Real Madrid Vs. Deportivo, La Liga 2012 Press Review

Real Madrid hammered 5 goals past Depor yesterday. This is what the press, the players and the manager had to say about it.

The Press

MARCA notes that Xabi Alonso, a player who starts nearly every game under Mourinho, finally received a rest for the better part of a game.

With an important week ahead – a European match against Ajax and the visit to Camp Nou – Mourinho saw fit to rest one footballer who has played everything: Xabi Alonso. He positioned Sami Khedira as the sole centre midfielder, with the quality pairing of Özil-Modric up front and the German player had a great game.

AS has expressed the feeling that Madrid are showing signs of improvement and not a moment too soon - one week before El Clásico and just before a Champions League visit to Ajax, away. Both of these games are considered must-wins, of course, with Madrid in the Group of Death in the group stages and already 8 points off the top of the domestic league table.

Our old friends at EL MUNDO DEPORTIVO note that Depor are hardly difficult opponents and that Madrid, although they conceded first, were never in any danger of losing the match, even with the absence of Xabi Alonso.

All newspapers, in every language, have placed some focus on Alonso's absence and how well the team did in spite of it. Xabi Alonso has always been recognized in the press as a vital cog in Madrid's midfield, and with reason. Madrid has generally played badly without him. As a result, Sami Khedira has come in for some considerable praise in the press this morning for his performance as the only holding midfielder until Alonso's appearance after the hour mark.

The Manager

Aitor Karanka took questions post-match today. He had a number of things to say about the game, the team's reaction to the overwhelming scoreline and the personnel decisions made during the match.

It was a league match, it's three points and we will analyse it tomorrow, as with every match, and draw the necessary conclusions...We have the feeling that we need to concentrate on ourselves. To keep improving and growing and win the league matches that we have. We are thinking about Wednesday’s match and afterwards we will think about the Barcelona match.

On Özil and Modric:

What we want most and what is we most emphasise is team play. Khedira played in midfield with them and I think that he excelled. He had a great performance did a lot of defensive duties and I think he played a great match. [Replacing Özil at halftime was] a tactical change as were others in the second half and as [they are] in every match. Each change is for the best, for what the team needs...

On Kaká

Everyone is seeing the improvement in Kaká. We were the first to say that if he stayed, as last year, he would have matches to show what he has. When a player works as he does when they get these matches and these opportunities it is reflected on the field, which is what we all want. We want all players to be at 100%, which in the end is more difficult for us but it is the best for the team.

The Players

Cristiano Ronaldo

We played well in the first and second halves and we are deserved winners. We had to win this match to get more confidence. The most important thing is that all three goals helped the team to get the win. In every match I try to help more and more... We have to accept the coach’s decisions [on substitutions and the lineup] because he knows what to do for the best for the team. The season is very long and you have to make changes. They are all top players, with great quality. We have to stay focused and confident that we will play a good match against Ajax in the Champions League...

He appears to have been the only player to address the press after the match.

Real Madrid Vs. Deportivo, La Liga 2012: Madrid Concede Early But Put 5 Goals Past Depor

Many of us will remember Super Depor – the team that won the league, and sent 4 goals past AC Milan in a memorable Champions League quarter-final tie. The Deportivo de La Coruña that came to the Bernabéu today was a very different team, newly promoted from the second division, and although they took an unlikely lead they were unable to prevent a shower of Real Madrid goals.

Real Madrid Vs. Deportivo, La Liga 2012: Match Thread

Deportivo A Coruña visits Santiago Bernabéu Sunday (19:50 CET). Join our comment section to debate about the game with our community!

Coentrao, Essien, Out Of Real Madrid's List To Face Deportivo

Michael Essien couldn't fully recover from his little foot injury, while Fábio Coentrao has been left out by José Mourinho due to technical reasons.

Coentrao completed his four-game suspension in Real Madrid's last Liga BBVA game against Rayo Vallecano, but Real Madrid's coach is not ready to welcome him back yet, although he would add a lot of depth to the team's roster.

Real Madrid Vs. Deportivo A Coruña, La Liga 2012: Match Preview

Deportivo A Coruña will travel to the Bernabeu this Sunday to face Real Madrid coming off their first loss of the new season, a 0-2 home defeat to the same strong Sevilla side that had victimized los Blancos the week before. Real Madrid will be looking to build off their recent victories over Manchester City and Rayo Vallecano.

Essien Missed Saturday's Training Session

Michael Essien couldn't practice with his teammates in Saturday's training session. He is now expected to miss tomorrow's game against Deportivo, but he will likely be able to play Wednesday in Real Madrid's next Champions League game in Amsterdam against Ajax.

Essien was successful in Real Madrid's game against Rayo Vallecano, and he will surely be an important piece in José Mourinho's midfield.

Coentrao Will Be Back On Real Madrid's Squad List

Even though Coentrao could've played against Manchester City, José Mourinho decided to start Marcelo. Now, Real Madrid's coach will have the chance to start Coentrao in a Liga BBVA match once again.

Marcelo played great against Manchester City, and he was also key against Rayo Vallecano, where he set a lot of counterattacking opportunities. It'll be hard to bench Marcelo at this point, but it is good for Mourinho to have to make this decision once again, since Coentrao adds depth to the roster.

Scouting Real Madrid's Competition: Deportivo A Coruña

After an odd week with the re-scheduled game in Vallecas and the blowout against Millonarios, La Liga BBVA is back in action for Madrid. Deportivo A Coruña is back in Spain's top division after one season in Segunda División, and they're looking to regain their former stature in the country. But playmaker Juan Carlos Valerón is the only member of the "Super-Depor" playing now, and they might be slipping further away from former glory.