That's what we, the Real Madrid fans, had to go through today to see Real Madrid win.
As I have said time and time again, the Real Madrid midfield and the back four DO NOT inspire any confidence. They are slow and lethargic and roam the pitch for 90 minutes without clearly identifying who they are supposed to mark.
Forget winning any silverware this year Sr. Florentino Perez.
What I am concerned about is just about any team in the Liga has a chance to beat Real Madrid this season.
Luckily in football it is the team that scores most goals wins.
For if it had been for possession, skill, pace, attacking football, Rayo would have won.
Ronaldo's goal was quite nice but I wonder whether he could have done that against a better side. But hey a goal is a goal.
Gareth Bale again provided some nice crosses from the right - one was headed in by Benzema and another pass to Ronaldo was neatly put away.
After scoring that goal, it seemed as if Benzema went off to sleep.
To all Real Madrid fans I have one question. Where was Alonso? Did he lead the midfield? Did he organize the plays? Did he do anything? Simply put - did he play?
Why can't Ancelotti see that he is including players who are past their prime.
Why not give Isco, Morata, Jese and Varane a go. They add a dimension which is lacking.
Finally what is the use of having Gareth Bale in the team when he rarely gets the ball. He has to always come back to collect the ball.
Is this the result of Ancelotti being brought to the Bernabeu?
Is this the result of Zidane's influence on the team as the Assistant Coach?
Is the result of buying super stars?
I don't mind Real Madridbeing beaten by a good and better team. But for Heaven's Sake - do not go down in this pathetic manner. It was the worst display of ineptitude I have seen from Real Madrid. And I can only blame Carlo Ancelotti and Florentino Perez.
One does not have to be "professional" football coach to tell you, and tell you correctly, that Real Madrid today is carrying Benzema , Arbeloa and Khedira. Without these three millstones around the Team's neck, I am sure Real Madrid will be a better team.
Forget analyzing the game.
We should discuss what is fundamentally wrong about the Team.
1. How many scoring chances were created in the first half?
2. How many passes were incomplete?
3. How many shots were taken at Atletic's goal?
4. How many times did Arbeloa pass the ball BACK to Pepe or Khedira?
5. How many times did Arbeloa cross the ball to his forwards?
6. How many times did Ronaldo enter Atletic's area?
The problems go on and on.
It was terrifying to see Atletico get the ball and run at the heart of the Madrid defence. The defence was like a house of cards - frail, weak and vulnerable. Everytime an attack was on, we felt the panic and terror in the defence.
Madrid's midfield was non existant today. Di Maria was awful. I was sorely missing Ozil weren't you Mr. Acelotti?
The only saving Grace was Diego Lopez. He was Madrid's savior yet again.
I really don't know where Madrid goes from here.
The Management needs to go back to the drawing board and start from the basics.
My simple advice is. You DO NOT need 11 men on the field. You need 11 professional, confident, skillful footballers who play in specialized positions and play as a team.
Watching the first half one might have thought that Elche are the favourites - the Galacticos and Real Madrid were the minions.
Again Mr. Ancelotti- I have said this time and again, but you continue to turn a deaf ear:-
1. Sergio Ramos should have been sent off - had the Referee not been kind to Real Madrid. I have said this over and over again, Ramos is going to get Real Madrid into serious trouble by being sent off. He plays a very rough and dangerous game. You cannot put your team in danger by being so stupid.
2. Why is Ramos the Captain when he continually attracts yellow cards setting a bad example to the youngsters? If he cannot tackle legally he should be benched. It seems he gets a yellow card every single match.
3. Albeloa - how many times did he cross the ball - ONCE. He takes the ball up to the oppositions area and then passes the ball back. Please see the TV replays. Its awful. Terrible waste of an attacking move if you have to go back when you are in opponents area.
4. Passing the ball back when there is no opponent near you - see how many times the ball was passed back when taking the ball forward would have been the most logical thing to do. See the TV replays.
5. What is Khedira and Albeloa doing in the team? Benzema is atleast trying today - but he should also be benched.
6. The Madrid defence and midfield are weak - letting Elche do whatever they want - attack freely down Madrid's left flank.
7. Had it not been for Diego Lopez, Real Madrid would have been 2-0 down going into the break.
8. You don't have a genuine right winger.
9. The left flank is where all the attacks are coming through - the same every game.
Mr. Ancelotti, you belittled Ozil during the week, but your words will come back to haunt you. There are very few players of Ozil's caliber in Real Madrid.
I hope you throw the book at those highly overrated and overpaid players. They do not do our REAL MADRID BADGE and COLOUR proud.
We are worried how Real Madrid will score, or will they score or can they score?
