Sunday, February 6, 2011
Preview: Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad
First note. If you come across Claudio Bravo, goalkeeper of Real Sociedad, do not ask. He brings a brace on teeth and still talks funny. Who have suffered it, will understand. Bringing orthodontics is like living with a harmonica in the mouth. And the goalkeeper-mime torture should be more if you play against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu; placing barriers, to correct positions, simple panic cries.
The second note has another name: Xabi Alonso. He was born in San Sebastian and is clearly good. From these certainties is easy to assume that Real Sociedad will base its system to block his exit with the ball. Zurutuza warned during the week: "Cristiano and company are fed by him".
And speaking about Cristiano, will open its chapter; four games without scoring, just turned 26 years and lately a certain melancholy. Three good reasons to play as best he can, if fatigue permits.
Back to the Real Sociedad, the most outstanding focuses on its more advanced line. Xabi Prieto, to respect the gallon, is an excellent player, so much that is inexplicable that big clubs in Europe do not want sign him. Griezmann is an obvious jewel and Tamudo a popular classic. Nor lose sight of the red head Zurutuza.
The Real Sociedad, one of the toughest opponents against which Real Madrid has faced in the first round. Aranburu will not play, injured left foot. In return, Mikel Gonzalez returns after completing one match suspension.
In Madrid the settings are defensive due to the Ramos low (yellow cards accumulating). Arbeloa and Marcelo will occupy the sides, with Albiol and Carvalho at the heart of the rearguard. The only question is the companion of Xabi: Khedira or Lass.
Above, Özil will return to Bernabeu three days after his display against Sevilla and Benzema will return to score the goals that Adebayor threatened. Kaka will take minutes in the second half.
The match has stem and was missing. The three years of exile from the Real Sociedad in second division had deprived us of a hopefuls meeting like it was in the 80s . In that decade almost everyone who played today were born.