In 1998 Real Madrid faced of against Vasco de Gama in the Intercontinental cup.
The Line ups are:
Vasco da Gama
Carlos Germano, Felipe, Galvao, Odvan, Vagner (Vitor 80'), Ramón (Valber 89'), Nasa, Luizinho (Guillherme 86'), Juninho, Donizete, Luizao
Real Madrid
Illgner, Sanchís, Hierro, F. Sanz, Panucci, Seedorf, Redondo, Roberto Carlos, Mijatovic (Jarni 86'), Raúl, Savio (Suker 89')
Here is the game:
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Friday, December 29, 2006
GAGO, MARCELO, HIGUAIN
This video showcases our new reinforcements for the second half of the season.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Real Madrid 1955-1960 (The Legacy)
The story of the team built by Santiago Bernabeu who became president of Real Madrid in 1945 and who set out to make the greatest club ever which won 5 European cups in a row.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Zidane's Revenge on Spain
Spain were quick to betray Zidane !!!
But Zidane retires Spain.
Zidane has the last word.
But Zidane retires Spain.
Zidane has the last word.
Zidane vs Brazil (2006)
Even in his lasts games this old maestro showed the Brazilians how to play :)
NEVER FORGET THE IMMORTAL ZIDANE
One of the best Zidane Compilations I have seen.
How the Bernabeu misses Zidane.
How the Bernabeu misses Zidane.
Forza Cassano (Very Funny Clip)
Cassano does a great Capello impression !!! 10/10
For this harmless joke Cassano and Diarra was punished.
For this harmless joke Cassano and Diarra was punished.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Espanyol 0 Real Madrid 1
Horrible game where Real played football with little ideas and imagination against an average Espanyol team. As such there should be no highlights as there is nothing to highlight, let us forget this one quickly !!
Here are the culprits:
Capello:
The fact that Real Madrid's attacks were badly coordinated and badly supported in numbers was down to the negative approach that Capello has imposed on this team.
Robinho:
Looked hugely unhappy in his game, the luck of movement around him made him grow impatient and he never enjoyed his football. The result was a booking and a depressed look when he got subbed.
Reyes:
Did very little to justify his move to Real Madrid. Bring back Baptista.
Guti
Made many bad choices with the ball which resulted in loosing the ball alot in the midfield. Should be dropped.
Referee
Poor game !!!
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Lyon 2 Real Madrid 0
Olympique Lyonnais secured a richly-deserved 2-0 victory against Real Madrid CF in Group E to emulate their opening-day success of last season.
Dominant Lyon
There were mixed reactions in the Lyon camp when the draw again pitted them with Madrid in the first group game, exactly a year after the French champions' emphatic 3-0 win. But fears of a backlash from the nine-time European champions were quickly dispelled as Lyon dominated from the outset. They could have had more than the two goals scored by Fred and Tiago to show for their first-half superiority, but in the end that proved enough against an off-colour Madrid side still finding their feet under new coach Fabio Capello.
Relentless tempo
Lyon coach Gérard Houllier had predicted a tighter match than 12 months ago, but the early exchanges suggested otherwise. Juninho Pernambucano, the architect of last year's triumph, instantly asserted his influence in midfield where Mahamadou Diarra was in subdued mood on his return to Stade Gerland. The Brazilian had the game's first effort on seven minutes, drawing a fine two-handed save from Iker Casillas with a long-range free-kick. Madrid's new-look team struggled to find fluency and with Lyon playing at a relentless pace, the opening goal duly arrived in the eleventh minute. Juninho's perfectly-weighted ball caught out Fabio Cannavaro and allowed Fred to lob delicately over Casillas. The Madrid keeper was in the thick of the action again moments later, brilliantly saving Florent Malouda's header.
Tiago on target
Capello's brave decision to deploy Antonio Cassano and Raúl González behind Ruud van Nistelrooij seemed to be backfiring as the visitors were overrun in midfield. David Beckham's wayward shot from inside his own half highlighted Madrid's growing frustration. The Lyon players had no such difficulties linking up and they scored again on 31 minutes, Sidney Govou slipping a clever pass through for Tiago to poke in. Juninho quickly looked to kill the match off, striking a vicious free-kick goalwards from more than 40 metres which Casillas parried straight to Malouda, but the Madrid No1 reacted swiftly to keep out the ensuing header.
