Managing Madrid - Real Madrid Vs. Borussia Dortmund, UEFA Champions League 2012Dominating European football since March 6th 1902https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50831/mm-fav.png2012-11-07T17:45:00+01:00http://www.managingmadrid.com/rss/stream/33691452012-11-07T17:45:00+01:002012-11-07T17:45:00+01:00The Press, Players & Managers Weigh In Post-Match
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<figcaption>Dennis Grombkowski</figcaption>
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<p>There's plenty to say about a thrilling encounter at the Bernabeu from the press, the players and the managers after the match between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.</p> <p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"><b><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>The Managers</span></b><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"><b><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>Jürgen Klopp: </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>Had we not conceded we’d have deserved to win. It’s no small thing to be on the verge of a win against Real Madrid. We were lacking clarity in the second half and it was obvious Real would probably have a break-through. We earned our single point, but might have deserved to win. In the meantime we can be proud. For Roman to have stopped the ball</span></i><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'> [off Özil’s free kick] <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">he’d have had to have knocked his head in </i>[against the goal-post]<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. It was unfortunate, and he’s not to blame. </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"><b><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>Jose Mourinho:</span></b><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I am not happy, but nothing really happened. We scored three goals. If we come in second in the group that’s a problem for the team that draws us in the next round. Imagine drawing Real Madrid? I’ve won the Champions League twice and both times I was second in the group.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>The Players</span></b><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"><b><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>Sebastian Kehl:</span></b><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We would of course have preferred the three points. We were disappointed directly after the game...In the second half we were under pressure and had a couple of lucky breaks. I’d like to thank our fans, who created a great atmosphere.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"><b><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>Roman Weidenfeller: </span></b><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>[The goal] <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was a stroke of genius from Mesut Özil.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"><b><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>Lukasz Piszczek: </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>It’s a bit of a shame </span></i><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>[the draw]<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. But if you’d said before the two games that we’d take four points against Real Madrid I’d have taken it.</i></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"><b><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>Mario Götze</span></b><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">That goal just before the end was stupid, of course. The 2:1 was my goal and not an own-goal.</i></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";'>Jose Callejón:</span></b><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";'> <i>We deserved the win in the second half...I know it [the goal] wasn’t offside because I could see the left back in line with me.</i></span></p>
<p><b><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;'>Pepe: </span></b><i><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;'>The match was difficult because they are a great team who also like to have the ball. It was an open match and a great spectacle. I don’t think that the result demonstrates how well we did; the second half was all about Real Madrid...<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Dortmund are also a great team. Everything is still wide open in this group and we have to keep working hard. We have to have confidence in our team.</span></span></i></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;'><b>Alvaro Arbeloa</b>: In Real Madrid the most important thing is winning. If anyone knows what it means to be an academy player, it´s me. It´s precisely because I'm an academy player that I'm more demanding with the team, I want more from them that just showing up for training. Playing for Real Madrid is challenging for everyone and when you´re an academy player you have to give it your all.</span></i><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";'></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;'><b></b></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;'><b>Sergio Ramos: </b>It´s a shame to finish on a draw after having been so close on many occasions to ending the game with another goal. Despite the result, the team played progressively better as the match went on. In the second half we employed a more daring approach but it´s unfortunate that we didn't score the goal we deserved. The Santiago Bernabéu stadium and Real Madrid fans will be happy and proud of the what we've achieved.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";'></span></i></p>
