Real Madrid secured their third win of the season with as many games played in a convincing scoreline but a not so convincing performance. iSport’s Karan Shah reviews the game…
Real welcomed newly promoted Xerez to the Bernabeu on Sunday night on what was supposedly going to be a stroll in the park game for the home side. The match started extremely well for new signing Cristiano Ronaldo who scored inside 50 seconds for the opening goal. Gaining possession in the midfield Ronaldo darted towards the penalty area and unleashed an unstoppable low shot into the right corner to make it 1-0 for Madrid.
Almost immediately Madrid scored again with another Ronaldo shot being parried by the goalkeeper into Raul’s path whose effort was surprisingly saved. Madrid started with a bang, but failed to capitalize on it with the ball staying more in the midfield area of the field. Xerez showed courage at the back but had barely any opportunities in front of Madrid’s goal. Madrid’s defending from set pieces once again left a lot to be desired. Marcelo was often left out of position however Xerez lacked the firepower required for the important goal. The match went into halftime with Madrid leading 1-0.
The second half started in a similar fashion with both teams engaged in midfield battles. Xabi Alonso was not featuring in today’s match due to an injury and his place had been taken by Gago who once again showed why he is not chosen by Pellegrini ahead of Alonso. Gago, by far, was one of the worst players on the pitch and the Madrid faithful made their voice heard by constantly jeering him. With a quarter of an hour left Granero came in for Raul who like Benzema had barely anything to do in the game. Madrid picked up pace little by little and started dominating plays. Ronaldo found the back of the net again with a sublime header from Granero’s corner.
Six goals in four matches for Ronaldo! If he goes this way its sure he will surpass his United best of 42 goals a season. Next up to score was Guti when Benzema failed to connect Ronaldo’s pass and Guti volleyed it into the net. Benzema had a fairly poor game. Ronaldo was substituted for Van Nistelrooy who was playing his first game for Madrid after a year. Another attack started by Guti ended up in a goal when Nistelrooy assisted to Benzema whose powerful shot found the back of the net. Madrid 4-0 Xerez. RVN was on the score sheet again with a classic shot between the keeper’s legs to make it 5-0 for Madrid.
An easy game. A brilliant score line. However the performance left a lot to be desired for Manuel Pellegrini’s men. Next up is Villareal in the midweek which will be the first real test of the season. It will an be interesting duel with Madrid playing away to the Yellow Submarine. However this was an apt response to Barcelona’s 5-2 drubbing of Atletico Madrid.
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