Photo courtesy of EFE/Alberto Martín at elmundo.es
Real Madrid 2 - 0 Ajax
(1-0) 30' Anita (o.g), (2-0) 73' HiguainNothing overly spectacular from Mourinhos men in white, but enough to get the job done. Following Cristiano Ronaldos comments yesterday when he claimed the crowd should spend their energy cheering the team on instead of booing, there were some grumbles from the Bernabeu and in a way you could understand why. At times Real Madrid produced some quality football, but they were almost always let down by poor finishing or a poor final ball. Frustrating for fans who over the years have become accustomed to the Zidanes, Figos and Ronaldos of this world. They need to give this team time to settle, they'll be told. Story of the last two years. One shining light was young Mesut Özil, who carried on were he left off against Osasuna with another exciting display that earned him his second ovation in four days. The German is going to be a big hit in the capital, no doubt about it.
Cristiano Ronaldo on the other hand had a miserable night. Maybe it's just me, but I can't help but feel the guy has created an ongoing battle in his mind against Leo Messi, and he's losing in a big way right now. Nothing went right for CR7, not for want of trying, though he really doesn't help himself with those temper tantrums. After one particularly glaring miss late in the second half he remained rooted in the Ajax penalty area while play continued. You could sense the crowd were getting tired of his petulance. The sooner he sorts out this childish attitude the better. For him, for Mourinho and for Real Madrid. Bigger battles lie ahead, but a solid start from Madrid. Check the goals from Anita (o.g) and Higuain below.
Cristiano Ronaldo on the other hand had a miserable night. Maybe it's just me, but I can't help but feel the guy has created an ongoing battle in his mind against Leo Messi, and he's losing in a big way right now. Nothing went right for CR7, not for want of trying, though he really doesn't help himself with those temper tantrums. After one particularly glaring miss late in the second half he remained rooted in the Ajax penalty area while play continued. You could sense the crowd were getting tired of his petulance. The sooner he sorts out this childish attitude the better. For him, for Mourinho and for Real Madrid. Bigger battles lie ahead, but a solid start from Madrid. Check the goals from Anita (o.g) and Higuain below.