El Clásico, Review of the last one.

By: Kaushik | May 4th, 2011

marcelo

To say we expected to comeback and win that tie would be expecting too much. I for one, thought that If we got to see a performance where our boys would show an attacking intent, a drive that embodies all the spirit there is in being a Madridista. And we saw that, I am happy to say we went out with our heads held high. Only disappointing bit is that, I keep wondering, had we set up like this right from the first Clásico wouldn’t things have been much better through these traumatizing 3 weeks?

1-1 was the final score. I think it was a fair result for the night. Yes, we should have had Higuain’s goal, and the referee was wrong, but then again he should have also sent Carvalho off twice perhaps. I will not blame the referee for his decision making like many are, but for his inconsistency in making them. But for a change, I was happy that all the talk, if any was left to make, was not about the referee, or UNICEF, or who is the boss, but the football. There was a football match, and this was the only match among all 4 when it looked like everyone just wanted to play. We probably didn’t have another choice, but that’s a different issue.

We started with the regular 4-2-3-1 with Higuain getting a start supported by Kaka, Ronaldo, and Di Maria. Xabi and Lass lined up as the pivots, while the makeshift defence of Arbeloa, Albiol, Carvalho and Marcelo stood in front of the patron saint of Real Madrid, Iker Casillas. Barcelona started with their first choice front 6 if you can call it that. Their defence was the same that played against us last Wednesday.

The first 15 minutes was fairly silent, with Barca more than happy to retain posession in their own half and Madrid barely getting a sniff of the ball, and when they did look to move from first gear to fifth in the fraction of a second. The game started to open up slowly as Madrid’s defenders played a dangerous but correct approach of getting to the ball (or man) before it reached the player. Its a bit like how I do it in FIFA 11! Like I mentioned before Carvalho got an early booking and was lucky to stay on the pitch only because it seemed like it was told to the referee to try his best not to send anyone off. The next few minutes will be best summarized as the Iker Casillas show. Time and time again, he keeps showing us that he can single handedly keep us alive. San Iker denied Barca many a goals, giving us some hope of remaining in the tie.

Then of course there was the incident of the annulled goal of Pipita. Here is what I think of it. Ronaldo was fouled by Pique, and lost control and ran into Mascherano, which I think was unavoidable at the moment. The ball ends up at Higuain, clearly onside, and doesn’t make a mistake with the perfectly placed shot past Valdes. Sounds like a goal to me. It is either a foul on Ronaldo + advantage, or no foul and goal regular, or at the very least a freekick for Ronaldo. Would we have gone through if that was allowed? Perhaps not, but the dynamics of match would have surely changed.

Iniesta, one of the very select Barca players I find it hard to not like, picked out an absolute peach of a ball which played Pedro through on goal for the killer. Adebayor then replaced Higuain in a bizarre substitution. Di Maria would later make an excellent run, resulting in a fantastic shot, which said hello to our good friend, the post. Props to him to have the presence of mind to square the rebound back to Marcelo who tapped it in. No fairytale though, as Barcelona ran down the clock efficiently with their ever famous passing and ratio which is a misleading statistic, adding to it being mildly irritating.

On to player reviews. I am truly at a lack of words for Casillas’ performance, in a good way of course. All I can continue saying is, Thank you San Iker, you are a legend, and that is understating it. The defence did fairly okay considering it was a bit makeshift and that we were up against the best team in the world. Arbeloa is the best utility squad man in the game, and he was excellent in defence. He has his flaws going forward, but it is not something you can hold against him. Albiol was instructed to be the last man in the defence with Carvalho lunging all over the park. The former did alright, although I cannot recall any particular incident which highlights anything good or bad about his performance. The latter, made a few good challenges, and a few rather rash ones. Marcelo had another good game. Yes he got beaten for pace again, but not many left backs in the world would have stayed up to pace against Afelaay and this week Pedro. The damage was done by Iniesta’s through ball more than Pedro’s run. In attack, he often lent a helping hand and was a force whenever he went forward.

