Real Madrid vs. Valencia – Spanish La Liga - Half Time Report
Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid needed to bounce back after their humiliating defeat against Barcelona in the game that took place last week at the Nou Camp. The Los Blancos were missing out on their full-back Sergio Ramos who received a red card during his
last game against Barcelona after the ferocious tackle on Lionel Messi and later a punch to Carles Puyol’s face. Even though the Spaniard apologized for his actions later on, he still got the suspension that he deserved.
Jose Mourinho was playing an experimental side even though he was playing a strong opponent in his home ground, the Santiago Bernabeu. Iker Casillas featured between the two poles and he was helped by Raul Albiol, Pepe, Marcelo and Alvaro Arbeloa at the
back. In the midfield, Lassana Diarra took his position for the first time in the Real Madrid starting line up during the Spanish La Liga. Sami Khedria and Xabi Alonso featured in their favourite holding midfield position while Mesut Ozil played as an attacking
midfielder. No striker was played as Higuain was injured and Karim Benzema was simply not seen during the game against Barcelona and that was the basic reason why Angel Di Maria and Cristiano Ronaldo played up front as strikers.
Valencia were playing their best side as well and it was Saul who was guarding the Valencian goal. Hedwiges Maduro, Dealbert, Miguel and Bruno were at the back to help their side defend the goal. A traditional 4-4-2 was played by the coach of Valencia and
it was Ricardo Costa who featured in the midfield along with Alberto Costa. Ever Banega and Pablo Hernandez featured on the flanks while Artiz Aduriz Zubeldia and Alejandro Dominguez played up front as the strikers for their side.
The Los Blancos and Valencia both had an extraordinary game in terms of passing movement and chances on goal. Despite the fact that Real Madrid had more possession of the ball by just 4%, Valencia were the side who looked to be in control of shots on goal.
The game started off with a very high pace as both the teams relied over counter attacks. Despite the fact Gonzalo Higuain looked to be missing from Real Madrid’s side, the Los Blancos were doing well without him and it was Cristiano Ronaldo who mostly
featured up front as a striker for Jose Mourinho’s side.
Real Madrid were looking to build momentum especially after the 5-0 loss against Barcelona – el Clasico that took place on Monday as the Catalan managed to humiliate their arch rivals. It was Sami Khedira who found himself alone in front of goal but the
Real Madrid midfielder could not finish it off for his side as that ended the only “outstanding” opportunity that came during the first half and it was Real Madrid that managed to create it.
The first half ended with both the teams being on level terms. Both Spanish teams were trying their best to score as they both aimed to build momentum. Real Madrid after being defeated 5-0 at the Nou Camp while Valencia were top of the table in the start
of the season, suddenly started losing games; however, they seemed in full stride during the first half.
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