Real Madrid and Manchester United, possibly the biggest clubs in world football. It's rare we get to see these two giants come face to face but when they do, they rarely disappoint. They've faced each other in four different Champions League ties, the first way back in 1957 when Madrid won 5-3 on aggregate. In 1968 United would exact their revenge with a 4-3 win. In 2000 Real scored three times at Old Trafford to win 3-2 and in 2003, when David Beckham returned to face his former club, Madrid won 6-5. Only once has their been a 0-0 draw between these sides and six times there was at least four goals. Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the best in the world, comes up against Robin Van Persie, the best in England. José Mourinho, one of only four managers to win a league title in four different countries, against Sir Alex Ferguson, arguably the greatest manager of all time. The scene is set for these two giants of world football to collide.
They may be sixteen points behing bitter rivals Barcelona, and four behind their city rivals Atletico, but there is no doubting the quality that Madrid possess. Players such as Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain are capable of scoring out of nothing which makes them constantly dangerous. Players like Mesut Ozil, Kaka or Angel Di Maria are capable of creating chances out of nothing, while a player such as Ronaldo only needs a half yard to devastate teams. Fresh from scoring his fifth hat-trick of the season, Ronaldo is coming up against United, with who he won the Champions League and three league titles as well as countless individual awards, for the first time since his £80 million move to Madrid in 2009. It didn't take long for Ronaldo to become a club legend at United and when he returns to Old Trafford for the second leg he will be welcomed back with open arms. The outcome of tonight's game at the Bernabeu could very well depend on the impact the Portuguese star can have.
Sir Alex Ferguson is one of the best in the business when it comes to stopping influential players on opposing teams so I'm sure he's spent every day since the draw was made thinking about how he will stop Ronaldo. I expect him to use Phil Jones. He may only be 19 and he might be inexperienced but he can have a huge effect on this game. He nullified Gareth Bale when United faced Spurs a few weeks ago. Marouane Fellaini had been a thorn in United's side for two games but, when he faced Jones on Sunday, he was ineffective. Everytime Ronaldo is on the ball I would be surprised if Jones wasn't very near by. If Ronaldo stays on the left then Rafael and Jones will likely double up on him. If he plays on the right then Evra and Jones will double up. Personally, I think Ronaldo would be more effective through the middle tonight but I don't expect him to play there. He will drift from side to side if he isn't getting the right service and that's why a man marking job might be the only way.
If Ferguson doesn't go with Jones then I think we might see Valencia on the right, Carrick and Cleverley through the middle and Giggs on the left. I expect Rooney to sit in the middle and try to stay close to Xabi Alonso. He done a similar job on Arteta earlier in the season and was very effective. That gives Ferguson the option of crowding the middle by switching Rooney to the left and playing Giggs through the middle. I would be very surprised to see Ferguson take the game to Madrid away from home. It is likely to be a very conservative approach tonight and try to attack them on the break. I do think that if United came out and attacked Madrid they could get goals, and plenty of them, but that would leave them open at the back and if average Premier League teams are scoring goals then Madrid would be in their element with all that space.
It's going to be interesting to see the mini battles all over the field with two master tacticians on the sidelines. Madrid have been hit and miss so often this season but I don't see them being anything but their best over these two legs. United were conceding goals too often earlier in the season but the defence has been much stronger in recent times with clean sheets coming more regularly. Mourinho will fancy his side to score at Old Trafford so he wouldn't be disappointed with a 0-0 draw. I think United need a goal tonight. They need something to take back home and I think they'll get it. Despite the conservative game that many expect, I do think there is too much attacking quality on show for there not to be goals. Madrid are suspect t conceding on the counter and United have been excellent on the counter all season. I think we will get goals tonight and I think it will be all square going into the second leg.
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
Premier League Round-Up
The midweek Premier League fixtures provided plenty of goals and plenty of drama as six of the ten games ended in a draw. Manchester United moved seven points clear at the top of the table after a come from behind win over Southampton at Old Trafford. Jay Rodriguez put the Saints ahead early on but Wayne Rooney equalised within five minutes and wrapped up the points before the half hour mark. The United defence had to withstand a strong push from Southampton but they held firm to stretch further clear of their rivals Manchester City.
