A Week of Unanswered Questions

Real Madrid is on the brink of arguably their biggest week of the season to date. First up, after the international midweek, Sevilla visits the Bernabeu. Real fell to the Rojiblancos at the Sanchez Pizjuan earlier this season. Los blancos, who still remain two points astray of Barcelona, risk going a tragic five points back with a loss because the Blaugrana are unlikely to misfire against 14th place Almeria. Next up, the Wednesday fallowing the Sevilla match, Lyon comes to town where we have it all to do ladies and gentlemen. If we fail to beat the French outfit by 2 goals then it will be more than half a decade in which we have not advanced from the Round of 16 in the Champions League. Let the criticism pour on the Capital if that happens. Our summer spending will be looked upon as a failure and the words "you can't by trophies" will never stop ringing around in our heads. I don't even want to get into that argument but there is a lot of things I want to discuss. I really wanted to start doing the video discussions for this article but I was experiencing technical difficulties. Perfect, on make or break week.

The biggest question is player fatigue and rest. We're just coming off the Tenerife trip, our most important players have internationals in the midweek. Sevilla comes to visit on Saturday and 4 days later we have Lyon in the Bernabeu to decide our Champions League fate as we know it. I guess if we're talking about resting players, we have to set out our priority. Is it La Liga or the Champions League? I want la decima as much as anyone but I'm certainly not going to sacrifice being 2 points of Barca domestically either. So can we afford to rest players during the Sevilla game so they are rested for Lyon?

Perhaps those players that are not called up for internationals could play a more significant role against Sevilla. Players like Guti, Granero, Mahamadou Diarra, and Benzema and Drenthe if they are fit in time. Obviously Xabi Alonso would have to take place from start to finish because he is suspended for the Lyon match but some would say that he shouldn't play a big part because the team needs to practice without him to keep out Champions League hopes alive. The plus side is that we have a midfield surplus in the team if everyone is healthy, Guti, Granero, Lass, Diarra, Xabi Alonso, Kaka, Van der Vaart, and Gago, not to mention Mosquera who has earned several selections. That's nine midfielders not including Marcelo who plays there at times. I'm not going to get into who should play where and why until I do the pre-match thoughts because I don't know who will be fit for those matches yet and because I'm still turning over these things in my head.

At the back we will just have to go with the Ramos-Albiol-Garay-Arbeloa set up. We really don't have any options do we? Metzelder is made of glass, Marcelo can't defend well enough to handle Sevilla's Navas (he's suspended for Lyon so no worries there). With the Spain team as well established as it is, Arbeloa probably won't play a big part against France and should be as well rested as the Brazilian Marcelo. I thought that Tenerife's attackers sometimes were unmarked particularly in our own area but I can't exactly contribute that to Albiol and Garay alone. I give a lot of the credit to Tenerife themselves for throwing 7 bodies at a time at least when attacking in the second half. But I am a fan of the Garay/Albiol center back partnership. Garay made a few last ditch efforts to stop onslaughts the other day and had an assist.

Up front, its Higuain or Raul, who got one at the weekend (hell yeah!), if not both (depending on what formation we play) if Benzema can't get fit. I'm puzzled to the extend of his injury. I know it's the Madrid plaguing sports hernia that Guti and Kaka have endured this season but I haven't seen anything (unless it's escaped my eye) that has told me how long he will be absent. His layoff worries me because even though we are in March now, he really hasn't shown his best yet I don't think. I feel as if he has a long way to come.

My number one concern is that our internationals escape their untimely friendly matches unscathed. I just finished up watching Brazil's 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland, and Kaka didn't seem to pick up any injuries. Thank goodness because he's had a great run of form lately. Shut up haters. We'll have to wait on everyone else but arguably our internationals are our most vital players.

I guess it's only a matter of time before these questions are answered. I'm sure that Pellegrini has had these topics swirling around is his pool of thoughts. I know I have. I'm really glad I have break starting immediately after I finish class on Friday, because I'm going to be stressing hardcore over these matches and don't want my roommates to feel my wrath (evil laugh, kidding..) I will be saying a few prayers this week.

HALA MADRID!

Bobby

Behind Enemy Lines

Real Madrid are set to take on French Club, Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon for short) on Tuesday at the Stade Gerland where Les Gones can brag to be rather secure. The meetings between the two sides have never swung in the favor of Los Blancos. For two season in a row, 05/06 and 06/07, Madrid was placed in the same Champions League group stage as Lyon. For those of you who know the format, understand there would have been 4 matches between the outfits in that time period. Madrid didn't win a single match of the four and failed to even score in France at all. Madrid lost in Lyon 3-0 and 2-0, frustrating days to be a Madridista to say the very least. The return legs at the Bernabeu proved to be better results, both draws, but still disappointing. Real will be looking to put the past behind them and put on a performance in the country to the Northeast. This is a special Real Madrid team who has already broken the club personal best record for number of points at this time in the season and even triumphed at the Riazor breaking a 19 year curse. The squad has unimaginable potential with its limitless talent. Big money spending this summer has brought in the best of the best with primarily this competition in mind. To be even more specific, this stage of this competition. Speaking of curses right? Real Madrid has failed to progress past the Round of 16 in the Champions League for the last five seasons falling to Juventus, Arsenal, Bayern Munchen, Roma, and Liverpool in that order. Last year was the most terrifying exit yet where Los Merengue were thumped 5-0 on aggregate, losing 1-0 at the Bernabeu, and a tragic 4-0 in Liverpool ( I could go into the story of the other 4 defeats but it hurts bad enough just to mention it). We need to emerge from one of the darkest periods in the club's European history in a desperate drive to reach the final in the capital city of Spain and the fortress of a ground we call home, Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. All of this in pursuit of La Decima (the tenth).

