Back in Elche

By El Maestro

I’m pressed for time and I have little intentions of giving my full opinion of the game I just saw. So here’s a basic recap. Real Madrid traveled to Elche for the first time in 24 years.

IT WAS A TERRIBLE GAME. Simple as that. Madrid could barely get anything going in attack, there was no energy and the team seemed more focus on Saturdays Derby against Atletico. If Elche didn’t open the scoring, it was because they didn’t have anyone to poke the ball in. Real Madrid got lucky thanks to defensive mistakes from Elche, and (it has to be said) Muñiz Fernández. The free kick that led to the first goal was not a foul. Some contact did exist, but it wasn’t enough to be called. However, there came Elche’s mistakes with the wall opening up, allowing Ronaldo’s shot to go through, and the keeper not being able to get a strong hand to knock it away. Despite this, Madrid’s performance barely improved in the 2nd half, and almost let the game slip away in the first minute of stoppage when more horrific defending from Madrid left Boakye unmarked in the middle for an easy header to equalize. Then, on what was the last play of the evening, Madrid were rewarded a penalty after a scuffle between Carlos Sanchez and Pepe, which in reality could have gone either way. It looks like Pepe could have made the most of it, but the argument can be made that the foul could have been given to either side. Again, CR7 stepped up and netted the game winner in the 95th minute.

The Controversy:

A controversial match handled by Muñiz Fernández who jeopardized both teams at one point in the game. Elche with the free kick and the possible penalty, which could have gone either way. Madrid, BY NOT SENDING OFF RAMOS.

It was clear Muñiz had the intention to send him off, but then he realized one thing: Varane was on the bench. If he sent Ramos off, then Ancelotti would have put in Varane. He would have partnered with Pepe, but since Varane counts as two center backs in one, that wouldn’t have made a difference, especially against Elche. If Varane could swallow Messi up on his own, he could eat the entire Elche team as a snack. Along with this, a game or so out for Ramos wouldn’t have been a bad idea and could have helped to improve his performances (maybe). However, Muñiz realized it quickly and wanted to prevent it. Obviously, everyone knows how great a defense Madrid has when Ramos is in form and Varane is playing, but “they” can’t allow that to happen. Another bad performance, then again, how many Spanish referees actually do a good job? (1 or 2).

Real Madrid won, the league leaders continue to be only 2 points away and now it’s time for the Derby against Atletico on Saturday.

           

Real Madrid vs. Getafe Recap

By El Maestro

The Mini Derby (I think)

After the great performance in Istanbul, Real Madrid returned to league play where they had to get their act together after dropping points the week before against Villarreal. All the talk before the match was the much awaited debut of Gareth Bale in the Santiago Bernabeu, which had all Madrid buzzing. Unfortunately, that debut will have to wait another week as the Welshman suffered an injury during the warmups and was left out of the 18-man squad for the game. In his place came Isco playing in his typical behind the striker role, while Di Maria was pushed out to his right wing position. Along with this, Ancelotti gave Ramos and Modric a rest, and started Nacho at center back and new signing Illarramendi to partner Khedira in midfield.

However, like the week before, Madrid would begin losing when lost possession allowed Lafita to give Getafe the shock early lead when his shot was deflected by Pepe and found its way into the back of the net. Regardless, like always, Madrid pushed forward in search of the equalier, and found it in the 19th minute when Di Maria’s free kick was directed to goal by CR7, stopped by Moya and easily tapped in by Pepe. Almost ten minutes later, the opportunity for Madrid to take the lead presented itself when they were rewarded a penalty. As usually, ‘La Maquina’ stepped up and wonderfully placed it to make it 2-1. From that point on, the complexity of the game changed in favor of Madrid. Fourteen minutes after the restart, Isco doubled the lead when a free kick was taken quickly, and he maneuvered his way inside the box before picking his spot to beat Moya. Madrid did not stop there and could have enhanced the lead with opportunities from Benzema and Morata, but neither could take advantage of them. Despite these misses, Ronaldo would give the fans more to cheer about in stoppage time with a wonderful back-heel that rolled past the keeper to rap up the night.

In general, Real Madrid’s performance was not like last Tuesday, but the team is improving week by week and a lot of players are really sticking out. Again, my big concern is the defense, but hopefully that will be answered this week with Varane, Coentrao and Marcelo returning to action. Madrid will have their first La Liga midweek match on Wednesday where they will take on newly promoted Elche. Then they will return to the Bernabeu to play their most important game up to date:

The City Derby against Atletico Madrid.