Juninho magic
Madrid's defenders became increasingly hesitant and Anthony Réveillère squandered a glorious opportunity before Malouda crashed a shot against the bar following another Cannavaro slip. Juninho's magical first-half showing was almost crowned by an added-time goal but this time his swerving left-wing set-piece was saved acrobatically by the overworked Casillas. José Antonio Reyes replaced Cassano at the break and the Spaniard, on loan from Arsenal FC, immediately gave Madrid a more positive edge. He produced their first attempt on target, dealt with easily by Grégory Coupet, and threatened to link up with Van Nistelrooij on numerous occasions before Beckham made way for Guti as Capello sought to change the pattern of the play.
Set-piece threat
It was, however, business as usual just before the hour, Juninho rippling the side-netting with another sublime free-kick. Lyon dropped a gear in the closing stages, particularly after the withdrawal of the inspirational Juninho. Indeed, Madrid might have pulled a goal back 12 minutes from time, but Van Nistelrooij struck their one clear opening of the night wide of the near post.
Dominant Lyon
There were mixed reactions in the Lyon camp when the draw again pitted them with Madrid in the first group game, exactly a year after the French champions' emphatic 3-0 win. But fears of a backlash from the nine-time European champions were quickly dispelled as Lyon dominated from the outset. They could have had more than the two goals scored by Fred and Tiago to show for their first-half superiority, but in the end that proved enough against an off-colour Madrid side still finding their feet under new coach Fabio Capello.
Relentless tempo
Lyon coach Gérard Houllier had predicted a tighter match than 12 months ago, but the early exchanges suggested otherwise. Juninho Pernambucano, the architect of last year's triumph, instantly asserted his influence in midfield where Mahamadou Diarra was in subdued mood on his return to Stade Gerland. The Brazilian had the game's first effort on seven minutes, drawing a fine two-handed save from Iker Casillas with a long-range free-kick. Madrid's new-look team struggled to find fluency and with Lyon playing at a relentless pace, the opening goal duly arrived in the eleventh minute. Juninho's perfectly-weighted ball caught out Fabio Cannavaro and allowed Fred to lob delicately over Casillas. The Madrid keeper was in the thick of the action again moments later, brilliantly saving Florent Malouda's header.
Tiago on target
Capello's brave decision to deploy Antonio Cassano and Raúl González behind Ruud van Nistelrooij seemed to be backfiring as the visitors were overrun in midfield. David Beckham's wayward shot from inside his own half highlighted Madrid's growing frustration. The Lyon players had no such difficulties linking up and they scored again on 31 minutes, Sidney Govou slipping a clever pass through for Tiago to poke in. Juninho quickly looked to kill the match off, striking a vicious free-kick goalwards from more than 40 metres which Casillas parried straight to Malouda, but the Madrid No1 reacted swiftly to keep out the ensuing header.
Juninho magic
Madrid's defenders became increasingly hesitant and Anthony Réveillère squandered a glorious opportunity before Malouda crashed a shot against the bar following another Cannavaro slip. Juninho's magical first-half showing was almost crowned by an added-time goal but this time his swerving left-wing set-piece was saved acrobatically by the overworked Casillas. José Antonio Reyes replaced Cassano at the break and the Spaniard, on loan from Arsenal FC, immediately gave Madrid a more positive edge. He produced their first attempt on target, dealt with easily by Grégory Coupet, and threatened to link up with Van Nistelrooij on numerous occasions before Beckham made way for Guti as Capello sought to change the pattern of the play.
Set-piece threat
It was, however, business as usual just before the hour, Juninho rippling the side-netting with another sublime free-kick. Lyon dropped a gear in the closing stages, particularly after the withdrawal of the inspirational Juninho. Indeed, Madrid might have pulled a goal back 12 minutes from time, but Van Nistelrooij struck their one clear opening of the night wide of the near post.