Let's take a look at some key facts. When Madrid so unconvincingly played Lyon a couple seasons back, Lyon was in the heart of their 7 year reign as champion of Ligue 1. OL won the crown every year from the 2001-2002 season to the 2007-2008 season. This season, things are different and on paper, Madrid's line up is far superior to Lyon's (but in actuality that means nothing. This is football, anything is known to happen). Last season they finally handed the title over to Bordeaux and handed their leading goalscorer, Karim Benzema over to us for 35 million. Not only was Benzema Lyon's big gun but the top scorer in the French league last season too. Benzema is fighting fitness rather optimistically to make the trip to France on Tuesday. However, Karim isn't the only former Lyon player in our team. Mahamadou Diarra was part of the Lyon side that thrashed us 3-0 in 2005 but the fallowing season scored a goal against Lyon for us in the 1-1 draw in Spain.

After a slow start to their 2009-2010 campaign, OL have climbed back into 4th place, only 6 points off of leaders Bordeaux (at 2:40 AM Sunday). Lyon's leading league scorer is former Porto striker, Lisandro "Lilo" Lopez, with 9 goals, fallowed by Bafetimbi Gomis on 7 goals who was picked up from St. Etienne this summer. But, the front men arn't all we need to worry about. Aly Cissokho, who was also signed from Porto after a failed move to Milan is a pacy individual who can serve dangerous balls into the box from the flanks. Also the Bosnian youngster Miralem Pjanic is one of the hottest up and coming stars in Europe and a threat from midfield.

In the Champions League this season, Lyon haven't been beaten at the Stade Gerland and only conceded 1 goal there in the group stage. This comes up against Real Madrid's impressive away record in the Champions League (definately not La Liga) this season. Real are unbeaten in their travels and already trumped French outfit Marseille, who are only a point and a place behind Lyon in Ligue 1 with a game in hand (again very early on Sunday morning) 3-1 in France earlier this season.

Real Madrid's two biggest signings this summer know one or two things about knocking Lyon out of this competition. In the 2005/2006 Champions League, Kaka and AC Milan bumped OL out of the Quarter finals. In 2007/2008, Ronaldo and Manchester United sent the French crashing out in this stage of the competition and went on to lift the trophy against Chelsea in the Moscow final.

It seems like for the first time in practically forever, Madrid might be able to start arguably its best XI. Benzema will most likely miss due to injury but many, including myself, would rather see Pipita as the starting striker leading the line. Guti is expected to recover from his ankle injury and any question marks about Albiol and VDV have been erased because they were able to rest against Xerez. The only real question that I cannot answer is how many holding midfielders we will go with. Pellegrini has been switching back and forth between a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-1-3-2 for the last 4 matches and personally I think we do better with the single pivot (aka the 4-1-3-2 because of the one holding center midfielder, which allows us another forward). So I designed 2 starting line-ups I'd like to see with the two different formations:



I'm much more in favor in the single pivot because it allows us to attack better with more combinations up top and more players in area to aim for on crosses from Ramos and Arbeloa thundering up the flanks. Kaka now has two forwards to sit behind like he does for the Brazilian National Team. Also with my 4-1-3-2, I can allow Ronaldo to work off Higuain, leaving the right midfield open for Granero who has been great lately. If we go with the double pivot, Granero might not see the field and Lass, who has been not himself or impressive at all (if I'm being nice) will be on instead.

I developed a checklist starting from with the most important things we need to take away from this match.

1. Obviously a win. That way we can take the tie back to the Bernabeu where we have been exceptional (minus AC Milan) this year.

2. Away Goals. The away goal rules always ousts somebody every season. With our players, not scoring is unacceptable. We can put a dagger in their hearts before the second leg if we can manage 2 or 3 goals on tuesday.

3. A clean sheet. If we can tuck'm away at one end and keep'm out on ours, we'll be in fabulous shape.

4. Stay out of yellow card trouble. I know one or two players are in danger of yellow card suspension. I just can't tell you who off the top of my head, Lass maybe?

It should be an interesting tie. I'm more confident about this round of 16 match than I have been with all the rest for the last 5 years. It's a must win, a do or die. If we don't progress pass this stage, it will be eyed as a disaster for the club. All the players on the team have continued to state that we can win this competition. Don't let us down after you've hyped us up. I wanna rip the Champions League crown right off the head of Catalonia with a thick chunk of hair. Hala Madrid!

Bobby

Pluckin' Feathers: Real Madrid 3-0 Espanyol

Real Madrid cruise to another 3-0 victory despite key absences once again (cough Ronaldo cough Garay). I wasn't sure certain players would make the squad list like Guti and Arbeloa because of their fitness difficulties in training this week. I was delighted to see them both in the XI. It was a very one sided match. Los blancos looked comfortable and in demand the entire time. It's beginning to become routine that Real Madrid are missing players. At this point in time it seems like nothing can stop los blancos. The home record is unscratched and unlike the last match at fortress Bernabeu against Malaga, this was quite a performance. We jumped on the opposition right from the start with the Ramos goal and we coasted throughout the rest of the affair. The score could have easily been much greater but Kameni was inspired between the posts. I've seen him play before and his ability to read shots, partnered with his quickness makes him a top class goal keeper. I'm surprised a bigger club hasn't picked him up. Easily Espanyol's best player.

There isn't a lot to pick apart. I usually start with the negatives but where do I even look for them? I suppose I could say that after Benzema's two goal game at the Riazor, I expected him to find the net again. He looked a little selfish especially on one or two numbers-up counter attacks but other than that, he didn't play badly. I mean all strikers have to a little selfish. Marcelo was again not his best defensively but we all know he makes a much better left winger. Hopefully with the contract extension in mind, Madrid have decided that the midfielder Marcelo is far more useful than the defender Marcelo. I didn't think Lass raised the level of play when he arrived as a second half sub. He was disappointing. I've seen much better days from him.

