Manchester United vs. Real Madrid: Defensive Set-Up United Must Employ in UCL

By Dan Talintyre

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

Despite having the home-ground advantage and the away-goal advantage firmly in their corner, Manchester United won't win their Champions League match against Real Madrid through their attack.
As good as Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney have been this year, the Red Devils' key for success in their must-win match is in fact their defense. Given the success that the Spanish powerhouse have had in attack so far this year, it's actually quite understandable.
Yet for United, that represents a real challenge.
The Red Devils were bombarded with attacking chances throughout the first leg, and had it not been for the brilliance of David De Gea, they would surely have lost that match. In fact, given their defensive frailties throughout the season so far, their defense could be perceived as more of a weakness than a strength.
But against Madrid, their defense will be a strength—as long as they can set themselves up properly to deal with the various threats that Madrid will bring.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

United have conceded just three goals in their past nine matches to date—showing that their defense is in very good form, and that they can handle Los Blancos here. As long as they set themselves up in the best way available to handle the attacking strengths of Madrid.
As far as starting team goes, expect the usual back four that have been very strong throughout the season to be used here, with captain Nemanja Vidic involved.
Patrice Evra is a lock on the left flank to cover Angel Di Maria; Vidic and Rio Ferdinand in the middle to handle Karim Benzema and Mesut Ozil; and Rafael Da Silva drawing the difficult challenge of stopping superstar winger Cristiano Ronaldo out on the right flank.
Vidic's leadership and experience will be more valuable here than Jonny Evans, who would still be more than able to handle himself here if he plays. There's just something about having your captain on the field for the biggest game of the year that suggests that Vidic is a lock to play.
The biggest question then becomes, with that back four set, what assistance Rafael Da Silva will get out on the right flank with Ronaldo looming.
In the first leg, Phil Jones was deployed in the middle as a man-marker of Ronaldo in a way, and United had great success in doing that. However, due to injury, Jones will be unavailable to play on Ronaldo and cover him when he cuts inside Rafael.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Two options then seemingly emerge for United—try and find a replacement for Jones, or play the regulation 4-2-3-1 and try to find ways to deal with Ronaldo.
The first option would likely see Jonny Evans deployed in Jones' role, and whilst he would be good, it's hard to see him having the same kind of success as the latter. Jones is a regulation defensive midfielder whilst Evans is a defender first and foremost, and whilst he would be strong, it's not the kind of risk that you wanted to be taking heading into the biggest game of the year.
It just doesn't seem very Sir Alex Ferguson-ish.
Thus the second option of working in the 4-2-3-1 seems more likely.
Rafael will pick up Ronaldo first and foremost out at right back, but United will then simply have to use their central midfielders in Tom Cleverley, Ryan Giggs or Michael Carrick to track back and help out Ferdinand and Vidic in central defense. Obviously it's not ideal, but it seems like the only logical move that United can make given the injury to Jones.
And it seems that Ferguson is leaning a similar way, in comments he made to The Telegraph earlier in the week about how United will be setting up:

Hopefully the experience young Rafael had in the first-half in the first leg will help him. He will be given the same task, but I don’t think it’s one he should fear. Jones’s performance over there was excellent so he is a miss, but we can’t deem it as something that we can’t manage. We have options and I hope we get that right.
We know our strengths and how we want to play. We know how to go about these games and hopefully it helps us...

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

Thus with a more regulation-looking team against Madrid, United's defenders will certainly need to be playing to their absolute best if they want to win here.
Responsibility regarding Ronaldo also lies heavily on right winger Antonio Valencia, whose defensive skills make him an under-the-radar factor to watch here.
Expect to see him dropping back to help out Rafael at the back from time to time, with the Brazilian international trying to prove he can handle the best the world has to offer. Which, in this game, is exactly what he'll be coming up against.
The best left winger the world has to offer.

How do you think Manchester United should set up vs. Real Madrid?

Read More

Ryan Giggs' 1,000th United Appearance: Will the Record Ever Be Beaten?