Xabi Alonso had a much better match than his previous clásicos. Is it because Barca’s pressure was of a lesser intensity today? Or is it because Lass shielded him rather well? A bit of both perhaps, but Xabi’s long passing was at its best where time and time again he opened up Arbeloa, Ronaldo and Di Maria into free space. Lass, his partner though, was a total beast. My nomination for man of the match, contained Messi in a way that Pepe would have been proud of. A couple of silly challenges he got away with, were compensated with a couple of cheap calls for which he bordered on getting booked. That’s just how football works. I was also impressed with his dribbling, for a change, and he was excellent in realising his limited skills and playing to a plan. He has been very impressive in the last couple of months, putting on a show as a serious message to the management, that he wants to stay.

ronmasc

Kaka was disappointing to say the least. It is clear he is not match-fit. And for a match of this intensity he was never going to be ready, and even if he tried his best, he would last a half at best. Injuries have spoilt the man’s career it appears. It is hard to not be judging him, but it really seems like that was not the best 60 odd million we have spent. Ronaldo and Di Maria had good games in my opinion, albeit with a few criticisms. I absolutely adored the way Ronaldo was visibly looking to make more passes and playing people through. Maybe the occasional shot wouldn’t have hurt. Grass is greener on the other side? Perhaps. I had a friend say he felt bad for Messi because our defenders tried to kick him, to which I responded asking him if he ever felt the same sympathy for Ronaldo because he could have done with some decisions going his way. He responded saying Ronaldo is bigger, and should not expect that. I laughed, and then thought, this is exactly what referees will be thinking too. No disrespect to Messi, but it would be really helpful if Ronaldo gets half the decisions Messi does. Di Maria had a game that characterizes his whole season. He can frustrate you for most of the match with his decision making, or lack of it, and his passing, or again the lack of it. But he will produce that one moment of burst that will result to goals, like he did yesterday. He’s a gem, if he can cut down on diving, and work on his passing and ball retention over the summer, there’s no stopping him with all the potential. Good game from him overall. Higuain was also, a touch off pace, due to lack of match fitness, but he was the right choice to begin the match with. His off ball movement, is what this counter attacking team needs, and as we saw with the disallowed goal, is excellent. He tried his best, like he always does, and was a much needed different dynamic with our attack.

2 Substitutes came on. Ozil replaced Kaka and it is safe to say he was equally ineffective. Something has dropped with his game in the last couple of months. I need to go deeper to realise what it is exactly, but all I know is now, he is either tired, or just doesn’t do well when intense pressure is applied on him, because as good as his ball retention is, he needs someone nearby to pass to him, and our passes don’t tend to be so short all the time. Adebayor, well, to see a player with so little technique leading our line in the all white in Champions league semi-final was a tad depressing and painful. To add to that, he has another clothesline moment. It is clear he wants to stay, and play for Madrid, but given the chance so would I. It is unfortunate that he just isn’t as skilled as I would like him to be, being brutally honest and admittedly a bit harsh too.

Now that the Clásico series is over, there are multiple observations to be made. Barcelona is still a better side than us, but the gap is getting closer and closer by the match. Our team has the firepower to be the best in Europe but we need to start believing in ourselves. What I mean by this is, it was clear in the first Liga match that we looked out of confidence. The 1-1 started tilting things back, brought back some belief. The Copa win changed it significantly. I actually believed we went into CL Home Leg as the more confident team, and could notice Barcelona players and fans starting to sound a bit awkward. But playing defensive, a strategy I don’t agree with at home, brought things back to square 1. Which leaves us with the last game. With a much more expansive lineup, we played rather well, again bringing back some belief. And a great man once said, all of sports is a confidence game, as it will be all of next year. But I pray, nay, beg that we limit these to twice a year, and not have an overdose, for then we have hope of making it a football show, and nothing else.

Some Related Real Madrid Posts:

Category: Game Recap

« The Showdown | Home | Introducing Morata’s Golazo And Nuri Sahin: »

Andrea

Mourinho has written the most shameful page of the glorious story of Real Madrid!!!
WorstPosterOnRMFB

Excellent review K-man
i would like to point out that Xabi played well because for once we actually tried to play football he doesnt do well in that hoof the ball up tactic
Bassam

I am writing something to explain the rumors about Nuri Sahin and Callejon (ie, tell you a bit about the players). Stay tuned should be done in less than an hour
Ramses27

Oh and about Dani Alves's comment that Madrid are sore losers and need to accept defeat graciously, I have one word. Sprinklers.

