Search OleOle:

Home > FIFA > UEFA > Spain > La Liga > Real Madrid > RealmadridTalk > FC Zenit 1-2 Real Madrid | Champions League Review

« Previous Post Next Post »

FC Zenit 1-2 Real Madrid | Champions League Review

Tuesday, 30 September 08, 01:30 PM · Comments (20)

Zenit - Real Madrid

An own goal from Hubocan and a goal from Ruud Van Nistelrooy gave Real Madrid another win in the Champions League as they successfully accomplished their mission in Russia.

It was a great match with both sides showing quality, brilliance and determination.

Bernd Schuster started with Casillas in goal, Ramos, Cannavaro, Pepe and Heinze in defense. The midfield consisted of Diarra, De La Red, Van Der Vaart and Robben.

There was a little surprise in the attacking line as there was no Rau'l but instead Higuain who partnered Van Nistelrooy.

Real dominated most the first half thanks to the strong midfield and the effectiveness of its players. One key part I liked about the team tonight is how they were able to defend and attack effectively.

The knew how to counter-attack and they could have scored a few more goals tonight. The idea of playing with Diarra and De La Red as both defensive midfielders was a good one as that gave Van Der Vaart more freedom to advance and allowed the team to attack freely.

The first 20 minutes of the second half was very good but when VDV was replaced by Javi Garcia and Schuster decided to defend, I didn't like how we looked. Zenit had most of ball possession and they just kept attacking and putting pressure on our defense.

Hadn't been bad luck, they would have equalized or even won the match. Real only thought of defending and defending and the changes Schuster made didn't help much.

He should have kept VDV in and asked the team to score more goals in order to wrap things up. But he opted to defend and pray to God that Arshavin won't score and that what exactly happened.

Higuain once again played very well. He is improving gradually and proving he is worth the money we paid for him. Rau'l was probably rested for the match against Espanyol, but Higuain is becoming a threat so the captain needs to work harder and regain his form.

Anyway, what is important is that we snatched the three points. This puts us in a good position on the table. Our next opponent is Juventus but before thinking about them we need to think about our matches against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid first.

In conclusion, it was a good match. Yes I didn't like how the team played in the second half, nevertheless, I'm satisfied with the overall performance. Now bring on Espanyol!

Hala Madrid!

Zenit St. Petersburgo
Malafeev
Anyukov
Puygrenier
Hubocan	(P.P.)Gol 4'
Domínguez 73'
Tymoschuk
Zyryanov
Arshavin
Sirl
Denisov
Danny	Gol 25'
Pogrebnyak
Fatih Tekke 73'

Real Madrid
Casillas
Sergio Ramos
Pepe
Cannavaro
Heinze
De la Red
Diarra
Van der Vaart
Javi García 63'
Robben
Drenthe 82'
Van Nistelrooy	Gol 31'
Higuaín
Saviola 89'

Like this blog? Help spread the word:

Tags: Real Madrid, Zenit Petersburg

Topics: Real Madrid, Zenit Petersburg
Live report for: Zenit Petersburg vs Real Madrid

Posted by Adam Bader | 20 Madridstas said something

20 Madridistas have commented on "FC Zenit 1-2 Real Madrid | Champions League Review" · Add yours

1. helmet_09 Wrote: | 20.13BST | Sep 30, 2008

Real stayed behind the ball the last 15 minutes. I don't understand why Schuster started with Heinze. Marcelo should have started and Heinze should have played on the weekend. Zenit were much better in the second half. Im glad we got the three points but disappointed with the second half. All we need now is for Bate to beat Juventus.

2. davorreal Wrote: | 21.58BST | Sep 30, 2008

Yes,I agree about Heinze!But last 15 minutes our defence was
incredible!Every ball from Zenit was blocked in time,even that one in the wood was closed in cm!Zenit is a very good
team but WE won!Hala madrid

3. helmet_09 Wrote: | 22.12BST | Sep 30, 2008

Reply to davorreal:

Yes,I agree about Heinze!But last 15 minutes our defence was
incredible!Every ball from Zenit was blocked in time,even that one in the wood was closed in cm!Zenit is a very good
team but WE won!Hala madrid

Yeah Zenit was good. Now we have to concentrate on Juventus after they tied with Bate they will be looking for a win. I was impressed how Arshavin and Danny played. It's a shame that Arshavin didn't leave Zenit for a bigger club this summer.

4. davorreal Wrote: | 22.22BST | Sep 30, 2008

Reply to helmet_09:

Reply to davorreal:
Yes,I agree about Heinze!But last 15 minutes our defence was
incredible!Every ball from Zenit was blocked in time,even that one in the wood was closed in cm!Zenit is a very good
team but WE won!Hala madrid
Yeah Zenit was good. Now we have to concentrate on Juventus after they tied with Bate they will be looking for a win. I was impressed how Arshavin and Danny played. It's a shame that Arshavin didn't leave Zenit for a bigger club this summer.

He is a fan of Barca,but they showed no interesting in him!
Should we?He said that he would play here but, I don,t know
I would not take him,he is too old and we are too good!We
will find a better one!

