1-0 was the scoreline at La Rosaleda against a stubborn Malaga team. The game started off quite slowly for Madrid, and Malaga looked like the better side. 23' minutes in, magic happened. Cristiano Ronaldo received the ball from a Bale pass, cutting in and beating four Malaga players to slot it home past Willy Caballero.
Gif of Ronaldo's strike: http://giant.gfycat.com/EmbarrassedUntidyFlee.gif
Rest of the game had no goals but Isco missed a one v one, his chance to get a goal in what for him was a poor game. Malaga pressed really well. Credit to them.
I took many things from the game, and want to address a couple of issues and opinions. Madrid showed why they will win La Liga, Isco still has no real spot in the team, and if Alonso plays well we play well.
Like Champs
Every team has these type of games, being pushed back and playing below standard, but walking out with 3 points tucked neatly in their pockets. Walking out unscathed and still at the top, which is what's expected of a team like Real Madrid. Malaga pressed all game, giving no one any time on the ball. Almost every player misplaced some passes today, some really cheap giveaways. On top of that the constant crosses into our box, yet a clean sheet. How does that work? Simply having the determination when tactics, play, and everything goes against you the ball still does not cross the line. That's what makes winners winners, separates the men from the boys, the champions from the losers. That's what makes us Madrid!
Isco
Early in the season Carlo Ancelotti played around with different systems, and has gone with the 4-3-3 he so deeply loves. Except there's one issue, Isco who saved our butts early in the season has no spot. The three man midfield has Di Maria, Alonso, and Modric. The front three of Benzema Bale and Ronaldo also seems untouchable. So where does Isco fit?
Currently he sometimes plays CF, or CM. Today he played both. Starting off as CM he was easily pushed off the ball and lost possession a lot. After Benzema picked up a knock, he moved to CF. As a CF he played the magical disappearing act, and was no where to be seen. After a counter attack and a one on one with his former teammate Willy, Isco went on to gift the fans. Skying the ball into the stands.
Where do I think Isco will end up? I think he would be a great CF with time. He's got a deadly final touch, a great balance and control. Today maybe facing against his old team it got to him, but he certainly has time and support to adapt and improve.
Xabi Alonso=Wins?
We saw how Madrid played without Xabi this season. Its not pretty. With the return of Xabi Madrid has gone 30 games unbeaten, and he's controlled the midfield with some class. Today he had an off game, Malaga shut him down completely. Without Xabi we lose the transition from defence to offense, making whatever arsenal you have upfront useless. Xabi is crucial, but he's aging. That's why we bought Illaramendi for a reported 38 million Euros, an insurance buy for Xabi.
Onto our next game, Schalke 04 and Barcelona on Sunday march 23. Confident the Royal Whites will win, ¡hala madrid!
Those are my thoughts on the game, any feedback/comments are appreciated.
You STINK
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