That is all.
Ramses27

What's with this Callejon signing? Absolutely unnecessary. Will get the same amount of minutes as Leon. Also, this Sahin signing is looking ever more likely, even his teammates at Dortmund are saying it's basically a done deal.
I've actually seen Sahin play, because Mohamad Zidan is in Dortmund (congrats to him!) and he is a gem, really good passing arsenal and an eye for through balls. However, I don't see him as bench material, this guy will be a for sure starter next year.
But with Sahin coming in, does that mean the end of Dani Parejo? No way we can have a squad of Granero Alonso Lass Khedira Sahin and Parejo (Because we all know Gago's out of here). I don't see how this works.
Also, I think Kaka is done for, I really don't see him continuing. I'd rather we keep Canales rather than send him on loan and sell Kaka. Canales has impressed me a million times more in his frugal minutes.
Also, sell Ade, bring in Morata. I admit I'm starting to like Ade, he seems like he's been a hit with the squad, and he's brought us a taller/stronger dimension, but that's not the way we're playing, and if he's supposed to bring us a different dimension against Barca, he really hasn't done anything but smack them silly (which I love him for haha).
Finally, about full back positions, I really don't know how we should go about this. Arbeloa is a super solid utility defender and Lass can play at RB, so we don't need cover that badly. Plus, I'm ready for when Carvalho retires, Ramos takes his place at CB. He's looking more and more like a CB than a RB every day for me. That's probably when we can look at a full back.
Ramses27

Sorry this isn't about the review Kaushik! It's excellent, but I'm done talking Barca.
j_ee

2 witty remarks, courtesy of Una:

"I also liked how Barcelona celebrated their goal by doing what they do best – diving."

"Rosell went on to say, “our players were marvelous, they were the great actors of the night (han sido los grandes actores de la noche).” A Freudian slip, no doubt."
Jean

I love her blog.Its fantastic:)
Muna

You want to know what really sucks? It's the fact that one of my comments below "thumbs down my friend" got only 4 likes while Cgs2606 had 17 likes. I mean, where is the love? Apparently, Ade doesn't have a lot of fans yet, but I think we're too harsh on him sometimes. Just my opinion.

And I haven't seen the Callejon news anywhere yet, not even hints on AS and Marca.
smurf_ette

I agree Muna. I don' understand the hate... but most (most, not all) of the "haters" didn't like him from before he joined the team and just can't be bothered to give him a chance.

I suppose it's the negative reputation from Arsenal....

Everyone comes with a reputation but once they join this squad whether on loan or permanently... they get their chance to prove themselves as a Madrid player.

Ronnie, as an example, was "greasy and gross" to me before he joined us and now I love him, especially as the on-field and off-field antics have calmed down.

Carvalho was "over-the-hill" and only bought because he is Mou's favourite (some people's opinions - NOT mine) -- now he is pretty much our best defender.

What saddens me is that people can't use Adebayor's time with us to change their mind. I'm not saying he should stay because he wants to be a first choice striker and that belongs to Pipita or Benz but if he was willing to be a backup I'd want to keep him.

The team seem to love him. Benz and Lass both seem happier and have played better since he arrived. He is a different type of striker and TALL. Barcelona seemed genuinely unsettled by him and he kicked Busi... hero for that (especially as no one got hurt).

But he also scored on his debut, did great in the Spurs game, and overall has contributed pretty well, especially for someone new to this league and new to this level of play for the most part. It is NOT easy to come into the Real Madrid squad and perform, especially as he pretty much didn't play at all before.

For all that I applaud him. If he was willing to be a back up striker... I'd vote to keep him, but since he probably doesn't... I say let's at least be gracious and thank him for his services. And wish him well.
e_de_mex

its on the cover of as. and they are confirming the transfer for only 5. he is a great winger in case di maria or ronaldo need some time off.
Bassam

Guillerme confirmed it on Revista...

I think what people have a problem with is that for a third striker, he is not the guy we want.
e_de_mex

go to the futbol section and it should be there, on as. yeah the likes are dumb. i comments here and there and people never like them while others just say "yes" and they get 10 likes lol
Lopezcristian22

I saw it on AS earlier today
Zizou

lolz dude I pay no attention to that like button its pointless. Its like people on youtube who say thumps up if you like my comment- its like fuck off. Don't worry about it Muna.
e_de_mex

Juvenil A beat Villarreal 5-1 in Copa de Campeones

Goles: 1-0 Aguza (min. 5); 2-0 Jesé (min. 24); 3-0 Omar (min. 45); 3-1 Gerard (min. 46); 4-1 Jesé (min. 55); 5-1 Sobrino (min. 69)

Good job kids.
madridista9

Regarding our squad, I don't think we need to make any major changes. Just no Ade, Gago, or Leon. And we should loan out Canales preferably to an EPL side so he can improve in the physical aspect of the game and keep Kaka.

Sahin would be the ideal partner for Alonso, especially if we use the trivote because he gives Xabi an outlet to make a quick pass to and he is fast with the ball in contrast to Xabi. Against stronger teams, a trio of Xabi, Sahin, and Pepe would be beast. And he can also play with Granero in midfield, so Xabi doesn't have to play as much. But I wonder what will happen to Khedira and Lass if Sahin is brought in. One of them will have to go.