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<h6><a href="http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/Actualidad_Primer_Equipo_en/1330127111728/noticia/Noticia/Callejon:__We_deserved_the_win_in_the_second_half_.htm"> </a></h6>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>The Headlines and Press Commentary</span></b><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>Germany</span></b><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>The German press takes a particular and affectionate interest in German National Team player Mesut <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Ö</span>zil this morning – who in addition to stealing the draw, has stolen the headlines. The Spanish Liga is not shown in Germany, even by satellite television, so it was one of the few times German viewers have been able to watch him play at Madrid. Also, there is the faint irony of a Gelsenkirchener stealing Dortmund’s thunder, a nuance any Bundesliga fan would be alive to.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>Headlines in KICKER<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">: Özil stiehlt der Borussia den Sieg</i> (Özil steals Borussia’s win) and DER SPIEGEL: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Özil zerstört den Dortmunder Traum</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> (Özil ruins Dortmund’s dream)<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.</i></span></span></p>
<span style='font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;'>The latter publication continues (again, my translation) -</span>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: ">Robert Lewandowsi looked reverently into the upper stands of the Bernabeu upon entering the stadium. He was holding the hand of a small child; but he looked, in that moment, a little as though he were fulfilling a childhood dream – to be allowed to be play in this infamous arena against Real Madrid.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>As shown by this excerpt, a young and relatively inexperienced Dortmund team’s good showing in a difficult venue is the dominant theme in the press this morning.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>Spain</span></b><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>The Spanish press offers little variation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>Mesut<b> </b>Özil<b> </b>comes to the rescue in the 89th minute</span></i><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'> is MARCA’s headline this morning above a photograph of the player himself leaping into the air. The paper continues with praise for Dortmund –</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: ">Prior to the match, Borussia had made little noise and showed respect for its opponent, but what happened on the pitch was another thing altogether. </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"><b><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>England</span></b><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>Coverage in England focuses, understandably, on the group in general and on Manchester City’s near-certain elimination from the group in particular. From the tone of the press coverage it seems the English press takes it for granted that Dortmund and Madrid are the teams that will make it into the next round, even though, as it stands, any team (Dortmund included, in a scenario in which both Manchester City and the current group leaders end on 8 points) can still be eliminated from the group and any of the four teams can theoretically make it through. For those of you not aware of the result in the other game in the group: Manchester City were two goals down against Ajax Amsterdam within 17 minutes before scoring twice and salvaging the draw. They are bottom of the group on 2 points. Ajax Amsterdam have 4. Real Madrid, of course, has 7. Dortmund has 8.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;"><span style='font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;'>For a rundown of what Manchester City is lacking in Europe, THE GUARDIAN’s Jamie Jackson has a rundown of five talking points after the game between two teams Madrid must still play to be assured of a spot in the next round. <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2012/nov/06/manchester-city-ajax-champions-league"><span style="color: blue;">The link to that article is here.</span></a></span></p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2012/11/7/3613522/press-review-real-madrid-v-borussia-dortmundJ A Marsano2012-11-06T22:57:57+01:002012-11-06T22:57:57+01:00Mesut Özil Salvages The Draw For Madrid
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<figcaption>Dennis Grombkowski</figcaption>
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<p>Mesut Özil's perfectly taken free kick salvages the draw for Madrid in a hard-fought game against an excellent Dortmund.</p> <p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><b>The First Half – The Defence And Casillas Found Out As Madrid Score An Own Goal</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify">If Borussia Dortmund were even slightly impressed by their surroundings it didn’t show past the first 10 minutes. Madrid dominated in those first minutes, but throughout the first half were to be found out for lack of discipline and control in the centre of the park.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify">Luka Modri<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: ">ć</span> showed he is no replacement for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110267/sami-khedira">Sami Khedira</a> in the centre of the park – lacking the presence, flexibility and physicality of the injured German. The majority of the game was straight through the middle in a very vertical formation from both teams. Madrid were particularly weak on the wings, with di Maria almost completely anonymous, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> inexplicably positioning himself centrally for large portions of the first half in an already crowded centre.