 

Opening Night in Champions

By El Maestro

Well, I sure none of us expected this. Victory was all in our minds, but 6 goals in a stadium that is nicknamed “Hell” was not thought of by many. After a slow start to the match, Real Madrid just completely destroyed Galatasaray, which had fans storming out halfway through the 2nd half. However, as I said earlier, it was not an easy start to the game.

Like it’s been since the start of the season, all eyes were in goal as this time, Casillas put on his gloves for his first official match with Madrid since January. Unfortunately, that wouldn’t last long as in the FIRST minute, he would take a hit to the ribs. To make the matter even more stranger, the contact would come AGAIN from his own teammate, this time from Ramos. Regardless, he continued playing and made a good stop early, but was then forced off in the 14th minute. In came Diego Lopez who continued the fine work in goal, including a spectacular save to prevent Felipe Melo from opening the scoring.

Team Recap:

In terms of the team itself, it took awhile for Real Madrid to fully get going. Galatasaray had control of the game in the first 30 minutes and could have taken the leave in several occasions if not for the great work in goal. Despite the struggle, Madrid did have some opportunities off the break, but could also not take advantage. Then the deadlock would be broken in the 32 minute when Di Maria’s wonderful ball was brilliantly brought down by Isco, who controlled it easily and beat Muslera to make it 0-1. Suddenly, the floodgates opened.

2nd Half:

Long story short, the 2nd half was a complete ‘White’ massacre. After Yilmaz had failed to equalize right after the restart, Benzema did not miss his chance when a poor defensive clearance was pounced on by Di Maria who again provided the ball that allowed the Frenchman to breakthrough and extend the the lead to 0-2. Almost eight minutes later, Ronaldo made it three after an assist from Isco. In came Bale for Isco, who would instantly help to score the fourth two minutes after coming on. His free kick was headed by Ramos, stopped by Muslera and put away again by CR7 on the rebound. Ten minutes from time, it would be 0-5 in Istanbul when Ronaldo’s fabulous pass was tapped in by Benzema. Sadly, our happiness would turn into frustration when Amrabat’s cross was put away Burut, who beat both Ramos and Pepe to give the Turkish side a consolation goal (some things just never change). Thankfully, Cristiano would put that smile back on our faces with a fantastic world class goal, leaving three Galatasaray players in the dust before netting his hat-trick to make 1-6 in a beautiful night in Turkey.

Analysis:

Fantastic performance. Best match of the season up to this point. Real Madrid took the lead and never held up at any point (except the defense). They kept going and always wanted to score more. My only concern, likes it’s been for the last few matches, is in defense. More specifically: center back (Ramos & Pepe).

Today was a better performance, but again they were lacking the full 90 minutes of concentration needed. I know it was only one goal and after being up 0-5, but you can’t take your mind off even in these kinds of matches. Up 1-0 or 8-0, a football players head must be fully in check for the entire 90+ minutes and cannot allow cheap goals like that, especially in the Champions League. In fact, this is a problem Madrid has had with most of their teams for the last 30 years and is something I’m fed up with; also because it shows a weakness. I liked the hunger the offense had of constantly wanting to score, but I can’t stand these free goals allowed at the end (Varane, PLEASE BE READY!).

Other than that, great job and keep up the good work.

!Hala Madrid!

Villarreal vs. Real Madrid: Points Dropped

By El Maestro

Real Madrid dropped their first points of the season drawing 2-2 in El Madrigal against Villarreal. With Arbeloa, Coentrao and Marcelo picking up injuries during the international matches, Ancelotti started Carvajal and Nacho at both outback positions. He also shocked many by putting out Illarramendi in midfield and Bale from the start. Along with this, Carlo put out a starting 11 with no defensive midfielder, just like he did against Granada. Something Villarreal noticed and took full advantage of it the first 30 minutes. ‘The Yellow Submarines’ surprised many with their quick counter attack that led to their opening goal in the 20th minute through Cani. In fact, if not for Diego Lopez’s saves, Madrid could have been down 3-0 by the half hour mark. Luckily, Madrid was able to find a rhythm in the final quarter of an hour equalized in the 38th minute. Out of all the people, off the right foot of Gareth Bale (always a great way to start).

In the 2nd half, Real Madrid had a better feel, but still struggled in midfield to contain Villarreal’s strong counter attack. At times, it looked like our counter attack style from last season. Then Ancelotti pulled a double substitution, taking off Illarra for Khedira to have someone to hold the midfield. As well as putting in Di Maria for Bale, who couldn’t play the full 90 minutes. In the 63rd minute, it looked as if it paid off when Madrid’s own counter attack was finished by none other than CR7 to give Madrid the lead. However, it would only last seven minutes, as Giovani dos Santos would square it all at two after taking advantage of a poor clearance from Diego Lopez. From that point on, it was open play for everyone and either side could have won the match in the final 20 minutes. Asenjo stopped a powerful shot from Ronaldo and Diego came up big in a few instances. There was a bit of controversy 11 minutes from time when Di Maria looked to be taken down in the box, but no penalty was given (maybe if he had passed it early, it would have been a different story).