By Greg Lott

Ian Walton/Getty Images

There is a level of magisterium that surrounds Ryan Giggs. An incredulous implausibility that surrounds his achievements. A true icon of the modern game, Ryan Giggs’ next achievement will, quite possibly, be the most impressive of his glittering career.
A league title is a massive achievement, Ryan Giggs has 12. FA and League cups are to be treasured, as Giggs treasures the eight he has won. A champions League Title is the pinnacle of any career, unless you have won it twice, like Giggs.
The CV is unparalleled, the achievements almost mythical, but without a doubt Ryan Giggs’ greatest achievement is his longevity.
He has been at Manchester United for his entire senior career, after joining the side from arch rivals Manchester City’s youth section. A 22-year senior career at the most successful club in the country, Giggs maintains the unique achievement as the only player to have scored in every Premier League season since its inception.

David Cannon/Getty Images

Ryan Giggs is not a charity case. Even at 39 years young, the Welsh wizard is an asset to Manchester United. A 22-year career as a glorified mascot would be one thing, but Ryan Giggs can still lay realistic claim to a starting spot.
A clear indication of his enduring principality in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side came this weekend in the League match against Norwich City. Ryan Giggs was rested for the game. Rested could also read dropped, but if you analyze the nuances of the decision, Ferguson’s motives become obvious. Ryan Giggs’ next appearance will be his 1000th—in a crucial return Champions League game against perennial super-powers Real Madrid.
Sir Alex could have started Giggs against Norwich (a fundamentally easier game) at Old Trafford and given him a befitting tribute without compromising the result. His decision to the contrary is a clear indication that Giggs will feature against Madrid. It would be the ultimate tribute: in front of a bumper Old Trafford crowd in the club’s most important game of the season. Quite a way to celebrate an impossible milestone.
The highest accolade that can be derived from the decision, however, is that Ferguson has selected Giggs almost certainly as a starter. He would not compromise the result and start Giggs simply out of respect. It sends a very clear message that at 39 years old, Ryan Giggs is still first-choice, at least for this game.
A footballer is usually considered over the hill at 33. Ryan Giggs is six years past that and will almost certainly secure the contract that will take him into his fifth decade.
Such a feat to be repeated would require super-human levels of tenacity, natural fitness, adaptability and passion, not to mention supreme ability. Such a situation is incredible unlikely, yet with the advancement of technology, nutritional advice and medical advice and treatment, not impossible.
It is feasible to say that, one day, a man cut from the same unearthly ilk as Ryan Giggs could muster the passion, drive and ability to replicate the Welsh wizard's longevity.
At this juncture, I feel I have to corroborate that the boundaries of such an abstract exclude goalkeepers due to the reduction in physicality. Unfortunately, this excludes the never-the-less incredible feats of Brad Friedel, the only current Premiership footballer older than Giggs.
One aspect of Giggs’ achievements though, will remain unattainable.

David Ramos/Getty Images

Never again will there be a Premier League footballer who will eclipse 1,000 appearances for the same club.
Since Giggs began his career, football has irrecoverably evolved.
The tentative prongs of commercialism have warped to the extent that they now come to define the game. Money has become a primary focus, with huge transfer fees and ludicrous wages exacerbating the player traffic between clubs. Indulged prima-donnas and exploitative agents now set the agenda. Geographical boundaries are no longer the issue they were, with footloose players simply chasing the coin.
Another factor is the success. It is doubtful, in a world where the next mega-money Arab takeover is always just around the corner, whether a club will ever again enjoy a period of success like Manchester United have during Giggs’ tenure.
The loyalty and dedication shown by Ryan Giggs over two decades of service have been admirable, yet it is pertinent to ponder what motive he could have justified for leaving. He was a cult hero for the greatest club in the country. He has won a League title once in every two seasons he has played, and has played, and won, the highest accolades in the game during that time. Where could he have gone?
The old adage “The grass is always greener on the over side,” is symbolic of the way football is going. There will always be a club who will offer the world's best a viable escape route. The players know that, their agents know that, and so they are at perfect liberty to hold their clubs ransom with extortionate requests.
The most recent example of the one-team man is Lionel Messi. Although barely halfway through his glittering career, the World Player of the Year has shown admirable loyalty to Barcelona, consistently asserting his intentions to stay at his boyhood club. To play devil’s advocate, however, Messi’s situation is similar to Giggs'. Why would he want to leave a club at which he is so adored while enjoying such phenomenal success?
Indeed, according to the BBC, Messi has stated his desire to finish his career in his native Argentina after his Barcelona contract expires in 2018.
Today will not be about Lionel Messi, although his time will come.
In just a few short hours, as Ryan Giggs runs out to be embraced by his adoring crowd, savour the moment, for you will never see anything quite like it again.

