Madridista
Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao
November 18, 2012 5:00 am Philippine Time
It was one of those rare nights that Real Madrid was showing signs of perfectness, it was one of those rare nights where everyone was playing good, it was one of those rare nights where Real Madrid scored 5 goals and their main scorer Cristiano Ronaldo had not scored at all. The game saw a comeback from Karim Benzema who had suffered an injury and had to be rested for 2 games. His game was close to perfect, he had forced the first goal, scored another from an assist of Callejon, and then provide an assist as well to Ozil. Everyone really played well. Arbeloa had an assist too to Khedira, Ozil to Sergio Ramos, and though Real Madrid had conceded a goal, their defense were not in question that night. The thing too was Cristiano Ronaldo played exceptional despite having a blanc from the scoresheet. He had some good passes, one that led to Benzema to put another superb pass to Ozil, he had made some shots (a lot of on target) and had threaten to put his name on the scoresheet. It must have been sad for him as he didn't add one to his name but just like Arbeloa had said after the game during an interview, Cristiano was happy as the team had won.
There's still a lot of issues surrounding the Real Madrid dressing room especially Cristiano Ronaldo. Newspapers from Spain like As.com had said that the Portuguese was still unhappy and might really find an exit after the end of the season. They said that Ronaldo was still not feeling supported by the team, and I might have to agree as they had never showed any reaction as well to Ronaldo getting hurt during the Levante game and Albiol actually had showed concern more to Navarro the guy who injured Ronaldo. As a fan of Ronaldo - that's quite upsetting. But I have faith too that despite all of these Cristiano will still do his best for the club.
UCL - Manchester City vs Real Madrid
November 22, 2012 3:30 am Philippine Time
Going to the UEFA Champions League game against Man City, I had felt the love that the Man United had to Cristiano. It's going to be the first time Cristiano will be back in the city when he had left Man United back in 2009. And the Man United people are more than excited to see him back. What Gary Neville had written described the real Ronaldo, exceptional, ambitious, one of the best. He had described how he used to not understand him, then how Cristiano had magnificently changed his views over football. It had made me know Cristiano more and I appreciate it. There's another one written this time about what some other Man United players have to say and it clearly showed they had always appreciated Cristiano no matter what.
Game time, Man City fans of course had booed Ronaldo to the best of their ability. But Cristiano was awesome, he had made some distinctive moves that left Man City defenders dancing. As Rooney had tweeted during the game, Cristiano was killing people here. The game did not see him finding the back of the net though. He had made some good passes and Khedira was the recipient but was only able to shot wide on two chances. Cristiano was able to send one over at Hart too but was cleared by another Man City defender. Benzema scored the lone goal and Man City was awarded a penalty which is questionable and had even sent Real Madrid to just 10 players after Arbeloa was sent out. I felt that the referee was a bit unfair to Cristiano too as he was pushed a lot of times and nothing was called. Iker was the usual as he had provided Madrid some awesome saves along the way. The game did ended in a draw but it means Man City will be out of UCL as Borussia Dortmund beats Ajax in the other game. The draw was enough for Real Madrid to be qualified ending second. Mourinho doesn't mind that at all.
La Liga Betis vs Real Madrid
November 25, 2012 5:00 am Philippine Time
This was shockingly upsetting. Real Madrid need not to lose games if they want to keep up with Barcelona in the standings but this had happened. Just like everyone else, had noticed that Real Madrid played the first part of the game well enough, Cristiano had created a chance again passing it to Khedira but again it was wide. Then came the Betis goal. After that, the game was completely changed. Some shots are tentative, possessions were lost. Kaka was substitute in place of Ozil during the half and he really had a great chance to equalize but the Betis keeper was just as good beating his long shot. Callejon was put in so as Modric and there's some more good chances like Cristiano's free kick which again was saved by the Betis keeper, and some more. Overall, despite the chances, it was an upsetting play by the Whites. Benzema had a goal ruled offside where he was clearly not, then during the endgame, they were also denied of a penalty out of the handball in the area by Betis. Everything did fall out for Madrid. At the end of the weekend, Barcelona was ahead 11 points and Atletico Madrid ahead of 9 points.
During the press conference given by Mou, he had pointed out some things why they had lost. He had blamed himself, the game of the players, the schedules, the referee. He really had a point. Personally, no matter what, I support Mou. I trust him. I know he knows the best. He had already proven that. Regardless of the result of the game, I appreciate the players positivity. Arbeloa, Casillas, Alonso among others when asked that all that matters now are the next few games. And they were right. As much as it's upsetting, I know there's going to be something good after this. Everyone will learn, I'm certain of it.
It's a sad fact that Ronaldo had only scored once this month. But I know he'll be back. I hope he will, he's badly needed now.
If in case news about some problems inside the Madrid locker room was true, I can only hope it will be fixed soon. More than winning, what I want for them was to be happy and together.
Real Madrid vs Alcoyano
FT 3-0
November 28, 2012 4:30 am Philippine Time
So technically, was not able to see this game. From what I've learned, Cristiano was among the people on the bench but was still rested, Kaka was not included at all, then the goals came in late after Benzema and Di Maria got subbed in. Goals are from Di Maria and a brace for Callejon. They had dominated the match most of the time and it's just enough to seal the spot on top 16. What I have heard too was Mou was whistled by Real Madrid fans at Santiago Bernabeu. That's tough. As what they've been telling, Madridista are demanding. Iker Casillas share an interview after the match and he had reminded the fans to remember what Mou had done for them, Alonso and Arbeloa shares the same as they hailed Mourinho as the best that could have coached Real Madrid. As much as the situation in games are really different now, I think this is the time where Real Madrid needs us most.
In more recent news, FIFA had released the top three contenders for Ballon D'Or. It's Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta, the same three that was candidate for the UEFA Best Player. Just like the same, opinions rise as who will be the next one hailed, will Messi gets his world record fourth, will Cristiano gets his second, or will Iniesta surprised everyone again. First, I'm sad that Iker Casillas had not made it. A lot had said he deserves nomination, he's instrumental to numerous championships of Spain last year and to recent La Liga success of Real Madrid, but goalkeepers are underrated. Had been reading Falcao deserve a spot too, and I agree that his one of the best, but those three there? I don't think anyone should question it. There's so many of them whose great, but the three really was exceptional for their teams. Cristiano Ronaldo had said the nomination was overwhelming for him. I'm glad his happy. No question asked, he deserve to be named the best. As much as Messi was exceptional with his 50 goals in La Liga and 83 as for the whole 2012 year, it's Cristiano who had a silverware under his belt and a major one which is La Liga, had helped Portugal to reach Euro 2012 semis and had his own records set too, among was scoring againt all the La Liga teams he had faced, and scoring 6 consecutive in El Clasico. Real Madrid had an amazing record in La Liga last year. Coach Jose Mourinho was among the candidates for the best coach and he deserves it too. It's good that players who voted had named Ronaldo and Mourinho, it's a fact that the two had done great and it's good that they were recognized. Not unlike in La Liga itself when despite the records this two had set, they were denied of the awards they deserve. I felt it's mostly envy. If there's something that Ronaldo and Mou had in common, it's either they were being love much or hate much.
No matter what though I love those too and I love Real Madrid. Tough times for us but I'm keeping the faith. Win or lose. Hala Madrid!
