CSKA Moscow vs. Real Madrid Recap

By El Maestro

After almost a two-month layoff, the greatest club competition in the world as Real Madrid’s quest for their 10^th Champions League actually began. From the day the team was known for the round of 16, everyone new this tie would not be easy not just because Madrid had to travel five hours on a plane to Russia, but also because they had to play under freezing temperatures. Not to mention the game would be played on artificial turf, which is something Madrid was not accustomed to, added more wood to Madrid’s fire. Taking on a Russian opposition, Mou decided to approach the game with a powerful and hard working team when he started Coentrao for Marcelo, Khedira for Granero, and surprisingly left Kaka on the bench for Callejon. When the whistle blew, it was clear Real Madrid was not comfortable playing on artificial turf that was wet, where the ball moved quickly, and always produces a weird bounce. Things get any better Benzema had to be substituted for Higuain after injuring his groin just 14 minutes in the game. Despite this, Madrid fought through the conditions and had a lot of the early going; and in the 16^th Minute, Khedira almost put Madrid ahead after Higuain’s blocked shot was deflected to him, but his shot was blocked by the Russian keeper Chepchugov. Real Madrid continued pushing forward for that ever important away goal and their push would be reward in the 27^th when a poorly cleared ball by the CSKA defender was pounced on by “La Maquina” who blasted it past the keepers hands to make it 0-1. In the 2^nd half, a more adapted Real Madrid team came out stronger and created numerous chances to score. Callejon had two great opportunities to score in the first seven minutes, Ramos had a clear header off a corner, and CR7 had another two chances to extend the lead, but all opportunities were wasted. Despite these missed opportunities, Real Madrid was in control of the game and everything was looking like they were going home with the 0-1. However, in the 93^rd minute, which was the last play of the game, CSKA boomed the ball into Madrid 18-yard box in hope to make some out of nothing, and they make something when lack of concentration left Wembloom alone who simply blasted the ball past Casillas to tie the game and give CSKA hope in this tie. Despite that late CSKA goal, the 1-1 draw still works in favor of Real Madrid as the series shifts to the Santiago Bernabeu. Realistically, it shouldn’t be too much of a challenge for Real Madrid. Getting that all important away goal, playing in their stadium, with real grass, and temperatures they are accustomed to should make it a cake walk for Real Madrid. Not to mention this was CSKA’s first official game of 2012 as the Russian season doesn’t begin until the first week of March and by the time they meet again, they would have only played a few official games. However, that is what everyone said two years ago when Sevilla left Moscow with this exact score line and ended up getting eliminated in their home stadium. Still, at the level Real Madrid is playing right now and with Mou at the helm, CSKA should not be a problem.

Real Madrid vs. Racing de Santander Recap

By El Maestro

After extending their lead with Barcelona by an astonishing 10 points in the league table, Real Madrid hosted a struggling Racing de Santander team, with an eye on Tuesday’s Champions League tie against CSKA Moscow. With the tie three days away, many felt Mou might use this game to sit some key players to have them well rested for the game in Russia, however, he didn’t want any surprises and came out with his usual starting 11. The only change was Varane at center back and Ramos moving over to right back with Arbeloa out due to suspension.

Real Madrid had a dream start as they opened the scoring in the 6^th minutes after Kaka’s blocked shot was deflected back to him who quickly headed it across goal to find a wide open Ronaldo to easily head it in. After the goal, Racing could do only two things; play for honor and hope they didn’t leave the Bernabeu with a bag of goals. Well, they did fight valiantly; unfortunately it wasn’t enough keep Real Madrid from putting four on the board. Up a goal, Madrid tried to stretch Racing by moving the ball and created opportunities to get a second goal, but were not able to capitalize. However, just before halftime, Madrid would extend their lead after a quietly taken foul was chipped by Benzema over Racing goalkeeper Tono into the goal. It was not clear if the ball was deflected in by a Racing defender or Sergio Ramos; either way the goal was rewarded to the French man. Unfortunately, this just added to Racing’s problems as minutes earlier, they went down 10 men after Cisma was sent off for a double yellow.

The 2^nd half was much of the same with Real Madrid holding the possession of the ball and Racing just pleading for the final whistle to blow. With the game under control, Mou saw the perfect opportunity to put in Di Maria who was playing his first game of 2012 and hadn’t played since the 2-6 thrashing of Sevilla. Despite the long layoff, Di Maria played like he had not missed a beet and made things even worse for Racing by scoring the third goal of the game with a terrific blast. Real Madrid would get a fourth goal six minutes from time after a poorly executive one on one by Xabi was recovered by Benzema who took care of putting it into the back of the net.

Against a Racing side who is currently fighting to stay up in the top flight, Madrid took care of Cantabrian side without breaking a sweat; then again, Madrid could of played at 10% speed and they still would have beaten Racing. The best part of the game, besides the four goals, was Real Madrid was finally able to keep their goal in the Bernabeu at 0 for the first time in almost three months. The only disappointment was Di Maria relapsing from his injury just as the game was coming to an end where he had to be escorting off. So far, the injury seems to be nothing serious, but it is in doubt if he will travel with the team to Russia. Besides that, Real Madrid did what they needed to do and now cross off another game from their schedule as they continue to count down La Liga.