Read More

Report: Bayern Munich Plot £86 Million Neymar Transfer Coup

By John Baines

German giants Bayern Munich are lining up a sensational summer swoop for Brazilian ace Neymar, according to a report in The Metro.
The newspaper speculates that the Bundesliga leaders will test Santos' resolve with a world record £86 million bid for the 21-year-old at the end of the season.
Santos have consistently claimed they wish to keep hold of their prized asset until after the 2014 World Cup, but a sum of the size Munich are offering may tempt them to sell up early.
The Bavarian club will be keen to supplement Pep Guardiola's arrival with a host of new faces, and Neymar would appear the perfect fit for the Spaniard's brand of football.
An £86 million fee would comfortably usurp the amount Real Madrid paid Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009, thus making Neymar the most expensive footballer in history.
That figure would also dwarf Bayern's previous transfer record of £32.5million for Javi Martinez, but there are few more marketable players in world football than Neymar.
His signature alongside that of Guardiola would further raise the profile of Gemany's most successful club, and plenty of the costs in acquiring Neymar would easily be recouped in commercial revenues.
Aside from the player's profitability, the prodigy has struck 129 goals in 209 games for Santos and scored 17 times in just 28 appearances for the Brazilian national team.
That prolificacy and a succulent show reel of tricks and flicks makes Neymar one of the most exciting talents on the globe and a move to Europe has seemed inevitable for some time.
All of the continents' top clubs have been linked with a move at some point and there have been suggestions that Barcelona do indeed have an agreement to take him to the Camp Nou after the 2014 World Cup.
If Bayern's interest proves legitimate it would be interesting to see the reaction of his other suitors as a move for Neymar makes both footballing and economic sense––even giving for the huge offset needed to secure his signature.
Bayern will be aware that competition for Neymar will be fierce and striking early may eradicate the possibility of an auction for the player which would only further increase his transfer value.

Read More

Manchester United vs. Real Madrid: 5 Key Battles to Watch

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Manchester United host Real Madrid on Tuesday in what promises to be a memorable UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg match.
Real Madrid recently won back-to-back Clasicos against Barcelona, but now, another potential classic awaits at Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United held Real to a 1-1 draw three weeks ago at the Bernabeu, so Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid will have to attack to stay alive.
That means some of the most important matchups in Tuesday's game will involve Real Madrid attackers against Manchester United defenders. But they're not the only ones.
Keep reading for five matchups to watch in this second-leg showdown.

Sir Alex Ferguson vs. Jose Mourinho

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho developed a fierce rivalry during Mourinho's time at Chelsea. Now friends, the two haven't become any less competitive, and both still rank among the world's best.
Ferguson's United seized the advantage after holding Real to a 1-1 draw three weeks ago at the Bernabeu. The first-leg result means that Real will have to attack United at Old Trafford. That should make for some interesting tactical decisions for both.
Which esteemed manager will win the tactical battle? Can one outsmart the other?
The touchline battle will be almost as interesting as the action on the pitch.

