in case you missed it – the frustration edition

In case you missed it – Real Murcia vs. Real Madrid [2010-10-26].

That was certainly one of the most frustrating games I’ve seen in a long time.  A good part of that can be credited to Murcia’s defense and the partidazo of Dani Hernández (what a double save!), and maybe another part of that is because we’re so used to seeing our first team that our “1A” team just can’t measure up to it.  They didn’t do much to convince us, either.

One. The frustration, in images.

The bench wasn’t looking too happy either, especially Cristiano, substituted for the first time this season.  That makes Iker the only player to have played every minute so far.

Two. But there was a bit of consolation – at least we have a beautiful team…

… that looks best when they take off their shirts, which they should do way more often than they do now.

Three. Other semi-interesting moments during the game:

– the rare appearance by Iker, as he hasn’t seen any action in Copa del Rey games in years.  He didn’t have to make a single save in the game, because Murcia did not shoot at Iker at all, NOT EVEN ONCE.

That’s a good thing, Iker not having any work, but even that has a downside to it: if he’s not consistently challenged, he could lose some of his edge.  Iker became the best goalkeeper in the world because he had an extremely poor defense in front of him for so many years.  Now, what’s going to happen when all he does during games is stretch?

– Sergio’s right knee was covered with kinesio tape, which was also spotted on other players, including Pedro León and Pipa.

– I loved both these moments: the look of incredulity Cris gave the referee, and Sergio smoothing down his hair.  His hair looks like it would feel so silky, no?

– and though Pipita wasn’t in the game for long (he came in at the 62nd minute mark for Benzema) he provided some welcome distraction from the 0-0 score.

– also very fun was the moment Pipa checked into the game.  He made the sign of the cross three times, and then gave his hand one extra kiss, for good luck, maybe?

It didn’t seem to work too well though, because the game finished 0-0.

– and for the Albiol family, this night was very special, since it was the first time that Miguel and Raúl had ever come face to face in an official game.  The entire family came out to support the brothers, and the result was the best possible one for them.

After the game, Raúl said, “This is the first time that I’ve ever faced him; he’s a great brother and a great player.”

I love that both brothers Albiol wear the number 18 as well, and I didn’t know that Miguel, who is the older brother, is that much smaller in size than El Chori!  (In height, I mean, since unfortunately I don’t have enough information to compare other things!)

They have the same nose!

Four. Other game notes (aka the Mou section): things aren’t looking good for Karim Benzema.  Mou had said before the game that he would be playing all 90 minutes, and he must have done really badly for Mou to pull him out with one-third of the game remaining.

However, after the game, Mou said he didn’t want to analyze each player’s individual performance, but rather that of the team, and he was happy with the team’s attitude, that they were “súper motivados” and that another Alcorconazo did not happen on Tuesday night, despite the final result.

So, this means that on Saturday, the bench won’t be filled with Castilla players, and that Mou doesn’t have any of our players on his death list!

And this tie of course means that both Madrid and Murcia continue as the only undefeated teams in the top three divisions.

The second leg of this match-up will be held on either Nov. 9 or 10 at the Bernabéu.