent player who can easily change the outcome of a game. Schuster will bring Cannavaro back to the line up after his absence from the Betis game and Pepe will also be there. The Portuguese defender has so far played more minutes than any other player this season.

It will be a difficult match and a draw wouldnt be a bad result. A win would be great but Zenit are a good side so defensive solidity will be important. It will be interesting to see Schuster’s line up as Raul is likely to feature. Raul has been under a lot of pressure recently so he needs a good performance or some goals at the very least. Schuster will have options on the bench which is encouraging if Madrid have to chase the game. After this game there are back to back matches agaisnt Juventus which will go a long way to deciding the outcome of the group.

Please note, this game is taking place 2 hours earlier than normal.