The two teams met thrice in a span of nine days, starting out in Copa del Rey at the Santiago Bernabau, before heading out to Mestalla for 2 more, one in La Liga second round, then Copa del Rey's second leg. Valencia was the same team that Real Madrid met the first time to start the La Liga season and it was when Real Madrid drop two important points. Going to the first match, Real Madrid drop two more points against their game with Ossasuna, when Cristiano Ronaldo didn't play as he has to served suspension and the team went on to a scoreless draw.
January 16
1st leg of Copa del Rey; Santiago Bernabau FT: 2-0 (Benzema, Guardado OG)
This was the comeback game of Marcelo after being sidelined for almost three months, then of Cristiano after serving a one game suspension. Even Coentrao is back and he and Marcelo played each halves. Valencia complained on offsides calls that were perhaps questionable but as Coach Karanka said, it wasn't decisive. I remember so many fouls too on Cristiano, some hardly calls, and some hard fouls that didn't even get yellows. But the important thing was Real Madrid won and had a good lead heading to the 2nd leg. There was this news though that Mou and Cristiano had some arguing after the game. Players confirmed it but it said it was non more of an arguing about the game, and each voiced out their opinions. Then news hinted that Cristiano possibly can be bench in the La Liga game.
January 20
La Liga, Matchday - Mestalla, FT 0-5.
(Higuain, Di Maria II, Cristiano Ronaldo II)
To the disappointment of the press (perhaps) Cristiano Ronaldo was not bench by Mou. And when all the players of Real Madrid clicked together, they were just unstoppable. The game saw all the goals scored in the first half, a very clinical attacking Real Madrid at first, then a defensive one come 2nd half. Fourth clean sheet of Iker Casillas and a worst defeat of the Valencia, the game was really a statement from the Whites. We saw a very good form of Ozil, Di Maria, Khedira, then of course, Cristiano Ronaldo. It was amazing. Barcelona eventually lost afterwards and drop 3 points and though the gap was still big at 15, it was still good.
It's amazing to see them all play well.
January 23
2nd leg Copa del Rey, Mestalla; FT: 1-1
(Costa, Benzema)
A draw was somewhat a very good result, since it means that Real Madrid was the semifinalist for the Copa del Rey. But the game will be remembered more for things that had happened that will affect the Los Blancos for a long time. At the 17th minute, Iker Casillas was accidentally hit by Arbeloa on the hand, and had his thumb broken. He was replaced by Adan afterwards. Then there's Di Maria and Coentrao being sent off as well. Fans including me was just glad there's no more 'casualty'. Left and right, we felt that Cristiano was fouled hard and yet just like old times no calls at all. But Iker's injury was the worst of all. Then another downing news, Marca (Spanish press) said that Iker and Sergio Ramos said to RM's president Florentino that if Mou didn't leave till the end of the season, they will. After the Valencia game, despite being in the semis against Barcelona, people were a bit sad of what was said and what had happened. Then Florentino, despite not usually commenting on news, held a press conference and denied the rumors that went out. He said it was only a way to destabilized the team. Iker and Sergio also sent an official statement that they never provided an ultimatum against their coach and that they only have respect for him. Marca stand firm with their news though although Real Madrid had made a legal actions against them as well.
It was a busy week for Real Madrid, they are all over the news, and their wins against Valencia was suddenly shadowed by all of it. Personally, it might be true that there are tensions among the players and the coach but I think it's just normal, among very competitive individuals who all want to win. I think they're making a big deal out of things because of Mourinho's personality. I certainly hope non of those was true. I hope they'll stay united no matter what.
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