La Liga Match Report: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid
'57 Huntelaar ’37 Forlan


As expected, the Madrid derby was ‘epic’. The result, a draw, doesn’t say much but it reflects nothing of what really happened at the Bernebeu. Attack after attack and a chance to score for both sides after almost every 30 seconds. A draw for Real Madrid meant that Barcelona increase their lead over the La Liga champions to 6 points, while for Atleti, Villarreal stay ahead of them with a 5 points cushion.


First Half

Real Madrid started the game with a spark, racing forward in the Atleti box but he was fouled in the way and there came the first chance for Los Blancos. Guti delivered an excellent free kick but the danger was cleared away by Leo Franco. The surprise of the night was by Abel Resino, with 18 year old Camacho starting instead of Maniche. Moments later(12th minute), Real Madrid got their first real chance; Forlan passed the ball back to Franco which fell to Robben instead, the Dutchman sped forward with the ball and shot straight at Franco who fumbled and as a result Raul got the ball in a very tight angle, however ‘El Capitan’s’ effort was saved by Franco. The first half went on with corner after corner wasted by Los Merengues. On the 20th minute, Lassana Diarra gave away a free kick, very carelessly by a foul on Simao. This was Atleti’s 3rd free kick in almost the same area; Simao drove the ball in to the box which was cleared away safely by Gago and passed on by Raul, creating a perfect scoring chance for Real Madrid. In came Robben with the counter attack, ran brilliantly beating the entire Atleti defense but in the end a poor effort, shot straight at Franco while he should have passed the ball to Marcelo who was completely unmarked and could have scored the goal that proved to be the difference of the game. On the 34th minute there came another chance for Los Blancos where they almost scored. Guti brought the ball up in space and passed on to Marcelo on the left who took an amazing shot from distance which was tipped away by Franco for corner. After the corner was cleared away, Aguero came close to scoring after Maxi Rodriguez chipped the ball over to ‘El Kun’ who was onside; with only Casillas to beat Aguero made a poor effort as Iker saved his shot. Atleti managed to get in front on the 37th minute through Forlan. Real Madrid got corner which was delivered too high and easily cleared, Kun Aguero raced forward with the ball and passed on his right to Forlan who was completely unmarked and Forlan makes no mistake with his shot, good finish as he beats Casillas. Atleti looked to overcome the fact that they haven’t won at the Bernebeu since 1999. The counter attack was similar to the one Real Madrid made through Raul and Robben, the only difference though was the co-ordination, Aguero didn’t go for goal himself, Robben should have done similar. This first half ended 0-1, Real Madrid managed to get a couple of corners close to the end of the first half but no goals fro Los Blancos.


2nd Half

The second half started and Real Madrid were under immense pressure. 5 minutes later Ramos delivered a good cross to Raul, who dived to his fullest but was unable to get a touch on the ball. ‘Los Roji Blancos’ were certainly looking stronger. Atletico’s attacks seemed lethal, on the 51st minute Aguero was fed with long ball with only Casillas to beat again, Guti somehow manages to steal the ball with an excellent tackle as ‘El Kun’ appealed for a penalty. Juande Ramos changed things around by making a double substitution. Salgado came in for Heinze and Higuain for Guti. As a result of Juande Ramos’s substitution, Marcelo moved back to his original left back position, Salgado replaced Lass on the Right back position with Lass now partnering with Gago as a general midfield player. The substitution did bring the result Los Blancos wanted, Higuain found Huntelaar in the box with a good ball, ‘The Hunter’ got away from Antonio Lopez with a good turn and blasted a shot in the top of the net, equalizing for Los Merengues. Moments later Atletico almost took the lead again as Forlan was fed by ‘El Kun’, Forlan tries his luck at the near post and hits the near post only!! The Real Madrid defense seemed to miss Pepe terribly! Resino made his first substitution taking Camacho off for Maniche. Real Madrid looked better after the goal, keeping possession. Atletico had many chances to score but their finishing wasn’t as good. On the 72nd minute Aguero had another opportunity to score but shot wide. Salgado passed the ball to Raul in the box; El Capitan controlled the ball well and almost gave his side the lead with an over head kick, just inches wide. Raul was then withdrawn for Rafael van der Vaart, who had little time to influence the game. Atletico got chance after chance to score but couldn’t score more than once in the entire game. Substitute Sinama Pongolle missed a chance that can be called the easiest of the game. The last chance of the game fell to ‘El Kun’, who after getting through in the box surprisingly stopped as he felt a tug from Ramos and appealed for a penalty. The Madrid derby went neither way ending 1-1, after an action packed night at the Bernebeu.