Steaua 1 Real Madrid 4
Ruud van Nistelrooy became only the third player to score 50 goals in the European Champion Clubs' Cup with an astute chip as Real Madrid CF moved to within striking distance of a place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League with a commanding victory at FC Steaua Bucuresti.
Masterful Madrid
Madrid took an iron grip on the Group E game with first-half goals from Sergio Ramos and Raúl González before Robinho effectively settled the match as a contest shortly after the restart. Valentin Badea offered Steaua faint hope when he reduced the deficit on 64 minutes but Van Nistelrooy crowned an excellent performance from the visitors when he chipped superbly over Carlos Fernandes with 14 minutes remaining.
Expectant crowd
The Steaua Stadium was packed long before kick-off and the expectations of a raucous home crowd were close to being met straight from the start as Iker Casillas rushed from his line to punch clear from Banel Nicolita. Madrid, though, soon took the game to the Romanian champions. Robinho, in for the injured José Antonio Reyes, forced Carlos into a save before the visitors produced the riposte they so needed following Saturday's defeat by Getafe CF. Guti sent in a corner from the left on nine minutes and Ramos climbed highest to head Madrid in front.
Dica chance
Somewhat surprisingly this was the first meeting between these two illustrious sides and they were putting on a show worthy of the occasion. Carlos again saved well from Robinho before Casillas produced an even better stop at the other end, spectacularly clawing away Nicolae Dica's curling shot. Robinho's deft touches and clever flicks were a joy to watch and it was the Brazilian's delicate pass infield to Emerson that led to Madrid's second goal eleven minutes before half-time. His compatriot fed Van Nistelrooy and though Carlos again blocked his effort, Raúl was on hand to turn the rebound into an open goal.
Robinho class
Even Steaua fans stood to applaud when Robinho curled in Madrid's third eleven minutes into the second half. Coach Fabio Capello's decision to leave Ronaldo on the bench was thorougly vindicated as the 22-year-old calmly sidestepped Rahamin Klemi Saban before firing beyond Carlos, albeit with the help of a deflection off Dorin Goian. Eight minutes later Badea had the home support back on their feet, this time in celebration of a Steaua goal as he made the most of some uncertainty in the Madrid defence to turn in substitute Cyril Thereau's low cross.
Perfect chip
Unexpectedly Steaua were back in contention, but their hopes were dashed by Van Nistelrooy, the Dutchman somehow digging the ball up and over Carlos from eight metres to join Raúl and Andriy Shevchenko on 50 European Cup goals. On a night of milestones, David Beckham came on to make his 100th UEFA Champions League appearance as Madrid rounded off the evening in style. They have now scored nine times in two continental outings and will qualify with another victory against Steaua in a fortnight's time.
Masterful Madrid
Madrid took an iron grip on the Group E game with first-half goals from Sergio Ramos and Raúl González before Robinho effectively settled the match as a contest shortly after the restart. Valentin Badea offered Steaua faint hope when he reduced the deficit on 64 minutes but Van Nistelrooy crowned an excellent performance from the visitors when he chipped superbly over Carlos Fernandes with 14 minutes remaining.
Expectant crowd
The Steaua Stadium was packed long before kick-off and the expectations of a raucous home crowd were close to being met straight from the start as Iker Casillas rushed from his line to punch clear from Banel Nicolita. Madrid, though, soon took the game to the Romanian champions. Robinho, in for the injured José Antonio Reyes, forced Carlos into a save before the visitors produced the riposte they so needed following Saturday's defeat by Getafe CF. Guti sent in a corner from the left on nine minutes and Ramos climbed highest to head Madrid in front.
Dica chance
Somewhat surprisingly this was the first meeting between these two illustrious sides and they were putting on a show worthy of the occasion. Carlos again saved well from Robinho before Casillas produced an even better stop at the other end, spectacularly clawing away Nicolae Dica's curling shot. Robinho's deft touches and clever flicks were a joy to watch and it was the Brazilian's delicate pass infield to Emerson that led to Madrid's second goal eleven minutes before half-time. His compatriot fed Van Nistelrooy and though Carlos again blocked his effort, Raúl was on hand to turn the rebound into an open goal.