 

Michael Carrick vs. Mesut Ozil

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo, Robin van Persie and other goal scorers grab most of the headlines. The midfield, however, should play host to an intriguing chess match as well.
German international Mesut Ozil usually serves as Real Madrid's central playmaker, tucked in behind a lone forward (either Karim Benzema or Gonzalo Higuain). Unless manager Jose Mourinho goes crazy and picks Kaká or Luka Modric to start the match, Ozil should take up his customary role at Old Trafford.
His chief foe in the midfield could be United's Michael Carrick, who lies a bit deeper in United's midfield but also plays a major role in piecing things together for his team.
Ozil has perhaps more international prestige, but Carrick's contributions have been vital to United this season. Their head-to-head matchup could be pivotal.

 

 

Angel Di Maria vs. Manchester United's Full-Backs

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Angel Di Maria, a 25-year-old Argentine international, usually lines up on the right side of Real Madrid's three-man attacking midfield. But he's by no means limited to one side of the pitch.
In the first leg three weeks ago, Di Maria delivered the cross that Cristiano Ronaldo towered high to head home. The cross came from near the left touchline, where Ronaldo usually starts a match.
Di Maria and Ronaldo can be on any side of the field at any time. Ronaldo will obviously draw much attention, but Di Maria's crosses, quickness and penetration can be dangerous to any defense.
When he stays on the right side, he likely will match up with Manchester United's Patrice Evra. On the left, he will likely face Rafael.
If Di Maria is playing well, both will have a handful. If both perform well, Real Madrid will lack a potentially game-altering offensive option.

Read More

Premier League round-up: Shinji Kagawa and Wayne Rooney take Manchester United 15 points clear

Manchester United struck another blow in the title race with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Norwich taking the Red Devils 15 points clear of second-placed Manchester City.

With City not in action until Monday night, United were able to take full advantage as they broke down an initially resolute Norwich shortly before half-time.
Shinji Kagawa became the first Asian player to score a Premier League hat-trick when he netted his and Manchester United's third of the afternoon, before Wayne Rooney completed the scoring with a pearler for the champions elect.
Chelsea are back up to third having relinquised their position to Tottenham on Monday, as Rafael Benitez ended a testing week with a narrow victory over West Brom.
Demba Ba, starting ahead of Fernando Torres, struck the only goal of the game, but Chelsea could be in the top three for only 24 hours with Spurs due to play Arsenal on Sunday.
Everton reinforced their European credentials with a 3-1 defeat of Reading at Goodison Park, which leaves the Royals one point away from safety.
The Toffees were able to consolidate fifth position courtesy of goals from Marouane Fellaini, Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas, while Hal Robson-Kanu headed a late consolation.
Queens Park Rangers are now only three points behind Reading as a late Jay Bothroyd winner provided Harry Redknapp with the ideal birthday present on his return to Southampton.
Gaston Ramirez cancelled out Loic Remy's opener for QPR, before Bothroyd struck with only 13 minutes remaining.
Sunderland were able to leapfrog rivals Newcastle as they fought back from two goals down to draw with Fulham, while the Toon lost 1-0 to League Cup winners Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.
Finally, West Ham managed to secure a potentially vital three points away at Stoke City, with Jack Collison scoring the solitary goal in the encounter.

Read More

Tottenham Hotspur Beat Arsenal, Assert North London Superiority in EPL

The scale has tipped in North London, but for how long nobody can know. White is the color of the present, but the future could be all about green.
Tottenham Hotspur defeated Arsenal 2-1 on Sunday in the North London Derby to move within two points of second-placed Manchester City in the English Premier League table. Probably more to the point for Spurs supporters, Tottenham also extended their lead to seven points over their neighbors and rivals from a few miles down the street.
And perhaps most pertinent of all, the match told a tale of two clubs heading in decidedly different directions.
Eighteen years ago, Tottenham Hotspur finished seventh in the final 1994-95 Premier League table. Arsenal, under caretaker manager Stewart Houston for the season's final few months, stuttered home in 14th position. Then came Arsene Wenger, three league titles, four FA Cups, two doubles and a UEFA Champions League final as Tottenham Hotspur fell behind, at times in the footballing wilderness.
At times between 1995 and the present, Spurs had seemed capable—sometimes even likely—to displace their North London neighbors. This time, though, it's more than that.
As Welsh goal-scoring wizard Gareth Bale continues his streak of good form, and first-year manager Andre Villas-Boas continues to pump his fists in triumph along the sidelines, Tottenham look almost certain to top Arsenal this time. The Gunners, meanwhile, appear doomed to finish outside the top four for the first time in Wenger's era.

