Real Madrid 2-0 Osasuna
The third final is passed with flying colours, leaving Madrid two points off the leader
It’s been a great Easter weekend for Real Madrid and all the prayers bore their fruit: Barcelona and Sevilla slipped up, and the Madridistas capitalised on the opportunity to cut into the lead –now two points off the leader and one behind the second spot-. Fully immersed in the Leagu, Fabio Capello’s men fed off a Bernabéu that witnessed great performances by Emerson and Diarra, a goal by Raúl, and Robinho clinching the victory yet again. With the third final crossed of the calendar and morale soaring higher than ever, the Whites are already thinking about the fourth assault: Racing.
Two points away from Barcelona and one from Sevilla… Could this Easter weekend have ended any better –don’t forget the victory by another true Madridista: Fernando Alonso-? The week turned out to be a true blessing for Real Madrid, and Sunday, a passion. The passion of a fan base who made its way to the Bernabéu en masse and whose expectations were running wild, especially after a Catalan loss and a Sevillian draw.
Hopes that steadily rose as the minutes ticked by. Reason being, Fabio Capello’s starting eleven, which included the return of the Diarra-Emerson double pivot and Robinho on the left flank, took the pitch for their third final –with Nàstic and Celta out of the way-. And what a great start: well-situated, setting the pace and intensity, playing vertically along the wings and, most importantly, the joy of a happy team on its home turf.
Resurrection of Emerson & passion of Raúl
Everything was unravelling to perfection. The rain let up, the sun came out, and the first applause from the crowd were for Emerson, who today did away with any ghosts of days gone by. And he did so with resounding play in defence, assisting his teammates non-stop, with a more attack-minded spirit, with an air of leadership and constant encouragement and, of course, a great goal-assist for Raúl. The Madrid captain deserves his own special mention. On his mission as attacking midfielder, number “7” set another example of winning attitude, passion, and dedication. Additionally, many of the Madridista attempts came by way of Raúl’s runs from the left wing, which ended in crosses into the box for Van Nistelrooy –the score could have easily been 2-0 by the 36’-. Furthermore, Raúl is synonymous with goal.
He was the first to have a go -his strike off the first corner kick of the match in the second minute sailed high-, and he was the first to hit the back of the net. Diarra served the ball into the box, Emerson headered it to a standstill, Raúl finished, and passions ran wild at the Bernabéu (min.24). Osasuna began leaking gas after the goal and relied on long balls to a very lonely Webó. David López was the only player to upset Casillas’ peace in goal.
Robinho yet again… that makes three!
At halftime, Ziganda must have reminded his men about the UEFA spirit which resulted in three scores against Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday. The team from Pamplona came out clicking on all cylinders and controlled the ball for the first ten minutes. But the Reds did little more. Emerson reappeared in the box to header a Sergio Ramos centre (min.54) and Real Madrid went back to their game plan and put on a tremendous display of physical form.
But there was more good news: recovered from injury, Roberto Carlos returned to the Bernabéu. Standing ovation for Miguel Torres –the youth teamer has been a symbol of commitment and effectiveness on the left wing since joining the first team-. The Whites continues dominated during the final passes of the match, and goalkeeper Ricardo stepped up to be the top performer of his team.
Emerson and Diarra joined Van Nistelrooy in the box for every try on goal, and even Sergio Ramos had a go with a great strike from 15 metres out (min.73). But, who other than Robinho, who has yet to fail in three straight matches, to clinch the victory. He himself started the counterattack and then left the ball for Higuaín. The Argentine centred and Ricardo left the ball on a silver platter for Robinho to seal it. Three or more goals could have fallen –Ramos missed first, and then Reyes-, but the mission had been accomplished. Madrid are closing in and the dream of winning the League is more alive than ever. One more reminder: Together we can!
Damn I swear the webmaster of this Real Madrid website must be the same webmaster of Milan's. They exaggerate every damn thing with so much biasedness that even Mike's Adriano bias pale in comparison.
And Robinho kissing the Real Madrid badge...
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