For us Madridistas, we have to suffer during every match. Our defence is porous. Our midfield lacks creativity and the forwards are not getting the right passes or crosses or through balls. Goals are like gold dust - very few and very precious.
The second half started and within a few minutes Ronaldo was brought down outside the Elche area and he converted from the free kick. The free kick went through the barrier; in fact I think the Madrid players moved away and the ball went through the gap into the near post bouncing just as it went in.
After the goal, Madrid played indifferent football. Nothing happened. It was all Elche - they were trying their best to score a goal. They shots at Diego Lopez's goal - reminding me of the old saying - if you don't shoot or take a shot, you will not score a goal.
Elche's perseverance finally paid off when during extra time they stretched the Madrid's defence and the Ghanian forward headed home a beautiful, nicely constructed goal. A good move - free flowing - nice to watch.
As time was ticking way, Madrid was awarded a corner and from the corner- a penalty. It seemed like Pepe was held and brought down in the area. It was perhaps a fair decision for Madrid but a cruel one for Elche.
Ronaldo converted from the penalty spot.
Madrid came away with the 3 points.
But well done Elche you deserve more. You left your hearts out on the field.
We the Real Madrid fans salute you.
You played well, you played with passion and you gave it your all.
Real Madrid as usual started off very slowly. In fact during the first few minutes of the match, Getafe was on the attack and in one of the first attacks on Madrid's goal, Getafe's Angel Lafita scored a lucky goal. The goal was deflected off a Madrid defender and Diego Lopez had no chance.
Madrid created some good moves with Di Maria, Carvajal, and Isco combining nicely. But unfortunately Benzema was again very disappointing. He missed a point blank chance from a cross from Carvajal. It is incredible how many opportunities the French International has been given to prove himself. In fact his poor display today drew jeers from the Madrid fans. Nacho give a good account of himself and he cut off a sure goal.
Madrid scored twice in the first half. The first was from a free kick and as Ronaldo's tap in was bouncing in front of the Getafe goal. All Pepe had to do was to tap the ball in.
The second goal came again from a free kick. Ronaldo's free kick hit Michel on the hand and a penalty was awarded to Madrid. And Ronaldo stepped up and converted the penalty without any difficulty.
Now Ronaldo has equaled and surpassed Hugo Sanchez's record of 208 goals but Ronaldo has played fewer games. All Madrid fans miss Hugo's celebratory back flips.
The Getafe forwards were dangerous and had a couple of chances.
But that was as far as they got.
The second half was far better for Madrid. They had the lion's share of possession and attacked the Getafe goal at will. But the main problem was Benzema. He could not finish. He could not put away sitters. An Albeloa cross found Benzema with an open goal but he headed it over the bar. Another pass he headed it past the goal post. It was embarrassing to see Benzema play.
Albeloa tried to get the Madrid crowd behind Benzema and applaud his efforts.
The third Madrid goal was brilliantly executed between Ronaldo and that GALACTICO Isco. A quickly taken free kick sent Isco on his way and he curled the ball in beating Moya - Getafe goalkeeper very easily.
The fourth goal came right at the end. A pass from Khedira which arrived a little late for Ronaldo, had Ronaldo twist and back heel the ball into the net. It was a clever and quick piece of thinking by Ronaldo and the goal looked spectacular.
In summary. Ancelotti it is very clear you have to find alternatives for Benzema, Khedira and Albeloa. I have said this numerous times but now you have to take action. Secondly, Madrid is very vulnerable in the first half hour or until Ronaldo settles into a rhythm. The defence has to withstand pressure during this period.
Finally I have a word of advice for Khedira. Why do you tend to pass the ball back to Pepe or Diego? This breaks the flow of play and gives the opposition time to regroup. I know by getting rid of the ball you think you are doing a great job, but in actual fact you are hurting Madrid's chances. I sincerely wish you see the video of your passing and see the damage that is being done.
Forget about the quality of Galatasaray. Its all about confidence in themselves, confidence in their much hyped forward line, confidence to do well, confidence that they are destined to be CHAMPIONS.
The first 35 minutes of the match was dominated by Galatasaray and an injury to Casillas which forced Ancelotti to bring on Diego Lopez. We are not really sure what happened, but they bandaged up Casillas around the midrift pretty good.
Galatasaray had most of the play and had two clear chances of goal. One save which Diego pulled off - diving fully extended to his left was a treat to watch. He used his full height to save what was a sure goal. The Turks could have had atleast two goals but let them slip away.
Real Madrid in a counter attack lobbed the ball from their own half, to that little genius - ISCO, who made no mistake and slipped the ball in at the corner of the goal giving the Turkish goalkeeper absolutely no chance.
