Saturday, April 6, 2013
Champions League Quarter-Final 2012/13 (Real Madrid Edition)
Fighting until the end. Something Real Madrid have been doing throughout this competition. This week, Real Madrid showcased their desire on the pitch as they led a 3-0 home victory against Galatasaray.
Before this match began, I was curious to know what tactical changes Mourinho would make to secure a win in the first-leg. After escaping a near-death encounter against Manchester United, I was hesitant to believe Mourinho would make any dramatic changes to the starting XI. Getting this far into the Champions League leaves no room for complacency or silly errors.
Real Madrid definitely did not disappoint their fans at the Bernabéu. As nine minutes rolled in, Cristiano Ronaldo made an incredible goal (assisted by Mesut Özil) that had set the tone for the rest of the match. This display of Ronaldo’s impeccable skill showed Galatasaray that Madrid meant business.
During the 29th minute, Karim Benzema had scored Madrid’s second goal. One might argue that it was just as significant as Ronaldo’s 9th minute goal because it enforced Madrid’s rhythmic tempo. Having a recent goal-drought at Real Madrid, this had certainly boosted Benzema’s morale and easily inspired others to keep pushing.
Real Madrid’s third goal was just as beautiful and magnificent as the first two! In the 73rd minute, Higuaín paired an amazing header with Xabi Alonso’s free-kick. This goal was the icing on the cake! Check it out here:
Real Madrid maintained their possession and constantly put pressure where it was needed. One man who stood out in Real Madrid’s midfield was Mesut Özil. He created many chances and fed players great balls throughout this match.
What ultimately led to Galatasaray’s downfall was their lackluster back-line. Galatasaray’s defense made some fatal errors which eventually led to their demise. Many times, Galatasaray’s defense left open spaces that Real Madrid took full advantage of. There were several glimpses of frustration and lack of focus that translated to midfield. Even though Galatasaray’s midfield were persistent, they had a hard time providing proper balls to strikers. This didn’t allow their forwards to execute a proper goal. In my opinion, it seemed as though Galatasary’s pace and energy declined as the match progressed.
Going back to defense: Real Madrid’s backline, on the other hand, had put forward a spectacular side of talent. They were strong, focused, and determined. Someone who had stood out to me was young-talent, Varane. He did a fantastic job clearing the ball away from any threats and made necessary challenges to win over the ball. Also, taking on someone like Didier Drogba isn’t easy to do, but Varane did a excellent job keeping up with him.
Final thoughts: Real Madrid put forth a brilliant style of play with a much deserved win. If they can stick to this kind of momentum until the second-leg, then I do not see them having a problem advancing to the next round. Unless Galatasaray can buck-up their defense, prevent Real Madrid from scoring during the second-leg, and somehow manage to get 4 goals (at least) I really don’t see Galatasaray advancing.
Written by: Laxmi Patel
Thank you for reading! Make sure to leave your comments down below to tell me your thoughts!
Follow me on twitter: @OfficialLaxmi
Before this match began, I was curious to know what tactical changes Mourinho would make to secure a win in the first-leg. After escaping a near-death encounter against Manchester United, I was hesitant to believe Mourinho would make any dramatic changes to the starting XI. Getting this far into the Champions League leaves no room for complacency or silly errors.
Real Madrid definitely did not disappoint their fans at the Bernabéu. As nine minutes rolled in, Cristiano Ronaldo made an incredible goal (assisted by Mesut Özil) that had set the tone for the rest of the match. This display of Ronaldo’s impeccable skill showed Galatasaray that Madrid meant business.
During the 29th minute, Karim Benzema had scored Madrid’s second goal. One might argue that it was just as significant as Ronaldo’s 9th minute goal because it enforced Madrid’s rhythmic tempo. Having a recent goal-drought at Real Madrid, this had certainly boosted Benzema’s morale and easily inspired others to keep pushing.
