Mighty Madrid thrash Ajax 4-0
Two of the historic giants of European football locked horns for their UEFA Champions league encounter this Tuesday, November 23rd. 9 times European champions Real Madrid, took on 4 times champions Ajax at the Amsterdam arena. Real Madrid started
the match in grand style dominating from the kick off despite resting several key players. Sami Khedira, Pepe, Carvalho, Di Maria and Higuain were all rested ahead of the clash with Barcelona.
In the 1st half, there were some early shots taken by an impressive Benzema but Stecklenberg was comfortable in the Ajax goal. At the other end Casillas was not tested at all. Sergio Ramos was the 1st one to earn a yellow card in the
33rd minute. Then Enoh from ajax was yellow carder controversially after his tackle on Pedro Leon, who appeared to have dived. From the resulting free kick Alonso delivered a wonderful ball into the area towards Ozil, who delivered a sublime back
heel into the path of Benzema. The finish from Benzema was simply exquisite, the ball whistled past Stecklenberg into the top left hand corner of his goal.
Real Madrid defense seemed impregnable, Cristiano Ronaldo was in the mood for party football, Alonso was controlling the game in midfield and Ozil was efficient as usual. It was men amongst boys. Real Madrid won another free kick in the 43rd minute
after a clear foul on Benzema. Ronaldo as usual took the free kick but hit the wall. The ball landed at the feet of Arbeloa. He unleashed a fierce shot that deflected into the back of the net. Stecklenberg was helpless in goal.
The 2nd half started in similar fashion. Ronaldo ran straight through the heart of the Ajax defence. Stecklenberg was on hand to stop Ronaldo’s shot, he deflected it on to the bar. Ronaldo later was booked unfairly after being fouled by 2 players.
De Zeeuw also went into the referee’s book after his indiscretion in the matter. The 2nd half was going according to the script written by Jose Mourinho, who brought on Di Maria in the 66th minute in place of Pedro Leon.
After a silly challenge by Xabi Alonso, Ajax earned a free kick and delivered their 1st shot on target that was magnificently saved by the immaculate Casillas. Straight after that Real Madrid launched an attack and Di Maria delivered the ball
into the path of Ronaldo. He finished brilliantly slotting the ball home with his left foot across the keeper. Ajax were being taught a footballing lesson.
Real Madrid won another free Kick at the edge of the area. This time Ozil was given the duty to strike the ball. He curled the ball masterfully but Stecklenberg made a super save to keep the score line to 3-0. However Madrid did make it 4-0 thanks to a Ronaldo
penalty 5 minutes later after Ozil was fouled in the area following a wonderful run.
Real Madrid were totally dominant in the game. the onmly blemish on the performance were the 2 rather bizarre red cards earned by Xabi Alonso and Ramos after picking up their 2nd yellow cards in the dying minutes of the game. This means they will
be suspended for the next game but will start the Knock out stage with a clean slate.
The outstanding victory means Real Madrid is still unbeaten in all competitions and has amassed 13 points in 5 UEFA Champions league games, guaranteeing top spot in the group ahead of AC Milan. This sets up the clash against Barcelona wonderfully as the
Los Blancos will be high on confidence. The performance today was simply brilliant and apparently there is better to come.
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