Managing Madrid - Atlético de Madrid vs Real Madrid, Champions League: All the updatesDominating European football since March 6th 1902https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50831/mm-fav.png2015-04-16T01:02:10+02:00http://www.managingmadrid.com/rss/stream/81593242015-04-16T01:02:10+02:002015-04-16T01:02:10+02:00#ManagingMadridPodcast: Atleti, UCL and Venting
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<p>Gabe Lezra, Josh Zeitlin and Bozz break down Real Madrid's recent form in this week's #MMPodcast</p> <p>The Managing Madrid Podcast is back, as host Gabe Lezra is joined by Josh Zeitlin and Bozz to discuss <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Madrid's</a> recent form after Los Blancos' 0-0 draw against <a href="https://www.intothecalderon.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlético Madrid</a> in the Champions League. Real Madrid has been on a better run of form since the side lost to <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Barcelona</a> in the Camp Nou, and with a second leg against Atlético looming on the horizon, Gabe, Josh and Bozz break down los blancos' title chances. Are things really as bleak as they seam? Will Madrid be able to make it out of the round against Atleti, despite their horrendous record against los colchoneros this year? And if not, what will happen? Is Ancelotti on the cutting block? What about Casillas, Coentrao, and others?</p>
<p>All this and more on this week's Managing Madrid Podcast.</p>
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https://www.managingmadrid.com/2015/4/16/8424467/managing-real-madrid-podcast-atletico-champions-league-2015Gabe Lezra2015-04-15T23:00:02+02:002015-04-15T23:00:02+02:00Plenty of derby positives to build on for Real Madrid
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<figcaption>Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Both Atleti and Madrid were left to take positives from Tuesday night's Champions League stalemate at the Vicente Calderon but Carlo Ancelotti's men have plenty to build on for next week's second leg.</p> <p>Tuesday night's stalemate at the Vicente Calderon left it all to play for when Madrid welcome Atletico to the Santiago Bernabeu next Wednesday and both sides were left to take positives from the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final clash.</p>
<p>For Diego Simeone's men, they were able to stretch their unbeaten run against Madrid to a stunning seven matches this season - becoming the first team to chalk up such a run in one season and equalling the seven-game unbeaten run against Los Blancos that Pep Guardiola's <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Barcelona</a> achieved between April 2011 and April 2012.</p>
<p>The Liga champions also kept Madrid from scoring a crucial away goal and had goalkeeper Jan Oblak to thank for achieving that. It was the fourth time in as many matches at the Calderon this season that Madrid have failed to find the back of the net. Indeed, <span>Carlo Ancelotti's</span> men have only failed to score in five matches this season and four of those have been at the Calderon.</p>
<p>The result may have suited Atleti, a side who enjoy going to nick a goal and defend a lead away from home, as they did with Chelsea at the semi-final stage last season following a 0-0 on home soil in the first leg. Nor was the result a bad one for Madrid, who may have ended the match disappointed that they did not get a goal from the numerous good chances carved out but on reflection can take plenty of plus points from the 90 minutes.</p>
<h3><b>Control of the match</b></h3>
<p>Despite the stalemate, Madrid were in control of the match for long spells for the first time the sides have met this season. Ancelotti's men edged the possession with 54 per cent of the ball but that was not the indicative factor - they had 52 per cent of the play in the 4-0 league defeat in February and 61 per cent when they lost in the league at the Bernabeu.</p>
<p>Madrid orchestrated the match as they saw fit when it had been Atleti calling the tune in the previous six matches. They increased the pace when they saw weaknesses in their opposition and they slowed things down when they needed to. The whistles from the Calderon crowd have rarely been as loud in recent seasons when Madrid have had the ball - a sure-fire sign that the visitors were on top and frustrating their hosts. Unlike at the Bernabeu, the whistles were welcome.</p>
<p>It was helped by a better attitude and intensity, as requested by Ancelotti, but it was also helped by Atleti allowing their visitors more space and time on the ball than they have done in previous meetings this season. In the past, Simeone's side tried hard not to give Madrid but this time they seemed happy to allow their opponents more time and space.</p>
<h3><b>A wider approach gets the required results</b></h3>
<p>In Dani Carvajal and Marcelo, Madrid have two full-backs who like to hug the touchline but they did so more than usual at the Calderon and that spread Atleti across the pitch. Simeone usually likes his side to play compact in the middle of the pitch but Ancelotti ensured his side used the wide spaces and it helped open up space in the middle, too.</p>