The champions were held to a scoreless draw away to Queens Park Rangers as Harry Redknapp's men continue to fight for survival. The Rangers defence was incredible throughout led by the veteran Ryan Nelson, who was playing what is expected to be his last game as he moves to a managerial role in the US. Julio Cesar was the obvious man of the match as he denied City on numerous occasions, including a spectacular save to deny Gareth Barry.
Wigan gained another point to aid their attempt to avoid the drop when they came from two goals down to grab a draw at Stoke City. Ryan Shawcross had put the Potters ahead and Peter Crouch doubles the lead shortly after the break. Two goals in ten minutes from James McArthur and Franco di Santo brought the Latics level. Both sides pushed for the winner but there were to be no more goals and the two teams had to settle for a point each.
Aston Villa's woes continued as they lost at home to Newcastle. Christian Benteke, the only bright light from a miserable season, brought them back into the game with a penalty but the damage was done in the first half as Newcastle went two goals in front through Papiss Demba Cisse and a sweet strike from Yohann Cabaye. It was a much needed win for the Toon Army but a step closer to the drop for Villa who must surely buy in the closing hours of the transfer window.
Swansea and Sunderland played out a dire goalless draw at the Stadium of Light. In a battle of two mid table teams chances were few and far between and neither side were able to make a break through. Fulham got back on track with a 3-1 win over West Ham at Craven Cottage to move them above the Hammers in the table. Everton moved within a point of fourth place after beating West Brom by two goals to one at Goodison Park. Two goals from Leighton Baines were enough for the Toffees as West Brom struggled to threaten for much of the game.
Tottenham left the door open for Everton as they had to settle for a draw away to Norwich. Wes Hoolahan had put the Canaries in front but ten minutes from time Gareth Bale earned Spurs a share of the spoils. Arsenal and Liverpool played out a 2-2 draw at the Emirates in a game riddled with mistakes. Liverpool went ahead through a scrappy goal from Luis Suarez and when Jordan Henderson tapped home a rebound it looked like Liverpool were on their way to all three points. Arsenal were the better side in this game and showed great resolve to get back into the game. Olivier Giroud nodded home the impressive Jack Wilshere's free kick and Theo Walcott scored with a powerful strike from a tight angle.
Rafa Benitez' nightmare spell in charge of Chelsea continued as they let a two goal lead slip late on against Reading. Juan Mata and Frank Lampard had put the Blues two ahead but Reading continued to fight until the end and they got their reward late on. Substitute Adam Le Fondre scored in the 86th minute and again in the 94th minute to earn his side a point and pile the pressure on Benitez.
We learned quite a lot over the past few days as teams try to make a late season push. United look in control of the title race as they continue to pick up the points and City continue to struggle. Reading and QPR are showing good form in recent weeks as they try to move away from the relegation zone. Harry Redknapp has done a great job with Rangers and they are now unbeaten in four. Chelsea are in serious decline and I still feel it's because of the management. Benitez will always try to not lose a game before trying to win it and with the attacking options he has at the Bridge that is a crazy attitude. Under Di Matteo I think the Blues would be challenging for the title but now it looks like they could be dragged into the battle four the Champions League places. I wonder do the club look across London at Spurs and wish they still had AVB in charge? To draw with Brentford and then make just three changes to go away to Reading made no sense to me. They were so poor on Sunday surely there were more players in line for the bench.
How about Swansea City? Michael Laudrupp has done a great job there and they are unbeaten in six league games and have a cup final to look forward to next month. Everton are in line for a Champions League spot and it would be just reward for the work David Moyes has done there with such little resources. Has the French influence helped turn the tide at Newcastle? They looked much better last night against Villa and they will be hoping to make a charge into the top half in the remaining months.
Finally, it may not have been a classic El Classico but a young defender certainly left his mark on the biggest rivalry in football. Raphaele Varane gave an outstanding display in the Madrid defence as he helped Real keep out the threat of Leo Messi and he even popped up to score the equaliser late on. A 1-1 draw leaves the game finely poised ahead of the second leg.