Paul Gilham/Getty Images

Last fall, Arsenal's comeback 5-2 victory over Spurs at the Emirates Stadium helped hold back the onrushing white tide. But there was no comeback in store this time, and in victory, Spurs have claimed the upper hand.
Bale, third in the Premier League with 16 goals this season, opened the scoring in the 37th minute. Taking advantage of slack Arsenal defending, the 23-year-old glided behind the back line, took control of a diagonal through-ball and beat keeper Wojciech Szczesny with skill and ease.

Paul Gilham/Getty Images

It was his ninth goal in his last seven appearances in all competitions, and it stopped any momentum Arsenal had built with a solid opening half-hour.
Two minutes later, another defensive lapse allowed Aaron Lennon an opening for Tottenham's second. Beaten again, Szczesny could only wave his hands in disgust after Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen either fell asleep or became entranced with the opposition while ball-watching.
The inevitable fight-back arrived early in the second half. Per Mertesacker, at fault on Tottenham's first goal, connected with a free kick, and his header was redirected into the net by Bale.

Wenger first in press conf: a 'massive challenge' now to catch Spurs. 'This (poor defending) has happened to us many times this season'
— Daniel Taylor (@DTguardian) March 3, 2013

Even unwittingly, then, Bale was at the heart of it all as Tottenham took their most decisive step toward unseating Arsenal as North London's finest. That he'll likely leave either this summer or next can be no consolation for depressed Gooners.

Have Spurs surpassed Arsenal?

Yes No Submit Vote vote to see results

Villas-Boas, only a year removed from humiliation at Stamford Bridge, now has his signature win at White Hart Lane (and that's not even counting the win at Old Trafford). Arsenal, on the other hand, are five points off fourth place and embroiled in a prolonged crisis that is unprecedented in Wenger's reign.
And yet hope remains, of a sort. With the news of a potential big-money takeover filtering through London this weekend (via Daily Telegraph), there comes the possibility that Arsenal could soon gain equal financial footing with their lavish-spending competitors.
Although another foreign buyout could bring with it legitimate questions about the identity of the club, any resulting injection of cash would draw an enthusiastic response. But the depressing reality for Arsenal is that a takeover is probably the best chance the Gunners have of halting Tottenham's forward momentum in this rivalry.
For now, until further notice, North London belongs to Bale, AVB and Tottenham.

Read More

The Only Goal You Need to See This Weekend (Video)

   

After a tough run of form, Ajax and Niklas Moisander needed only four minutes to turn things around this weekend. Lucky for us. Moisander's goal was worth waiting 90 minutes for. Moisander scored in the fourth minute as Ajax earned a much-needed 2-0 win at FC Twente on Saturday in the Dutch Eredivisie. Moisander's goal, a wicked, bending, left-footed rocket was so solid, we're naming it our B/R World Football Goal of the Weekend. A clip with the goal appears above. Enjoy. Moisander's goal and Ajax's win came at the end of a tough spell for the club. Frank De Boer's team crashed out of the KNVB Cup (to AZ Alkmaar) and the UEFA Europa League (to Steaua Bucharest, on penalties) in successive weeks. Toby Alderweireld added the second goal in the 35th minute. Ajax cruised from there against a manager-less Twente and pulled within two points of leaders PSV with nine matches left in the season. “We dominated today and rewarded ourselves”, said De Boer (via Ajax.nl). “We needed this as a team. We were waiting for a win. We continued to believe in our field play and never doubted ourselves. We didn’t let a strong opponent like Twente come into the game for even one minute.” Moisander's meandering rocket beat out some stiff competition for the title of B/R World Football Goal of the Weekend. In Spain, Roberto Soldado weighed in with a deft first-touch volley. In Qatar, Al Sadd defender Ibrahim Majed impressed with an overhead kick. Across the Atlantic, Brazil was the site of a perfect curler. And in MLS, Davy Arnaud and Felipe Martins started the season in style for the Montreal Impact. What was your favorite goal of the weekend? Did we miss something brilliant? Let us know about it in the comments.

