Interesting note: I also caught the highlights of the Netherlands-Argentina Olympic match, and was a little distressed to see Gago and Drenthe get into a shouting match. Both players I like and want to see develope with Madrid. I know it’s nothing, but a distressing day of highlights nonetheless.

p.s. Did Guti get a run out?

First, the negatives:
Wow, an pretty ugly looking performance (in my opinion). It’s pretty much still the preseason I know, and Real didn’t have their full complement of players on the pitch or the bench. However, Madrid was really lucky to come out with 2 away goals and a one goal deficit. Javi Garcia sucked major ass, as he was completely invisible the entire match while we were busy playing with three defenders. He looked quite lost, but guarding David Villa is hell for the entire defending population of football right now. But the ultimate asshole of the match had to be Diarra. His passing was like watching Shaq take free throw practice. He gave away ball after ball, Gago better be ready to take the reins, because Diarra probably wants to strangle himself after that match. I’ll say Salgado isn’t worth a whole lot anymore either. He got beat numerous times when defenders ran straight at him. It’s a good thing we obviously don’t give a rats ass about the Supercopa. David Villa absolutely paralyzed the defense today. It’s a good thing his positioning was just a bit off (he had about 6 or 7 offside calls himself). I guess you can attribute a few of those to good “communication” of the back line. They absorbed a hell of a lot of attacks tonight. Madrid also did an awful job of keeping possession and building attacks in the attacking 3rd. The Valencia keeper looked like early work on Monday mornings, if Madrid could have at least put some more shots on goal, they actually might have stolen the match away. A lot of poor communication on offense. Raul was pretty invisible during his stint in the match as well, but had no service at all.

The positives:
The Dutch players were outstanding. Van der Vaart had excellent free kicks (and a hot wife, let’s never forget), and played with a lot of determination. Ruud was his usual self, poaching goals and making himself a target for playing the ball upfield. He’s outstanding, and got great service on both goals from De La Red on the first and a magical Arjen Robben on the second. Robben was a nightmare for the defense when he was out there; thank god he was subbed for Robinho (not a very strong outing for him). The stick-man had great pace with the ball and showed why he should start over Robinho’s whiny ass (until he’s conveniently injured of course!). Ramos was strong when he was subbed in and robbed Villa of a certain goal. This makes me feel OK about tonights result because with the rest of the starters back, Madrid should be a LOT more solid. Latest reports are that Garay is staying with Racing, but Marid still could really use him, I see why Schuster is concerned. Canna needs to get healthy and Metz needs to stay that way.

Overall, Real should be just fine heading into the second leg. It’s obvious that Schuster and the squad isn’t full strength, and they aren’t playing the Supercopa at 100% intensity. That being said, the D needs to really improve.