5. Adambader Wrote: | 22.52BST | Sep 30, 2008

Reply to helmet_09:

Real stayed behind the ball the last 15 minutes. I don't understand why Schuster started with Heinze. Marcelo should have started and Heinze should have played on the weekend. Zenit were much better in the second half. Im glad we got the three points but disappointed with the second half. All we...

I think Heinze did pretty well. Marcelo would have been over-taken by Arshavin and the other folks.

However, what I found odd was why Schuster opted to defend and risk with everything? I mean we could have been beating hadn't been bad luck for them.

6. Riken Wrote: | 23.34BST | Sep 30, 2008

It was a hard game. I must say that we had a bit of luck in this game. We must control the ball and have more posesion in situations when we have the lead. But I`m very happy that we won.

7. helmet_09 Wrote: | 01.21BST | Oct 1, 2008

Reply to Adambader:

Reply to helmet_09:
Real stayed behind the ball the last 15 minutes. I don't understand why Schuster started with Heinze. Marcelo should have started and Heinze should have played on the weekend. Zenit were much better in the second half. Im glad we got the three points but disappointed with the second half. All we...
I think Heinze did pretty well. Marcelo would have been over-taken by Arshavin and the other folks.

However, what I found odd was why Schuster opted to defend and risk with everything? I mean we could have been beating hadn't been bad luck for them.

I guess I'm just looking at the goal Zenit scored and his past performances. Heinze has gotten lucky several times. Some of his chalenges and his defending in the past could have had him sent off. This however is mostly when he plays as a center back not as a left back.

8. alex Wrote: | 01.59BST | Oct 1, 2008

I Just have to say the more and more i see De la Red the more i think i like him i already thought he was going to be a star, but the way he can control the midfield and his passing.

9. morzzan Wrote: | 07.08BST | Oct 1, 2008

Hola.....
This game was a stark contrast to which Calderon brought in Schuster, to play attack and beautiful football. Unfortunately, the only beautiful football played today was by Zenit and Van Der Vaart. Unfortunately, Vaart was subbed for a defensive midfielder. So, basically Zenit played with 6-7 attacking players, and Madrid played with 4 defenders and 4 defensive midfielders... It was funny. Because, I felt that had Vaart remained on field, then, I am sure we could have win more convincingly. I felt sad, actually sorry since Zenit deserved to win this one. And there was Madrid, clinging on to dear life, and ofcourse lady luck. I mean, if it wasn't for Casillas and luck, we should have lost this one. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge Madrid fan, but this is simply not the way I want my team to win. I want Madrid scoring goals, at least in a decent way, and not be overwhelmed so easily. Schuster should have more balls and play a little more attacking football. I wonder if we did lose this game, if Schuster would still have had his job (we have had similar experiences in history ). I do agree with Schuster not starting Raul, but other than that, Schuster did not do anything worth mentioning in this game. As long as he continues playing with this kind of an attitude, I donot see Madrid winning the CL.

10. davorreal Wrote: | 08.22BST | Oct 1, 2008

For winning the CL we need one world class player!This will
happen probably next season!Pepe said he see us in final this
year,if that happens I will be happy!Primera is still the first target for me!hala madrid

11. Adambader Wrote: | 10.21BST | Oct 1, 2008

Reply to helmet_09:

Reply to Adambader:
Reply to helmet_09:
Real stayed behind the ball the last 15 minutes. I don't understand why Schuster started with Heinze. Marcelo should have started and Heinze should have played on the weekend. Zenit were much better in the second half. Im glad we got the three points but disappointed with the second half. All we...
I think Heinze did pretty well. Marcelo would have been over-taken by Arshavin and the other folks.

However, what I found odd was why Schuster opted to defend and risk with everything? I mean we could have been beating hadn't been bad luck for them.
I guess I'm just looking at the goal Zenit scored and his past performances. Heinze has gotten lucky several times. Some of his chalenges and his defending in the past could have had him sent off. This however is mostly when he plays as a center back not as a left back.

I believe it is hard for any defender to block that goal. It just happened quickly and the Zenit player was faster than him - I don't think it was Heinze's fault.

12. Adambader Wrote: | 10.24BST | Oct 1, 2008

Reply to morzzan:

Hola.....
This game was a stark contrast to which Calderon brought in Schuster, to play attack and beautiful football. Unfortunately, the only beautiful football played today was by Zenit and Van Der Vaart. Unfortunately, Vaart was subbed for a defensive midfielder. So, basically Zenit played...

It depends on your definition of attractive football. I think we played some attacking football in the first half and we could have scored more goals.

The team also played some attacking football against Valencia, Gijon and Numancia. It is just about the right combination of players (VDV, Robben, Guti playing at the same time) - the right atmosphere (not like playing Zenit away at their own cold Russian stadium)

13. Adambader Wrote: | 10.25BST | Oct 1, 2008

Reply to davorreal:

For winning the CL we need one world class player!This will
happen probably next season!Pepe said he see us in final this
year,if that happens I will be happy!Primera is still the first target for me!hala madrid

We don't have a world-class player? Robben no? Van Nistelrooy no? VDV no? Who is the world-class then? Arshavin?