I think by adding Callejon, we have a replacement for Leon. The thing about Callejon is that he isn't incredibly different from Di Maria, and we can play him for the last 20-30 min to give Di Maria a rest. In addition, Callejon has a good work rate and it would be a good thing for Madrid to have another cantera player among its ranks.

I don't know if we should get Parejo because we would have Lass, Khedira, Granero, Xabi, Pepe (if he plays DM) and Sahin to compete for 2 or 3 spots. I don't know if buying him back would be the wisest, considering we have good talent in the Cantera!

And Adebayor, although he offers something different to our team, I don't think it makes us a better team because quite frankly we look terrible when trying to play long ball tactics. No one on our team is built for that besides him. In addition, Morata and Joselu look really good and I am excited for them to get more minutes. Selling Benz or higuain is out of the question because both of them are very good and fit the style of the team very well.

Also, apparently Casillas is being investigated for tapping his cheek in the game. According to UEFA slapping your cheek>racism. Disgraceful.

Speaking of Morata, is there a video of that cracker of a goal he scored last weekend?
e_de_mex

real needs to get parejo now that his price is so cheap and loan him again since the team already has xabi, lass, khedira, granero. xabi is going to turn 30 and as it is he is slow already, not many good years left in him playing in the real madrid system. in a different team he can play for a while.
madridista9

Xabi doesn't rely on his speed though. Just his speed of thought. As long as his on field intelligence doesn't get slower, I don't think his age will be that great of an issue. We can still rely on him for a few more years. Loaning Parejo out after purchasing might be a good idea.
Zizou

No thats the exact opposite, Xabi has more time left than you think. You said he is slow already, so he isn't relying on his pace now, which means when it gets older that won't affect him. Xabi has the ability to do a Scholes with his career imo.
e_de_mex

in a system like manu where they defend as a team yeah, in real its all different, he is under contract until 2014, i don't think he will be in madrid by then.
Zizou

That is a very good point I hadn't thought of that. Well he's 29 now, so in 2014 he'll be 33, and you think he'll be gone before that. Imo At 33 we'll start seeing him losing his starting place as he won't be able to play 2 games a week but for the big games he'll still be vital. It seems pointless now signing a player to cover him if thats what Sahin is although he does seem to be good enough to be a starter from peoples reactions.
e_de_mex

got me thinking man, i guess it depends who is coaching next year, and the following year. if they play 2 DM he can finish out his contract like pirlo, he will need to share out minutes with another player like granero or parejo as he gets older and wiser. if they change coaches and they play with only 1 DM he can't play that because he is not the type that breaks opponents attacks. he would have to be move to a CM with a true DM behind him. i guess you are right he could finish his contract.
Pegah

Hey all commentators and blogger, what seems to have been 1000 years of clasicos has got me to realize the dedication of the real madrid fans in spain and around the world.
For example this blog, we have like 200 comments + on different posts recently like yesterday day before, whereas barcelona only has like 20, or 10. I am NOT MAKING THIS A COMPETITION but i am just pointing out the amazing dedication we all have to this team.
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO POST COMMENTS AND MOST IMPORTANTLY THE MAIN GUYS WHO POST POST'S ON THE BLOG.
Proud of this team and i hope the team is proud of its amazing fans!
Nyonya Mansoor

WRT to the low comments..what is there for them to comment about? Actually that's the most sensible thing they do..keeping quiet. They know what their team did. Disgraceful. Who are they going to praise anyway?

Remember our Copa win how they flooded us with 'we don't care about Copa' BS? Do they see any of us hounding their blog now? We could have, we have valid arguments (Pipita's disallowed goal) but they don't see us there, do they?

Even now they have reached the final, some cules are just plain arses and come here to defend the decision on the disallowed goal. I mean why would they go to all so much trouble to come here and just say that? Guilty conscience maybe? It's like you know when you did something wrong and you tried to convince people that you didn't just to have their approval and for you to feel better? Maybe this guilty conscience also preventing them to really celebrate their going to the final.

Like team like fans I suppose. We don't give a damn about them but they just can't leave us alone.

