Real Madrid dominated Millonarios 8-0 Wednesday evening to win the 2012 Santiago Bernabéu Trophy 8-0 in a game that was already decided by the 30 minute mark. Kaká made his return to the Bernabéu count, as he easily netted player of the game honors with a fabulous hat-trick. Madrid's fabulous play--while obviously aided by Millonarios existence in a second or third tier of world football--reminded the historically conscious of a similar brilliant side that took the pitch about 60 years ago.
Which makes sense, seeing as the game was dedicated to the man that made that amazing side what it was--the "Blonde Arrow," Alfredo Di Stéfano.
It'd be a pain to recount the entire match goal-for-goal, but suffice to say that this is the type of play that has been waiting to explode from this side since the beginning of the season. Players were moving into space, finding each other perfectly, darting around opposition defenders, and deftly cutting off any chance of attack. It was a sight for sore eyes--Madrid hasn't put together this kind of game since, well, ages.
I don't want to put too much importance on the match--after all, Millonarios is not a first- or even second-level club--but it was great to see. Kaká as easily the man of the hour, taking up his relegated role with grace, and combining perfectly with every combination of midfielders that he was given--Mesut Özil, who supplied a couple fantastic assits, and Luka Modric later in the game. It was great to see Kaká back in the Bernabéu; it remains to be seen whether he can put together anything like this kind of match when he gets a chance at a higher level.
Outside of Kaká's performance, it was good to see Alvaro Morata get on the scoresheet. The youngster has failed to impress in his time with the first club so far--though, admittedly, he hasn't had much of it--and seeing him score was a very welcome development. Callejón netted a couple goals as well, but ultimately the story of the night was Kaká.
It's important not to get too worked up about this type of "training session with a crowd" as Mourinho said, but it's also not too crazy to get excited about it. It was a good game, and a good step for Madrid.
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