Real Madrid’s third goal was just as beautiful and magnificent as the first two! In the 73rd minute, Higuaín paired an amazing header with Xabi Alonso’s free-kick. This goal was the icing on the cake! Check it out here:
Real Madrid maintained their possession and constantly put pressure where it was needed. One man who stood out in Real Madrid’s midfield was Mesut Özil. He created many chances and fed players great balls throughout this match.
What ultimately led to Galatasaray’s downfall was their lackluster back-line. Galatasaray’s defense made some fatal errors which eventually led to their demise. Many times, Galatasaray’s defense left open spaces that Real Madrid took full advantage of. There were several glimpses of frustration and lack of focus that translated to midfield. Even though Galatasaray’s midfield were persistent, they had a hard time providing proper balls to strikers. This didn’t allow their forwards to execute a proper goal. In my opinion, it seemed as though Galatasary’s pace and energy declined as the match progressed.
Going back to defense: Real Madrid’s backline, on the other hand, had put forward a spectacular side of talent. They were strong, focused, and determined. Someone who had stood out to me was young-talent, Varane. He did a fantastic job clearing the ball away from any threats and made necessary challenges to win over the ball. Also, taking on someone like Didier Drogba isn’t easy to do, but Varane did a excellent job keeping up with him.
Final thoughts: Real Madrid put forth a brilliant style of play with a much deserved win. If they can stick to this kind of momentum until the second-leg, then I do not see them having a problem advancing to the next round. Unless Galatasaray can buck-up their defense, prevent Real Madrid from scoring during the second-leg, and somehow manage to get 4 goals (at least) I really don’t see Galatasaray advancing.
Written by: Laxmi Patel
Thank you for reading! Make sure to leave your comments down below to tell me your thoughts!
Follow me on twitter: @OfficialLaxmi
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| Image via Real Madrid |
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| Image via Real Madrid |
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| Image via Real Madrid |
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Champions League Quarter-Final 2012/13 (Galatasaray Edition)
“It's going to be a lot of fun. Even if I lose, I intend to play the right way." Galatasaray coach Fatih Terim boldly uttered these words before the team's quarterfinal test against Real Madrid. Terim was ready to step onto the battlefield with his army consisting of Didier Drogba, Burak Yilmaz, and Wesley Sneijder in attack. Would history repeat itself once again when Galatasaray beat Real Madrid 3-2 in the quarterfinals on April 3, 2001?
It was to be expected Los Blancos would come to play at the Santiago Bernabéu with a bang. It was too much for Galatasaray to handle the link-up between Mesut Özil and Cristiano Ronaldo. This understanding between the two caused problems for Galatasaray's midfield and the duo bulldozed through the fragile defensive line. Ultimately, this lead to the opening goal. Muslera's added poor judgment was enough for Ronaldo to take a perfectly timed run and lob the ball into the post. Karim Benzema was looking more threatening as time ticked on. Benzema had his say when Eboué's hesitation helped him achieve his 30th Champions League goal. Three defenders were near Benzema, but none were able to do an effective job. The deficiencies in defence were ever present as an unmarked Higuaín scored the final goal of the night through a header. Overall, defence was lacking clear focus and much-needed discipline. It was a night of clinical finishing from Real Madrid and a below-average Galatasaray back-line.
Although both teams were close in passes and possession wise, there was a spark missing in Galatasaray's attack. Burak Yilmaz wasn't his usual goal-scoring machine and seemed to be drifting in and out of the game. He had a good chance in the 27th minute and again in the 35th, but the poorly controlled shot was not converted. Drogba looked more aware and was all over the pitch in the first half. From Galatasaray's 11 shots, Drogba had taken 3. There were moments where he successfully slipped past Real Madrid's fine-tuned defence. However, these moments didn't materialize into anything more than chances and the finishing in the final third was lacking. Real Madrid were able to close down the balls coming from Gala's half and were keen not to free up too much space in the process. Selçuk Inan, Wesley Sneijder, Felipe Melo, and Hamit Altintop all tried their level best to move the ball up, but Real Madrid collectively worked together to neutralize their attempts. It was impressive to see Galatasaray push forward through intricate passing, though it was difficult to find the strike force. This frustration was more than visible. Instead of finding strikers up front, players would shoot from far-range. Galatasaray could've better utilized set pieces, too. The most controversial decision of the match came when referee Oddvar Moen didn't caution Sergio Ramos for stepping on Burak Yilmaz's foot in the box, which would have lead to a penalty. Moen decided to book Burak for diving. This poses a huge blow for Terim's men since Yilmaz will be missing the return leg at Türk Telekom Arena. Cimbom will also be without the services of Dany Nounkeu due to yellow card accumulation.