Great review by the way Kaushik.
Bassam

Www.barcelonafootballblog.com. Great blog. The comments gave been great here lately, and pets hope it stays this awesome
Zizou

You should know though that Barca's offside writer moved to another place... and so did a lot of their readers I think.
Pegah

...yes but thats just a write right? not a fan.. or has he made a new blog that the barca fans go to?
Zizou

Yer a new blog... BFB or something, I remember them saying something like a year ago I think, they had 2 writers I think, once they opened a new blog, they had 6 new writers for the offside who I think still do pieces for the offside now. I think Ade is the main writer ( although as you can tell i'm not to sure, i do know they moved blogs)
Zizou

Here's something I found Bassam, I shall keep looking, there's like 3 clips from revista on it, although only 1 of them is talking about the Real/Barca game, other 2 are about Osvaldo leaving Espanyol and Emery at Valencia.

Although there is another clip you'll see which is Ramon Calderons opinion on Mou.
http://www.skysports.com/video...
Zizou

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news...
Zizou

Well Raul just played his last CL game it looks like. What are the odds that both us and Schalke would get all the way to the semi's without meeting. Unfair. An intresting stat in the first leg I think I heard was that Raul covered more ground than anyone.
caracoleo

Sorry to say this but I think Raul looked out of his depth. True, he grafted as usual. He dropped back into midfield a lot - but never connected with his strikers. He ended up taking the corner kicks. If he wins the cup final he should just probably retire.

On the hand Jurado looked like a decent player to me. Reminds me of Xavi (Barca) a lot. No pace at all, but great technique. Another one that got away.
Zizou

This is Man U's 3rd final in 4 years right? I don't know how Fergie does it.
Plykab

He had ronaldo there for the first two, this latest one they got rather lucky to play inferior teams. No madrid ote barca which would have killed them, and no bayern arsenal or inter. Toughest task they had was chelsea, who just aren't very good.
caracoleo

The Callejon signing is a surprise for me too. I think Florentino is trying to re-sign ex canteranos to prove a point; that he is all for fostering cantera talent. However, someone should tell him that he horse has already bolted! Probably best to focus on providing long term opportunity to the younger talent in Castilla now.

Hasn't Parejo also been re-signed? Where will he play? In a midfield that already has Alonso, Khedira, Lassana, Granero etc, someone will have to go. Especially if Sahin is coming in. What do you guys kow about him by the way? Heard he's very good, but never seen him play live.

My feeling is we should be combing the market for a left back to cover Marcelo (not take over) and a right back to compete with Arbeloa and allow Ramos to move over to the middle.
twp85

left back to cover Marcelo - Drenthe, unless we can get rid of him
e_de_mex

its really hard to find a fullback that can play both wings. not many that can do it let alone have the quality. but i do think the players in the bench needs to be more interchangeable that can play in different system as well as different positions. like callejon who can play on the right as well as the left as a winger.

perez made a statement that before his term was up that this team would have more spaniards then internationals. i find that hard to accomplish given the style of vertical futbol they play.

Parejo is not sign, they have a buy back clause on his contract for 4.5. they need to buy him back and if their is no room for him loan him if they don't in two year they are going to want him back and its going to cost them 20.

Sahin is coming because he is a playmaker mid, lass, kherida, gago are all true DM who are best at breaking up opponents attack. real needs someone who can move the ball, assist, score, and defend.
caracoleo

is Sahin a playmaker midfielder like Canales, Ozil, VDV, Snjeider and Kaka? Cos if so, then I am still puzzled.

Or if he is the 4x4 that Mourinho has been desperately seeking - then great.
e_de_mex

no sahin plays behind the 3 attackers in a 4-2-3-1 for BVB not quite DM because he is very active going forward.

you all need to watch the youtube video of him... here is it again.

the title of the video is "Nuri Sahin - Saison 10/11 - No1 [HD]" you all need to watch it
Zizou

ahh join the club, we have someone else who has no idea who this guy is :) from what i've heard he is more of a deep lying playmaker like Alonso, but with quicker feet, or like a Ozil/Alonso mix. Thats all I got though.
Zizou

Sj, I don't think he ment buy a player for both full back positions, he ment 1 for RB and 1 for LB, 1 to compete with Marcelo, 1 to compete with Arbeloa which makes Ramos a full time CB, at least i think he ment that.

Parejo has to come back this year, because its his last year we have a buyback clause on him your right.

But surely Perez realises that getting rid of 1 Spanaird for another isn't increasing the numbers...
e_de_mex

hahaha need to work on paying attention to the small details..

yeah parejo needs to come back.
eme! ka! u!