Real Madrid now falls behind in the La Liga table. It was only two points and the fourth game of the season, but we all know how the league can be. Madrid still hasn’t played the way we all expected nor has found the identity Ancelotti set when he first arrived. Regardless, it is still early and the team is gelling game by game. The important thing is to stay focused and not have the same problems we had at the beginning of last season. Today’s game is over, now it’s time to focus on the next one.

Champions League returns on Tuesday: HURRAY!!!!

‘El Topo’ starts in goal: DAMN!!!! 

Kaka, close the door on your way out

By El Maestro

“I have a family to feed you know.”

I know I’m more than a week late with this post, but I haven’t had much time to right in the last 12 days, and I really want to express my opinion on Kaka’s four seasons at Real Madrid. Kaka going back to Milan was another name that stood on the last day of the transfer deadline. Personally, I didn’t believe it until I saw him in Milan next to Adriano Galliani posing with the ‘Rossoneri’ jersey. To think five days before I had completely given up hope, but finally the saga is over. He leaves on a free transfer, much criticized by the press to get back at Florentino, but there was nothing else he could do. Kaka was a footballing dinosaur and at least Madrid save €20 million that was owed to him for the next two years.

What to say about Kaka’s stint with Real Madrid? The only person who’s happy is Nicolas Anelka  since the Brazilian probably topped him as the worst signing in our clubs history.

“Thanks Kaka, I owe you one.”

Coming in as a world class footballer, Kaka was also well known for his religious and spiritual background, which he was highly praised for. However, along with his talent disappearing, so did his spiritual way of thinking. If there’s something Kaka will be remember for at Madrid, it’s for making fun of the club that made a big effort to sign him and paid his ridiculously high salary (even when he didn’t deserve him). I’m sure many of you are shocked and want to call me every dirty in the book, but yes Kaka made fun of Madrid. Not with words, but actions. A few events come to mind.

Summer 2010: After his €65 million transfer and a poor first season, it was discovered he had a problem with his knee and doctors advised him to take the off-season to relax, meaning no World Cup. In fact, team doctors told him on several occasions he could seriously aggravate the injury if he played the World Cup. However, Kaka ignored those words and played the FIFA World Cup where his country was KO in the quarter finals, and then had to undergo surgery that kept him out for the next six months.

Summer 2012: I will say this, the 2011-2012 season was Kaka’s best in the white uniform. Mourinho got a good version out of him, but it was no where near the Kaka of old. Despite looking good, he was inconsistent at times and didn’t display that talent in any big games (like against Bayern). It was clear to everyone that Kaka could no longer be on this team if Madrid wanted to win the Champions League. Kaka was told of this and received offers to leave, but he refused for one simple reason: money. He made €10 million a year and the only offers he received were between €4-€6 million, which did not impress him. Mou was forced to find a spot for him and did what he could, but Kaka spend most of the 2012-2013 season on the bench rubbing his €10 million in front of Florentino’s face.

Summer 2013: Real Madrid signed Isco, Illarramendi and Bale to a squad that already had CR7, Di Maria, Xabi Alonso, Modric and Khedira. It was clear he was not going to play much and had no room on this team. There were far better players that could do more in one minute than Kaka in 15 games. However, he was “convinced” he could earn a spot and stayed for the entire preseason. It looked for sure he would continue to rub his salary in all our faces, when suddenly common sense finally hit him and he realized he wasn’t going to play (with the World Cup next summer). The only problem was he publicly asked to leave four days before the end of the transfer window, and with the club already having problems trying to complete the signing of Bale. Thankfully, it was all resolved on the final day. Kaka finally took a pay cut and went back to Milan.

I other words, Kaka put his personal interest first instead of what was best for the team. Of course the World Cup is every footballers dream, and everyone would kill just to play one. However, what people forget is that professional footballers don’t owe themselves to their countries, but to their clubs since they’re the ones who pay their salary. I don’t buy those excuses that the World Cup is played once every four years or that he’s a proud Brazilian patriot. I’m sure Villa wanted to play the Euro last summer with Spain, but he didn’t because he knew he simply couldn’t:

• He hadn’t played a game in six months.
• He would jeopardize the rhythm of play on the field.
• And also wanted to take that time to fully recover from his injury (since he owed himself to Barcelona).

