UCL: Real Madrid 0-1 Arsenal, A Real Arse Whipping
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Arsenal became the first english club in history to beat Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Previously, 4 draws and 4 losses have kept all English clubs at Real Madrid's bay. Arsenal broke the tradition and boy did they deserve it!
Arsene decided to go with the 4-5-1 formation. Not something he liked but proved inportant in the end. The 4-5-1 formation was used against Man Utd in The FA Cup Final last year, and although we won, we were very lucky not to concede. Reyes started with henry instead of Walcott who Wenger really didnt want to use in such a high-profile match.
Arsenal were off from the start, with Reyes forcing Casillas into a save. Arsenal turned on the style in a wave of attacks. Johnathan Woodgate's injury in the 8th minute definately helped things. As time went on, Real became stronger but didnt really harm Lehmann's goal other than a Roberto Carlos strike that was hit so hard that lehmann decided to puch away instead of catching it.
Everyone were wondering if Arsenal were able to keep up the tempo in the second half, and those questions were answered 90 seconds after the restart with Henry going on a rampaging run before slotting it home.
The difference between the Real Madrid in the first half and the team in the second half was that the second half team didnt get stronger and Arsenal continued to press forward. All of Arsenal's players had a great night, but players that stood out were Henry for stepping up to the mark, Ljungberg for quality runs that help set up chances, Reyes used his pace to make quick counter-attacks and Fabregas for an overall great performance.
Real Madrid will now go to Highbury for the second-leg in a fortnights time.
posted by highbury1913 @ 3:32 pm | |
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