Having gone down a goal, the Turks run of bad luck continued and Drogba, their Superstar, went down from what appeared to be a relatively innocent challenge. Anyway he too made his way down the tunnel to dressing room. His contribution for the evening done.
The second half began well for Real Madrid and they were made to look good by the numerous errors made by the Turks. Errors in passing, errors in communication and errors in judgement. The second goal - a defensive error that let Benzema in and then the flood gates opened and Madrid put another 4 goals away. Leaving the Turks reeling, wondering what had happened. The Turks scored a consolation goal at the end.
It was night which saw Ronaldo getting frustrated, shooting and missing opportunities and then ending the evening scoring a hat trick!! How lady luck changed his fortune within 30 minutes. His third goal when he latched on to a through ball from Bale, dribbled past three defenders to beat the keeper was a treat to watch.
The little genius - my GALACTICO - Isco was in my opinion the standout player for Madrid. He defended, played midfield, was up in attack, he created chances and scored a beauty. What more can you ask from a player?
Bale came on with about 30 minutes left in the match. His free kick led to a Ronaldo goal and then he slipped in a nice through pass which Ronaldo put away very neatly.
Now it seems that Ronaldo will have to start feeding Bale some passes to repay the generous service that he has been receiving from Gareth!!!
Di Maria was great as usual but his "bad" right foot caused him to miss out on goal scoring chances.
Now that the first Champions League match is out of the way, can you Mr. Carlo Ancelotti, get back to Madrid as soon as possible and start winning matches in the Liga.
ISCO put daylight between the two sides.
Two beautiful and well taken goals by this brilliant young player - ISCO, were great but his second showed class. It was very well put away and the Bilbao goalkeeper had absolutely no chance.
Ronaldo's header from a free kick, completed the final Madrid tally.
Real Madrid picked up another three points and kept their points tally to the maximum.
Nine points from three games.
Hala Madrid.
It was a pathetic display of ineptitude.
Real Madrid does not need Bale, they need a whole new team!!
What is the forward line doing? It cannot get together a couple of passes and get inside the Granada defence? If they cannot breakdown the Granada defence, what will they do against the better teams like Barcelona and Athletico Madrid?
Ancelotti you have a lot to think about. Ronaldo is clearly out of form, Benzema should be benched even if he scored the only goal. The only two players who tried today was Di Maria and Ozil. The rest spent the 90 minutes putting us to sleep.
Albeloa does not have the ability to cross the ball into the penalty area. The number of times he back passed the ball to Pepe or another team mate was incredible. The flow of the game is savagely cut and all comes a halt. In this day and age, if a left back cannot cross the ball and feed the forwards, he has no right to be in the team. Look at Marcelo, he crosses are beautiful - if the forwards mess it up - it is not his fault.
I am really frustrated seeing this poor poor quality of football.
Are the stories of the imminent arrival of Gareth Bale so disturbing to the Madrid players?
What is the reason?
They were up against Granada for God's Sake not Bayern Munich or Dortmund.
God help us.
If today's news is to believed , it is great news.
What I have been saying for so long is finally going to come true.
Benzema is being sold to Arsenal.
Thank God.
And we are finally going to get Gareth Bale.
Maybe we have paid too much - but atleast we have a good striker.
Hope the Ronaldo and Bale combo works effectively.
Dear Mr. Carlo Ancelotti
This was a pathetic display from Real Madrid. What was Ronaldo doing for the 90mins? Taking silly shots at goal and generally being ineffective. His free kicks were bad. I don't think I have a single positive word on his play tonight.
Please keep Khedira and Bezema on the bench. In my humble opinion they just make up the 11. You don't have to play with 9. You can bring in some of the talented youngsters you have sitting around.
The number of OFFSIDES Bezema was caught in was ridiculous.
How many opportunities were lost in this manner? Becareful of Ramos - his aggressive and very physical tackles will prove very costly for Madrid during the season.
Again I hate to tell you, but the defence is very weak. You have to strengthen the defence and tell the mid fielders that they have to fall back and defend when necessary.
The only player who was worth mentioning was ISCO - a GALACTICO in the making.
Please Mr. Ancelotti, if you want the fans to come and see Madrid - please do something dynamic.
You don't have to the same players from the Mourinho era. CHANGE. CHANGE NOW.
Remember you played Real Betis and scrapped through. What will happen when you play the better teams?
Sr. Calderon is it true you said that you think that Madrid is going after Bale as a possible replacement for Ronaldo?
I am flabbergasted!!!
Real Madrid, I mean Real Madrid, needs a WORLD CLASS striker upfront.
A proven class player who has played with a big club and has shown is class and skills at all level.
How can you say that Bale can even be considered as a replacement for Ronaldo in the same breadth?
As I have said earlier, consider Rooney instead of Bale.
Sr. Perez we all know Rooney is also available.