14. Macedonia Wrote: | 12.21BST | Oct 1, 2008

Reply to Adambader:

Reply to davorreal:
For winning the CL we need one world class player!This will
happen probably next season!Pepe said he see us in final this
year,if that happens I will be happy!Primera is still the first target for me!hala madrid
We don't have a world-class player? Robben no? Van Nistelrooy no? VDV no? Who is the world-class then? Arshavin?

Arshavin sux All players in Real Madrid are world class players, if they were not, they wouldn't be in Real Madrid I just want to see Drenthe playing more minutes, and i'm happy for 'losing' Robinho, he was too selfish. Real Madrid took him from the cage in which he lived and made him a MAN, gave him EVERYTHING what he have, and he was so "grateful" and get back to the team on this way. I still have some simpathy for him, but i dont want him in Real Madrid.

15. Adambader Wrote: | 12.42BST | Oct 1, 2008

Reply to Macedonia:

Reply to Adambader:
Reply to davorreal:
For winning the CL we need one world class player!This will
happen probably next season!Pepe said he see us in final this
year,if that happens I will be happy!Primera is still the first target for me!hala madrid
We don't have a world-class player? Robben no? Van Nistelrooy no? VDV no? Who is the world-class then? Arshavin?
Arshavin sux All players in Real Madrid are world class players, if they were not, they wouldn't be in Real Madrid I just want to see Drenthe playing more minutes, and i'm happy for 'losing' Robinho, he was too selfish. Real Madrid took him from the cage in which he lived...

Well, I still think that Real could have treated Robinho better than they did. However, part of the problem was that he wanted to leave for non-sporting issues (not that he can't retain his place in the squad or his involvement in Ronaldo's deal) - Money. He wanted more money and he got more money now.

Good luck to him anyway -

16. arsekicker Wrote: | 13.12BST | Oct 1, 2008

I was extremely impressed with the determination shown by Real. This is the quality that was often lacking in the past - perhaps there will be no more 'upsets' for them this season in the competition. At least I hope they draw Man Utd at some point and show them who the better team is.

17. davorreal Wrote: | 15.02BST | Oct 1, 2008

Reply to Adambader:

Reply to davorreal:
For winning the CL we need one world class player!This will
happen probably next season!Pepe said he see us in final this
year,if that happens I will be happy!Primera is still the first target for me!hala madrid
We don't have a world-class player? Robben no? Van Nistelrooy no? VDV no? Who is the world-class then? Arshavin?

A team work is the strongest wappen we have at this momment but I feel I would give some time to Europa to prepare for us,for our 10.time!
Oh, nobody will be happiest than me if I am wrong!
This is only my subjective opinion,we play well and we still could be better,it is obvious ,that is what makes me satisfied!
Only,Robinho is history!over..
Whatever will be... vente con El RealMadrid!

18. Adambader Wrote: | 15.14BST | Oct 1, 2008

Reply to arsekicker:

I was extremely impressed with the determination shown by Real. This is the quality that was often lacking in the past - perhaps there will be no more 'upsets' for them this season in the competition. At least I hope they draw Man Utd at some point and show them who the better team is.

I believe the team has improved dramatically during the last couple of years. We used to suck against "little" teams but ever since Capello brought that spirit back and cleaned up the team, we played better.

Just one aspect I'm worrying about and that is injures. Last year, we lost to AS Roma because we had more than three key players injured (Nistelrooy, Ramos & Robinho - If I'm not mistaken) and so I think If we get Sneijder, Guti and Gago back, we will certainly advance more in the competition.

19. helmet_09 Wrote: | 16.30BST | Oct 1, 2008

Reply to Adambader:

Reply to helmet_09:
Reply to Adambader:
I think Heinze did pretty well. Marcelo would have been over-taken by Arshavin and the other folks.

However, what I found odd was why Schuster opted to defend and risk with everything? I mean we could have been beating hadn't been bad luck for them.
I guess I'm just looking at the goal Zenit scored and his past performances. Heinze has gotten lucky several times. Some of his chalenges and his defending in the past could have had him sent off. This however is mostly when he plays as a center back not as a left back.
I believe it is hard for any defender to block that goal. It just happened quickly and the Zenit player was faster than him - I don't think it was Heinze's fault.

I see your point. Danny anticipated that ball much faster than Heinze. I think it was a careless mistake. He was not aware where the opposing player was. I think we have improved with the communication with the back four. All of them last night seemed to be talking to each other which is why I think we did not concede a second goal.

20. Walker Wrote: | 09.20BST | Oct 3, 2008

First off, this was a very good and crucial result. However i feel the performance was, for the most part, not good. Zenit had us pinned back for the last 15 minutes and at times we were struggling to cope with their quick incisive passing. Through luck, good saves from Casillas and last ditch blocks from the defence we held in there.
Still at the end of the day we can say we went to Russia, against the UEFA cup holders, didn't play that well and still got the result. I don't think Juventus will cause us the problems that Zenit caused us and we should now get through.
HALA MADRID!!!