Celta Vigo Vs. Real Madrid, La Liga 2013: Press Review

The Spanish Press

As and Marca seemingly borrowed each other's notes with Spanish headlines reading "No respite for Cristiano" and "Cristiano always takes it seriously" in their post-match analyses. Both dailies praised Ronaldo's insatiable drive to win by noting his focus and determination against Celta de Vigo remained just as sharp as when he helped slay Barcelona and Manchester United in their home stadiums a few days before.

Marca, never shy to offer their critique of all things Real Madrid, actually got a headline right by saying "Benzema and Higuain: Epic Failures Before Varas." While Celta's goalkeeper had an admirable game, there's no denying that Madrid's strikers blew a handful of chances to put the ball in the back of the net and give their team some breathing room in the face of a threatening Celta de Vigo offense.

The American Press

ESPN FC blogger Rob Train commends Diego Lopez's valiant performance in goal in his recap titled "Motivated Real battle past Celta." Train alludes to a topic many members of the Managing Madrid community have debated in the past few weeks, which is: with Lopez operating in scintillating form, will Iker Casillas find it tough to reclaim his spot as starting keeper for Real? We'll have to wait a few more weeks to see how that plot unravels.

Despite agreeing with Train's analysis of Lopez's excellent game, fans may disagree with Train's criticism of Luka Modric and his generous praise for Ricardo Kaka:

"The Brazilian, first off the bench against United midweek and again called on in Vigo, is finally playing his way into Mourinho's reckoning as the end of the season approaches. Luka Modric, meanwhile, continues to play his frustrating one-game-good, one-game-bad routine and was largely anonymous throughout."

Considering how Train's analysis of Modric's performance in one game essentially describes Kaka's 3.5 year spell at Real Madrid, fans might feel the writer is being a little too harsh on Madrid's Champions League hero and a little too easy on Ricky.

The Team

Assistant coach Aitor Karanka faced the press following the match and tried his best to protect his struggling strikers:

"They are forwards and they always say, and it is the truth- there are always spells of form. It might seem that they are not being accurate enough but the important thing is creating the chances. Last year they were going in and this year they are not going in as easily but the important thing is to keep creating the chances and they will start going in and we will win matches more comfortably."

Real Madrid captain Marcelo Vieira responded to critics after putting in a solid shift upon returning from injury:

"When they talk about me, the criticism doesn't affect me. I try to keep a balance and work to be well. Personally, nothing that comes out in the press affects me."

Looking Ahead:

According to the club's website, Madrid will resume training on Wednesday to prepare for Saturday's clash against Mallorca. Still, As reports that Luka Modric reported to Valdebebas today to train on his own- a commendable display of ambition and professionalism from Madrid's newest midfielder.