<p>Carvajal, in particular, made the most of his freedom down the right in the first half and linked superbly with <span>Gareth Bale</span> and Luka Modric. Atleti could not allow the right-back too many opportunities and sent Koke further out to hep Guilherme Siqueira out. In turn, and with Marcelo doing a similar job on the left, that allowed <span>Toni Kroos</span>, Modric and James Rodriguez to overpower Gabi and Mario Suarez who were left in the middle.</p>
<p>Marcelo's suspension for the second leg is a big blow for Madrid and Ancelotti will need to make sure he has Fabio Coentrao, his probable replacement, well-drilled. The Portuguese player has played second fiddle to the Brazilian this season but he at least showed good form on the international front with Portugal recently and did a good job in the semi-final against Bayern last season.</p>
<h3><b>Defending as a unit</b></h3>
<p>Ancelotti often preaches his desire for his team to attack as a unit and defend as a unit. Often, players including, but not limited to, Bale, <span>Karim Benzema</span> and <span>Cristiano Ronaldo</span> have failed to chip in with the necessary help defensively. Sometimes Madrid have got away with it in the more comfortable matches but against the better teams they have not.</p>
<p>This time every player chipped in at the back. Even Ronaldo, the one who sometimes seems to be exempt from tracking back, got in an important block and a well-timed tackle, as did Bale, while Benzema, although failing to shine in an attacking sense, did his usual good work at the back, clearing one corner and helping out throughout.</p>
<p>Bale's role was always going to be crucial and the Welshman got back into a midfield four when his side did not have the ball and he showed good awareness to cover for either Kroos or Modric when they were pulled further out wide.</p>
<p>Madrid were strong collectively and if they use the same tactics for the return leg they should thwart Atleti again. In total, the hosts had only eight shots on goal, the fewest from all seven matches this season alongside the 1-1 Spanish Super Cup clash at the Bernabeu, according to WhoScored.com.</p>
<h3><b>Raphael Varane made great strides, quite literally</b></h3>
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<p>Carlo Ancelotti is yet to make his mind up over Raphael Varane's starting qualities but the Frenchman produced another starring performance on the European stage on Tuesday night.</p>
<p>Ancelotti would have probably gone with Peep alongside <span>Sergio Ramos</span> at the heart of the defence had the Portugal international been fully fit but Varane got his opportunity to continue and did not let his coach or his team down.</p>
<p>The French international was strong in the tackle, powerful in the air and he looked calm and composed against an Atleti attack that is well capable of ruffling feathers. He was no doubt helped by the presence of Ramos beside him. Varane is one of the best young defenders in the world but he has not been exempt from criticism, looking especially shaky when he lined-up alongside Nacho in the league fixture at the Calderon two months ago.</p>
<p>He showed his power going forward, too, with a great break from a loose Atleti corner kick, surging down the right before crossing the ball into the danger area and eventually seeing James have a shot well saved by Bola. The former Lens man is certainly not short of pace.</p>
<p>One of Varane's big breakthroughs came on the European stage against Manchester United with Jose Mourinho at the helm and he shone again in the Champions League with a performance that will no doubt have the biggest clubs on the continent knocking on his door this summer. Whether Ancelotti sticks with him next week or brings Pepe back remains to be seen.</p>
<h3><b>Luka Modric adds star quality</b></h3>
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<p>Added width played a factor in pulling Atleti around the pitch and helping Madrid win the midfield battle but Modric's performance was crucial in that, too.</p>
<p>Madrid missed plenty of big players in the 4-0 league loss beside the Manzanares but perhaps none more so than Modric, who Simeone made special mention of before the match - and his pre-match prediction of the Croatian adding quality to Madrid was well on the money.</p>
<p>The former Tottenham Hotspur man seems to be back to 100 per cent match sharpness - something he wasn't at the Camp Nou, despite still producing a convincing performance. It showed with an energetic performance that kept Madrid ticking, especially through a high-tempo first half.</p>
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<p>Modric will have been disappointed that he sent his first-half shot over the bar when he had space to find the target from the edge of the box but the midfield maestro was one of Madrid's star performers and they will need him at that level again next week.</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2015/4/15/8422879/atletico-de-madrid-real-madrid-2015-champions-leagueNicholas Rigg2015-04-15T13:57:53+02:002015-04-15T13:57:53+02:00Atlético - Real Madrid: Five takeaways
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<figcaption>Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A thrilling game that left all the suspense for the second leg.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
