Espanyol v Real Madrid - September 12th

Sorry for the lack of posts, got some catching up to do, had alot of things going on.

Starting with this game that I watched last week.

ESPANYOL 0 REAL MADRID 3

ESPANYOL: Kameni, Forlin, Pareja, D.Garcia, Chica, Verdu, Hurtado, Nakamura, L.Garcia, Tamudo, Ivan Alonso
REAL MADRID: Casillas, Metzelder, Albiol, Marcelo, Arbeloa, Guti, Alonso, Benzema, Granero, Kaka, Higuain

Really enjoyed the game, thought Espanyol were hard done by to lose 3-0 the scoreline doesn't do them justice, it was also a very emotional game, a tribute for defender Dani Jarque was held before the game, and also on the 21st minute and Jarque chant went round the ground to commenerate his number.

Both full backs Chica and David Garcia were great at getting forward, I thought Luis Garcia was quiet on the left, Naka was decent on the right, the forward line could have done alot more.

Real dropped all 3 goalscorers from the first week, Lass, Ronaldo and Raul on the bench, for me there is still alot of work that needs doing to this Real team, Marcelo is not a left back I would choose, his defending leaves alot to be desired, and Metzelder is looking like a liability in the middle of the defence, the midfield trio of Guti, Alonso and Granero impressed me, only Alonso is guareteed his place in the team, but Guti came in and did a great job bossing the midfield spreading the play, and Granero was superb in his box to box work, and great link up with Alonso for the first goal.

Espanyol stepped up a gear in the 2nd half, Nakamura and Ivan Alonso came off and Coro and De la Pena came on, Coro giving more width on the left and the "Little Buddha" becoming the focus of the Espanyol's attacks, he changed the game for Espanyol, they looked far more dangerous, and could has easily pulled a goal back and made it much more interesting.

The Catalan's play was enjoyable once De la Pena was on the field, Coro was also impressive down the left wing, showed good pace and skill, and it was good to see he started the next match against Deportivo.

Overall the 3-0 result flattered Madrid which could have been alot closer, Espanyol should do well this season, I look forward to watching them again.


M.O.M - Guti - For me he played a great game, showing he still has the ability to be in the new galacticos, and with a long season ahead, he will get alot of games.

Match Rating 7/10