Real Madrid: Casillas - Diarra, Ramos, Cannavaro, Heinze (Salgado 54) - Gago, Guti (Higuain 54), Marcelo - Raul (Van Der Vaart 83), Robben, Huntelaar

Atletico Madrid: Leo Franco - Heitinga (Perea 80), Pablo, Ujfalusi, Antonio Lopez - Camacho (Maniche 67), Assuncao, Maxi (Sinama 60), Simao - Aguero, Forlan

Referee, Fernández Borbalán booked: Salgado '67, Assuncao '85, Gago '86

La Liga Match Preview

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid

Saturday 7th March 2009, 8:00 pm (CET), Estadio Santiago Bernebeu.





The Madrid derby has always been the centre of attention every time it is played. This season, it comes at a very crucial time, a test for Real Madrid with a fair reward, Atletico’s way back on the right track and also a game for both the coaches to prove their teams can deal with the pressure resulting from the rivalry.

Last meeting

The last meeting between the two teams was as exciting as always. Real Madrid avoided the draw after winning a penalty with only 60 seconds remaining; Higuain gave Los Blancos the lead, canceling out Simao’s equalizer scored in stoppage time. Both the teams were reduced to ten men in the first half, as Ruud Van Nistelrooy(scored the opener) and Paulo Assunção were both sent off.

High Spirits

Atletico are showing signs of good form after defeating Barcelona in a 7 goal thriller at the Vicente Calderon therefore Los Roji Blancos are confident. On the other hand Los Blancos look for their 11th consecutive win in the league, but in the absence of the backbone of their defence, Pepe.

Historical facts

History doesn’t favor Atletico much at the Bernebeu. Atletico Madrid haven’t won at the Bernebeu since 1999. Another interesting fact is about Los Merengeus’s skipper, Raul. ‘El capitan’ has scored 11 goals in 24 derbies. Gonzalo Higuain also seems to score every time against Atletico and he also scored the winner against them at the Vicente Calderon earlier this season.

Tactical Overview
>Lineups

Juande Ramos is likely to adopt the following starting lineup:


Iker Casillas, Michel Salgado, Sergio Ramos, Fabio Cannavaro, Heinze, Lassana Diarra, Fernando Gago, Arjen Robben, Gonzalo Higuain, Raul Gonzalez(C), Klaas Jan Huntelaar.

Seems like an all star Real Madrid team, with the best possible players utilizing the available positions. Michel Salgado will get his first taste of the year, taking the
Right-back position, as in the absence of Pepe, Sergio Ramos will play as a Centre-Back.
Fernando Gaga returns and will probably partner with Lass in Defensive Midfield role. While upfront, Arjen Robben will acquire the left flank and Higuain on the right, partly acting as an assisting striker to both Raul and Huntelaar. ‘The Hunter’ and ‘El Capitan’ will both partner further up, with Raul involving himself in an assisting role to Huntelaar quite often, giving Higuain his chances upfront.

Huntelaar will be the man to watch as he is almost done adapting to Real Madrid’s style of play, scoring 4 goals so far. ‘The Hunter’s’ meeting with the press earlier shows confidence, as he also predicted a win for his side. Sergio Ramos will play a vital role in defence as he will be given the job to mark Kun Aguero. Juande Ramos seems aware of the problem and has recently talked about the threat from Kun Aguero and Diego Forlan. Tight marking is expected on the two ‘Roji Blanco’ stars.