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<b>If Los Blancos are able to repeat their first half in the Bernabéu, they should move on to the semifinals.</b> Just like they did against Barcelona in their last league game, our players were able to command the first half, and only an outstanding demeanor by Oblak let Atlético get to the break alive. This served them to prove to themselves that they have the tools to be superior to Atlético de Madrid, and with the help of the Bernabéu and a slight increase in their accuracy, they should be able to repeat it next week to achieve a better result.</li>
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<b>Varane's presence in the starting XI was a pleasant surprise.</b> When the lineup was released, almost everyone agreed that Pepe would be missed, as Varane suffers a lot in physical duels against Mandzukic-type strikers. However, <i>Rafa</i> left a fantastic performance, winning two thirds of his aerial duels, procuring three important interceptions and only committing a foul throughout the whole game.</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span><b>Marcelo's yellow card will decisively influence the second leg.</b> The Brazilian is, arguably, Real Madrid's most creative player, and his ban will clearly diminish our offensive options next week. Fabio Coentrao, who has only taken part in eleven games this season, will need to take a step forward and fill Marcelo's shoes in a very complicated scenario, but at this time we should know that April is his favorite month. Still, he will never be able to give Real Madrid Marcelo's chaotic raids to the middle and his tempo to keep the possession, so perhaps using Isco in James' spot would make sense to compensate.</span></li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span><b>Ronaldo's performance seemed to have been negatively affected by the boos from the Calderón.</b> I understand that Ronaldo is released from any defensive duty in order to maximize his offensive output, which is good for the team. However, that does not mean that his own goal is the only thing he should be fighting for, and that is what he seemed to be doing last night, at least at certain phases of the game. Atlético de Madrid fans booed him every time he got ahold of the ball, and that seemed to worsen his decision-making and raise his fury, which would have only been cooled down with a new "calma".</span></li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span><b>Real Madrid's bench is not powerful enough to make the team react at Champions League level.</b> Isco is the only top-quality backup player Real Madrid has, and last night his entrance did not upgrade the team at all, as the 4-4-2 formation became totally predictable for Simeone's men. A non-retired Khedira, a tank-type striker or a fit Pepe would have been good options for Real Madrid to control the last fifteen minutes, which Atlético took for themselves thanks to their substitutions.</span></li>
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https://www.managingmadrid.com/2015/4/15/8419697/atletico-real-madrid-champions-league-takeawaysDaniel Girela2015-04-15T13:49:35+02:002015-04-15T13:49:35+02:00Mario Mandzukic denies Carvajal bit him
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<figcaption>Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Important news over the Carvajal-Mandzukic battle. The Croatian striker tweeted that Carvajal did not bite him.</p>
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<p>Buenos días! El partido de ayer fue muy duro y los dos equipos lo dimos todo, pero para mí no hubo ninguna polémica, ni mordisco, ni nada.</p>
— Mario Mandzukic (@MarioMandzukic9) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarioMandzukic9/status/588304608415584256">April 15, 2015</a>
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<p>Translated:</p>
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<p>Good morning! Yesterday's game was very tough and both teams gave their best, but for me there is no controversy involved, no bite or anything.</p>
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<p>It was already hard for UEFA or FIFA to prove that Carvajal had bitten Mandzukic, but considering that both players involved denied this controversy, it's fair to say that Carvajal will not be punished for what happened yesterday at the Vicente Calderón, although it's true that the right-back did punch Mandzukic in the stomach. That will not be an easy matter to deal with, but Carvajal has every right to feel safe after Mario Mandzukic's tweet.</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2015/4/15/8419763/mandzukic-carvajal-atletico-de-madrid-real-madrid-2015Lucas Navarrete2015-04-15T12:28:16+02:002015-04-15T12:28:16+02:00Carvajal did not bite Mandzukic
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<figcaption>David Ramos/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>No matter how many videos you see, it will be impossible for you to prove that the right-back pulled of a Luis Suárez on Mandzukic.</p> <p>Controversy in the Spanish press surrounding <span>Dani Carvajal's</span> affair with Mario Mandzukic during Tuesday's 0-0 draw between Atlético de Madrid and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a>. Some reports in <i>As </i>are trying to influence UEFA even though the referee did not see a single thing about this incident. Furthermore, presumption of innocence should abide here, considering that there is no ultimate evidence which proves that Carvajal bit Mario Mandzukic.</p>
