Real Madrid needed just one point to make it through to the Round of 16, but their trip to Germany against Werder Bremen would be no easy affair. Though the Germans were missing their star player Diego through injury and also their keeper Wiese through injury as well. There was no change to the Madrid line up except that Fabio Cannavaro fell sick after landing in Germany and had to be replaced with Metzelder. The first real chance of the game came when Sergio Ramos had a chance on goal.But it was the Germans who were to take the lead, as Rosenborg made maximum use of a defensive error from Real as his strike partner Sanogo missed the chance. 1-0 Werder Bremen
Schuster had said in the press conference before the game that Real would be gunning for victory and will not settle for a draw. That is exactly what happened and Real did not drop dead with the 5th minute goal from the Germans. In minute 12, the Brazilian connection worked as Marcelo provided an excellent ball to Robinho who got past Mertesacker and scored a brilliant goal at a difficult angle. 1-1 Real Madrid
It was an open game for almost the entire first half and it was an absolutely brilliant 40 meter run by Rosenborg that set up Sanogo and this time he was not to miss the chance. He scored a brilliant volley to make it 2-1 Werder Bremen. Rosenborg's run was so good that he got past Gago with ease and then Metzelder as well before providing the cross to Sanogo.
Pepe is a very good player, but it was obvious that both he and Metzelder were not functioning well together. Pepe is kind of the defender who is very aggressive and attacks the ball. He even moves towards the flanks when strikers drift and that is indeed putting major holes in the defense with a seemingly not fit and rather slow Metzelder. Pepe should probably be combined with Cannavaro or Heinze who might actually be able to control the lanky defenders movements. Schuster probably has to instruct Pepe that he cannot defend each and every attacking move from the opponents and rather the defense should be working as a unit. Well for the same reason there were constant chances for Werder against the defensive mistakes. Casillas had to make a brilliant save and also Sergio Ramos was called in to make a save between the posts as well.
The defensive confusions continued and finally luck drained out for Real when Hunt scorched past the defense and beat Casillas with a sweet left foot. 3-1 Werder Bremen.
Rosenborg was really impressive all through the game and he missed a golden chance to finish off the game. But Van Nistelrooy led the game to an interesting climax when he got a pass from Guti, confronted with the keeper, drifted wide to the right of the box and then shot towards goal, Robinho came in to tap in the ball, but it was already in. 3-2 Real Madrid.
Real and Werder both played end to end football trying to kill the game on both the sides but the score was to remain. Now Real have their last game at home against Lazio in the group and a point will ensure Real progressing to the knock out stages, they still lead the group.
Here is a video of full match highlights:
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