My simple question is, if you want to have a "star" striker to join forces with Ronaldo upfront and you have the financial backing, why not sign Rooney?
I am sure he will love to join his old buddy Ronaldo in Madrid.
Further it may be a quicker transaction and will put an end to all the speculation and guesswork. And more importantly it will give the Team some pre season stability and maybe practice time.
It was a match of two halves.
I was impressed with the first half.
The speed of the counter attacks was good. Glad to see Ronaldo's selfless pass to Ozil for the second goal.
The defence seemed a little more organized and were back in numbers against the Everton forwards.
However the presence of the midfield was not seen.
Again Isco impressed and also from the little that I saw of Jese - he seemed eager to make an impression.
Khadira and Albiola again failed to impress. I fail to see why they continue with the Blancos.
Carvajal needs to tighten up his game otherwise Varane will be impossible to replace.
The second half was in my opinion a 45 minute period to forget. The substitutions did not improve the quality of play - on the contrary - it made it worse.
I hate to repeat but no major plays develop down the right flank. The accuracy in passing needs to be improved.
Isn't it true that Madrid prefers playing down the left side?
Probably because Ronaldo is more comfortable down that flank.
This rules out the possibility of using the "breadth" of the playing area in their play.
The use of wingers can cause havoc catching defences out of place - with long diagonal passes.
But with all or most of the plays down the left, the attacks can become predictable.
If I may venture to add, this was perhaps of the one of the reasons why Madrid couldn't get an early goal in the return leg against Dortmund.
Any views?
ISCO was the Man of the Match.
The two super sublime passes which opened up the LA Galaxy defence and put the ball in the feet of Ronaldo and Bezema were fantastic.
At last we got a play maker. A person who has a vision.
We have another David Beckam.
The problem lies in our defence. They do not close down plays and allows acres of space to the opposing forwards.
The other "small" problem seems to be the accuracy of the passing. Speed is good but the passing should be better. More ball control and possession.
Overall the youngsters played reasonably. They and the team need to mature.
Finally ISCO should be nurtured and treasured.
He is valued at $ 105million.
So says the Spurs Management.
Really?
For a 24 year old who has never been tested on the big stage, I for one, will NEVER pay such an amount. Sure he has potential. But will it be realized in a SHORT PERIOD of TIME?
Madrid needs Trophies NOW. Madrid needs its DECIMA NOW.
Can Bale bring in the silverware?
Maybe.
But not in one year. He needs to adapt to the higher European standards. Before he fully integrates into the team. At White Hart Lane, Spurs played for him. At the Santiago Bernabeau, he will have to play for Ronaldo and the Team. It takes time to adjust and get used.
Further putting a $105 million price on his head - will be too much pressure on a young lad.
Then what happens to Ronaldo who likes moving to the left wing position during the match or to Marcelo who loves to go up and down the left flank?
Hold on Sr. Perez, even if Ramos has been quoted as saying he believes the price tag is reasonable, you need a STAR ( sure shot ) signing NOT a BIG PRICE signing.
I feel the Madrid supporters are saying - you don't have to do anything if the quality is not available. Keep looking.
Real Madrid wins away at PSG.
Kareem Benzema's goal proves to be the difference between the two teams.
Promising start.
But Madrid still needs to support Ronaldo upfront by a "star" signing.
To all you Real Madrid fans, don't you think that something really big is going on behind the scenes?
We hear that Higuain and Albiol have been sold.
What we do not hear is who will be the new striker to join Ronaldo up front?
I for one seriously doubt that Bale would be the one. He is a left winger and plays in a position that could clash with Ronaldo. Further Marcelo, if he is allowed to play, fills a similar role - not an out and out winger but a defender who can also attack.
So who is this wonder signing?
The suspense is killing me.
Whilst Sr. Perez is busy building his team for the next season, I would like to put forward the following points for consideration:-
1. The team needs another first class striker to work with Ronaldo.
2. Karim Benzema is not really of that calibre to be a Madrid forward. May be the time has come for his
departure.
3. What was the reason for getting rid of Di Maria? He was one of those youngsters who gave it his all and
was back defending and going forward as an attacking mid fielder.
4. We have to review Alonso's role in the team. He is not fulfilling his role as a play maker or the distributor
of the ball. If you do not have any ideas - think of Kaka filling this role.
5. Abeloa's role should be reviewed. He is not effective. He is weak, does not have pace and definitely out
of sorts when up against quality attackers. Further he is prone to get yellow cards.
6. I think, although this hurts me to say so, Casillas should be replaced by Diego.
Sr. Perez please get one or two quality players otherwise you are not going to win any silverware this year. And remember Barcelona is bolstering its forward line by incorporating Neymar.