The champions were held to a scoreless draw away to Queens Park Rangers as Harry Redknapp's men continue to fight for survival. The Rangers defence was incredible throughout led by the veteran Ryan Nelson, who was playing what is expected to be his last game as he moves to a managerial role in the US. Julio Cesar was the obvious man of the match as he denied City on numerous occasions, including a spectacular save to deny Gareth Barry.
Wigan gained another point to aid their attempt to avoid the drop when they came from two goals down to grab a draw at Stoke City. Ryan Shawcross had put the Potters ahead and Peter Crouch doubles the lead shortly after the break. Two goals in ten minutes from James McArthur and Franco di Santo brought the Latics level. Both sides pushed for the winner but there were to be no more goals and the two teams had to settle for a point each.
Aston Villa's woes continued as they lost at home to Newcastle. Christian Benteke, the only bright light from a miserable season, brought them back into the game with a penalty but the damage was done in the first half as Newcastle went two goals in front through Papiss Demba Cisse and a sweet strike from Yohann Cabaye. It was a much needed win for the Toon Army but a step closer to the drop for Villa who must surely buy in the closing hours of the transfer window.
Swansea and Sunderland played out a dire goalless draw at the Stadium of Light. In a battle of two mid table teams chances were few and far between and neither side were able to make a break through. Fulham got back on track with a 3-1 win over West Ham at Craven Cottage to move them above the Hammers in the table. Everton moved within a point of fourth place after beating West Brom by two goals to one at Goodison Park. Two goals from Leighton Baines were enough for the Toffees as West Brom struggled to threaten for much of the game.
Tottenham left the door open for Everton as they had to settle for a draw away to Norwich. Wes Hoolahan had put the Canaries in front but ten minutes from time Gareth Bale earned Spurs a share of the spoils. Arsenal and Liverpool played out a 2-2 draw at the Emirates in a game riddled with mistakes. Liverpool went ahead through a scrappy goal from Luis Suarez and when Jordan Henderson tapped home a rebound it looked like Liverpool were on their way to all three points. Arsenal were the better side in this game and showed great resolve to get back into the game. Olivier Giroud nodded home the impressive Jack Wilshere's free kick and Theo Walcott scored with a powerful strike from a tight angle.
Rafa Benitez' nightmare spell in charge of Chelsea continued as they let a two goal lead slip late on against Reading. Juan Mata and Frank Lampard had put the Blues two ahead but Reading continued to fight until the end and they got their reward late on. Substitute Adam Le Fondre scored in the 86th minute and again in the 94th minute to earn his side a point and pile the pressure on Benitez.
We learned quite a lot over the past few days as teams try to make a late season push. United look in control of the title race as they continue to pick up the points and City continue to struggle. Reading and QPR are showing good form in recent weeks as they try to move away from the relegation zone. Harry Redknapp has done a great job with Rangers and they are now unbeaten in four. Chelsea are in serious decline and I still feel it's because of the management. Benitez will always try to not lose a game before trying to win it and with the attacking options he has at the Bridge that is a crazy attitude. Under Di Matteo I think the Blues would be challenging for the title but now it looks like they could be dragged into the battle four the Champions League places. I wonder do the club look across London at Spurs and wish they still had AVB in charge? To draw with Brentford and then make just three changes to go away to Reading made no sense to me. They were so poor on Sunday surely there were more players in line for the bench.
How about Swansea City? Michael Laudrupp has done a great job there and they are unbeaten in six league games and have a cup final to look forward to next month. Everton are in line for a Champions League spot and it would be just reward for the work David Moyes has done there with such little resources. Has the French influence helped turn the tide at Newcastle? They looked much better last night against Villa and they will be hoping to make a charge into the top half in the remaining months.
Finally, it may not have been a classic El Classico but a young defender certainly left his mark on the biggest rivalry in football. Raphaele Varane gave an outstanding display in the Madrid defence as he helped Real keep out the threat of Leo Messi and he even popped up to score the equaliser late on. A 1-1 draw leaves the game finely poised ahead of the second leg.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)