Villarreal vs Real Madrid: 0-2

Whenever Real Madrid goes on the road to a typically tough opponent such as Villarreal, it's an automatic big game. So when they take max points from the occasion, then faces begin to crack smiles. Villarreal have enjoyed decent outings in the last several campaigns of La Liga and I wasn't expecting an easy match, despite their slow start. This match says a lot to me. If there were ever a game that spoke and had messages to send it was this one. I'll get to those messages throughout the article but let's talk about the match itself.

First of all, I'd like to let everyone know that I thought Gago was much (much, much, much) better in today than he was at the weekend. He kept things simple, he just sat in, won balls and distributed them to the easiest outlets. If he's going to do that, he looks a real good player. He didn't try to be a hero. He let Granero and Guti do the crafty work in the midfield. To be honest I think he got a bit lucky. With the injury to Garay in warm ups I don't think he was in the initial XI. Sergio Ramos was moved into the center back spot which pulled Lass out of midfield and into right back (I actually found it humorous that a player wearing the number 10 was playing right back. Just seems unfitting.) Gago took his second chance well tho and played monumentally better than he did against Xerez. He still has a bit of work to do on his 1v1 defending though. He too often gets beat or fouls. However, impressed with him today compared to the last La Liga match.

Doesn't it seems like Madrid have been gifted a handicap goal in the last two games? Ronaldo has scored twice in the last two matches before some spectators even reach their seats. This goal was not to dissimilar to the last opening goal he scored. He skipped by a couple of defenders and just tucked the ball low and hard into the bottom corner. Now here is where I want to begin one of my talking points. When does Real Madrid play their best football? When they patiently hold the ball and open up defenses with passing. That's not always the case though is it? I think Madrid have a habit of making things hard on themselves. After defending an oppositions attack, the team quickly looks to break through Ronaldo, or Kaka, or one of the strikers, Benzema, Higuain or who ever it maybe. Who ever is carrying the ball rushes forward up the pitch dusting everyone, including their own teammates. When they finally reach the opposing penalty box where they are confronted by the other team's defenders, they have two choices. Take them on and look for a shot or look for a pass which is limited because no one is there to support them yet. This creates a viscous cycle at times because in this situation we often times lose the ball, which just heaps another attack on the back line. Then the ball is won back and it starts over again. Another thing that bothers me about Madrid's play at time is that it is very casual and lackadaisical. I feel like they can reach higher gears but they are so calm and so composed on the ball they tend to kill the rhythm and flow of the match. Now that isn't always a bad thing when we are up a goal and trying to protect a lead especially away from home, but with the attacking talent the team possesses and being up a man, the squad needs to go straight for the jugular. Kill off the team, send a message, and boost your goal differential. Because in a tight race with Barcelona, goal differential will be key knowing the way they can score at will.

Gonzolo of Villarreal really shot his team in the foot by being sent off. The Yellow Submarine really didn't have any significant threats on our goal with 11 players let alone 10. Casillas probably looks back and can't remember dealing with a whole lot of danger. There chances were limited. That tells me a few things. Often times Real Madrid's defending qualities are criticized. Today los blancos seemed to have things under control at the back even though the back line was a bit make shift. Pepe returns from his suspension this weekend which will surely boost the defending options, seeing as Garay left todays warm up and Metzelder isn't expected back for a couple weeks. This was the team's first big test against a respectable side. It's a confidence booster for the team who is still growing and learning to gel with each other.

Today just wasn't Higuain's day. He really did fail to impress. His only clear chance, he sent out of the stadium. In the last two games, the center forward job hasn't been played extremely well by "Pipita" or Benzema. Although Benzema scored in the last match, he was practically invisible until then. I don't expect that to be an ongoing problem. Both of them are class strikers and hard workers. I'm sure things will work themselves out. It was nice to see Kaka score his first official Real Madrid goal even if it was from the penalty spot. Ronaldo's first official goal was from the dot as well and just take a peek at how he is up in running. I'm glad he is off the mark. Hopefully, there is more to come. Van der Vaart made his first appearance of campaign. I think VdV still has a lot to offer. It's a shame that such a good player has really been pushed to the side. I think he can be a great midfielder. He just needs to find his way into more playing time.

Overall, I couldn't be happier with the start to the season, 12 points from 12 points possible. Madrid, as everyone knows and never fails to mention, still have to adapt to each other and gel but things look promising as of right now based on results. All the things that are potential problems are very easily curable. I'll be looking forward to the match at the weekend. Most likely, players will be rested with Champions League next Wednesday, but as long as there is a team wearing a white shirt, there will be a Real Madrid.

From us hear at FTF, thanks for reading,

Bobinho