Almeria 1-2 Real Madrid
April 17th, 2010
posted by admin 9:50 pm
A potentially tricky tie turned out to be just that in the Estadio del Mediterráneo, but in the end Real Madrid’s class shone through.
After a dominant start a goal completely against the run of play for the home side from Albert Crusa,sent the home fans into raptures, and sent the heads of the Los Blancos players hanging with disbelief. More continued dominance in what was always going to be an open game paid off, as the inspirational Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed an equaliser in spectacular fashion. A great run full of trickery from the No 9, completed with a well placed left footed finish beyond the keeper and into the bottom corner. The pressure continued from Madrid as they went close once more, this time with Guti who’s pacey shot struck the foot of the post only for Rafael Van der Vaart to get the rebound all wrong. Straight down the other end and the quick attack of Almeria created another chance, and but for a fancy flick from Nigerian Kalu Uche the away side should have been behind once more.
The second half Real where much more on top, and started to dominate the game however time and time again they were kept at bay by Brazilian Diego Alves. Despite all the superb fanatics from the keeper, you had to feel a goal was coming and it did from the Dutch man who after a horrible miss in the El Classico made no mistake this time. A shot hit full to the brim with power fired into the bottom corner to give Madrid a long awaited lead, which eventually rounded up the match.
Man of the Match:
Rafael Van der Vaart. The Dutchman grabbed the all important winner, but despite his goal put in a great performance once again. Always available for the pass the No 23 gives Madrid that extra creative option in attack when the ideas are running thin. Time and time again he found pockets of space in behind the Almeria midfield, and showed great technique in pulling off first time shots. It does seem inevitable that when Kaka returns he will make his way back to the cold bench, but on current form he deserves nothing but a start in the first eleven.