Troll this troll that ... whatever. Seems you really enjoy calling people things ... sad... Or is it the way to not read their arguments on that foul you talk about?

anyway NOT A GOAL PERIOD. keep on crying we love this!
Oovantenishitz

Haha u sound so desperate to prove ur point, but we wont listen . If u keep at this u might suffer from high blood pressure and Heart problems when u grow up, coz i bet u are a 10 year old.
michel

wow..u just add punctuation marks to overcome bans
hahahahaha...this is just sad but oh sooo funny!!
Zizou

Breaking ( well to me, you lot all seem to have heard of this -.-) news!: Just watched revista de la liga, and Balague has confirmed that Callejon is a Real Madrid player.... i'm still in the wtf? stage atm.
Bassam I normally agree with what you say on most things Madrid, and player comings and goings are no different, so i would like to know you're opinion on this?
Bassam

I gave my opinion on twitter. My reaction was: Per que? Why?

Pedro Leon has played 200 minutes this season. That is about 2 full games with extra time. If he is a direct replacement for Pedro Leon, then i don't think we need to replace him. We have Ronaldo, Di Maria, Benzema, Ozil, Kaka, Granero and Canales all shooting for the 3 spots upfront. Thats 7 players for 3 spots. Ronaldo rarely gets rested. So that makes 6 players for 2 slots. Let's say Benzema is a striker, we still have 5 players for 2 slots. With Nuri Sahin on the way in, and our central midfield now having 4 options that can all start, we are looking at a cluster fuck. Too big of a squad is just as bad as too small.

Callejon plays a Ronaldo role for Espanyol. His positives are his dribbling, former canterano status and work rate. His negatives are his diving, lack of experience and he doesn't like being benched.

Do you have a link for the Revista episode?
e_de_mex

real plays a 4-2-3-1 thats 3 attackers plus a 9. the 9 is benzema/pipita and we all can agree on that and they will share those minutes.
xabi is the DM the other is tbd (lass, khedira, sahin rumor, di rossi rumor).
Ronaldo on the right, ozil in the middle and di maria on the left. the players left are kaka, canales and leon. alot of question on all of them if you ask me. callejon is not coming to play the 200 minutes that leon played. he is going to play alot more because he has more to offer.

I will come back in a few weeks and tell you all "i told you so" about how mou is going to get rid of alot of your favorite players. get ready
Bassam

I will take that you mean granero by that, since he is a player you missed above. If that happens, then it's the wrong decision.
e_de_mex

i didnt left him out purposely, but if i had a choice i would go with parejo over granero because his vision is better (he setup miku 2 times last week with sweet passes which miku wasted) and he plays better defense then granero, parejo can play DM, CM, AM as well as RM and LM. On top of it alex and sarabia look like they are going to be better, it a matter of time before he is sold to make room for this kids. after them you have Mascarell, Aguza, etc. it's a revolving door.

Real has made many mistakes with player movement, like mata and many others before. you might be right that it would be the wrong decision but you could also be wrong. only time will tell.
Bassam

I said wrong in the sense that he is a good player. And right now, he is the best one in the team than can hold up the ball in the middle by shielding it, something that is great when the team is under pressure. His vague position i think is what sets him on the bench.

Parejo is good, but not better than granero IMO. Parejo is more central than Granero is, though.
e_de_mex

we both have different opinions of granero and we are both entitle to our opinions. i like the guy but he is not really a madrid type of player where he plays vertical, and thats why i think mou can't really find where to use him, the times he has started was due to injuries to the rest of the team.

if he learns to read and play defense he can be a very good deep-lying playmaker.

parejo is a better fit for real just like callejon is better fit then leon. if one is better then the other is pointless, when a player doesnt fit into the team they are not going to make a huge difference.
Lopezcristian22

Who do you think Mou will get rid of? I would like for Leon, Gago, Ade, and Kaka if we receive a good offed.
e_de_mex

it really all depends on how many people mou brings in and not what offer they get, they always sell low. I think the squad is still going to be 23 or 24 for next year. i would prefer a smaller squad with better players, callejon is good but not great yet.

I think we all knew leon was out (at list i thought), gago too, ade. after that it could be interesting. for example if ramos slides in to CB then they need a RB. if they go after terry then i think albiol is going to leave because he is just going to go down the picking order and garay/mateos would be better 4th CB

it is going to be interesting summer. what i am excited is that the starting 11 are set, after 2 years of moves to upgrading the starting 11.
Zizou

hahaha awesome, dude thats exactly what I was saying below. Your the best writer I could ask for on this blog lolz, I so rarely disagree with what you say its great.

I never knew he was a diver though!! thats not good at all.
No I don't, it was on TV I could have a look for you I think i know some sites, i'll have a look after the Man U/Schalke game.
Bassam

With what i said above, if he is signed, we can say that Canales is most probably leaving, probably on loan. I won't be surprised if they send him to Espanyol or even back to Racing. I wouldn't mind Canales going to Villareal and featuring as a sub and starter. I like their game and he fits it very well.