I’m sure Kaka was quite the patriot when he asked Dunga to not call him for the 2007 Copa America because he was tired and wanted to relax. In fact, it’s possible Kaka is no longer the player he is thanks to his arrogance to play the 2010 World Cup, which later resulted in surgery to repair his damaged knee. Obviously, Kaka was only 28 years old when he had it, but knee/leg surgery for any professional footballer is never good, especially if it keeps you out for a long period of time. Some or most don’t go back to being the exact player they were before. Brazilian Ronaldo had some great years after his surgery, but some believe he wasn’t the same Ronaldo before he suffered his terrible injury.

Now what most madridistas will probably remember Kaka for are the money signs in his eyes. Refusing to take a pay cut and rubbing his €10 million in every single madridistas face as he watched from the bench/stands. Yes, €4 million is so little money now a days when some families struggle to even put food on there tables. Not to mention all the extra millions he makes from endorsements and advertisements. On top of that, he decides to finally express his desire to leave days before the transfer deadline. Very humble and noble from a guy who’s sold himself for years as a man of religion.

I will say this though, he didn’t get into any problems with his teammates or coaches in his four seasons with the club, and he wasn’t as problematic a player as others. He always arrived on time for practice, did what he was told, behaved himself appropriately off the field and at least tried to do something when he played (even though he had nothing). He was a big money signing that didn’t work out. For reasons no one exactly knows: the system, the country, the league, the club, the coach, the surgery, the World Cup, himself, etc. Whatever the reasons were, Kaka unfortunately didn’t pan out, but the most important thing is he’s finally out of the club. So before ending this post, I would like to send him out with some parting words.

Best of luck Kaka, enjoy your time with Milan and I hope the door didn’t hit you on your way out of Florentino’s office.

!Arrivederci Kaka! 

Estafa Ozil

By El Maestro

“Hello Wenger, my son wants to leave Real Madrid.”

Bale’s huge signing was then followed by Ozil’s departure to Arsenal for €45 million, plus €5 million in incentives. Everyone knows the incredible talent he possesses and it was a shock to many, but it was the right move. In all the years I’ve followed Real Madrid, never have I seen a player with the talent Ozil has and be as inconsistent as he was. Much was expected from him after his brilliant 2010 World Cup and first year with Madrid, but his next two seasons would be far different from what we all expected. He struggled with consistency and couldn’t display his amazing skills on a regular basis. Unlike CR7 who plays 29 out of 30 games like a beast, Ozil couldn’t play three complete games in a row. This season, despite new signings, Ancelotti starts Mesut in the opening two games and again he does nothing. After being substituted against Granada, he puts on a little face, heads straight for the tunnel and is on the bus before the game ends. While Di Maria has started the season on a high and has showed he actually wants to play for Real Madrid.

Ozil’s problem is that his head is not in the right place, from his private life to the people closet to him. Along with not being fully committed, his own father/agent, Mustafa Ozil, (but mostly agent) has the nerve to walk into Florentino’s office on several occasions since May asking for his son/client (but mostly client) to make the same €10 million a year salary that ‘La Maquina’ makes. Something I’m sure Floren told his staff as a joke.

Florentino: Hey guys, guess what.

Staff: What?

Florentino: Ozil’s father just came in asking to double his son’s salary.

Staff: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Not to mention he goes behind his sons back and tells other teams that Mesut is interested in leaving Madrid to bluff Florentino, when his son hadn’t express any interest in departing. Although in reality, it’s something we probably should have seen coming when in late 2011 he criticized Mourinho for the way he used his son on the field, and brought Barcelona into the picture: “In Barcelona everyone plays for Messi, while in Madrid no one plays for Ozil.”

http://www.mercafutbol.com/palito-padre-ozil-mourinho-109126/

When a professional football players father is more concerned about the money than his own sons well being, you know there is a problem. To make matters worse, he wanted the club to guarantee Mesut would be a full time started, completely forgetting what team he was playing for (just look at the goal for instance).

Although Estafa had a lot to do, Mesut must also take responsibility for his own departure. Even though much wasn’t said, Ozil wasn’t exactly the most professional player on the squad. He had a great first season because he was discipline and personally well organized. However, then he discovered the “fun” parts of Madrid. He started to party more, hung out with the wrong people (Sergio Ramos), stayed up late, didn’t get the right amounts of sleep and ate inappropriately. Not the way a profession footballer should be taking care of himself, especially playing for Real Madrid. Along with this, he let his father pull the stunts he did and left the club because he didn’t want to compete. A day after departing, Ozil commented that Ancelotti didn’t have confidence in him, but the reality is he quit. He saw all the talented players that were brought in, he was substituted in the opening two games and his father was breathing down his neck. He wanted to be a starter without having to leave it all in every practice and game.

