Spanish successes in European soccer championship

After having been left out of the team in Barcelona's previous game, the two Brazilians, Robinho and Deco, came back with a vengeance, just like Rijkaard, the coach had hoped. It turned out to be a brilliant move by Rijkaard, as Robinho scored a hat trick, and Deco the fourth, as Barcelona beat Udinese at home the other day, with a score of 4-1.


Robinho's first goal was a beautiful freekick, that he curled into the upper cross corner. There is no doubt about this guy's gifts and skills. He possesses them all. Eto'o was replaced, late in the second half, and obviously extremely displeased with the decision. He has a tremendous ego. It is going to be interesting to see how it all works out down the road, as there are some severe problems with the team chemistry. It is not going to be any smoother with Messi having become a Spanish citizen, and member of the team, as that means increased competition for a spot.


With its victory, and 6 points, Barcelona is already set to move to the next round in the European Championship, as Udinese and Panathinaikos are three points behind in
Group C.


Last night Real Madrid beat Olimpiacos at home, 2-1.  Real Madrid played their best first half of the season, despite missing Ronaldo, because of his previous red card, and Zidane, who has been out because of an injury.  However, despite multiple goal chances they only managed to score once, with a Raúl header, off a superb, long pass by Beckham, who played an outstanding game.  He received strong compliments from Luxemburgo. It was Raúl's 50th European championship, a new record. He beat di Stéfano's old record.


Madrid did not play nearly as well in the second half, but was clearly the superior team.  Baptista is clearly in a slump, and Robinho made imprecise shots and passes.  It was Soldado, who rescued the win for Madrid, through a double header, again off a superb pass from Beckham.  Soldado, 20, who made his debut in the European championship was brought in to replace Baptista, toward the end of the game.  Sergio Ramos was expulsed toward the end of the game, after an innocent, but stupid, slight brush.  It is the second time he has received a read card in five games.


Madrid is currently in 3rd place in Group F, after Rosenborg, but both with
3 points.  Lyón is in first, with 6 points, after having beaten Rosenborg 0-1 in Trondheim.  Madrid is also in 3rd place in the Spanish first division, with 9 points, two points behind the leader, Celta.


Betis also managed to win last night, away, against Anderlecht, by a goal scored by Oliveira.  Joaquín, again played an outstanding game, according to the reports, and the Anderlecht coach, Franky Verkauteren, who was mighty impressed.  Personally, I think Real Madrid made a terrible mistake by not buying him for this season.  It is his  great ambition to join the club.  He is a great impact player, and one of the few players that not only can play his regular wing position, but just about any, as he demonstrated against Anderlecht. Betis is in 3rd place in Group G, one point behind Liverpool and Chelsea, both with 4 points.


Finally, although clearly superior to Lille last Monday Villareal did not manage to score, so the game ended in a scoreless tie.  Villareal is in 3rd place in Group D, with 2 points, one more than Lille, who is in last place.  Manchester United, that Villareal previously tied, is the leader with 4 points, one point ahead of Benfica, which is Villareal's next opponent, at home.