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<p>Take a look at Mandzukic reaction. The Croatian striker does nothing after Carvajal's "alleged bite". Real's right-back did punch Mandzukic, and that could have cost him a straight red card and maybe even a penalty. Not a smart play, certainly, but that's not a bite.</p>
<p><i>El Chiringuito</i> released an image in which Mandzukic has a wound. Does this mean that Carvajal bit Mandzukic? Is this enough for UEFA/FIFA to punish the player? Certainly not.</p>
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<p>Does this prove Carvajal bit Mandzukic? Not at all. <a href="http://t.co/iEaoYUWuvP">pic.twitter.com/iEaoYUWuvP</a></p>
— Lucas Navarrete (@LucasNavarreteM) <a href="https://twitter.com/LucasNavarreteM/status/588285981956165632">April 15, 2015</a>
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<p>Carvajal tweeted after the game that he "did not bit or try to bit Mandzukic". That's not significant and doesn't prove anything, though, but he's not the one who was to prove himself innocent.</p>
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<p>Viendo después del partido que se me acusa de morder a un jugador rival, quiero dejar claro que no he mordido a nadie, ni intento de ello.</p>
— Dani Carvajal Ramos (@DaniCarvajal92) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaniCarvajal92/status/588101847908515840">April 14, 2015</a>
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<p>UEFA, FIFA and <i>As </i>will need to find something better if they want to punish Carvajal, because luckily enough for everyone in our society, the burden of proof is on he who declares, not on he who denies.</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2015/4/15/8419623/dani-carvajal-mandzukic-bite-2015Lucas Navarrete2015-04-15T09:47:06+02:002015-04-15T09:47:06+02:00ATM-RM: Highlights
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<figcaption>Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Scoreless draw at the Calderón, meaning that all will be decided next Wednesday.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a> fans should feel quite pleased about the team's performance at the Vicente Calderón. For 75 minutes, <i>Los Blancos</i> dominated Atlético de Madrid and had everything under control, and while it's true that Simeone's men could have scored a goal during the late stages of the game, Real Madrid deserved to get the win.</p>
<p>That's why, ultimately some fans and players might feel frustrated after the 0-0 draw. <span>Gareth Bale</span> could have made things a lot easier for Real Madrid and Benzema's poor performance didn't help. <span>Cristiano Ronaldo</span> was invisible too and Real Madrid were not able to take advantage from the good display by the midfielders.</p>
<p>Real will now need to win the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu thanks to that ridiculously unfair rule that is the importance of away goals. With the Bernabéu's support, Real Madrid should have a good opportunity to finally beat Atlético de Madrid this season. Eighth time the charm?</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2015/4/15/8419531/atletico-de-madrid-0-0-realm-adrid-champions-league-2015-highlightsLucas Navarrete2015-04-15T05:37:02+02:002015-04-15T05:37:02+02:00Carlo: "The 0-0 is the best of the worst results"
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<figcaption>Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Not a bad result, but the way the game went, it's easy to understand why Carlo isn't that happy with it. </p> <p><a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Madrid</a> earned a valuable yet dangerous 0-0 result at the Calderón, but things definitely could have been better. <span>Carlo Ancelotti</span> himself knows his team deserved more:</p>
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<p>I think we deserved more in the first half, which, it needs to be said, was fantastic. We played really well and with a lot of character. The final score is not that good, but the way we played gives us a lot of confidence for the second leg.</p>
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<p>Scoring against one of the best defences in Europe is not easy, but it seems like it gets even tougher for Real Madrid:</p>
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<p>It's hard to say why it's so hard for us. There are lots of small details involved. They're one of the best defensive teams in the world. We had lots of great chances because we put in a good offensive performance, but Oblak did a great job. It comes down to small things.</p>
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<p>On Marcelo missing the second leg at the Bernabéu and the play that got him booked:</p>
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<p>The impact is that Marcelo won't play, so another player needs to step up. I did not see what happened. The ref did a good job calming both teams down.</p>
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<p><span>Dani Carvajal</span> also had an incident with Mario Mandzukic, which might be reviewed by UEFA:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I honestly did not see what happened between them so I can't say anything about it.</p>