I called for a performance from Raul and by my standards I think I got it. Okay, he didn't score. But he sure as hell had chances that he created for himself. His troubling header forced a diving save out of Kameni which ultimately lead to Kaka's goal. I can say without remorse that he was better of our two starting forwards yesterday. I wish he would have scored, it would have been a testament to the way he played, especially first half. Also Kaka looked great. That's the Kaka that we've been looking for. Hernia problem? Didn't look like it against los periquitos. He was very lively. He deserved his goal. He is a true poacher and I hope Pellegrini is now convinced that he is better in behind the strikers than he is a winger. Granero? Another assist. It seems like he always delivers. Him and Ramos teamed up for the first goal and again almost for another piece of cheese off a corner. It will be a shame if he isn't in the starting line up next week. Impressive once again.

People have always questioned Madrid's defensive capabilities, but we're really starting to silence critics. I never really felt threatened by Espanyol. Albiol and Ramos we're rock solid. Ramos is such a good center back, I can't make up my mind where I like him better. But if Garay is healthy I still think he needs to play centrally, moving Ramos to right back once again where he stampedes up the flank and a more solid Arbeloa to left back.

Ronaldo 80 million, Kaka 59 million, Benzema 35 million, Pipita... Priceless. He's back ladies and gentlemen! He inadvertently showed Benzema up by doing in 15 minutes what the Frenchman couldn't do in 75. Just a fabulous goal. The touch the Argentine took to bring down that ball bamboozled the defender. It even fooled me at first, but by the time I realized what he had just done, my jaw had already hit the floor. Then he went on to dribble around the agile Kameni and tuck the ball into a gaping goal. He really is a marvel. I just can't wait to see him action again. Welcome back my friend, welcome back.

Barcelona as many know, won their match against Getafe 2-1 at the Camp Nou so Madrid's win meant nothing more than keeping pace with their rivals who sit 5 points prettier than us at the moment. What fascinates me about the Barca match is that they had two central defenders in Pique and Marquez (who was sent off with a minute or two to spare. So it's not like they were playing with 9 men all match) sent off. That will surely put a dent in their back line as they travel to the capital city to take on our cross town rivals next week. You can never depend on Atletico for anything but if they can at least make a draw out of the meeting, it will be appreciated without a thank you. Whereas we will have to take on relegation struggles, Xerez away. That should be an unquestionable 3 points, but we might look to rest players with Lyon away looming that Tuesday afterwards.

So Espanyol was successful battle. Fun to watch. Even at the end of the game it looked like some of our technically gifted players were trying to put on a little circus act for the fans. Three points, well earned. No bad performances but there is always room for improvement. Well done. Hala Madrid.

Bobby

Los Periquitos Flying to the Bernabeu

Real Madrid are expected to pick up three points at home against visitors Espanyol this weekend. When the squads met in Barcelona on the second match day of the season, the end result was 3-0 to los blancos with goals from Granero, Guti, and Cristiano Ronaldo who will miss the return leg at the Bernabeu because he will be serving his second game suspended of the two match ban he received for breaking the nose of Malaga's Mtiliga. Real Madrid City has served as much as hospital as it has as a training facility for Los Merengues in the past two weeks. When someone returns to being healthy, another player goes down. Injuries are part of the game but Madrid has suffered much worse than most this season. Arbeloa ,who has really started to come into his own, pulled out of training due to some knee pain and is unlikely to participate Saturday. This hampers the team because the back is already missing components such as Pepe, Metzelder (who I am beginning to think has a cureless illness), and Garay, who continued to work out in the gym. The midfield saw the return of Lass, and Van der Vaart to the squad today along with Diarra who joined in yesterday. However, the team lost golden heel Guti to the gym that sucks in players like a vacuum as of late. I am unclear to what exactly Guti's reason for gym work is. I also read a depressing article on goal.com that reported Kaka will battle with the nagging hernia injury for the rest of his career but he is set for the match against Espanyol. Of course, everyone is more than pleased to see that Pipita is back in business. He joined his teammates with Diarra.

Los Periquitos are a Barcelona based team who boast to be the first club to be founded by only Spanish football fans in 1900. They also looked down upon clubs that were founded by "expatriates" who established clubs like Barcelona (can't argue with that). The club is missing some key players. Raul Tamudo and De la Pena are amongst the wounded. De la Pena is set to miss up to 3 months and goes under the knife next week sometime to repair what I believe is an ankle injury. I've been wrong before though. Espn's Soccernet described it as a "lower leg injury." Japan and Espanyol midfielder Nakamura was amongst La Liga's worst players list goal.com published a few weeks ago. The former Celtic player, at the time was said to have only 7 shots, none on goal. He struggles to find his way into the line up at times. That's a shame. However, he does have 1 assist in his defence. But the most missed player of this team without a doubt is Dani Jarque. Rest In Peace.

With Sergio Ramos already filling in at center back for an injured Garay, and his right back replacement, Arbeloa, now too on the casualties list, the right side of the defence is looking for a filler. Although Lass is primarily a midfielder, he has played right back for the team before and did an exceptional job for playing out of position. Another option could be use a Castilla player. Why not? I know Pellegrini ALMOST used one against Deportivo but this is Espanyol, who are not having anywhere as good of a season, and we are at home. The fans would love nothing more than to see someone like Mateos or even Marcos Alonso get the chance to take on los Periquitos when they visit the Bernabeu. However, I don't think Pellegrini will start a Castilla player. I wish he would but you never know. He has called them up to training all season, put them in the squad list but they fail to break onto the big stage. Real Madrid's official website stated that "Pedro Mosquera has become a common sight around the first team’s training pitch and participated in today’s session." If Lass is at right back and Guti isn't healthy enough to make the return to the squad, Mosquera might be tipped to see midfield time, especially if Pellegrini runs the 4-2-3-1 he usually runs.

