As the above Real Madrid team photo shows, the novelty was the start of new Brazilian signing Lucas Silva over Illaramendi (came on later) & Benzema in doubt due to flu.
The game swayed at times, as the Germans placed a well organized & disciplined set up which hampered the Real Madrid play. In fact, the Spaniards started with long balls as the midfield was crowded with Schalke 04 pressuring. However, the individual talents of the Real Madrid players found their groove & began to dominate.
The first goal came in the 26th min when Cristiano Ronaldo headed a perfectly placed Carvajal pass. The Portuguese player later had more goal opportunities but he was foiled in his attempts by the German defenders or their goalkeeper. Unfortunately for Schalke they lost Huntelaar - & fire power upfront - to injury in the 32nd min.
The second half saw a more determined Schalke which played better & even created goal opportunities hitting the cross-bar mid way through the half. If the ball had gone in we may have been talking about a different outcome, but Marcelo scored the Real Madrid second goal & sealer in the 79th min. A "blinder" riffled shot from a Ronaldo assist that could not be stopped by young goalie Wellenreuth of Schalke.
Lastly, great match from Carvajal & Isco for Real Madrid, while Boateng caught my attention for Schalke 04.
Tweet
No comments:
Post a Comment