Meanwhile, Abel Resino will trust his lineup against Barcelona.

Leo Franco, John Heitinga, Pablo Ibanez, Tomas Ujfalusi, Antonio Lopez, Raul Garcia, Paulo Assuncao, Simao, Maxi Rodriguez(C), Diego Forlan, Kun Aguero.

Like their counter-parts Kun Aguero and Diego Forlan, Arjen Robben and Raul are expected to be shackled by Atletico’s defense; Abel Resino and Deigo Forlan’s statements are enough evidence of this fact. Simao scored for the Roji Blancos last time and will therefore again be the player to watch along with hotshots Diego Forlan and Kun Aguero.


Prediction

An epic encounter is expected at the Bernebeu, considering the fitness, mental state and current form, much doesn’t seem wrong with Klaas Jan Huntelaar’s prediction. 2-1 is what ‘The Hunter’ predicted; he might as well be on the score sheet for Real Madrid.

Real Madrid 2-1 Atletico Madrid
Possible Scorers: Raul, Huntelaar(Real Madrid) , Diego Forlan(Atletico Madrid).


What are your predictions of the score, possible scorers and starting lineups? What strategies do you think the coaches will go for? Comment and discuss the facts with others!

Raul Receives Marca Legend Award as Valdano Hails The All Time Top Scorer!

Marca invited Raul to its first ever open forum to present the legend award to ‘El Capitan’, who was accompanied by Jorge Valdano, Raul’s former Real Madrid coach and idol.

Members of the press, readers and other stakeholders were present and thus ‘El Capitan’ answered questions from the press.

Speaking about the Madrid Derby, Raul was confident in his team’s victory but at the same time stated that Atletico Madrid will be a difficult side to win against due their goal scoring talents and the boost of confidence against Barcelona last week. He stated that his side’s aim is to reduce the gap between Barcelona and Real Madrid to as small as possible before reaching El Classico.

Talking of the UEFA Champions league clash against Liverpool, Raul declared that his side must score two goals.

"The defeat [in the first-leg was tough to take, because we had a lot of desire, but we know that we will have our chances and we will not give up. The history of Madrid obliges us to play 90 minutes, 120, whatever it might be. We have the capacity to win everything," he declared.

Looking to the future, ‘El Siete’ added "I would like to win another Copa Del Rey, as I have lost two finals."


"I have a contract until 2011 and then I will decide about what I do, both in the interests of my family and myself. My intention is stay connected to the club but if I leave, I would like to go further than the Premier League, to somewhere like the United States."

When asked about his future with the ‘La seleccion’, whether he will play as a third striker, ‘El Capitan’ was very quick in replying and said “Yes”.

"It is a very easy question. I would return as a third forward and would like the space too," he further explained.

"If the coach calls me up, I will return with Spain, the number is irrelevant. I began playing with the number 10, but after missing the penalty against France I moved to 7. My desire is to be able to return if the coach sees fit."

Speaking about the award, he said it was an honour and doesn’t think he will win the Ballon d’Or in his career.

"I am already too late. I have been close, but not anymore. I feel happy with the Marca legend award, that can be more important," stated Raul.
The following day, in his press conference, Jorge Valdano, Real Madrid’s coach in the 90’s, the man who is credited for giving Raul his Real Madrid debut back in 1994 against Real Zaragoza, praised the club’s top marksman for his legendary service to the club.

“Raul is a superior player. He is a footballer 24 hours of the day and he is always enthusiastic about the game,” said the Argentine.
“He never commits the same mistakes twice and he turns each game into his own playground.
“I remember in one of his very first training sessions, one of the veterans kicked him down, but Raul got up and he immediately looked for that player. This was his way of showing that he knows no fear.”

Raul expressed gratitude to the coach he refers to as his ‘father’. There is a good friendship between the two, a proof of which is the fact that Raul named his first-born child Jorge.

HALA MADRID!!!

