The Corner: Real Madrid Second in Group of Death

UEFA Champions League Group D

Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Real Madrid

Going to Germany, Real Madrid was more than wary it will be difficult to win. Previous records does not favor them well and Dortmund was after all Bundesliga's Champion. And the fact that after the international break, the Whites just lost 3 regular full backs in Marcelo, Arbeloa and Coentrao.

The game though saw Los Blancos dominating the possession from at the start of the match. They have started with Khedira being back after an injury as well (and not playing at their La Liga game vs Celta Vigo) but after just 20 minutes, he had suffered pain and was substitute by Modric. Though Real Madrid kept the possession, there weren't many chances for them. It was the Germans who first scored at the 36' minute after Pepe losing possession of the ball, Iker Casillas had made previous saves prior to this goal, but this one, he can only do much. But just like the classic Real Madrid, the Germans just enjoyed the goal for a few minutes and the game was tied, with non other Cristiano Ronaldo scoring off an Ozil pass. He had a beautiful volley that lobbed above the goalkeeper as he had tried to get in front of Ronaldo. Cristiano said Calma.

Halftime saw the same, Real Madrid still having possession but no chances. It was still the Germans who had created most of their possessions and at 64' minute, after Iker Casillas clearing punch was a little weak and reach Dortmund's Schmelzer, they were up to 2-1. Real Madrid failed to do anything more, and Borussia made sure they won't by doing great defense too.

The game was a good one, it would have been better for us Madridista had they won or at least a draw, but with the game they and Borussia had shown, that was the correct tresult. They were down to the second spot in this Group but was only down by a point and was still ahead of three points to the third placer Ajax after Ajax beating Manchester City that same day. Everyone was optimistic, Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Iker Casillas, Alonzo, it certainly was a long way to go.

I got amazed (and a little nervous) at one point when a fan enters a pitch and directly heads towards Cristiano Ronaldo at the 79' minute of the game. I have heard and read recent news of fans hurting the players (whether they are for or against the team/player) and I thought he'll hurt someone. Security was already following him though and what he did was really cute (and as described by an article a little too ambitious). He had motioned to swap shirts with Cristiano Ronaldo during the game. I don't know what Cristiano had said but he didn't seemed to be bothered by the fan at all. It was funny.

Also like what Jose Mourinho had said after they had lost, that all the other groups are jokes. Hahaha, expect something like that will come from Mou, but he do have a point, realizing that a League Champion will have to go to Europa League to qualify.

Before this game, Real Madrid was able to get three more points at La Liga after beating Celta Vigo. Cristiano Ronaldo scored off a penalty conceded by Ozil after Higuain made the game 1-0 with a difficult shot on a difficult angle. CR7 once again made records by scoring against all teams he had faced with Real Madrid. With his score as well in UCL against Dortmund, he's still the leading scorer with 5 goals in 3 appearances and it was actually the first time Real Madrid had lost after Ronaldo scored. That was an amazing record.

There was some issues again with Iker Casillas voting for Sergio Ramos first for Balon D Or giving him 5 points, Cristiano Ronaldo second for 3 points and Xavi (Barcelona) with 1 point. I don't mind it all though. The fact that he still voted for Ronaldo was good. And I think too everyone in Real Madrid deserves to be voted for that award.

Cristiano Ronaldo by the way continue to made some records by having his 100th cap in Portugal (although their qualifying games against Russia and Northern Ireland was forgetful) and was the third youngest to achieve it. One more thing that he had was getting 50 million plus likes in Facebook making him the most popular athlete in that social network. Many people would said they wouldn't care but I bet they liked him too in Facebook. Hahaha. Sweet enough of Ronaldo, he had a contest and ask his fans to send pics of them and represent their countries and he'll post the best. As of the moment, he had posted cool pics of fans already (and Philippines was included...cool). Me and my fellow CR7 fan was planning to create one too, but I doubt if it will be chosen. Hahaha. Still I'm happy for Cristiano no matter what.

Also happy for Iker Casillas, he's about to received Prince of Asturias Award with fellow NT teammate and one of his closest friend at Barcelona Xavi Hernadez.

So proud of Iker because he really exemplifies true sportsmanship, hard work and friendship as well.

Looking forward to more of their games. Just so happy seeing them, seeing them play, and seeing them work hard too. I hope some of the Real Madrid guys will be back soon. As I have heard Arbeloa and Coentrao could be back after their next game in La Liga this Sunday. Hope for a full recovery of Marcelo too after a successful surgery. Marcelo is an example of hope and happiness and that made it so promising he will be back soon.

Gracias Real Madrid! Till next time!

Hala Madrid!