Read More

Champions League: Players to Watch in Action This Week

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

The UEFA Champions League returns this week as the second-leg matchups for the Round of 16 hit our screens.
The excitement is palpable, with three of the four contests finely poised and capable of going in either direction on the night.
You'll be tuning in to watch Cristiano Ronaldo play his former team, but we've picked out one player to watch from each of the teams competing.

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Old Trafford is a highly anticipated prospect that millions will tune in to see.
Real Madrid rounded off their preparation for the game by fielding an almost B-team in the Liga Clasico and winning, and the Portuguese forward will be firing on all cylinders.
He was endeared by everyone connected to the club during his time as a Manchester United player, and he's sure to be given a warm, if cautious, welcome by the home faithful.

Robin Van Persie, Manchester United

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

Robin van Persie hasn't scored for three games.
At the Santiago Bernabeu he missed a gilt-edged chance, and he hasn't completed 90 minutes since thanks to a run-in with a particularly ferocious-looking camera at Loftus Road.
He's due a goal, and he's the exactly the kind of player to thrive on these big nights.

Robert Lewandowski, Borussia Dortmund

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

The rumours continue to swirl around Robert Lewandowski and his future, but he hasn't let it affect his game.
He was back with a bang over the weekend, scoring two against Hannover in a dominant display alongside fellow striker Julian Schieber.
Borussia Dortmund have the edge in this tie thanks to two away goals at the Donbass Arena, but don't expect anything other than an epic offensive effort on home turf.

 

 

Lucas Moura, Paris Saint-Germain

Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

After surrendering a commanding position in the dying minutes at the Mestalla, Paris Saint-Germain have to put in a real performance at home to beat Valencia.
Without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the goalscoring burden will fall to someone else. Ezequiel Lavezzi's role is difficult to predict. He usually drops deeper and links the play while pressuring the opposing defensive midfielders, but will he be asked to provide the central scoring threat instead?
Whatever happens in the forward line, many eyes will be fixed upon Lucas Moura. He's taken to Ligue 1 like a duck to water and is expected to really shine in this fixture.

 

 

Dani Parejo, Valencia

Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images

Dani Parejo is now a permanent first-team fixture at Valencia following the departure of Fernando Gago.
He's skillful, he's quick and he's dynamic—so much so that Ezequiel Lavezzi dropped into mark him during the first leg in an attempt to nullify his influence.
Watch him again for the second round of fixtures as los Che try and claw their way back into this one.

 

 

Scott Brown, Celtic

Stu Forster/Getty Images

Despite Celtic losing the first leg 3-0 on home turf, a number of their players really shone during a committed performance.
But it wasn't Emilio Izaguirre or Victor Wanyama who caught the eye. It was Scott Brown and his dogged, determined performance in shutting down Andrea Pirlo.
Juventus were pinned into their own half for long periods and the Scottish champions stopped Pirlo from playing out from the back—Neil Lennon clearly took notes from Mario Mandzukic's job on him during the European Championships.
While this game seems done and dusted, watch out for a similar performance from Brown—it's not often anyone gets close to stopping the Italian regista, so savour it.