Now with the injection of Pipita in the squad, will he make the start? You can find my feelings on that in my last post toward the end when I talk about the strikers. Pellegrini hinted that he would be playing a line-up similar to the one against Deportivo. In that game, he went with a 4-1-3-2. This is what I predict Pellegrini will conjure up this weekend, fallowed by what I would do with Espanyol arriving.



Sorry about the small font. I'll fix that up for next time. Like I said, Pellegrini said he would be choosing a similar line up to Depor, so I think he'll stay with the 4-1-3-2 that he used in La Coruna to break the curse. Those of you with more gifted vision will notice the one change. I suspect Pellegrini will get Pipita in the line up as soon as possible to get him firing on form again for Xerez and the even more crucial Lyon in matches to come. I know your gonna think I'm crazy but I vote Raul as starter. Here's why. Higuain only returned to training on Wednesday, only 3 days before the match. His injury may be healed but his fitness (as in cardio) is certainly not where it was 3 weeks ago. I definitely want him to feature, as an early second half sub for Raul but I don't want to hurry him back. He is an important part of this team so we need to take the atmost precautions not to rush him back when he isn't as up to speed as others. When you're not fit enough, that's when you get hurt. I know the majority of fans have frowned at the Raul starting idea but for this game, with Pipita just coming off an injury, I think he should get the start for a second game in a row. It's Espanyol, not Sevilla or Valencia. Hell, he should have scored against Depor if it wasn't for a fantastic reaction save. He can still do a job for us. I wear my Raul jersey on days where I don't think he'll get to play. It's depressing to know a lot of people don't have faith in him anymore. That's my view. Hate it if you'd like. As I mentioned earlier, for more on my full striking plan for the next 3 weeks in my last post.

All personnel aside, Madrid have to win this match no matter who is wearing the white shirt. Barcelona are unlikely to slip up against Getafe at home and we must keep pace. Hala Madrid! Vamos Los Blancos! Keep the Bernabeu undefeated.

Bobby

Pellegrini Selection Headache To Come aka Bobby's Chalk Session

Selection Headache? What Selection Headache? We're scrounging for players. We had 4 Castilla players in the squad list for Deportivo and the world's most expensive player is still out another game with suspension. The only player that even returned to training today was Gago and we planned that he'd be at Manchester City by this point. Exactly! (Huh?) At this point your probably a bit confused (wtf Bobby...) but let me explain. The match against Deportivo showed some crucial team depth and not only did we win at Riazor, we put on a performance. To go even further, not only did we put on a performance, we did so with a stretched line-up. Anyone notice that we played more covincingly against Depor, who were then in 5th place, than we did against Malaga who are low in the table. The catch is that against Malaga, which was a home game, we fielded what is arguably our best XI. Or is that our best 11? It poses a lot of questions. Goal.com put an article out this week about if Real Madrid plays better without Ronaldo. Should Granero be a starter? What happens to two-goal Benzema when Pipita recovers? Is the Lass/Xabi Alonso a good center midfield partnership? Are we playing the best formation suitable for this team. When everyone is available, who gets bumped to the pine? Can we alternate players with the Champions League on the horizon? Let's take a look.

Where do we start? How many questions did I just ask? Let's begin with what is arguably our standard formation, and starting XI with everyone healthy (excluding Pepe, get well soon).

I'm not stating that this is our best line-up. I'm just trying to get into Pellegrini's head. If all these players were available and everyone was well rested, I get the feeling that this is the starting XI we would see. So bring on the questions. Does Real Madrid play better without Ronaldo? Well all of us would hope not. We spent a fortune on him this summer and for our starting line-up to be more affective without him would be a nightmare. My answer to this question is no. If that relieves anyone, good. Here's why. Ronaldo is a unique player. He has everything a footballer would dream of. He has pace, moves, a rocket packed behind 90% of his shots, set play abilities only few can match, and more. Many think he is selfish, too self centered but that is not that case. Ronaldo has become more of a team player at Madrid than he was at Manchester United "With great power, comes great responsibility." -Uncle Ben (Spiderman). Ronaldo wouldn't be as useful if he didn't take responsibility into his own hands at times. It would be wrong for him to not use the God-given talent that he possesses. He can change the game an in instant! You're probably asking yourself where I'm going with this because everything I've said so far really isn't team orientated. Well here you are. To have Ronaldo in the side is a blessing. With brilliant players around him, he can feed off of their talent in forms of their great passing and through balls to latch on to, movement off the ball, ability to draw free kicks and penalties, quality corners to score from, good service from the flanks. He is just an Ace in the hole that can benefit from what Madrid has to offer. Therefore he boosts team performances. So when he goes missing and we still play well... what's that about? Let me reiterate Ronaldo can benefit from the Team's Talent. When Ronaldo is not there, the team is still capable of playing great football. The game plan might change a little, but whenever you lose one of the greatest players on the planet for a match, your team will need to make some adjustments. That is common sense. The matches like Deportivo just show Madrid is good enough to cope without Ronaldo as well as with Ronaldo. It's more of a testament to our depth than it is a problem with CR9. Now I do understand things may not run as smoothly at times when Ronaldo is on the pitch. But this team has to be able to adapt to Ronaldo. In a sense the word "gel" appears once more. I know people are getting tired of hearing it, after all we're past the midway point of the season, but the injection of Ronaldo can be a lot to get used to. And even though we are this far along into the campaign, our buddy CR9 has only played in 16 games, only starting 14, including the Champions League. Whereas a team (excluding a Copa del Rey we'd all like to forget) we've played 26. So once again I call for patience, something that is hard for us to embrace as Madrid fans, especially after all the recent Barca success. Have faith my friends. There is still a lot more to come from Real Madrid.

