Post match thread - Real Madrid

[Neil Young]

Why are people on here continually talking about what Rafa DIDNT say in his Sky interview, when we should be talking about what he DID say in his RTE interview?

I've read both sets of comments and neither is definitive IMO. Of course the RTE one is more positive-sounding but it doesn't really mean anything. It still gives him an opportunity to walk away if he wants to without actually contradicting what he said (even if it would run against the spirit of what he said).

The trouble is they're all just words. That's why we might as well forget it about and see what happens.

Having said that we can show our support for the manager in the meantime, just in case anyone - Rafa or the Board - is thinking of making a change.

[Jack D Rips]

I've read both sets of comments and neither is definitive IMO. Of course the RTE one is more positive-sounding but it doesn't really mean anything. It still gives him an opportunity to walk away if he wants to without actually contradicting what he said (even if it would run against the spirit of what he said).

The trouble is they're all just words. That's why we might as well forget it about and see what happens.

Having said that we can show our support for the manager in the meantime, just in case anyone - Rafa or the Board - is thinking of making a change.

I agree with all of that, but in short,saying that he will not be resigning sounded positive to me.

[PTP]

That's pretty much what I was saying.

- i'm sure it was i didn't really read ur post haha i just quoted you so i could have my say in relation to the issue

[Neil Young]

I agree with all of that, but in short,saying that he will not be resigning sounded positive to me.

Haha, fair comment.

Mind you, that's exactly how I described it.

I suppose it shows how meaning can be shaded by the context, including what remains unsaid.

[Neil Young]

- i'm sure it was i didn't really read ur post haha i just quoted you so i could have my say in relation to the issue

[Jack D Rips]

Haha, fair comment.

Mind you, that's exactly how I described it.

I suppose it shows how meaning can be shaded by the context, including what remains unsaid.

I suppose we should also recall that on the day before the transfer window closed he said that he thought Robbie Keane would still be here when the deadline ended

[kingfunk]

I suppose we should also recall that on the day before the transfer window closed he said that he thought Robbie Keane would still be here when the deadline ended

The words you have to look out for are, "I dont think so" Which mean, YES.

[Joe King]

Villa for Valencia, surely? waits for Mrs Burmingham

[Liverpool]

Riera getting a silly booking towards the end and missing the next game, needed him as well.

[Tee]

Riera getting a silly booking towards the end and missing the next game, needed him as well.

I thought he was very disappointing in terms of touch and control... again. Really does seem to have lost that early season spark - to his credit he did keep Ramos occupied which will be worry for the second leg - cannot see Babel keeping him that busy tbh.

[FatTony]

Nice biased match review from Real Madrid

Real Madrid 0-1 Liverpool
Carlos Cristobal / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Liverpool won the match thanks to a goal by Benayoun despite Real Madrid dominace. Strategy took center stage in the first match of a tie that will be decided in Anfield.


Steven Gerrard was not a starter and Benayoun took his place in an unusual 4-4-2 system for a team that usually uses a 4-2-3-1 scheme. Real Madrid also used a 4-4-2 and had the first chance when Raul controlled the ball inside the box after receiving a pass from Robben down the right wing. The captain's shot was saved by Reina.

The Whites kept possession and looked for room to create chances on goal, but this proved difficult against Liverpool's impeccable organisation. Benitez's pupils never faltered and stayed for the most part in their half of the pitch. It was hard to have a shot on target, but Marcelo managed to pull one off when Raul gave him the bal on the 15-minute mark; Reina saved the day again, but not without some problems.

Liverpool waited in defence for the chance to counterattack quickly with long passes to midfield hoping to make good use of the speed of their forwards. Torres and Benayoun had two good chances on target, but their shots were met by Casillas. Real Madrid had the reins of the game and were proving to be dangerous down the right wing, where Robben -who was fiercely shadowed- and Ramos thrilled the crowd with their dribbling and crosses. The only way out Liverpool found was a precise shot on goal by Xabi Alonso from his half of the pitch that Casillas managed to clear.

Guti came on in the second half for Marcelo in order to try to unlock Liverpool's defence. The game looked more open, but Liverpool still based their game in counterattacks and Madrid theirs in speed down both wings. Robben played down both looking to surprise his opponent, while all of the Reds' chances were thwarted by a brilliant defensive line led by an amazing Pepe.

Real Madrid's possession increased and their chances on goal happened more frequently. Robben had a shot off target after an incredible run and a pass to himself, and he came close to scoring with a shot on goal moments later (70'). Fernando Torres had left the pitch four minutes before because he felt some pain on his right ankle and was replaced by Ryan Babel.

Liverpool's goal came just when the game looked better for the Whites; Fabio Aurelio served a free-kick and Yossi Benayoun sent the ball to the back of the net (81'). Liverpool didn't do much to win the game, but for some teams only a little is enough. Real Madrid tried hard to score an equaliser, but in the end the Reds won the day. The tie will be decided in Anfield.

[Craig_H]

We were awsome. Let no one underestimate the significance of that victory. Once again we established our credentials on the highest stage. Where are the Rafa doubters now?

I think the 'rafa doubters' have never had a problem with what we do in europe, the doubts come from the PL table, which still shows us 7 points adrift after having been comfortably top.

[Craig_H]

Some pics i took out there, if anyone's interested:

Players on their warm down afterwards:


Second half action:



Teams line up prior to kickoff:



Quality Mascherano banner:


More banners:


Reds and banners outside bar:

[SB]

Villa for Valencia, surely? waits for Mrs Burmingham

Stoke for Sporting or
Fiorentina for Fulham