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify">In the first half Madrid were also in the unusual position of being vulnerable to counter-attacks when pressing forward or taking corners or free kicks – a reversal of the team’s usual position. Generally speaking, it is other teams that are vulnerable at moments when they should be in better control of the game against Madrid.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify">Dortmund opened the scoring and their first goal involved a quick break, a pass from Robert Lewandowski to Wunderkind Markos Reus, and poor defending from <i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: ">Á</span></i>lvaro Arbeloa. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110845/iker-casillas">Iker Casillas</a>, who should have done better, was also beaten at the near post.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify">Madrid’s first equalizer came off Pepe a few minutes later off a perfect cross from Mesut Ozil in the aftermath of one of Madrid's corner kicks. Pepe is a stadium favourite and the crowd at the Bernabeu exploded and chanted his name.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify">A few minutes later, Mario Goetze’s effort got Dortmund’s second goal, again off a Lewandowski pass – and once again off poor defensive work for Arbeloa. Ultimately the goal was credited as an own-goal for the defender.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify">Other notes for the first half: Higua<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: ">ín</span> was poor heading the line; nearly anonymous and spent most of the first half hobbling on an injured hamstring. In hindsight it may have been better to have taken him off earlier as soon as the injury hit. As it is he was removed at half-time. Modri<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: ">ć</span>, Madrid’s poorest midfield player of the first half, was removed for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110300/michael-essien">Michael Essien</a> for greater midfield control.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><b>The Second Half – Özil's Free Kick Salvages A Point For Madrid</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify">With no strikers, Cristiano Ronaldo was moved inside and Callejon provided some necessary spark to the attack. A less crowded centre meant that Özil began to have a greater influence. Within one minute of the kick-off Callejon's goal was called offside – a decision that looks as though it may have been incorrect. Within 4 minutes Callejon had another shot that narrowly missed the target. Essien, who provided greater control and calm in the centre of the midfield, provided a better and secure platform for attacks from Madrid's front line and was helpful in defence making two useful clearances.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify">With a more controlled midfield, Ronaldo also began to have a greater impact on the game as Madrid went for simple tactics – straight through the centre. For all their dominance Madrid’s finishing was unfortunate however, and Dortmund's defence held.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify">With 15 minutes to go, Kaka came on for Arbeloa as Madrid went for the win. Even with three at the back, Madrid continued to dominate, with Essien in particular putting in a good shift. One ball was cleared off the line. Weidenfeller made 2 excellent saves in the final 10 minutes.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify">With a single minute of extra time Mesut Özil, arguably the outstanding Real Madrid player of the two games against Dortmund, and with a hand in every goal scored against them in these group stages, lined up next to Cristiano Ronaldo and unexpectedly took the free kick awarded the team from the right side of the pitch. The ball dipped and curled into the back of the net.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><b>Conclusion</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify">Madrid suffered from the apparent ham-string injury to Higua<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: ">í</span>n early in the game and needed the security provided by Essien and the spark provided by Jose Callejon after a shaky and open first half. Di Maria and Ronaldo were unexpectedly poor and effectively marked out of the game for long periods of the match. Madrid were better in the second half; Dortmund were better in the first.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify">Dortmund, still an inexperienced team, were outstanding in their pressing, defending, work-rate and precision. Yet again, this game showed that stats don’t matter. Madrid had 60% possession, completed 80% of their passes and had 11 shots on target to Dortmund’s 6. Ultimately however, there was nothing to choose between the teams on the night. Madrid were superior for longer periods of the match, but Dortmund struck when it counted and will be thrilled with their performance over two games.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify">Final score: Madrid 2 Dortmund 2.</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2012/11/6/3610928/real-madrid-borussia-dortmund-champions-league-2012-scoreJ A Marsano2012-11-06T20:05:05+01:002012-11-06T20:05:05+01:00Match Thread
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<figcaption>Denis Doyle</figcaption>
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<p>Mourinho has decided not to surprise anybody, so Real Madrid's lineup will look as expected.</p> <p>Feel free to join us and talk about the game!</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid's</a> Starting XI</b>: Casillas, Ramos, Pepe, Varane, Arbeloa, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110858/xabi-alonso">Xabi Alonso</a>, Modric, Di María, Özil, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and Higuaín.</p>
