ICYMI – the euphoric edition

In case you missed it – Real Madrid vs. Barcelona [2013-03-02, Liga jornada 26, 2-1].

That’s one loss in the last eight games against Barcelona.

ONE.  The Bernabéu was packed for the early game!

I’m often asked why I don’t like the Ultras Sur fans because most people only know them for their very vocal support of the team.  Well, this game, they directed racial abuse at Dani Alves and insults at Leo Messi.  I’m not a fan of either of those two players, but no one should be subject to this type of thing.  I would like Madrid fans – and coaching staff since Cuatro caught Silvino Louro directing a corte de mangas at the Barcelona bench – to set an example.

TWO.  Anyway, back to the good things.  We saw Sami Khedira and Mesut Özil looking very relaxed before the game, hanging out on the bench and chatting.

THREE.  The team didn’t make us wait long for the first goal!  Karim Benzema scored off of a pass from MFC Álvaro Borja Morata Martín in the fifth minute.

Karim celebrated in his typical Karim style.

And how adorable was MFC in his celebration?  It makes me so happy that he’s been doing fantastically in the opportunities he’s been given.

The rest of the team was adorable as well!

FOUR.  And Sergio won us the game with a header in the 82nd minute.  Once again, he injured his shoulder and scored!  Many crucial goals have been scored as headers lately, no?

I adored his celebration.  As Sergio ran to the sideline, he pulled off his captain’s armband, kissed it and raised it into the air.  I have heard that this was dedicated to Iker.  After the game, Sergio was asked why he celebrated in this particular way.  He responded, “perhaps it was euphoria, joy, satisfaction with the performance, not only the individual performance, but also the team performance.  It’s a way to express that and share it with all the fans.”  He also tweeted that his shoulder is much better, and “the goal is for my family and my girl (Pilar Rubio) who are always there for me.”

He makes me proud to be a madridista!

Then came a manpile.  Sergio dropped to the ground as Luka Modrić came over to celebrate with him, and the rest of the team piled on top of them.

I love it!

FIVE.  Here we have Superman preparing to enter the game, and giving advice to his young protégé (Superboy?).

SIX.  The many faces of Cristiano Ronaldo.

SEVEN.  Mou’s facial expressions and gestures were equally as amusing.

EIGHT.  All in all, a good afternoon at the Bernabéu.

NINE.  Stupid shirt.  Why is it even there, blocking what we most want to see?

Pipa’s jeans… they leave me speechless.

TEN.  I just want to pat MFC on the head.

ELEVEN.  The team began preparing for the upcoming Champions League second leg game against Manchester United on Sunday, with another one of those things they claim are “training sessions” but which really appear to be excuses to hug each other.

I’ve had my eye on Álvaro López for a while, and I think he has a bright future ahead of him!

TWELVE.  The entire team, minus Nacho who was playing with Castilla and including Iker, then traveled to Manchester.