marți, 25 februarie 2014

Real Madrid hoping to win in Germany for the first time


Real Madrid will be heading into their Round-of-16 tie as favourites against a resurgent FC Schalke team, buoyed by the return of front-man Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.


Astonishingly, for a club of Real Madrid’s pedigree, the Spanish side has never won a competitive match in Germany. Most recently, the team from Madrid had the chance to put that horrible statistic to bed, but failed to do so on three occasions.


In the 2011/12 Champions League Semi-finals, Los Blancos conceded in the dying stages of the match against Bayern Munich to lose 2-1 – courtesy of a Mario Gómez goal. Fast forward to the following season and Madrid had the opportunity to atone for their misfortunes twice, but were once again unsuccessful in their endeavours, this time against Borussia Dortmund – failing in the group stage and being utterly put to the sword in the Semi-finals, losing 2-1 and 4-1 respectively.


The Spaniard’s dilemma is perhaps akin to the dynamism and tactical discipline, prominently instilled in German sides. However, Los Merengues will be longing to change such a miserable attribute, currently synonymous with the Spanish giants.


Despite their struggles in Germany, Madrid have been in phenomenal form boasting a remarkable unbeaten run of 26 matches. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return to an already formidable line-up. The Portuguese international was imperious in the group stage scoring an unprecedented 9 goals in just 6 games – astronomical figures even by his lofty standards.


The elusive German triumph appears more tangible than ever, testament of Carlo Ancelotti’s magnificent managerial proficiencies in Europe’s supreme club competition. The Italian tactician is a master of the Champions League conquering Europe twice with Milan in 2003 and 2007.


Schalke, meanwhile, have impressed of late, albeit partaking in a scoreless draw at home to Mainz. The Gelsenkirchen based side find themselves consolidating fourth place, determined to finish in the top three. However, the German side is eager to perform on the biggest stage in Europe – with the likes of Draxler, Farfan and Boateng desperate to have an influence on the match.


Given the current form of the Galaticos, – which incidentally is Madrid’s second best undefeated streak, it is difficult to fathom the possibility of a Schalke upset. In addition, Madrid find themselves as out-right league leaders for the first time since May 2012 Therefore, taking confidence into the Champions League should not be a cause for concern. Instead pouring extra pressure on a Schalke side that has high expectations of performing amongst the colossus’s of European football.


Regardless of the outcome, it will certainly be a riveting and exhilarating match between two sides that provide excellent attacking football.






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