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<p>Why did he choose Raphäel Varane instead of Pepe?:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>That was because Pepe wasn't fully fit. Varane is in great shape, and it's easy for me to trust him. He played a great game.</p>
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<p>On how Real Madrid needs to prepare for the game at the Bernabéu:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>We need to think about repeating what we did during the first 45 minutes for the whole game. We have a great chance of advancing to the next round at home.</p>
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<p>So, does <i>Carletto </i>like the 0-0?:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The 0-0 is the best of the worst results.</p>
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<p>On Gareth Bale's one-on-one chance that was brilliantly saved by Oblak:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Oblak played great. He came out pretty quickly and did everything he needed to do, and then made a terrific save.</p>
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<p>Finally, on the substitution of Carvajal for Álvaro Arbeloa:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Arbeloa is better in the air than Dani, and Atlético had sent Raúl García in, who is great in the aerial game.</p>
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https://www.managingmadrid.com/2015/4/15/8417869/atletico-de-madrid-real-madrid-2015-champions-ancelotti-post-match-presserMarco Gutiérrez2015-04-14T23:46:46+02:002015-04-14T23:46:46+02:00Atletico Madrid Vs.Real Madrid: Tied Down, 0-0
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<figcaption>Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Despite playing with flair, confidence and aggression through a fairly dominant first 45, Los Blancos ultimately left the Vicente Calderon empty-handed, largely thanks to the brilliance of Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak. In what was predictably a feisty, ill-tempered grind, Real were once again kept off the scoresheet in their fourth trip across the capital this season, denied a potentially pivotal away goal by the stingy Serbian keeper. The scoreless draw sets the stage for an epic winner-takes-all showdown at the Bernabeu next Wednesday</p> <p>Real came out and attacked with pace, determined to break Atleti's press with direct runs from <span>Gareth Bale</span> and Dani Carvajal. Bale blazed in on Oblak early and was denied on the first of a sequence six otherworldly first-half stops. Bale seemed to be deployed more centrally than normal by <span>Carlo Ancelotti</span> and the Welshman offered a blistering dimension of directness that caught Atletico off guard early. To offset this, <span>Karim Benzema</span> often drifted further out to the left where Real were trying to leverage their width down the flanks. Ultimately this reduced Benzema's effectiveness somewhat as Madrid quickly began to focus their forays on the right flank where Carvajal, much like he did against Eibar, acted as a furious press-breaking wingback carving open large swathes of space for Bale and <span>Cristiano Ronaldo</span> to operate in. Unlucky, Bale unleashed a deadly long-range volley that Oblak was somehow able to control.</p>
<p>Ancelotti's focus on playing down the flanks was a logical strategy due to the dull, lifeless pitch and Atletico's typical midfield traffic jam approach. It likely would have yielded a goal were it not for the heroics of Oblak. Atleti were able to expertly defend the width of the penalty area, disrupting midfield zones and picking up loose balls for counterattacks. Luka Modric eventually began to find some light in the midfield, starting a few dangerous sequences of play. James Rodriguez, harassed and pounded repeatedly into the turf by Atleti's physical rugby style marking, almost brokethrough in the 36th minute with an audacious Jordan Spieth style chip with the outside of his left boot, but Oblak was equal to the task.</p>
<p>In turn, <span>Sergio Ramos</span> and Raphael Varane were able to stifle most of Atletico's forward movement through the first 70 minutes, before it seemed that Real began to collectively tire leaving the door open for Atleti to attack and create a handful of set-piece opportunities. Atletico didn't really carry much of a threat until this stage of the match, as Antonio Griezmann was largely nullified and Mario Mandzukic was flustered, battered and psychologically removed from the contest by an errant Ramos elbow. Yellow cards started to fly as tempers continued to flare and Marcelo earned a booking that will prevent him from playing in the decisive second leg next Wednesday.</p>
<p>Perhaps buoyed by their rabid support, Atletico seemed the fitter, sharper side through the last 10 minutes, coming perilously close to snatching a goal in the 89th minute when <span>Iker Casillas</span> half-heartedly waved at a ball in the box. The resulting corner was brushed away after some anxious seconds where the ball pinged dangerously around the goal.</p>
<p>An away goal would have at least been a nice prize, but the tie remains deadlocked and fully within Real's reach.</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2015/4/14/8415963/atletico-de-madrid-real-madrid-2015-champions-league-0-0Dennis J. Seese