Madrid thrash Auxerre to claim top spot in group H
Even before the final match in group H of the UEFA Champions League got underway, Real Madrid had already secured their passage to the knockout stage. Apparently it was a dead rubber for the Spanish giants, but Jose Mourinho made a number of changes to his
team, to prove they are still strong even after the 10 days of El-Classico. Real Madrid scored 16 out of a possible 18 points in the first stage of the Champions League. In the first group stage they scored 15 goals and conceded only two. By far, it was the
best season in terms of points earned in the group stage.
French striker Karim Benzema, who has had a lean patch since he joined Madrid from Lyon in 2009, scored an unexpected hat-trick. The 4-0 score line against Auxerre means, Real Madrid finished top of the group. Jose Mourinho was not present on the touchline,
since he was serving out a one match ban. The Real boss was handed the ban after he deliberately asked Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso to be sent off in their previous match.
The game started with a superb cross from Ronaldo on the left flank, which was headed towards Karim Benzema, and the Frenchman made no mistake to head his team into the lead in the 11th minute. Soon after, another cross created havoc in the Auxerre penalty
area, fortunately for the French side Ronaldo’s header was off target.
At the other end Auxerre were awarded a free kick just outside the box, the shot was curled into the area and Jean-Pascal Mignot fired a decent header towards goal, but was denied by Jerzy Dudek.
The Polish goalkeeper is Madrid’s second choice stopper, and he replaced captain Iker Casillas, who was rested for the game. Dudek shot to prominence after he saved a crucial penalty for Liverpool against AC Milan in the final of the 2005 Champions League.
Auxerre were not short of determination, and kept attacking the Madrid goal, but Dudek was up to the task, and ensured Real kept their one goal lead in tact. He was replaced by Antonio Adan in the second half, after colliding with an opposing player.
Real Madrid started the second half off purposefully, and their strong attack helped Ronaldo score his 55th goal for Real Madrid in just 57 matches. A brilliant through pass from Marcelo set up Ronaldo, who slid the ball past the Auxerre keeper. Madrid kept
attacking Auxerre and pegged the French side within their own half.
The Auxerre defence was caught napping in the 72nd minute, and Benzema took full advantage to score his second goal of the night, after a great first touch. Soon after Benzema, got another chance, but was off target. In the 88th minute Auxerre keeper Olivier
Sorin couldn’t clear the ball on time and his miscued pass was intercepted by Benzema, who chipped it over the keeper from a tight angle to bring up his hat-trick. He showed great composure to score this goal, and proved his worth. Jose Mourinho was thinking
about buying a striker in the January transfer window; however this fabulous performance will make him think twice.
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