This signing might also pave the way for the departure of Kaka, although i doubt that will happen. Mou loves a big squad.
Zizou

I think we need to think about getting rid of 1 of Kaka or Canales, we have 3 playmakers in the team thats not practical is it.
madridista9

Best solution for me would be to loan out Canales and bring him back if Kaka is sold next year so we will have two playmakers either way. I'm very excited at the prospect of Nuri Sahin and I watched a couple Dortmund games and he looks excellent.
Zizou

Really? thats another big fan he is, I must say you guys are bigging this guy up, I have heard he got voted player of the year in the Bundesliga or something, by the players. I'd honestly never heard of him like a week ago before you guys bought it up.
e_de_mex

you need to watch other teams and other leagues. i love watching BVB games this season. bungesliga is a fun league to watch, teams come out and play, no diving, sitting back and playing w 10 defenders.
Zizou

Yer your right, its my fault I don't know who he is. Thats why its come as a big suprise to hear we are signing this guy.
Well theres not much Bundesliga on TV so i'd have to watch it on a stream if I did. It does seem an entertaining league, I know the fans are brilliant.
TSDrew

Yea I feel you on finding games. I follow Stuttgart in the Bundesliga (hence the Khedira bias), but the past few years has been terrible. I can count the times they were on TV on one hand. I haven't seen them on TV this semester at all due to their poor position in the league and my schedule. But damn is Bundesliga fun to watch. Torpedoes away, full steam ahead, screw defense. Probably has the most parity of any league.
e_de_mex

Yeah fans are wild, all game long celebrating.
for me the times are hard so i missed alot of their games but esp3 allows you to replay them, i watch alot of games on atdhenet tv also
I tried to post a link of some of sahin's highlight but i guess the moderator doesn't like me cause it hasn't been posted.

I hope i am making more friend then enemies hehe
madridista9

I was just excited when watching the Bayern Munich game vs Dortmund and I remember thinking, without knowing who he was at the time, that he would be a perfect partner to Alonso. Funny how things turned out, that is if we signed him.
e_de_mex

this signing only tell us that leon is out.. mou has said it many time he wants 2 players for every position.
Bassam

Great writeup, Kaushik! Finally we are done. That is all i can say!

On a last note, this is from a Barca fan called outerspacedout:

Between that Copa del Rey second half and the whole set of recent meetings I can see why a striker would be intimidated coming up knowing he’s in goal.

He is referring to San Iker. And yesterday, San Iker was my MOTM. Lass did a great job, but there was one person that truly kept us in the game, and thats our captain. A tip of the hat.
Zizou

I know this might sound bad from me but I think Iker needed that for us, especially against Barca, he seems to get beaten easily ( maybe thats unfair) by Barca recentely, like Messi's 2nd goal, he just seemed to tap it in around Iker, so well happy he put on that show last night. He is the best!
e_de_mex

the thing about barca is that their players keep running while the defender stop and most of their goals are inside the keeper box right in front of the goal/goalkeeper. the shot from further out iker kept them out in all games. without him they would of walk right throw this team, defense is still a work in progress.
arsenal fan

i guess, so for, this is the most sensible and unbiased review from a madridista i have heard after the game....
sometimes it just amazes me how mourinho has brought ur attention towards the ref and made u ppl believe dat u all were robbed, when i believe mou is to blame for ur defeat.
watching madrid play yest, i believe thy could hav easily beaten barca at home n gone on to the finals but it wasnt to b coz of his ego....
to all those who r still shouting at d ref - i agree wid all of u dat higuain's goal should've stood but wat about carvalho???
u say madrdi might hav overturned the result had higuain's goal stood... i say had carvalho been sent off in d 1st half, who knows, higuain might not hav had dat chance at all....
just accept defeat like men.... i was pissed lik u all when RVP was sent off, but u cant argue d best team is in the final....
last night madrid made 30 fouls (most in last 3 years), off which 11 were on leo... while barca made a total of 10...
and last but not the least.... adebayor should be playing rugby!
michel

when u win a title, come back and complain abt our coach and team

this is really pissin me off..people pretending they want whats best for real while focusing their wrath on mourinho..why coz he wont 2 premierships, an FA cup, a community shield and a league cup!!

well i have bad news for u, madrid is gonna win even more than chelsea!!
caracoleo

Thank you Kaushik for your brilliant review! It was like a breath of fresh air. Some relief from the garbage we've had to read in the so called 'professional' media. Your review was objective and analytical, and that is something we should always strive for here in my view.