<p>Borussia Dortmund's Starting XI: Weidenfeller, Subotic, Hummels, Piszczek, Schmelzer, Kehl, Gündogan, Götze, Reus, Grosskreutz, Lewandowski</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2012/11/6/3610110/real-madrid-borussia-dortmund-champions-league-2012-liveLucas Navarrete2012-11-06T10:00:06+01:002012-11-06T10:00:06+01:00Match Preview: Benzema Out
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<figcaption>Denis Doyle</figcaption>
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<p>Real Madrid will play this Tuesday (20:45 CET) its most crucial match of this ongoing UEFA Champions League. Borussia Dortmund visits the Santiago Bernabéu with the goal in mind of reaching the 1/8 stage of the European trophy, but Jose Mourinho's team will fight hard in order to regain the leadership of Group D. </p> <p align="justify">Injuries don't seem to stop biting Real Madrid. Just when Álvaro Arbeloa rejoined the squad, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/131262/karim-benzema">Karim Benzema</a> will miss the next couple of weeks due to an small injury in his adductor. Gonzalo Higuaín will probably be on duty again to try to be an important player in Champions League time, something he has yet to accomplish with Real Madrid.</p>
<p align="justify">José Mourinho also confirmed in Monday's press conference that Raphäel Varane's will return to the starting lineup. The French defender rested his legs against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/zaragoza">Zaragoza</a>, so he'll be fully ready to show once again why he's going to be the starting center back for many years to come. If <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110857/sergio-ramos">Sergio Ramos</a> is finally able to play, something that seems very likely, he will be on Real's right back, with Varane and Pepe in the middle and Arbeloa on the left.</p>
<p align="justify">That way, Mourinho will need to pick either <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110300/michael-essien">Michael Essien</a> or <span>Luka Modric</span> to be <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110858/xabi-alonso">Xabi Alonso's</a> partner. Given how thin Real Madrid's midfield is at this point, it's hard to see Mourinho placing a 4-3-3 formation, because he wouldn't have a natural replacement on the bench if another injury breaks Real Madrid's plans. Modric is arguably reaching a very good form, but that creative midfield couldn't be enough to prevent Borussia Dortmund from enjoying dangerous scoring opportunities.</p>
<p align="justify">Di María didn't play well in Dortmund, but the German team shouldn't be able to press that well during more than one half in the Santiago Bernabéu. It's sure that Real Madrid will miss Khedira's physical presence in the midfield, but if Di María and Özil play well enough, Klopp's team shouldn't have neither more nor better scoring chances.</p>
<p align="justify">Also, if Casillas plays the way he did against Zaragoza, and Pepe has a luckier game than when Mourinho's team visited Dortmund, maybe Real Madrid could keep its fourth consecutive clean sheet, something that should be noted.</p>
<p align="justify">One way or another, it's true that Real Madrid still needs to improve. Even though they played great possession football against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/mallorca">Mallorca</a>, the fans are still waiting to see their team crushing the opponents with quick counterattacks. That's the style that fits Higuaín, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and Di María best. and those three will be Real Madrid's best scorers on the pitch. Transition game will be very important, since <i>los merengues </i>can't let Borussia have the ball at the Bernabéu that much.</p>
<p align="justify">It will be an intriguing game for the fans, and there's a lot at stake. Real Madrid players better be ready to display a better offensive game if they want to win this Group Stage. It won't be easy, but Mourinho is coaching the better side, that's for sure.</p>
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https://www.managingmadrid.com/2012/11/6/3605994/real-madrid-borussia-dortmund-champions-league-2012-previewLucas Navarrete2012-11-05T21:26:03+01:002012-11-05T21:26:03+01:00An Update to Borussia's Scouting Report
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<figcaption>Denis Doyle</figcaption>
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<p>Borussia Dortmund head into their Champions League rematch against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu Tuesday on the heels of a dispiriting 0-0 draw at home to Stuttgart on Saturday.</p> <p align="justify">Borussia Dortmund head into their Champions League rematch against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu on the heels of a dispiriting 0-0 draw at home to Stuttgart on Saturday.</p>
<p align="justify">In fact, Jurgen Klopp <a href="http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1833819.html?cid=rssfeed&att=">told reporters</a> that the draw felt more "like a defeat," leaving the two-time defending Bundesliga champions 11 points adrift of a Bayern Munich side displaying absolutely dominant early season form.</p>
<p align="justify">The draw with Frankfurt also saw defensive midfielder Sebastian Kehl join Dortmund's ever expanding injury list (sound familiar) with a facial injury courtesy of an elbow from Stuttgart midfielder Raphael Holzhauser. The incident, which didn't draw a red card, understandably made Klopp furious and seemed to shake the side's equilibrium.</p>
<p align="justify">Particularly their finely calibrated midfield equilibrium, as ESPN Bundesliga correspondent <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1214722/sebastian-kehl-joins-borussia-dortmund-injury-list?cc=5901">Stephan Uersfeld noted</a>:</p>
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<p>"Dortmund could not retain their rhythm against Stuttgart, with Kehl's replacement Moritz Leitner's more attacking approach to the position taking Germany international Ilkay Gundogan out of the creative role"</p>
