Monday, May 19, 2008

Real Madrid sign off in style

Real Madrid signed off an successful season in style as they beat relegated Levante 5-2. The match was in doubt as Levante players were threatening a strike as they had not been paid for few months and that amount is told be in the region of €13m. And Levante who had already been relegated ran the risk going down to third division if they didn't play at the Bernabeu. But the Champions had said the trophy presentation would take place irrespective of the match status. But Levante players finally said they will play at the Bernabeu.

Real started with Codina in goal, the highly rated B team keeper and Rudd started upfront with Robinho and Raul. Real had lots of possession and Levante who did not practice throughout the week were not sharp. And Robinho had some chances but Reina saved. And Real broke the deadlock when Rudd headed the ball from Ramos. And within minutes Ramos scored a header from an assist by Guti. Levante yet kept trying and Codina made some decent saves to deny them. And before the break Rudd got his second when he tapped home a miscued shot by Robinho.

In the second half Levante played better football and passed the ball well. They never looked liked a team that had been relegated. They fought bravely and were rewarded for that when Geijo slammed the ball past Codina. Real responded immediately when Sneijder curled a freekick past Reina for the 4th goal. But Levante still kept fighting and Geijo scored again with a great finish. Levante had done what many teams couldn't do, score twice at the Bernabeu. Geijo was on a hatrick. Ramos got his second when he headed home a Sneijder corner.

The Bernabeu was rocking as the final whistle approached. And when the whistle was blown Real Madrid had made history. Their points this season is the most by a team in La Liga since the 20 team format was introduced. And Real with 84 goals in the league edged past Manchester United who scored 80 as the leading scorers in European Leagues this season. And Raul was handed over the 31st La Liga title and the party continued at the Bernabeu.

Click here for the goals

1-0 Rudd
2-0 Ramos
3-0 Rudd
3-1 Geijo
4-1 Senijder
4-2 Geijo
5-2 Ramos

Trophy Presentation & Celebration

1 comments:

Aravind May 19, 2008 at 5:42 AM  

I will certainly miss the Rossoneri next UCL