Pirata! Easily one of my favorite signings. The kid continues to impress. Everytime he comes on, he makes a difference. He has found the net on 3 occasions this season as a midfielder and only finds himself in the starting line up around half the time. In La Liga, he has 3 goals and 2 assists. Kaka has 3 goals and 3 assists. Not much of a statistical difference with a gap in the amount of minutes played. Granero often times doesn't get the playing time he deserves with our big name midfielders, but everytime he plays, his name grows larger. He was exceptional against Depor and is expected by many to be in starting line up when Espanyol visits this weekend. There are places open for the 22-year old with Van der Vaart still spending training in the gym and Ronaldo serving his second suspension of his two match ban. I just get the hunch he'll have a good day against Espanyol. It may not seem right if he doesn't get the start when the more prominent names start to return to the squad list. For me, if he is not starting, he's the first one off the bench every time. He is a very well rounded player that offers more than a solid midfield player. He also delivers good corners, allowing our taller players to be in the box to win headers. He is a great Madrid Academy product. Gracias for the goal on Saturday.

So what do we do about the Lass/Xabi Alonso center midfield partnership. The midfield seemed very effective this weekend with just one holding midfielder. This was only recently brought to my attention. Do they work well together? Do we need two holding center midfielders or can one be sacrificed for the addition of another forward? That would make us a little top heavy so maybe those playing on the outsides would have to tuck in and drop a little more defensively and with two forwards, the attacking center midfield, most likely Kaka, would have to drop slightly as well. So we've gone from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-1-3-2 like we did against Deportivo. So it may look like this roughly when going from an attack to losing the ball and having to defend:


The advantages of this would be:

1. Allowing us to play both Higuain and Benzema in the same formation. Or as a second striker, Ronaldo and put in VDV or Granero on the right hand side.

2. It would give us more power offensively and more combination options in the attacking third.

3. It would provide two forwards to hit when building out of the back opposed to one main target forward which could become easy to mark.

4. Kaka has now two forwards to sit behind like he does with Brazil.

Disadvantages:

1. It would send either Xabi Alonso or Lass to the bench because one holding midfielder would have to be sacrificed for a forward. That wouldn't fit squad demographics considering we have 4 defensive midfielders in the team. Xabi Alonso, Diarra, Lass, and Gago.

2. It might make the team too top heavy and offensive players may not get back (cough Guti) , leaving us open and more vulnerable to counters.

3. With so many players in the offensive half, we might have to limit our wing play from outside backs. Sergio Ramos and Arbeloa would have to stay at home more often.

Striker questions? The fallowing analysis of the striker situation has been conducted as if Pellegrini decides to stick with a 4-2-3-1. So now that Benzema is finally up and running, Higuain is near recovery and could return for the match this weekend against Espanyol. If Pipita is just returning, I vote that he doesn't get 90 minutes against the Catalan side. I want to see him return as much as the next Madridista but Benzema now has some confidence and it's smart not to push Higuain to his limit on his return. I know the squad has quality enough (as showed at the Riazor) to win without Pipita in the starting XI, especially against Espanyol. Here is my plan. Benzema starts against Espanyol, Higuain comes in for him around 65 minutes in the second half. Then, the next weekend Higuain starts and Benzema replaces him. This would be important to rest Benzema at this game so he be fully fit to face Lyon on the 16th. No one knows the French club like him. Maybe Diarra, but he hasn't been there in years, when Benzema has just played for them last season. So afterwards, because Benzema played in the European midweek, Higuain then starts against Villarreal at home. This all goes accordingly provided both strikers remain healthy and on form. So with the extra Champions League games, perhaps rotation could be an option for the time being.

That's all I have for you today. I left plenty to discuss and left plenty out that is worth discussing. Would be interested to hear the thoughts of a lot of you. I enjoy hearing what you have to say.

Bobby

The Curse is Broken

At last! Oh thank the good lord at last! It took us nearly two decades but we have finally taken the Riazor. No Ronaldo. No Higuain. No Problem. Sorry the post is a little late. I was celebrating the victory. This was the first time I had ever personally experienced this Galician triumph and it was everything I dreamed of and more. Benzema with a brace. About time! Kaka, though goaless, I thought was lively and much better. Those are question marks that turned to check marks against Depor. Let's hope we can keep them there. I even guessed the starting line up, good omen?

It was such a great triumph. I don't want pick out the negatives but it must be done. I can't ignore them. I just want to get them out of the way. Moan of the match goes to Marcelo. Everyone was on key except him. He is never sound defensively but he wasn't even acceptable on the offensive end. I can't even blame Ramos for giving away the penalty because Marcelo had it taken off him in his own end. We should have never even been in that situation to begin with. He needs to improve. To continue with the negatives, I was so let down not to see one Castilla player at all even though we had a a firm 2-0 lead on the match during the primary substitution window. It looked like we were about to get a chance to view a cantera player for a few seconds but the final whistle blew before he could make it on to the pitch. One sub? All Drenthe did was get fouled. That is just dissapointing. Especially because around the 55th minute the standard of play dropped and a change was needed. First half was a lot prettier than the second half. We had 14 shots first half compared to Depor's 3, 2 of which we blocked and 1 of which was off target.

