Matchday Musings: Real Madrid 1-1 Manchester United
Read an in-depth analysis of the Champions League game between Real Madrid and Manchester United at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday Feb 13, 2013.By Ali Al-Hassan
10:51 PM UTC 13 Feb 2013
Angel Di Maria Back to His Best
Throughout the past couple years, Angel Di Maria has been quite inconsistent mainly because of his ‘theatrics’ on the pitch and this season was no different. After being dropped for the weekend game against Sevilla, he started tonight and reminded everyone exactly what he is capable of. His energy was shockingly good as he was helping out in defense every chance he got, he ran at defenders without holding back, and had quite a few chances to score if it wasn’t for the amazing David De Gea in goal. A great game overall for the Argentine and everyone at the Bernabeu will be hoping for more of that during the rest of the season.
Di Maria Reminds the World of His Skills
David De Gea Proves Himself
Much worry has been roaming around before the game as David De Gea has not yet fully established himself at Manchester. With Sir Alex Ferguson praising earlier this week, the Spaniard rose to the occasion perfectly. Saved two certain goals from Fabio Coentrao, denied Cristiano Ronaldo any chance (except for the goal), and denied other opportunities from Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria, and Sami Khedira. He has reminded the United fans just why the club had chosen him and everyone will be happy with his performance tonight. A man of the match performance from the young goalkeeper.
Man of the Match Performance From De Gea
Cristiano Ronaldo Loves It All
Cristiano Ronaldo shows yet again how much he just loves the affection. With all eyes on him tonight as he faces his former team, he stepped up to the challenge and was prepared to give the fans just what they wanted (Well, the Real Madrid fans at least). He had his stepovers, his long-range free-kick, his shots, and his header which found the back of the net. Surely not his best performance in a white shirt, but a good game nonetheless from the Portuguese player.
Cristiano Ronaldo Scores Yet Again
Raphael Varane Does Not Disappoint
After his perfect performance in the Copa del Rey against Barcelona, he was chosen as a starter yet again against Manchester United and he did not disappoint anyone. Tackling Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, and even the legendary Ryan Giggs, the 19-year-old Frenchman was playing as though he has had many years of experience behind him. He was able to show his presence clearly and seems more than prepared to fight for a spot in the Real Madrid starting lineup.
The Youngster Does It Again
Old Trafford Awaits
After the 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu, this is just ‘half-time’ in the tie. This result will favor the Red Devils as they were able to get an away goal but anything can happen between the two European giants. With the second leg to be played at Old Trafford on March 5, the tie is still wide open and anything is expected in the second leg. Both teams will be ready to fight for a spot in the next round of the UEFA Champions League…
The Old Trafford Awaits
Ali Al-Hassan
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Real's problem yet again was the lack of a top class centre-forward. Neither Benzema nor Higuain could cause any serious trouble for the United back four. At least one of them needs to improve and support Ronaldo if Real are to get that elusive decima.