In my opinion, Madrid did a great thing selling Ozil and also sent a strong message to those players who were thinking of asking for more money. Even though Ozil has an incredible ability and is worthy of playing for a big side, I think the white lights of the Bernabeu were too bright for him. At Real Madrid, no one is sacred nor an undisputed started. To where the white shirt, you must be willing to work hard and leave everything in every practice and game. If not, then someone else will. If there is something Madrid dislikes more than this, it’s annoying agents who only focus on the money and use unacceptable actions to get what they want.

Thanks to this, everybody’s happy. Ozil’s now at Arsenal where he’ll be an undisputed started making €8.5 million a year without having to compete, his father takes a big commission from the transfer and Madrid make one of their most expensive sales in history.

Estafa is asking for money his client doesn’t deserve and is trying to trick the club. Mesut is an inconsistent player with a very disorganized private life. On top of this, you sell him to Arsenal who doesn’t play in La Liga, is not a threat in the Champions League and offer €45 million with incentives. Well sold in my book. Now lets see what other agent is willing to enter Florentino’s office asking for a ridiculous amount for his client.

Well done Floren!

Deadline Day: Make or Brake

By El Maestro

On Monday, the summer transfer window came to a close and, like always, it was a hectic finish. However, after so much uncertainty, the squad has been sorted out perfectly to take on the upcoming season. Adan rescinded his contract, Denis Cheryshev was loaned out to Sevilla, Coentrao ended up staying, despite his intentions of leaving, and Kaka somehow finally left the club (who I will talk about another day). Of course, only two names really stick out.

After months of hard negotiations, Florentino signed Gareth Bale for a fee between €91-€101 million and presented him in the Santiago Bernabeu in front of 30,000. Ancelotti now has the final piece missing to this incredible squad, and has an embarrassment of riches to choose from. Obviously, Bale’s signing meant someone had to leave to make room. That player was Ozil who was sold to Arsenal for €45 million, plus €5 million in incentives. It was a shock to many as we all thought it would be Di Maria to depart, but Ozil’s low form and €45 million speak for themselves. A fantastic end to the transfer market.

Florentino: Well Floren, you’ve really taken your brilliant economic mind to new heights. This summer, Real Madrid spent between €158-€168 million, while bringing in a total of €104 million. In other words, Florentino covered Bale’s signing with the departures of Callejon (€10 million), Albiol (€12 million) Higuain (€37 million) and Ozil (€45 million). This is also despite the fact that he let Kaka leave for free (what else was he suppose to do), but at least it saves the club €20 million that was owned for the next two seasons. It’s amazing to think how great the club is economically when Spain’s in a huge mess. While I’m still not happy of the way he handled the Mourinho situation and a few other things around the club, he outdone himself this time. The only question I have is where did Arsenal get €45 million?

The Squad: The squad looks fantastic and is better than last season. The team has 23 official first team players, which consist of three keepers and 2 players per position. The issue of overbooking is no longer a problem and every player can actually contribute to the squad (unlike Kaka). Coentrao, who wanted to leave and couldn’t due to some late paperwork, stayed and I have no problem with that what so ever. He had a great season last year, he’s a very good left back and is mistreated for simply being Mou’s €30 million Portuguese signing. The only position that’s a concern is at striker with Benzema’s bleak start to the season and Morata’s inexperience. However, with Di Maria still on the team, Ancelotti can put ‘El Fideo’ and Bale on the sides and Ronaldo at striker as an option. In fact, I personally will not be surprised if he goes with that lineup in the next La Liga match against Villarreal. Either way, Real Madrid has one of the best and deepest squads in the world, and is set to compete for all three titles.

23 Official Players:

Diego Lopez/Iker Casillas

Arbeloa/Carvajal        Ramos/Nacho        Varane/Pepe        Marcelo/Coentrao

Khedira/Casemiro        Xabi Alonso/Illarramendi

Di Maria/Bale        Isco/Modric        Ronaldo/Jese

Benzema/Morata

Real Madrid vs. Athletic Bilbao:

Naturally, I couldn’t end this post without talking about last Sunday’s game. Real Madrid continued their great start to the season and have gone 9 for 9. Modric was unbelievable, Isco scored twice, Di Maria was great and CR7 scored his first goal of the season. Good way to enter the international break. Next is Villarreal in El Madrigal, and then off to Istanbul for the first match of the Champions League against Galatasaray.

!Hala Madrid!