With a 3-goal advantage, people believe Real Madrid are already through to the semifinals. It'll be a testament to Galatasaray's character to overcome this deficit because Mourinho commands a team that rarely falters. What Galatasaray will have to channel is a "never die" attitude. Terim will need a game plan as well as creativity to match goals and prevent Real Madrid from scoring. A feat that is easier said than done. Anything is possible and everything is unpredictable in football, however.
Written by: Goral Patel
Follow me on Twitter: @goralpatel
It was to be expected Los Blancos would come to play at the Santiago Bernabéu with a bang. It was too much for Galatasaray to handle the link-up between Mesut Özil and Cristiano Ronaldo. This understanding between the two caused problems for Galatasaray's midfield and the duo bulldozed through the fragile defensive line. Ultimately, this lead to the opening goal. Muslera's added poor judgment was enough for Ronaldo to take a perfectly timed run and lob the ball into the post. Karim Benzema was looking more threatening as time ticked on. Benzema had his say when Eboué's hesitation helped him achieve his 30th Champions League goal. Three defenders were near Benzema, but none were able to do an effective job. The deficiencies in defence were ever present as an unmarked Higuaín scored the final goal of the night through a header. Overall, defence was lacking clear focus and much-needed discipline. It was a night of clinical finishing from Real Madrid and a below-average Galatasaray back-line.
Although both teams were close in passes and possession wise, there was a spark missing in Galatasaray's attack. Burak Yilmaz wasn't his usual goal-scoring machine and seemed to be drifting in and out of the game. He had a good chance in the 27th minute and again in the 35th, but the poorly controlled shot was not converted. Drogba looked more aware and was all over the pitch in the first half. From Galatasaray's 11 shots, Drogba had taken 3. There were moments where he successfully slipped past Real Madrid's fine-tuned defence. However, these moments didn't materialize into anything more than chances and the finishing in the final third was lacking. Real Madrid were able to close down the balls coming from Gala's half and were keen not to free up too much space in the process. Selçuk Inan, Wesley Sneijder, Felipe Melo, and Hamit Altintop all tried their level best to move the ball up, but Real Madrid collectively worked together to neutralize their attempts. It was impressive to see Galatasaray push forward through intricate passing, though it was difficult to find the strike force. This frustration was more than visible. Instead of finding strikers up front, players would shoot from far-range. Galatasaray could've better utilized set pieces, too. The most controversial decision of the match came when referee Oddvar Moen didn't caution Sergio Ramos for stepping on Burak Yilmaz's foot in the box, which would have lead to a penalty. Moen decided to book Burak for diving. This poses a huge blow for Terim's men since Yilmaz will be missing the return leg at Türk Telekom Arena. Cimbom will also be without the services of Dany Nounkeu due to yellow card accumulation.
With a 3-goal advantage, people believe Real Madrid are already through to the semifinals. It'll be a testament to Galatasaray's character to overcome this deficit because Mourinho commands a team that rarely falters. What Galatasaray will have to channel is a "never die" attitude. Terim will need a game plan as well as creativity to match goals and prevent Real Madrid from scoring. A feat that is easier said than done. Anything is possible and everything is unpredictable in football, however.
Written by: Goral Patel
Follow me on Twitter: @goralpatel
FT: Real Madrid 3-0 Galatasaray
Goals
Ronaldo - 9'
Benzema - 29’
Higuaín - 73’
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| Image via Getty Images |
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| Image via Galatasaray |
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| Image via @English_AS (Twitter) |