Real Madrid-Athletic

Real Madrid played at home last night, at Bernabeu, against Athletic, and Woodgate made his official debut by heading the ball into his own net, and even managed to get expelled, after the accumulation of two yellow cards. Despite not playing a good game, Madrid was far better than Athletic, and deservedly won the game 3-1.

Robinho, seen in the photo below, with Lacruz, scored his first goal in the league, and the first goal for Madrid, on a good freekick , taken by Beckham. Raúl scored the second, after yet another selfless pass from Ronaldo, and Raúl also headed in the last, after a corner by Beckham. Hopefully, the victory will help the team settle down, and start it on its path to better, and more entertaining soccer, that we were accustomed to seeing in the past. Many questions remain unanswered, however.



The biggest question for me is how Luxemburgo can team Gravesen and Pablo García , and expect them to drive the team forward, as both are basically defensive players, with limited talent for offense, as readily commented by sports journalists, while leaving Guti on the bench.

There was no indication of his famous "four-sided square", which actually more resembles a diamond in shape. In a post-game interview he did not want to discuss his dislike of wing play, although volunteering that such play opens up the defense, as you see when good wingplayers like Vicente and Joaquin play. You see the flaw with his theory clearly demonstrated every time they play against a team set on defending the centre area, in front of the goal. It becomes next to impossible to penetrate it and score. There are just too many legs and bodies around, and it becomes just like a traffic jam, inert.

After having played a few weak games lately, Casillas showed clear indications of recovery, and made at least two good saves that helped his team win the game.

Although the team possesses enough great players like Ronaldo and Robinho, who are capable of winning games for their team on their own, at times, the team needs to play more like a confident team, playing together, with crisp and speedy passes, and decisive finishes. Only then will they return to the great team they used to be.

Time will tell whether Luxemburgo has what it takes to do the job, but you can clearly sense that he had better get it done quickly or he will be gone. He survived this first test, but there will be others coming up, and soon.