Real Madrid 0 - Roma -1 Starting team: -----------Casillas Salgado----Hierro---Helguera-----Roberto Carlos Figo-------Cambiasso--Makelele---Zidane -----------Raul---Ronaldo Guti for Cambiasso Morientes for Ronaldo Solari for Zidane Four consecutive game without win. And this weekend a "easy" game against the Depor in La Coruña.
Madrid still qualifed for the next round. Madrid is playing very poorly since Ronaldo has returned to action. I believe it's going to take some time to have the team learn to play with him, and vice versa, but since Ronaldo's return the only league or Champion's League match they won was his first game v Alaves (when he scored twice). Frankly I wish Guti was still starting as he provides more mobility and skill at forward than Ronaldo does now. The Brazilian is used to running onto passes but when most teams sit back and defend v Madrid it's not easy to spring him with through balls. Ronaldo's ability to hold the ball isn't that good and with his back to goal, as Madrid's forwards are often required to do, he's been poor. It also doesn't help that Luis Figo is once again playing like crap. Madrid will get their act together soon but will they lose too many points in La Liga to really chalenge for the title? As for the Champion's Leaue they're in the next round so it should give them more time to acclimate Ronaldo. but it looks to me like the team is standing around waiting for someone to make a play. Too static and not enough mobility.
Good analysis. In the four games qithout a win Guti hasn't scored, and he was doing iot previously. He should get some rest. The team should also adapt to playing longer balls, not to the feet, in order to make Ronie play. Yeah.
I'm still waiting to read more comments I mean 1966 was the last year they lost to an italian team (Inter)
Martin Cutler said, " I wish Guti was still starting as he provides more mobility and skill at forward than Ronaldo does now. The Brazilian is used to running onto passes but when most teams sit back and defend v Madrid it's not easy to spring him with through balls. Ronaldo's ability to hold the ball isn't that good and with his back to goal, as Madrid's forwards are often required to do, he's been poor. " Good point. Ronaldo does need service to his feet when he's running toward goal. And unlike Morientes or Guti he doesn't hold the ball well with his back to goal. I think your point about Real Madrid taking time to adjust to Ronaldo is a good one too. But how long will it take? I also agree with Martin's point that Madrid stands around a lot waiting for someone to make a play. The team needs more mobility in it's attack and needs to speed up it's play as sometimes their buildup is so slow it gives the oposition time to retreat and defend. This is something del Bosque needs to work on in the coming weeks.
I'm with you Merengue. Real Madrid needs to play faster. Right now they're standing around waiting for Roberto Carlos, Zidane, Figo or Ronaldo to beat some one with a dribble. They need more movement and need to utilize Zidane's extraordinary passing skills to pry open opposing defenses. This weekend's game in La Coruña will provide a very good test.