Real Madrid 3-1 Deportivo

Real Madrid got an inspired performance from Jose Maria Guti as they swept aside Deportivo with two late goals from Raul and Robinho. I can not get to in depth with a review, so I will simply defer your match coverage to espnsoccernet.com and their review:

Captain Raul came off the bench to help Real Madrid claim a late win against Deportivo La Coruna and keep the reigning Spanish champions on top of the Primera Liga standings.

Raul began the game on the bench as part of Bernd Schuster’s rotation policy but, having replaced Javier Saviola in the 65th minute, he broke a 1-1 deadlock with 12 minutes remaining to put Real ahead.

Robinho then capped a roller-coaster week on a personal level with Real’s third in the closing moments to seal the win.

The Brazilian had last weekend been dropped for the game at Espanyol - where Real suffered their first defeat of the season - after returning late from international duty, but he played a starring role in the 4-2 Champions League win over Olympiacos in midweek.

Not only did he score twice in that match, but he also won a penalty that was missed and had a hand in both of Real’s other two goals.

Real enjoyed a flying start to that European encounter against the Greeks with Raul scoring after just two minutes, but they were on the receiving end on Sunday as Depor took the same time to take a shock lead at the Bernabeu.

Xisco picked up a cut-back from Joan Verdu, avoided the challenge of Real centre-back Christoph Metzelder before firing through the legs of Iker Casillas to stun the home crowd.

Schuster’s side did not have to wait long to get back on level terms though, with last season’s Primera Liga top goalscorer Ruud van Nistelrooy netting an equaliser six minutes later from the penalty spot.

The Dutchman had blazed his spot-kick over the bar against Olympiacos, but he made no mistake on Sunday after being presented with another chance when he himself was brought down in the area by Andres Guardado.

Despite that blow, Depor gave as good as they got in the first half, with Verdu stinging Casillas’ hands in the 15th minute.

For Real, defender Sergio Ramos had their best two efforts with a volley straight at Dudu Aouate and a far post header that the Depor goalkeeper did superbly to stop one-handed.

As usual, the hosts looked more effective going forward after the break with Van Nistelrooy being denied by Aouate following a good turn and shot from close range.

Robinho then almost gave Real the lead with a shot from outside the area that smacked against the Depor crossbar.

At the other end though, Real were indebted to Marcelo’s heel for keeping out Juan Rodriguez’s goal-bound shot after Casillas had missed a cross.

Time was running out for Real when prolific strike duo Van Nistelrooy and Raul combined to put the hosts in front.

Van Nistelrooy looked to have the chance to score himself as Aouate raced out to meet him, but the former Manchester United man unselfishly slid the ball across the face of goal for Raul to slot home from six yards out.

Depor were reduced to 10 men soon after that following the dismissal of Sergio, and Real were almost home and dry.

Van Nistelrooy and fellow Dutchman Wesley Sneijder both had chances to increase their side’s lead, before Robinho managed it in the 89th minute following a one-two with Guti.

Guti’s brilliant reverse pass put Robinho in behind the Depor defence and the Brazilian coolly side-stopped Aouate before slotting home

Schuster had this to say about tonights match:

“Every coach thinks in a different way, and each coach would change certain things, but I have to say that I’m delighted, especially for Raul. And Guti has adapted to his position.”

The former Getafe boss was pleased overall with his side’s performance, despite a rather ineffectual first half attacking performance, not least from striker Javier Saviola.

“In principle, I don’t see why Saviola and Ruud [van Nistelrooy] can’t play together,” insisted the manager.

“But what happened was, they are two players who rely heavily on midfield support, and if the ball doesn’t arrive where they need it then they’re not in a position to work and show a better attitude.

“They had to help, especially in the first half, but a lot of it was dependent on the others.”

Schuster’s men went 1-0 down to a Xisco goal after three minutes, prompting him to say, “It’s true that we try not to give away those early goals, as we should, but what’s happening is that we’re at a stage where we must take risks.

“We played with three defenders and our seven others, Casillas aside, are attackers.”

Finally, the coach refused to admit that his side was not up to the task of maintaining a title challenge. He grinned, “If we’re leaders, with top goalscorers and a small number conceded, then clearly it’s elsewhere that things are lacking.”

Miguel Angel Lotina had this to say about the match:

“We gave a good account of ourselves, but we’re not satisfied. I didn’t want us to produce a good image: I wanted us to win.

“I liked our attitude during the game, but we committed sins of inexperience. For example, their opening goal: we had a similar situation last week and tried to correct it midweek.

“And in the second period, we had opportunities to shoot but instead took the ball on a dance around the Madrid penalty area. As I said, though, that’s down to the youth of the team.”

He went on to credit the opposition, saying, “We knew what Madrid were capable of doing, but we didn’t alter our philosophy because of it.

“We saw them change after the break by bringing on Sneijder, and we responded with Riki, but then came the second goal and the expulsion, after which it was all over.

“They have quality players and Madrid always has had such luxuries… In addition to having high quality, they’re all fast and aggressive. Guti defends well one-on-one.”

“Criticism? That’s something we must accept. It’s my way of seeing football: I wanted to win today,” he added, defending his decision to press forward at the Bernabeu.

“The players have confidence and we must continue to play and be brave. But for us coaches, criticism is something we must accept.”

Pedja Mijatovic had this to say about the match, although no one really cares what he says:

I’m happy with the victory because these three points will give us strength to go through the gruelling schedule that lies ahead for us,” said Mijatovic.

“We will now face Valencia and Sevilla, who are very complicated rivals.”

It was a very difficult first half for the home side, one that even drew a few jeers from the Bernabeu.

“We have problems at the start of games and we sometimes lack concentration, but tonight we proved that we are capable of turning a score around at any given moment,” he added.

“Raúl played very well tonight. His presence on the pitch helped the team.

“Robinho and the rest also shined. We have a great squad; any player can help the team.

“This is our fifth victory in five games at the Bernabéu. Winning against Deportivo, who always do well here, is rather special.”

And last but not least, Wesley Sneijder:
“I think this is a tough League, but the important thing right now is that we are leaders both in this competition and in our Champions League group,” said Sneijder after the game.

“We will improve on our game little by little.

“We try to play well and to improve with every match. Raúl is a great player and a magnificent captain. He sets a great example for all of us to follow.”

The midfielder himself was on the bench after disappointing of late, but was focussed on the team.

“I’ve played many games with Real Madrid in the last few days, so I think it is normal I didn’t make the starting eleven this evening,” he said.

“I am very happy for having been able to play in the end.”

Finally, he warned that the game against Valencia on Wednesday would prove to be an even sterner test.

“The game against Valencia will be even more difficult, but we must continue playing this way, especially how we did tonight in the second half.

“The games against Valencia and Sevilla will be tough.”

I of course did not watch the game, so I have no official opinion, except to say that we looked alot better then we did against Espanyol based on the highlights. And Guti was dirt nasty today with his passing. What are your thoughts?

Category: Team News

Tags: Team News

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