In case you missed it – Real Madrid vs. Dinamo Zagreb [2011-11-22, Champions League group stage, 6-2].
Once more, it was a fantastic night of European football at the Bernabéu, where even the wet weather could not dampen the enthusiasm we have for our team, as they really put on a show for us. The best thing about the win, besides clinching first place in the group, was that many of the players who don’t usually get too much playing time or opportunities to shine got to play, and did very, very well.
This post is going to be more on the lines of a regular ICYMI, since I don’t have time to get all elaborate, as these posts take up a huge amount of time. And I’m already reluctant to post in the first place; I’m continuing because you all seem to want it.
ONE. Prior to the game, the Spaniards were left alone, while the poor French players were subjected to the whims of the Real Madrid photographers.
TWO. They look good at regular speeds, but great in slow motion.
THREE. I could tell it was going to be a fun game from the scenes in the tunnel: Xabi stretching by sticking out his ass (it’s in picture form later on in the post, because I know you all very well), and Cris and Pepe tapping Sami on the ass as they walked by. Sami was all like, who was that???
FOUR. Somos una piña.
FIVE. Six goals on the night, not too shabby (Xabi?), right? (Though you had to feel for Ivan Kelava, el pobre). I loved that José Callejón celebrated by pointing at the escudo on his shirt. He gets it, because he’s a canterano. Speaking of that, he’s in good company – the only two other canteranos who have scored two goals in a Champions League game are the legendary Raúl and Guti. José’s reaction to finding himself in such select company: “joder, madre mía.”
Together, these three men combined for five goals.
Is that “puta madre” that Mesut said right after scoring his goal? Meanwhile, I love that Karim was only expecting a high-five from Gonzalo, not a leap into your arms kind of celebration. And I love how enthusiastic Pipita was, despite that goal being the sixth on the night.
SIX. The usual subs being given a chance meant that we got this unusual scene at the stadium: Cristiano, Pepe and Iker on the bench. They should have been happy, as they were dry and warm on those very comfortable seats while everyone else just got wet.
Cris smiled when the fans in the stadium responded to the Dinamo Zagreb fans chanting “Messi, Messi” by singing “así, así, así, así gana el Madrid.” And Iker? He was biting his nails before the game even started. Hopefully he has more faith in his team.
SEVEN. I love this photo, especially the angle.
EIGHT. Do you think that at this precise moment, José was thinking, “not the hair, not the hair! I spent 15 minutes coaxing it up before the game!”?
NINE. Though Cris didn’t play, he did provide some entertainment, and a hug. As the team was getting on the bus to go to the hotel on Wednesday morning, Cris trudged up the steep slope that the bus was parked on, exaggerating his effort. Notice that he had to pose for the Real Madrid photographers – and of course, they demanded a thumbs up. At the start of the second half, Cris was seen hugging Agustín Herrerín. Adorable!
TEN. The good news is that El Pirata played his first CL game of the season, which will make him less attractive in the (theoretical) winter transfer market, as he won’t be able to play in the Champions League with any other team. Hands off everyone (except Mou)!
ELEVEN. Sergio Ramos started the game as captain, as Iker was on the bench. After he came out at the half, the captain’s armband passed on to Gonzalo Higuaín. After the game, Pipita said wearing the armband was “a great joy. It’s my first time in the stadium in front of all these people after so many years here, and I’m very happy.”
TWELVE. After the game, Gonzalo talked about how “today, everyone could see how well I get along with Benzema.” Meanwhile, Antonio Adán said he was happy that he got to play, although a bit pissed off because the rival scored two goals on him. He revealed that he had been calm, “because my teammates have supported me and given me security during the entire week” (he induced from Mou’s chats that he would start). He also said he doesn’t know who will play in the Copa del Rey, as the rumors are that he will instead of Iker. Meanwhile, Esteban showed his maturity by saying, “Mourinho is a great coach and if he doesn’t use me, it’s my fault.” He also cleared things up that he has no intention of leaving in the winter. “El Larguero” also asked El Pirata if he’s still playing the piano, and he says “very little, at times and only at home.” Too bad!!!!
The best declarations came from José Callejón, who ended a fantastic week in which he had been Mou’s pony, a model citizen and now a goalscorer two times over, with the Bernabéu singing his name. Callejón, Callejón… Plus, neither the rain nor his teammates managed to flatten his hair, and I love that dimple!
on the number of people who called him after the game: I don’t know how many there are, I received dozens of calls and messages. The most special one was from my brother, we spoke for a little while. He was happier than I was. We’re very close. He always wishes me the best.
on his brother: we tell each other everything [awww!]. He always tells me to have patience, that I’m good and that’s why I’m here among the best. And that if I received this opportunity, it’s because I deserve it. He’s doing well also; Hércules is the leader of the second division.
on whether he thought about celebrating his goal by jumping on Mou’s back: (laughs) yes, the thought entered my head, but not in a serious way… it’s better for people to just leave this alone. People have already joked about this too much.
on how long it took for him to realize that the míster was on top of him: two or three seconds… when he started speaking, I realized it was the míster. What was I going to do? I had to accept it like a champion and celebrate… anyway, he doesn’t weigh very much.
THIRTEEN. The Mou corner.
Mou said the following in the press room after the game. He described his team as having “hunger,” “excellent motivation” and “a desire to play well” during this game, “which is what happens when you don’t play a lot.” He mentioned that Nuri Sahin is doing his “pre-season” at the moment, because he still lacks rhythm, confidence and security, which is “normal, because he has suffered a lot. This game has been great for him.”
Mou also sent his best wishes to Barcelona’s assistant coach Tito Vilanova, who had undergone an operation on his parotid glands earlier that day: “I hope he returns quickly to his family and Barcelona. I would like to see him on Dec. 10 on the bench and healthy, and we’ll all have the pleasure of greeting him.”
FOURTEEN. The Xabi Alonso pose section.™
This is how Xabi showed up.
This is how he stretches.
I absolutely adore that as the teams were walking on the field, Fábio Coentrão was getting last minute advice from Xabi.
Xabi only played one half, though we didn’t miss him too much in the second, as XIT came in. While Esteban did take charge at times…
… he also showed there are still some things to learn. After all, Xabi would never allow anyone to deny him the ball, and he would never bounce off someone like Esteban. Xabi would have been the one in control of the ball, or if he didn’t have it, he would find some way to get it, and he would be the one standing his ground.
FIFTEEN. Sergio tweeted this photo of the andaluces. I have two complaints/suggestions. One, that Sergio is wearing too much clothes, and two, that José needs to drop that shirt to the floor right now.
