Real Madrid 1 – 0 Deportivo

Another game, another loss. But as I said in my last post it is a ridicuolously difficult run of matches, and the lads played well at the Bernebeu too. I didnt see the game life but caught parts of it as it was playing in the airport, and on youtube too.

Raul struck the only goal of a largely drab encounter just before the break as Madrid gained revenge for their 2-1 defeat in La Coruna on the opening day of the season.

Lassana Diarra did all the hard work with a superb cross-shot into the danger area and Raul got the slightest of touches with his head to divert the ball past Gustavo Munua, who replaced the suspended Daniel Aranzubia from close range.

The closest Depor came to an opening in the opening half was a lovely Juan Carlos Valeron through-ball that was just narrowly too far in front of the sliding Rodolfo Bodipo.

To make matters worse for Depor they also lost Bodipo to what looked like a serious hamstring injury midway through the first half, robbing us of one of their most likely goal threats.

Into the second half left-back Felipe then almost shocked a quiet Bernabeu stadium out of its slumber with a 25-yard rocket that clipped the top of the Madrid crossbar before going over.

Depor went even closer in the 67th minute when winger Angel Lafita went for goal only to be denied by an acrobatic save by the airborne Casillas. That was as good as it got for us however and Madrid held out for the win.

Goal.com quotes Miguel Lotina as saying the following spiel, so it may or may not be true

“It was important for us to give a good image of ourselves after the last defeat,” he told reporters after the game at the Bernabéu.

“We knew if we wanted to extract something positive from this match, we had to put in a lot of effort and take advantage of our chances.

“Rea Madrid almost did not have any scoring opportunities until the end of the game, when we were very disorderly.

“As for ourselves, we did not have too many in the first half, but we did what we were supposed to do.”

The 51-year-old coach had a bone to pick with the ball-boys at the Bernabéu.

He said, “I do have a complaint, and it is about sportsmanship. When we had throw-ins, there were no balls along the flanks and the ball-boys were nowhere to be seen. But they were there when Madrid needed them.

“In life, it is necessary to have class. For me, I do not like these things. But we leave the Bernabéu with our heads high.

“It was an honourable defeat and I congratulate Madrid, who are in great form at present.”

Felipe added nothing of interest by claiming that Robben is not as good as Messi. No shit.

Team: Munua, Pablo, Ze Castro, Lopo, de Guzman, Tomas, Felipe, Valeron, Verdu, Lafita, Bodipo

Subs: Riki, Rodriguez, Mista

Next up is a home game against Villareal. Sigh.

Highlights:

In case anyone is wondering, which they aren’t Barcelona is an amazing city and its a joy to behold Leo Messi et al in all his pomp

Strange but True Depor Fact of the Day: Juan Carlos Valeron CAN believe it’s not butter.

Going to the Arsenal game? Find out how to get to North London and where to stay near Emirates Stadium.
Buy tickets to Arsenal games.

Category: Deportivo Team News

Tags: Deportivo Team News

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