I'm not going to rain on the parade. Why should I? It rained at the Riazor all match. When I look at the hero of this match, I think Guti. Guti Guti Guti. He was awesome. He looked inspired. I'm not just saying that because of his breathtaking assist (which I will get to in a second) but he was sparky, he really carried the team. He must have drawn half a dozen fouls by himself. As for his assist, what class! We always knew he was inventive, we knew he has incredible vision but this even surprised most of us. He is in one on one with the goal keeper. He draws him in until the keeper goes to ground. WITHOUT LOOKING he heels the ball straight back into the path of an oncoming Benzema who tucks home a much needed confidence boosting goal. It was nothing short of a masterpiece, a goal I will never forget.

Another huge positive, is we are starting to show our team depth again. We had spells during the first half of the season where team depth shown through in dark spots and it continued to do so during the Deportivo match. I know many people didn't want to see Raul start but I thought the golden boy put in a very good shift. Yes, he should have scored from the chance early in the first half but he worked as hard as the 22 year olds and I felt his presence in the squad regardless if he scored or not. I was happy to see him donning the armband once again. Well played. Speaking of depth, Pirata is starting to make himself more of a statement everyday. It's not that fact the Granero is proving himself good enough for the white shirt but he is putting some heat on the whole midfield because he is making a valid claim for a starting position. He popped up and got the early goal which is always a huge bonus when playing away from home and a mega bonus when at the Riazor. Kaka, still not on his best, but much better I tought, he created havoc. He wandered freely which made him difficult to pick up for the Deportivo defenders. He constantly pulled them out of position. He provided the ball to Guti which ultimately lead to Benzema's first goal. Him and Guti could prove to be a deadly combo. Think about it. If Kaka can pull defenders out of place and Guti can use his vision and defence slicing talent to play tantalizing balls into the holes left by misplaced defenders, we could be in some serious business.

Karim Benzema! Finally. The striker has Guti to thank for the generous gift. This "regalo" did more for the number 11 than people might think. It gave him the goal we have all been waiting for from the kid, but it was more than a goal. It was world of pressure of the Frenchman's shoulders. He needed the confidence boost badly. On top of that goal, he got one at the end of the game, after the pressure had amounted from Riki's penalty that Casillas was unlucky not to have done better with. This too will help out Benzema's form. Nothing will help cure bad form like two goals that helped your team win at a ground they haven't done so at in nearly 20 years. He must have slept well Saturday night.

It was nice to break the curse, and it was a big deal to Madridistas everywhere but sadly it was just a game that kept pace with rivals Barcelona. They beat Gijon 1-0 at Gijon where Madrid only managed a goalless draw earlier this season. Madrid have two very winnable league matches ahead of them with Espanyol at home next weekend and last place Xerez away the fallowing matchday before meeting Lyon at the Stade Gerland on the 16th of February. Barcelona have a notably more difficult task with Getafe at home and then having to travel to the Spanish capital to take on Atletico while we are at Xerez. We can pray for but not expect dropped points from the blaugrana.

Yes, the curse is broken. Instead of saying Madrid have not won at the Riazor in 19 years, I can truthfully say Madrid have not won at the Riazor in 1 day. It feels good. Let me know what you think and thanks for reading! Hala Madrid!

Bobby

The Void Left By Ruud

Ruud van Nistelrooy was a striker that made me leap off my couch more times than I can possibly count. In his years spent at Real Madrid, he was a revelation. The Dutchman scored 59 goals for Real Madrid since he arrived from Manchester United in the summer of 2006. His Madrid downfall happened to be his long term knee injury last season that ended his campaign leaving him with only 7 goals for the season. When Madrid brought in high profile goal scorers the fallowing summer by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, and Karim Benzema, Ruud was forced to watch his new teammates early in the season because he was still in the recovery process. When he finally did return, he rose to the occasion and took his chance. He was given 15 minutes to impress Pellegrini against Xerez. He did just that. He had an assist and scored a goal. However, he injured himself again in the process and La Liga never saw the Dutchman again. Through fitness problems that still exist and tonsillitis that kept him out of action in the latter part of the fall campaign, he was never able to burst back into the Real Madrid first team. We will always cherish the time RVN spent in a white shirt. We won two La Ligas during his first two seasons. Perhaps the squad would have been better off if he would have been healthy for the whole of his third season. Good luck at Hamburg. From myself and all sane Madridistas, Gracias.

Now the question looms. With a striker's spot open on the mighty Real Madrid, who fills it and when? There are several options. In actuality, when you are Real Madrid, only few options aren't possibilities. I'm going to review them, give you my opinion, then you can make your own personal decision.

The most recent policy has been to buy big. A blind man could see Madrid spent hundreds of millions of Euros this past summer to bring in the cream of the crop. Does Madrid opt for a David Villa, a Luis Fabiano, or someone of similar caliber? Hey don't get me wrong. Whoever is scoring goals in a white shirt is more than welcome by me. However there could be negative consequences if we buy big again. We already have Higuain, Benzema, and Raul. We all know currently, despite his injury, Higuain is on fire. Benzema has lacked form lately. He looked to be hitting stride before the winter break but I think the pause broke his momentum. He has been floating around ever since. Raul hasn't started since the beginning of the season. With a new big name in the camp one of these names would be weeded out. Higuain looks to have established a solid place as the starting striker. So ultimately Raul or Benzema would be the player to lose out. Benzema, I think still has along way to come. I would hate to see him ride the pine, get unhappy and leave. Then later on, when he is scoring goals somewhere else, we look at him as one of those players that we should have never let go. So that leaves Raul. Can we really do that to Raul? We have parted ways with loyal players so poorly in the past so many times, I might cry if we just weeded Raul out. I want him to retire in white. He deserves it. I've always felt that way about it.