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<p align="justify"><i><a href="http://www.whoscored.com/Matches/667784/Preview">WhoScored</a></i> has Kehl listed as doubtful, so that means if Leitner is selected again his understanding (or lack thereof) with Gundogan could also be a key to this match against Madrid, who didn't face the underrated German playmaker in the first match.</p>
<p align="justify">Obviously, they will have had a few days to train and work on their timing and tactics, but this potential disruption in Dortmund's finely-tuned engine room is worth considering ahead of tomorrow's rematch. In other notable team news: Sven Bender is viewed as doubtful and Jakub Blaszczykowski remains sidelined.</p>
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<p align="justify">Saturday's draw marked the first time that Dortmund were held scoreless in 29 matches at the Signal Iduna Park. This can be viewed as a mixed blessing for Real Madrid, as the German side certainly seems a bit vulnerable, yet vulnerability is sometimes a disguise donned by a truly dangerous team.</p>
<p align="justify">It is interesting to consider that a strangely similar pattern played out before the last meeting of these 2 sides. Dortmund lost 1-2 at home to hated rivals Schalke and Klopp's tactical decisions were widely questioned. Klopp opted for a <a href="http://www.zonalmarking.net/2012/10/22/dortmund-1-2-schalke-klopp-takes-the-blame-as-shift-to-3-5-2-backfires/">3-5-2 formation</a>, despite <a href="http://www.kaisersweeper.com/post/34095879937/klopps-tactical-gamble-backfires-borussia">never having had the side train</a> in that system. The manager <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/15/germany/2012/10/21/3466062/klopp-takes-responsibility-for-demoralising-schalke-defeat">assumed the blame</a> and the skies suddenly looked very gloomy with Real Madrid looming on the horizon. We all know what happened next.</p>
<p align="justify">You don't win a league of the Bundesliga's caliber two-times running without quality and mental toughness in equal measure, so I expect a show of resolve at the Bernabeu. Still, it seems that there is a sense of unease around Dortmund that could turn into panic if Real Madrid were to start fast.</p>
<p align="justify">I'd love to know your thoughts, Madridistas.</p>
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https://www.managingmadrid.com/2012/11/5/3604864/real-madrid-borussia-dortmund-champions-league-2012-scouting-report-updatedDennis J. Seese2012-11-05T18:42:24+01:002012-11-05T18:42:24+01:00Quick Look Into Tomorrow's Match
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<figcaption>Christof Koepsel</figcaption>
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<p>Dortmund are approaching the match with a mixture of trepidation and excitement after some further disappointment in their domestic campaign. Matts Hummels can’t wait to play in the Bernabeu, while Marcel Schmelzer is worried about revenge. How do Borussia Dortmund look going into tomorrow’s match?</p> <p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify">Two weeks ago, Dortmund put in the type of energetic and organized display that <a target="_blank" href="http://www.managingmadrid.com/2012/10/22/3537324/borussia-dortmund-real-madrid-champions-league-2012-scouting">I had anticipated they would in my comprehensive scouting report. </a>Since then, however, all has not gone well in the league. Dortmund failed to win again at the weekend, at home, against Stuttgart. It is possible, in a relatively young and inexperienced side, that thoughts of their clash with Madrid on Tuesday were already on their minds.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify">For the record: Marco Reus had a disappointing evening and Neven Subotic <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>had a bad night too. Dortmund dominated the match but could not find the necessary creativity in the final third to break down Stuttgart’s perfect defensive display. They looked tired and out of ideas. Because they are lagging in the league, they were unable to rest any players.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify">The players themselves are under no illusion about the difficulties of the task ahead of them. “They’ll want to over-run us,” says Marcel Schmelzer, looking forward to Tuesday’s match. “They could be looking for revenge.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify">According to the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.abendblatt.de/sport/article110624356/Borussia-Dortmund-fuerchtet-Rache-der-Real-Stars.html">Hamburger Abendblatt</a>, Matts Hummels in particular is looking forward to an “incredible” atmosphere at the Bernabeu, and is cautioning his side not to be overwhelmed by the experience. His sporting director, Hans Joachim Watzke, is putting faith in BvB’s record against another great European side, Bayern Munich: “When you have won 5 on the trot against a great team like Bayern, you know you can hold your own internationally.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify">And as it happens, the same newspaper quotes Bayern president Uli Hoeneß <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>saying that he will be “crossing his fingers” (or “pressing his thumbs” as the German equivalent goes) for his compatriots from the Bundesliga. Sami Khedira of Real Madrid said this week he hoped that Borussia Dortmund would go through with Real Madrid into the next group. Based on points gathered in the group by Ajax Amsterdam and Manchester City in this “Group of Death”, it looks likely that the teams that will make it into the knock-out rounds will be Dortmund and Madrid, which sets up a fascinating encounter tomorrow at the Bernabeu.</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2012/11/5/3603608/real-madrid-borussia-dortmund-champions-league-2012-lookJ A Marsano