Robinho class
Even Steaua fans stood to applaud when Robinho curled in Madrid's third eleven minutes into the second half. Coach Fabio Capello's decision to leave Ronaldo on the bench was thorougly vindicated as the 22-year-old calmly sidestepped Rahamin Klemi Saban before firing beyond Carlos, albeit with the help of a deflection off Dorin Goian. Eight minutes later Badea had the home support back on their feet, this time in celebration of a Steaua goal as he made the most of some uncertainty in the Madrid defence to turn in substitute Cyril Thereau's low cross.
Perfect chip
Unexpectedly Steaua were back in contention, but their hopes were dashed by Van Nistelrooy, the Dutchman somehow digging the ball up and over Carlos from eight metres to join Raúl and Andriy Shevchenko on 50 European Cup goals. On a night of milestones, David Beckham came on to make his 100th UEFA Champions League appearance as Madrid rounded off the evening in style. They have now scored nine times in two continental outings and will qualify with another victory against Steaua in a fortnight's time.
Real Madrid 1 Steaua 0
A calamitous own goal from midfielder Banel Nicolita cost FC Steaua Bucuresti a share of the spoils at Real Madrid CF as the Spanish side progressed into the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.
Cruel misfortune
Steaua had started the night third in Group E but produced a tireless display to keep the home team at bay. Just when it seemed they might leave the Santiago Bernabéu with an unexpected point, however, Nicolita's back-pass completely evaded goalkeeper Cornel Cernea to break the Romanian title-holders' resistance. Ruud van Nistelrooy promptly wasted an opportunity to make the game safe as he blasted a spot-kick high into the stands, but Madrid nevertheless benefited from Nicolita's misfortune to join section leaders Olympique Lyonnais in the last 16.
Nicolita threat
Having lost 4-1 in Bucharest a fortnight ago, Steaua understandably began in a cautious frame of mind, but urged on by a significant number of visiting supporters they quickly found their feet and carved out the first chance after ten minutes. Nicolita was the architect, escaping on the right and crossing dangerously for Iker Casillas to claw away with three Steaua players waiting to pounce. Madrid countered through efforts from distance by Robinho and Roberto Carlos which failed to trouble Cernea.
Great goalkeeping
As Steaua found more room to manoeuvre in the centre of the field, so their play improved accordingly. Petre Marin had an curling shot palmed away by the flying Casillas on the half-hour while Daniel Oprita might have done better from a corner but could only scoop high over the bar. However, the opportunity of the half fell to Van Nistelrooy, who was denied by a remarkable point-blank save from Cernea, and the Steaua keeper then managed to scramble the ball off the line with his outstretched foot as the Dutchman attempted to turn in the rebound, before eventually clearing with assistance from Dorin Goian.
Madrid misses
The Merengues finally found their rhythm as the second half got under way and captain Raúl González should have given Madrid the advantage when he jinked into the area only to fire wide of Cernea's near post. Moments later Robinho's deep left-wing delivery was met at the far post by Sergio Ramos who cushioned the ball across the face of goal where Iván Helguera contrived to lift it over the bar. Madrid continued to press and substitute David Beckham's right-wing free-kick was met by the unmarked Sergio Ramos but again the chance went begging.
Penalty miss
Just as it seemed the breakthrough would never arrive, Nicolita – under little pressure – totally misdirected his pass towards Cernea to give Madrid a 70th-minute lead they were never to lose. The custodian then tripped Van Nistelrooy as the Madrid forward threatened to add a second, but the latter's aim from the spot was wayward. Madrid had already had their slice of fortune for the night, however, leaving Steaua to battle with FC Dynamo Kyiv for the consolation of third position and a UEFA Cup place.
