Real Madrid 2-2 Espanyol
Madridistas were treated to a spectacular show of football on Sunday in a back and forth match against Espanyol. Real Madrid’s seven-game stretch came full circle with an impressive record of six wins and one draw.
Raúl was back in the lineup on Sunday and Wesley Sneijder returned to the bench -only two months after being injured- for Sunday’s seven-match closer against Espanyol. Rotations have played a key role in Real Madrid’s impressive record of six victories and one draw record.
Moments after Pérez Burrull blew the opening whistle, Real Madrid brought fans to their feet as Van Nistelrooy magically controlled the ball and passed to an unmarked Higuaín, who was unsuccessful with a powerful volley (3’). Schuster’s men created another opportunity six minutes later when Raúl’s header following a cross by Segio Ramos sailed just wide of Espanyol’s left post (9’).
Although Real Madrid dictated the tempo, their near misses were neutralized by a goal by the Catalonian captain. The referee pointed conceded a penalty after Heinze tackled Tamudo just outside the six and the forward converted for his first goal in the Santiago Bernabéu (20’). The Whites quickly picked up the pieces, and three minutes after falling behind, Ramos crossed in a wicked ball that Raúl headed home with authority (23’).
Espanyol weren’t going to settle for a draw, and with De La Peña in fine form, the “Pericos” gained control of the midfield. They didn’t wait long for their reward. Nene received a stolen ball from the midfield and swung in a pass from the right flank which Luis García, who pushed the ball into the back of the net (30’). “Tintín” Márquez’s men again held the advantage and Madrid were forced to stage a comeback.
Raúl equalizes
Corage, motivation, and persistance are what make this Real Madrid great. Down a goal, the Madridistas had no choice but to attack Kameni’s goal, but not before Espanyol nearly tapped in their third. No team has won in the Bernabéu since 23 March 2007, however, which is the exact reason why the Whites headed into the dressing room with the score squared at two goals apiece. Ramos again put in a perfect cross for the captain, who dribbled through two defenders and beat Kameni for his fourth La Liga goal and his second of the night.
From the first third to the last and back, Real Madrid and Espanyol tried to break the deadlock. After replacing Van der Vaart after halftime, it was Robben who created the first two chances for the Whites. The first didn’t get passed the defense (46’) and the second was nearly fired home by Van Nistelrooy’s bicycle kick (47’). Minutes later, De la Red had an unsuccessful try from long range(58’).
Ramos’ provided the biggest threat of the second half. The Seville native sought his Higuaín with a long pass and the Argentine found Van Nistelrooy at the penalty spot, but the striker’s shot went straight into the hands of Kameni (65’). Five minutes later, Ramos made his way into the box, and after two step-overs fired a bullet over the crossbar (70’).
Welcome back Wesley
Wesley Sneijder was back on the pitch two months and three days after falling injured in Emirates Stadium in London. Eager to get in on the action, the midfielder did all he could to help carry his team to victory, but every Madridista effort was pushed back by the Espanyol defense.
Real Madrid notched six victories and one draw heading into the league stoppage, but next on tap for the Whites, a derby against cross-town rival Atletico Madrid.
October 6th, 2008 at 10:42 am
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