On Sunday 1st March, Atletico Madrid defeated Barcelona 4-3. Once again Atletico Madrid have done a big favor for their rivals across town, now the gap between Real Madrid and Barcelona is reduced to 4 points. This is Barcelona's second consecutive defeat, as the warning bells at Camp Nou continue to ring, Barcelona players go on stating that they are under no pressure at all.

Match report:
Atletico Madrid 4 - 3 Barcelona
19′ [0 - 1] T. Henry
31′ [0 - 2] L. Messi
32′ [1 - 2] D. Forlan
56′ [2 - 2] S. Agüero
72′ [2 - 3] T. Henry
80′ [3 - 3] D. Forlan (penalty kick)
89′ [4 - 3] S. Agüero

Referee González Vázquez booked John Heitinga(Atletico), Raul Garcia(Atletico), Paulo Assuncao(Atletico) and Dani Alves(Barca).


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Confident Español fail at home as Los Merengues collect all three points!!!

Saturday 28th February, was the 150th clash between RCD Español and Real Madrid, it was also their last meeting in Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium as Español will have their new stadium open for the next season.

De La Peña & Co.

Los periquitos had their confidence sky high after successfully winning the Catalan derby with a brace by Ivan De la Peña and started the game with firm confidence, keeping possession and constantly threatening the Madrid defense. As far as the first half, it seemed Mauricio Pochettino’s men will get their reward as they did win a lot of free-kicks which were proving to be a constant threat to Los Blancos. The man who had all eyes on him, De la Peña kept good control of the midfield getting past Lassana Diarra quite often at ease.



2nd Half

However, Los Blancos managed to control the game right from the start of the second half, getting quite a lot of passes together, something they should have done in the first half as well. With Raúl still playing as an Attacking Midfield player, Juande Ramos’s men were having difficulty stepping their attacks up, as Robben and Higuaín were shackled by the Español defense which proved to be very tight so far.


Guti gives Madrid the spark

Juande Ramos looked for change, making a double substitution, sending Guti in for Sniejder and Marcelo for a rather surprised Higuaín. The substitutions proved worthy for Los Merengues as Moisés made a clumsy challenge on Guti, giving away a free-kick right in middle of the Español half. In came a superb shot from Guti and Los Blancos had their noses in front after Kameni tipped the ball to the crossbar and it came back to hit the post, in again and this time crosses the line! Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino looked to change things around as well, brining in Raúl Tamudo for a rather disappointing Iván Alonso. Moments later, Real Madrid did an amazing midfield play with almost every midfield player getting a touch on the ball and went forward with Marcelo racing forward with the ball in to the box, the Brazilian really seems to be adjusting well with his left side midfield role as he made an assistance to Raúl, neatly sliding the ball to the skipper who made no mistake with his first touch, guiding the ball brilliantly home from outside the box.

Juande Ramos looked convinced, his men had secured all three points, and substituted Arjen Robben with the forgotten man, Javier Saviola. With only 20 minutes remaining Real Madrid kept good control of the game, not at all looking like the team they were in the first half, going forward and rushing back giving Los periquitos no room for a goal.


Nene came close on the 88th minute, bending the free-kick over the wall but wide off the post as Casillas dived full length to keep his sheet clean for the game.

The game ended and Real Madrid closed the gap on Barcelona to 4 points, not for long though as Barcelona face Atlético Madrid on Sunday, in what will prove to be an interesting game as both the sides come back to La liga with disappointing Champions league results.

RCD Español 0-2 Real Madrid

66' Guti

71' Raúl

Espanyol: Kameni - Sanchez, Jarque, Pareja, Garcia - Hurtado (Lolo 83), Luis Garcia, Roman (Coro 73), De La Pena, Nene - Ivan Alonso (Tamudo 62)

Real Madrid: Casillas - Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Cannavaro, Heinze - Diarra, Sneijder (Guti 58), Robben (Saviola 75) - Higuain (Marcelo 58), Huntelaar, Raul

Yellow Cards: Pepe 04, Sneijder 47, Moises 64, David Garcia 86

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