Cruel misfortune
Steaua had started the night third in Group E but produced a tireless display to keep the home team at bay. Just when it seemed they might leave the Santiago Bernabéu with an unexpected point, however, Nicolita's back-pass completely evaded goalkeeper Cornel Cernea to break the Romanian title-holders' resistance. Ruud van Nistelrooy promptly wasted an opportunity to make the game safe as he blasted a spot-kick high into the stands, but Madrid nevertheless benefited from Nicolita's misfortune to join section leaders Olympique Lyonnais in the last 16.
Nicolita threat
Having lost 4-1 in Bucharest a fortnight ago, Steaua understandably began in a cautious frame of mind, but urged on by a significant number of visiting supporters they quickly found their feet and carved out the first chance after ten minutes. Nicolita was the architect, escaping on the right and crossing dangerously for Iker Casillas to claw away with three Steaua players waiting to pounce. Madrid countered through efforts from distance by Robinho and Roberto Carlos which failed to trouble Cernea.
Great goalkeeping
As Steaua found more room to manoeuvre in the centre of the field, so their play improved accordingly. Petre Marin had an curling shot palmed away by the flying Casillas on the half-hour while Daniel Oprita might have done better from a corner but could only scoop high over the bar. However, the opportunity of the half fell to Van Nistelrooy, who was denied by a remarkable point-blank save from Cernea, and the Steaua keeper then managed to scramble the ball off the line with his outstretched foot as the Dutchman attempted to turn in the rebound, before eventually clearing with assistance from Dorin Goian.
Madrid misses
The Merengues finally found their rhythm as the second half got under way and captain Raúl González should have given Madrid the advantage when he jinked into the area only to fire wide of Cernea's near post. Moments later Robinho's deep left-wing delivery was met at the far post by Sergio Ramos who cushioned the ball across the face of goal where Iván Helguera contrived to lift it over the bar. Madrid continued to press and substitute David Beckham's right-wing free-kick was met by the unmarked Sergio Ramos but again the chance went begging.
Penalty miss
Just as it seemed the breakthrough would never arrive, Nicolita – under little pressure – totally misdirected his pass towards Cernea to give Madrid a 70th-minute lead they were never to lose. The custodian then tripped Van Nistelrooy as the Madrid forward threatened to add a second, but the latter's aim from the spot was wayward. Madrid had already had their slice of fortune for the night, however, leaving Steaua to battle with FC Dynamo Kyiv for the consolation of third position and a UEFA Cup place.
Real Madrid 2 Lyon 2
Olympique Lyonnais secured first place in UEFA Champions League Group E despite letting a two-goal lead slip at Real Madrid CF, although it took Grégory Coupet's last-minute penalty save from Ruud van Nistelrooy to preserve their point.
Madrid fightback
Needing a draw to win the group, Lyon swept into a 2-0 lead by the 31st minute, exposing some static Madrid defending with strikes from John Carew and Florent Malouda. The Spanish side quickly rallied, however, and former Lyon midfielder Mahamadou Diarra headed a goal in the 39th minute before Van Nistelrooy levelled from close range seven minutes from time. The Dutch forward then earned a penalty whose successful conversion would have meant the group winners being decided on Matchday 6, but Coupet dived to his left to keep out the spot-kick.
Lyon attack
Lyon coach Gérard Houllier had insisted the knowledge that qualification was already assured would give both teams the freedom to produce an open and entertaining spectacle, and his words proved prophetic as Lyon went ahead in the eleventh minute. Carew, who had scored in the corresponding fixture last season and tormented the Madrid back four throughout the first half, received the ball in a central position before gliding through Fabio Cannavaro's challenge and prodding past Iker Casillas. Madrid's problems were compounded when Guti was forced off following a challenge with Jérémy Toulalan. José Antonio Reyes took his place.
Malouda mark
With Lyon continuing to pass the ball skilfully and at pace, it was little surprise when the French champions doubled their advantage a minute past the half-hour. Yet again it was a set-piece from captain Juninho Pernambucano that did the damage, the unmarked Malouda meeting the Brazilian's pinpoint right-wing free-kick with an emphatic volley. The shock of conceding twice at home in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in more than two years sparked a rallying cry from the home support and the Merengues responded by pulling one back six minutes before the break. Reyes's left-wing corner was forced back across goal by Van Nistelrooy and Diarra dived in to nod Madrid back into contention against his old club.