We have several players out on loan that we could be brought back in the summer. This would avoid shoving one of our already established players out off to the side. The team is constantly talking about how they need time to gel, a big name might set back this "gelling" process even more so. Negredo or even Castilla striker, Szalai could be options to bring back and fill that spot. They have already been part of the team or trained with the team so the are familiar with the players, training staff, and surroundings. Not to mention, everyone would love so see a Madrid cantanero succeed in the first team. Szalai was just loaned to Mainz this transfer window and is yet to even have a fair chance to make his mark there. Negeredo is 24 years old and has been loaned out to Almeria twice, and now is on loan with Sevilla. In his two seasons with Almeria he totaled 29 goals but this season with Sevilla he has only managed 5. It's a little challenging for spots up top at Sevilla with the like of Kanoute and Luis Fabiano as fellow strikers but Negredo has started 14 league games. He is popular amongst many Madrid faithful despite never getting a true chance. Also, there are players within the system who reside with Castilla that could possibly fill the void. There are some promising prospects but are they ready for first team action yet? I would love to see a Castilla player step up to the challenge and make that spot his own. Pellegrini has made an effort to bring up Castilla players to play with the first team on a regular basis this season.

The third option I would consider would be an investment. Why not by small? We bought Higuain when he was 19 and look how he has turned out. I know the Hazard kid isn't technically an out and out striker and I bet he wouldn't sell cheap but he is a threat to any opposition's goal mouth. There is also that "next Drogba" character who plays somewhere in Belgium (his name escapes me at the moment). I say putting scouting to use and buying someone young and promising could pay off.

I'm going to give you my opinion straight. I don't want to buy big again. I say we run with the already enormous amount of talent we have. Big names would just set back an already adapting team. The latter two of my choices would be the best decisions for me. Ethically, I can't bump Raul out with a big name. It would hurt me too much. And I'm not ready to give up on Benzema in only half a season where he hasn't started the majority of the matches. I am more patient than that. My favorite decision would be to pull back Negredo. He is a Madrid product. He is quality enough to pick up the slack if someone is injured and can also pose a threat for a starting spot if any one of our strikers is lacking form. He seems to fit the equation. Not to mention he is 24 and has room to improve. My second favorite option would be the by small and mold an already talented player into gem with the first team, just like we did with Pipita.

That's what I think but what do you think? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts. There could be options I may have over looked? Or maybe you would want to see a David Villa, Drogba,Torres,or some other Galactico amongst the camp? Anyway you put it, there is a spot to be filled at Real Madrid. One more time, thanks Ruud. (Clapping hands)

Bobby

Relieved, Not Satisfied: Real Madrid 2-0 Malaga

At the end of the day, the three points is what really matters but I was not best pleased by Real Madrid's performance today. As a Madridista, we naturally hold our team to the loftiest of standards and it's sad to say that we pulled more negatives from this home win than positives in my eyes. I'm gonna get down to business and start with the not so pretty side.

Ronaldo sent off... again. How do I even describe my disappointment. It's an all around bad feeling for so many different reasons. First of all, for those who think the referee was being harsh, the red card was well deserved. Ronaldo blatantly, out of frustration from being grabbed, threw his elbow into Mtiliga's nose. He simply let his emotions get the best of him. That's the second time Ronaldo has been sent off this season in La Liga. The season is only half way through and he's only played in half the games because he was injured. So two red cards in a quarter of the games played. We can't have him being sent off once every 5 games or so. He needs to control himself. Essentially he has hurt the team even more than you may know. Next week we have Depor at the Riazor, a ground where we haven't won in 18 years (depressing? just a little). Now we have to go and take three points from the Galician side who are enjoying not a bad season without our notably most influential player. Deportivo are no joke, they are tied on points with Mallorca who are in forth but sit in fifth due to goal differential. The triumphed over Bilbao at home 3-1 this weekend. But what bugs me the most about Ronaldo's marching orders is that it was so unnecessary. We are up 2-0, he had already escaped Mtiliga, the game is all but over, he's already made himself the hero with two very good goals, and he transforms himsself into a villain by an act of stupidity. So disappointing.

Benzema yet to find his feet and the net again. I really thought he was going to seize this opportunity to shine due to Higuain's injury but we just haven't seen it yet. Higuain is still sure to miss the match at Deportivo so Benzema has one more chance to grab headlines but it will be his toughest test out of the 3 games Pipita was set to miss, especially now that Ronaldo is now suspended. The Riazor is a violent atmosphere and Benzema needs to stand out. We played a 4-5-1 formation at home today with Benzema as the loan striker with Kaka being the one to join in late. So almost like a 4-4-2 only Kaka was not considered a striker but an attacking midfielder. He maybe needs more help up field? Benzema didn't do anything to really impress me today. It's not that I thought he played poorly, like he did at San Mames, but I just don't feel like he played well either. He's in a bit of a striker's funk. His best positive that came out of the match was he was involved in the build up that lead to Ronaldo's first goal. It was a pleasure to see all three of our top signings this summer combine to put us in the lead. Benzema to Kaka. Kaka with a low cross to the incoming banana boots of Ronaldo who one timed it at ease into the net. Pretty football, but it came out of no where.

The tempo of today's match was just off rhythm. Despite winning 2-0 we never really found a dominance. We often times tried to rush. Malaga did a pretty decent job closing down channels and pressuring us in the first half but the two goals in such quick secession noticeably broke their spirits. Even after 90 minutes, I never felt like we settled in. I'd like to see us be more patient and possess the ball more. Take the pressure off ourselves.

Another deep concern of mine is what happened to Garay? I must have missed it. Just before half time blew, I flipped over to the Milan Derby and when I came back after watching some of that, Arbeloa was on the right, Marcelo had come in at Left back, and Sergio Ramos now occupied the center back position alongside of Albiol. I really hope Garay isn't injured. If anyone could help me out, I'd be pleased.