 

 

 

Read More

Match Report and Highlights Barcelona vs Real Madrid 1-2 Game 26 02-03-2013

TRIBUNNEWS.COM, MADRID - Sergio Ramos goal  scored a decisive victory over Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona, ​​in the BBVA League continued, at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday (03/02/2013).
Madrid went ahead through Karim Benzema in the sixth minute. Goals stems from the movement in the right sector Morata Barca defense ended with a cross. From close range, Benzema punt into the middle of the goal.
Lionel Messi to change the numbers on the scoreboard to 1-1 in the 18th minute. Having mastered the bait Dani Alves, Messi dribbled into the penalty box, outwit Sergio Ramos, and kicked the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal.
In the 82nd minute, Madrid back ahead thanks to goals from Sergio Ramos. From the middle of the penalty box, he headed in a corner kick Luka Modric into the top left corner of goalkeeper Victor Valdes.
The game lasted quite open. Madrid looked more aggressive. However, Madrid less clinical in the final moments. In the 39th minute, for example, Luka Modric cross towards the left pylon Morata in front of goal Barca. Morata ball, but not exactly in the direction of the goal.
On the other hand, Barcelona seeks to reduce the aggressiveness of the opponent with the ball and so there is room, tuck threat. In minute 32, for example, David Villa to end its movement in the right sector of the Madrid defense to cross off. Ramos failed to reach the ball so it makes Messi. Messi fired the ball into the left corner of the goal, but it can be driven Lopez.
In the second half, Madrid again took the initiative to attack, but Barcelona can cut it and control the situation. Madrid pressure Barca made it difficult to develop the game, but it could be defended well.
While Barcelona difficulties with the execution of the attack end, Madrid experienced improved performance with the inclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo. Although not entirely free of threats, Madrid can create movements that berkhir with execution.
HIGHLIGHTS -

In the 69th minute and the 76th, for example, Ronaldo and Morata alternately fired. While Ronaldo missed effort, execution can be anticipated Lopez Morata.
Barcelona responded with an attack that ended with a long-range shot Dani Alves, who misses the target. Madrid responded with an attack that led to goals Ramos.
Barcelona still trying to catch up. Barcelona two attempts yielded only a free kick for violations of Sergio Busquets and Dani Alves in the 83rd minute and the 84th.
Thereafter, there was no chance means, until Ronaldo fired a shot that hit the post in the 81st minute.
In nine minutes, both sides continued to attempt to score. However, the 2-1 score did not change until the long whistle sounded.
Real Madrid: 25-Diego Lopez; 2-Raphael Varane, 3-Pepe, 4-Sergio Ramos, 5-Fabio Coentrao (17-Alvaro Arbeloa 68); 8-Kaka (6-Sami Khedira 58), 15-Michael Essien, 19-Luka Modric, 21-Jose Maria Callejon, 29-Morata; 9-Karim Benzema (7-Cristiano Ronaldo 58)
Barcelona: 1-Victor Valdes; 2-Dani Alves, 3-Gerard Pique, 14-Javier Mascherano, 18-Jordi Alba; 8-Andres Iniesta, 11-Thiago (37-Cristian Tello 85), 16-Sergio Busquets; 7 - David Villa (9-Alexis Sanchez 67), 10-Lionel Messi, 17-Pedro (21-Adriano 77)
Referee: Miguel Perez Lasa

Read More

Real Madrid to table whopping £70 million for Bale!

There has been some reports which have claimed that Real Madrid are going to open the bidding with a massive £70 million bid for Tottenham’s brilliant winger Gareth Bale when the transfer window opens up.
Bale’s match-winning display against West Ham on Monday again made him the centre of attention all over Europe and former Real president Ramon Calderon, still a high-profile figure around the Bernabeu, was quick to lay down a marker for a player valued in the region of £70million.
Bale, 23, has long been linked with a summer move to Madrid and although Tottenham chief executive Daniel Levy held them up for 12 months over the signing of Luka Modric, Calderon insisted they have the financial muscle this time to force a deal through.
Calderon said: “It’s true we have spent a lot of money in the last three or four years but we are in a position to pay the money they are going to ask for. (Daily Express)
Bale has been fantastic this season and is not eve at the peak of his powers, so it would be a massive loss if he left in the summer and headed to Spain. But the kind of money clubs are willing to offer for his services must surely be too much for Spurs to turn down?

Read More