Chances at both ends
Both teams remained threatening in the early stages of the second period as a driven Roberto Carlos free-kick was deflected out to Sergio Ramos, who failed to control having found space. Carew then went close with a strike from an angle that was touched to safety by the alert Casillas, but Madrid replied with Van Nistelrooy and Raúl González creating the opportunity for Robinho to volley over. Play quickly returned to the other end and Malouda might have done better after turning inside Iván Helguera only to blaze over.
Van Nistelrooy involvement
Madrid finally pulled level when Raúl met Roberto Carlos's left-wing centre and, although his header hit the right-hand post, the ball rolled perfectly for Van Nistelrooy to slam in his fourth goal in the competition this term. Then, in the final minute, the former Manchester United FC player was upended by Cris and presented with the chance to secure victory, but for the second successive UEFA Champions League match, he failed from the spot. Lyon end their campaign at home to FC Steaua Bucuresti while Madrid visit FC Dynamo Kyiv, with Malouda and Sergio Ramos sitting out those games through suspension.
Madrid fightback
Needing a draw to win the group, Lyon swept into a 2-0 lead by the 31st minute, exposing some static Madrid defending with strikes from John Carew and Florent Malouda. The Spanish side quickly rallied, however, and former Lyon midfielder Mahamadou Diarra headed a goal in the 39th minute before Van Nistelrooy levelled from close range seven minutes from time. The Dutch forward then earned a penalty whose successful conversion would have meant the group winners being decided on Matchday 6, but Coupet dived to his left to keep out the spot-kick.
Lyon attack
Lyon coach Gérard Houllier had insisted the knowledge that qualification was already assured would give both teams the freedom to produce an open and entertaining spectacle, and his words proved prophetic as Lyon went ahead in the eleventh minute. Carew, who had scored in the corresponding fixture last season and tormented the Madrid back four throughout the first half, received the ball in a central position before gliding through Fabio Cannavaro's challenge and prodding past Iker Casillas. Madrid's problems were compounded when Guti was forced off following a challenge with Jérémy Toulalan. José Antonio Reyes took his place.
Malouda mark
With Lyon continuing to pass the ball skilfully and at pace, it was little surprise when the French champions doubled their advantage a minute past the half-hour. Yet again it was a set-piece from captain Juninho Pernambucano that did the damage, the unmarked Malouda meeting the Brazilian's pinpoint right-wing free-kick with an emphatic volley. The shock of conceding twice at home in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in more than two years sparked a rallying cry from the home support and the Merengues responded by pulling one back six minutes before the break. Reyes's left-wing corner was forced back across goal by Van Nistelrooy and Diarra dived in to nod Madrid back into contention against his old club.
Chances at both ends
Both teams remained threatening in the early stages of the second period as a driven Roberto Carlos free-kick was deflected out to Sergio Ramos, who failed to control having found space. Carew then went close with a strike from an angle that was touched to safety by the alert Casillas, but Madrid replied with Van Nistelrooy and Raúl González creating the opportunity for Robinho to volley over. Play quickly returned to the other end and Malouda might have done better after turning inside Iván Helguera only to blaze over.
Van Nistelrooy involvement
Madrid finally pulled level when Raúl met Roberto Carlos's left-wing centre and, although his header hit the right-hand post, the ball rolled perfectly for Van Nistelrooy to slam in his fourth goal in the competition this term. Then, in the final minute, the former Manchester United FC player was upended by Cris and presented with the chance to secure victory, but for the second successive UEFA Champions League match, he failed from the spot. Lyon end their campaign at home to FC Steaua Bucuresti while Madrid visit FC Dynamo Kyiv, with Malouda and Sergio Ramos sitting out those games through suspension.
Kyiev 2 Real Madrid 2
Ronaldo inspired a sensational Real Madrid CF comeback, scoring twice in three minutes late in the match to salvage a point at FC Dynamo Kyiv.