This match makes us 10 out of 10 at home. Unbeaten with all wins, the best in La Liga when it comes to home records. However it's our away form we need to worry about. I'll will give it up for Ronaldo, his second goal was a beauty. The Malaga defense will be asking questions of themselves because, how the world's most expensive player finds that kind of space in the middle of the park is shocking defending. I thought Guti played well, assist to Ronaldo's wonder goal. I'm still requesting more of Kaka but he was a wee bit better today, had an assist too. Granero was great again after coming on. I thought he had found a piece of cheese in that top corner but a great save denied him. Raul worked his tail end off after coming in as usual but the fact that Ruud Van Nistlerooy got to say his goodbyes was a touching moment. Gracias Ruud. We will always be thankful. Don't quote me on this but he might have the best goal/per minute ratio in La Liga this season . He played 15 minutes and scored 1 goal. La Liga hasn't seen the Dutchman since. Just a joke but truth behind it.

Bottom line is we need to improve. Deportivo will not role over like Malaga. The only player that has scored goals for us in the last 270 minute won't be playing and we'll also be missing our leading goal scorer of the season, Pipita. It will be a wall to climb but we must keep pace with Barca. They don't look to dropping points anytime soon. They have Sporting Gijon away next on their fixture list. Although, it is a place where los blancos failed to pick up 3 points in the fall, Gijon sit in 10th place and shouldn't cause a threat to the Catalans who are playing as well as ever lately. It will be a much easier week on me knowing we didn't lose at the weekend but in the back of my mind I'll still be asking questions.

Bobby

Failure at the Brink of Opportunity: Osasuna 0-0 Real Madrid

As soon as everyone gets there hopes up to take top of the league into the hands of Real Madrid, los blancos crack under the pressure. The performance at Osasuna was very ugly when it comes to Madrid's standards. No one really even looked like scoring or even creating chances to score. Besides the break away miss from Higuain (which probably should have never happened in the first place; defender slipped), there was no real threat to the Osasuna goal mouth at all, a couple half chances here and there but nothing that stuck out. Van der Vaart managed to help to goal keeper with some catching practice and Benzema had an effort pushed away. For how high my hopes were, I'm very unsatisfied.

There were a couple "moans of the match" for Madrid. Number one, Marcelo was just shocking. Balls giving away time after time. He was even kind enough to the fans in Pamplona to shoot a souvenir ball in the stands (or was that a shot?). He started several counter attacks for Osasuna as well carelessly giving the ball away. I had said great things about the kid all week and this is how I'm repaid.

My second shocking performance goes out to Lass. What were you doing today man? You are a central midfield player. What is your number one priority? Keep it! We all know you are an exceptional talent on the ball but there is a time and a place. I feel like I'm coaching U10s saying that. There is nothing more disappointing than when it's close to full time, it's nil-nil still, we are pushing for a goal, we have a long string possession, building up an attack, and you come out second best somewhere in the central 3rd because you are trying to dribble.

I realize lately I've been extremely rough on Arbeloa, but he might have been our best player today...at left back. And you know you have problems when your left back is your standout. He was decent defending and useful and attack. He had a pretty set of tricks and maneuvers to spin a couple Osasuna players into their own turf in the first half. A lot better from him I thought (besides his attempt to dive in the corner, that was pathetic) . That's the best I've seen him play in a white shirt. May I say well done Alvaro.

However, enough with the individual performances for now. Let's turn our focus to the match. First half, we were dominated until the last 2 or 3 minutes. We were a step slower, looked sluggish. We fouled as if we weren't quick enough to defend properly. Osasuna carried the play and created chance through our lack of ability to deal with long balls. I can't explain how many times they would bomb a ball deep into our half. I would expect Albiol and Garay to send back missiles via headers. However, Pandiani and others were able to not only win those balls, but to trap them, turn, and find other Osasuna players. And when they did managed to clear the threat, it only went as far as an Osasuna player at midfield without a challenge from a forward. When observing this, frustration was an understatement. Casillas really bailed us out with the save from corner situation that he reacted to save off the line. Sergio Ramos was wearing his lucky boots as he nutmeggingly steered a dangerous cross through the oncoming attacker all in one touch (for those of you who didn't see the match, yes, that actually happened.)

Of course a major talking point is the Ronaldo penalty claim at the end of the first half. At first glance I wasn't convinced. However, I didn't see it very clearly considering I had to watch the match through a shaky, small, blurry, feed. But the replays were more than enough to tell you that he did get clipped. There is not a doubt about that. What may have contributed to the referee's decision to play on was the embellishment part. Ronaldo jumped. He added to what was already a penalty. I mean lots of players would but I think it took away from the authenticity of the foul. Seconds later as another one of a rare attacks was in motion Van der Vaart had a penalty claim of his own. He did get the pass off though which eventually lead to a deflected shot from Xabi Alonso. The referee perhaps played the advantage there.

As far as substitution decisions, I thought they were all pretty valid. I would have done the same except maybe have removed Marcelo earlier and made Raul my last sub. Benzema added a little something when he came on. I feel Granero didn't have enough time to get acclimated to that match, but looked useful in spurts after his late arrival to the game. Raul worked hard but benefited little from his efforts. Pellegrini had the right idea maybe timing was just a little off.

In the end it's a sad conclusion to a day Madrid fans planned to be celebrating. Hats off to Osasuna. They thwarted our plans to go top of the league and did it very effectively. Madrid will be kicking themselves for not picking up the points Barcelona dropped yesterday and will be begging for another slip up from the Catalans while at the same time trying to correct what went wrong in the performance today.

Bobby