Ronaldinho less Barcelona defeated Sevilla 2-1, on Saturday through a double strike from Messi in the second half. Messi celebrated both goals Brazilian side in respect of his rested Star team mate. Henry has opened his account for Barcelona in competitive football through his strike against Lyon, but he is yet to open his account in La Liga. He had a good game against Sevilla and even hit the post a couple of times. It was his pass that set up Messi for his first goal. It was a superb finish on the volley when Henry expertly picked out the Argentine's run. Rijkard definitely has a problem as there is a wide spread complain that Ronaldinho is performing under par and Henry looked to be enjoying his new role of freedom in the Brazilian's spot on the pitch pretty much similar to a role he has been playing for years at Arsenal. Fredi Kanoute pulled one back in the closing stages with some clinical finishing but it was too late for Sevilla to salvage anything from the game. At this point it is not a big deal to see who wins how many as we are only 4 games into the league. Barca looks impressive and authoritative at home, but as was the case last season, they seem to be struggling away from Nou Camp.Villareal moved to second in the league, with a win over Murcia. Valencia joined them at same points with a 1-2 win over Real Betis away. Atletico Madrid drubbed Racing Santander 4-0.
As usual i would want to focus more on the Real Madrid game away at Real Valladolid. It was a Sunday fixture. Schuster made changes to his side. He was forced to change the defensive partnership and had to move Sergio Ramos to partner Cannavaro in the center of defense. Salgado got his first start for the season at RB and Marcelo continued to play at LB after a decent performance against Werder Bremen. Diarra and Guti continued their partnership in midfield. Sneijder was rested and Royston Drenthe started on the left side of midfield. Robinho on the right side of midfield, Raul and Van Nistelrooy as the strikers.
The first few minutes of the game clearly showed the Valladolid was no easy run overs. I saw their match against Valencia last week and they gave Valencia a scare at home till the last few minutes. Valenica scraped past them 2-1. The home side was pushing forward, pinning Real in their half and to say the least was not even letting Real player have a few seconds time on the ball. Real in fact were struggling to even complete 3 passes at a stretch. Marcelo and Drenthe were not going anywhere on the Left side and there was no service for Raul and Van Nistelrooy. After 15 mnutes i wondered if Raul was in fact playing because honestly i did not see him getting a touch on the ball. Drenthe and Marcelo were in a competition to lose the ball. Diarra dint have the confidence to keep the ball close to defense and Guti had was in his usual skin where he disappears for stretches of the game.
It was the Captain who realized that the 19 and 20 year olds are not running hard enough. Raul was trying his best to cover most part of the pitch and was constantly seen being agitated with Drenthe on not closing down players. I am not sure what Shcuster expected of Drenthe as he was playing not as an Attacking midfielder and not as a LB. Real for all said and done has never been a team who can suck up pressure in an away game. They cannot defend and win and rather would want to have possession and score and win. A team playing against Real should always look at getting them off the ball and have their fire power dampened by lack of time on the ball. Robinho looked active but had very little service as both Marcelo and Salgado were struggling to make it out of the Real half.
Past 60 mins Raul made one of his trade mark runs, squeezed past the two center halfs and connected for a shot but to be saved brilliantly by a diving Valladolid keeper Butelle. It was nice to see the Real Captain shaking hands in appreciation of Butelle's Save. Real Valladolid made a dangerous attack and Spanish National team Captain made a full stretch dive to make an amazing dive. Casillas was not to be left behind. Schuster should have known that Real are not going to last another 30 more mins without conceding a goal. He made two attacking changes, taking out Robinho for Higuain and the un impressive Drenthe was substituted by Robben.
The Dutchman's entry almost immediately produced results as he started making some runs on the left and most occasions needed 3 Valladolid men to get the ball off him. One of his deflected crosses almost fell invitingly for Raul screaming in. Then it was time for a piece of magic. I say that this goal from Pedro Lopez for me so far is the goal of the season. I always believe that luck plays a major part in such goals but the fact that he attempted this shot is what is to be commended on. It was a scorcher from almost the half line which no keeper in the world could have saved. Not only was it well hit for the pace factor but the placement was out of the world. 1-0 Valladolid. Here is a video of the same.
Valladolid went to kill the game. Schuster used his final straw, it was a dangerous move, but outlined the thought process of the German. He took out Salgado and introduced Saviola. It was a 3 man defense against an already attacking Valladolid. It was 3 minutes from time when Guti finally woke up from his slumber and threaded a ball through to Van Nistelrooy. One-one with the keeper Van Nistelrooy un selfishly squared it for Saviola for a tap in. Valladolid players screamed for an off side on both the player. Looking at it Van Nistelrooy was not offside when he recieved the ball and Saviola could not be deemed offside as it was not a pass forward as Ruud squared the ball. The goal stood and it was 1-1.
Real struggled to earn this point, but a watery pitch and some great attacking football from Valladolid. Real can take hope from this game that with all the attacking Valladolid had Real defense stood up and delivered and it required a long range effort to get a goal against them. Real still head the La Liga with 10 points from 4 games and is unbeaten.
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