Like most people, I thought the performance was a good one. I couldn't have hoped for much more except perhaps a few more shots on target. If we had played with this attitude from the start - who knows?

I will say that Higuain was a long shot for me. I know he got that goal, but he was a bit lost and didn't look ready. Can't understand why Benzema, who has blossomed recently, was not picked. Also I must agree that Kaka did not do enough for me. Someone like Kaka should take to the big stage like a duck to water. Not this time though.

Lassana was outstanding. What a Jeckyll and Hyde character he is. You never know which one is going to turn up. What's people's thoughts on him for next season? A few months ago we were all pleading to have him sold. Have we changed our tune?

What I didn't like were the constant gripes about the referee. Sure, he got that crucial decision badly wrong. Maybe there were 1 or 2 other lame fouls he shouldn't have blown. But overall, it was not a terrible performance from the referee. We contributed too many fouls - no doubt. They accepted them with glee.

We can't keep blaming refs in this way. It's fair enough to point out the mistakes made, but I think it has gone too far and I would like to see an end to it. On the hand, Barcelona, with all their antics made it incredibly difficult - and it is never nice to see a team win in those circumstances.

On the positive side, it is interesting to note that the WHOLE team was griping abut the referee, even Valdano and Casillas, unusually. This to me indicates that the whole team is backing Mourinho, despite the calls for his head by the sanctimonious members of the press. No doubt, if Mourinho were fired they would be the first to turn round in dismnay at how Real Madrid has sacked yet another coach.

I pray that will not happen.
Bassam

This is spot on in my opinion:

What I didn't like were the constant gripes about the referee. Sure, he got that crucial decision badly wrong. Maybe there were 1 or 2 other lame fouls he shouldn't have blown. But overall, it was not a terrible performance from the referee. We contributed too many fouls - no doubt. They accepted them with glee.

It should be noted, Marca are slowly but surely starting a little campaign against our coach. Right after the game they put an article about how the defeat was all Mou's fault. This newspaper loses my respect day after day.

As for the Higuain inclusion, it surprised me too. Not because i think he isn't the right player to play in that game, but rather because he really hasn't been back to a 100% after the injury. He wasn't the best player out there. But he also wasn't the worst. He was typical pipita, pressure up front, touch the ball very little and make off the ball movement.

That disallowed goal was exactly why he was included. He provided this off the ball movement that gives Ronaldo more space. Had Ronaldo passed rather than opted for the dribble past pique, he would have set Pipita on goal. Had he not been tripped by Pique, he would have had the goal right in front of him, especially with Mascherano having to defend both him and Pipita. Unfortunately, Pipita was never fit enough (and rather on pace) to start the game. Not to mention, hasn't partnered Ronaldo in over 5 months.
Plykab

If ronaldo had passed it right away, no way higuian would have been through. The guy just lacks the speed. In his current form I think he may have been the slowest on the pitch.
Carlos

It was one crucial decision, one that may have changed the outcome of the game; I'd say they have the right to complain.
azal_matti

hey kaushik, "But I pray, nay, beg that we limit these to twice a year". we already have 4 Clasicos ready next year ( 2 la liga matches + super copa :) ). back to the subject now, our season was wonderful this year. won CDR, la liga second best team and reach CL semi final. with space for only getting better and better over time. about last night match. the referee was terrible. not blaming him, but he made a lot of mistakes. giving fouls shouldn't been given or as kaushik said carvalho should be sent out twice!!! or even not giving Cristiano any fouls!!!! btw, a lot of referees are not doing that, he only get half or less of what he deserves. any way that game was a "normal" game, already knowing who is in the finals and who is out.
i am a bit disappointed from that lying octopus :D, it said we will go through but we are not. looking forward for next season to get some of our pride and show the world what is Real Madrid and bring our trade mark beautiful game( i.e scoring goals beautifully and using only at most half the passes required by our rivals to do ;) ). till that time comes.
hala madrid
Javier Buckenmeyer

It was a goal my friend, and if anyone was fouled it was Ronaldo, calling him for a foul was absolutely ludicrous.
carvivlie

Well I refuse to be unhappy any longer. Compare this season to last and we are definitely on the up swing. Last year we were 2nd in La Liga, out of Copa Del Rey by Alcoron and lost to Lyon in CL--was it quarterfinals?....anyway, This year, still 2nd in La Liga, but WON Copa Del Rey and made it so semifinals of CL. All in all, an improved season.
Vj

This is how the series of Clasics should've ended..
TSDrew

I think I'm going to be sick. She better be the most amazing girl in the world. Romeo and Juliet who?