Real Disarray

The match of the day in Spain: Valencia-Real Madrid.

A lot of buzz surrounding this game, especially following last week’s Real Madrid Champions League elimination at the hands of Arsenal, the previous week’s resignation of Real’s president Florentino Perez and the fact that these 2 teams are third and second in the standings.

Could any of them move a step closer to Barcelona and be alone in second position? Well, first things first …

Valencia: The return of Baraja to the lineup seemed to have cheered up the Valencia supporters who were really confident about their team’s ability to defeat Real Madrid. They won 0-1 in their visit to Madrid earlier in the season.

Real Madrid: The coach’s starting lineup leaves much to be desired about his coaching abilities. Starting Raul Bravo, Baptista, Zidane, Raul in detriment of Pavon/Helguera, Robinho, Cassano and Ronaldo seemed like a big mistake.
Zinade just doesn’t have the pace, Baptista has not really adapted to the team and Raul has not played well for three years and just came out of an injury.

The Game:

First Half

You didn’t miss much … Real Madrid had ball possession and a territorial advantage but no real chances on goal by both teams. One strange play to talk about: Mejia, a Real defender seemed to have fouled Villa, a Valencia attacker, just outside the box. The ball came to Ramos who, thinking that the referee had called a foul grabbed the ball with his hands. The referee did not blow his whistle and after consulting with the linesman, the referee decided to give a free kick in Real Madrid’s favor. A strange situation indeed and it was the only way to resolve it besides giving a penalty.

Second half

More of the same until the 65th minute when Real’s Baptista headed the ball down with power from a cross that Canizares magnificently saved. A couple of minutes earlier, an invisible Raul (as always) was substituted by Ronaldo.

Around the 75th minute, Robinho and Cassano came in for Zinade and Baptista. Real looked much better with Robinho’s skill and Cassano’s mobility and strength. A few semi-chances for Real until the 89th minute when give’n go play between Ronaldo and Cassano resulted in a penalty. Ronaldo was set free and the Valencia’s goalkeeper had no choice but to tackle him. Yellow card and penalty … but possible hand ball by Ronaldo before that.

Ronaldo, who has shown his discontent with the club and Real’s supporters took the penalty. The result, a slow shot along the ground the the goalkeeper’s left and an easy save by the goalie. End of Game.

0-0. A fitting end to a game and nobody closer to the top, really! Real’s troubles continue.

- The Spanish Soccer Blogger