Dramatic finale
Madrid looked to be heading for a surprise UEFA Champions League Group E defeat after Maksim Shatskikh scored twice for the home side in the first half, before Ronaldo converted a David Beckham corner on 86 minutes and then made no mistake with a penalty he had earned to ensure honours ended even. The dramatic finale had no bearing on the outcome of the group but was tough on fourth-placed Dynamo, who had been poised to finish an otherwise forgettable campaign with a prize scalp.
Point to prove
Dynamo coach Anatoli Demianenko had urged the Ukrainian team to "fight for victory" and they carried out his instructions to the letter, bristling with determination and enthusiasm throughout. Meanwhile, already assured of second spot, Fabio Capello opted to leave several of his Madrid luminaries in Spain and others on the bench, yet was still able to field a side boasting nearly 400 UEFA Champions League appearances. It was one of the visitors' unheralded players, however, who had the first shot on goal, with midfielder Rubén de la Red driving just over from long range on seven minutes.
Opening goal
With Beckham drifting inside from his position on the left of midfield, Dynamo were exploiting the space down their right and it was from a raid along that flank that the hosts made the breakthrough on 13 minutes. A dipping cross from Valentin Belkevich was met by Shatskikh, who stole in behind Álvaro Mejía to steer the ball past Diego López for his tenth UEFA Champions League goal. Beckham was in the thick of the action, displaying his full range of passing, and Antonio Cassano might have done better with a defence-splitting pass from the former England captain on 17 minutes.
Crucial second
Madrid were left to rue that miss on 27 minutes when Shatskikh scored his second. Neat interplay between Oleh Gusev and Artem Milevskiy prized open the Madrid back line and Shatskikh beat López at the second attempt. Dynamo had registered only three goals in their first five group games but now had two inside the opening half-hour against the Spanish giants.
Hat-trick chance
Uzbek forward Shatskikh almost completed a sensational hat-trick just after half-time, being centimetres away from connecting with a teasing delivery from Gusev. Beckham, Madrid's standout performer, went even closer on 53 minutes, crashing a sweet effort against the post before Roberto Carlos unleashed a trademark strike which forced a flying save from Olexandr Shovkovskiy. With his team in need of inspiration, Capello resisted the temptation to introduce Ruud van Nistelrooy or Robinho, instead bringing on Javi García and Borja Valero who had one appearance in the competition between them. Yet the coach's blushes were spared by Ronaldo who fired in a crisp left-footed shot from close range, then kept a cool head to send Shovkovskiy the wrong way from the spot.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Monday, December 11, 2006
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Real Madrid - 2 Atletico Bilbao - 1
I only saw the second half where Real Madrid played some very entertaining football.Ronaldo - 3 Aces
Top game as levelled the score and looked deadly I saw him all over the pitch but I liked him on the wing because he had space and it made Bilbao look vulnerable.
Beckham - 3 Aces
We saw again a range of passes that were beautiful to see, the ball hangs and glides through the air you can hear the crowd murmor "... was that pass over hit ?" suddenly the ball prepares for its landing, the back spin kicks and the trajectory changes and it looses velocity and altitude. On the side line on the other side of the pitch where take off commenced, the ball softly fluffs its way down and is gracefully accepted and collected by Robinho. Perfect flight.
Roberto Carlos - 3 Aces
What a great motor, lots of running, back-heels and a killer blast that knocked out a resilient Bilbao.
Robinho - 2 Aces
Looked really good, we saw tight control, excellent link up play and lots of those wonderful tricks.
Highlights to come ....
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Friday, December 01, 2006
Friday, January 13, 2006
Copa Del Rey: Real Madrid 4 (5) Bilbao 0
Real Madrid 2006 are alive. The galactico's played around with Bilbao and the confidence is growing in the team. In particular Robinho had a glowing performance, he stretched the Bilbao defence wide on both flanks and had some fabulous moments.
Robinho for Fifa player of the year 2006.
Robinho's First Goal:
Robinho's Second Goal:
Robinho for Fifa player of the year 2006.
Robinho's First Goal:
Robinho's Second Goal:
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
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