Musings from El Clasico

Indiscipline
After stifling Barcelona in last season’s Champions League semi-final, many believed that Jose Mourinho would lead Real Madrid to a first Clasico win since their title-winning campaign of 2007/08.

However, it is clear that the players at Mourinho’s disposal are nowhere near as disciplined as those who served under him at the San Siro.  Sergio Ramos and Sami Khedira (to name two) could not find the tactical rigidity and stability that were the hallmarks of the likes of Javier Zanetti, Esteban Cambiasso and Lucio last season.

Xavi was the chief benefactor of such indiscipline, and he fully exploited the failures of Khedira and Alonso to track his uncustomary runs into the box.

Prior to his dismissal, Ramos was found wanting on several occasions, and it was his mistakes that lead to Pedro’s goal and David Villa’s second strike.

Off the ball
Whilst Barcelona are simply mesmeric on the ball, it is their fervent desire to win the ball back when out of possession that sets them apart from any other team on the planet. Their hunger and willpower to regain possession, even when several goals up, was unrelenting. Real Madrid were never afforded the chance to settle on the ball.

High and dry
Although Mourinho made several tactical errors, the decision to employ such a high defensive line will surely be the one he rues the most. The logic behind the decision, in order to exert greater pressure on Barcelona’s attacking players, was clearly understandable. However, Barcelona’s unbelievable patience and unerring ability to construct perfect angles and thread the eye of the needle meant that Iker Casillas was left woefully over-exposed on multiple occasions.

Stability
Real Madrid’s starting line-up featured seven players who had joined the club during or after the summer of 2009. By contrast, Barcelona’s starting XI featured just one such player (David Villa), and it clearly showed. The typically telepathic understanding exhibited by the Blaugrana emphatically extolled the virtues of continuity over drastic change, evolution over revolution.

Broadcast MA 7 – 6 Print MA

MA Broadcast 7 – 6 MA Print

A LAST-GASP winner from Pulasta Dhar handed MA Broadcast a slender first-leg Teeline Cup Final advantage and ended Print’s winning streak.

Dhar bundled home with seconds remaining to complete a remarkable turnaround for Broadcast.

After being comprehensively outplayed in a pulsating first half, Broadcast were 5-1 down and looked certain to be heading for a third successive defeat.

Print emphatically shrugged off the absence of Robert “he isn’t the top scorer, he is THE scorer” Payling and broke the first half deadlock with a stunning long-range rocket from on-loan midfielder George Gwatkin. The UG Chemistry man’s strike was followed by goals in quick succession from Adam Shergold (x2) and Zarif Rasul, as Print raced into a 4-0 lead.

The lively Dhar pulled one back for Broadcast before Shorthanders’ captain Liam Blackburn restored the side’s four-goal cushion before the break.

Dhar and compatriot Arya Yuyutsu reduced the deficit with fine finishes shortly after the break, before Gwatkin made it 6-4 with a powerful volley.

Belgian defender Jort Moermans added a sublime fifth, smashing home from the tightest of angles, before Dhar levelled the scores.

A tense finale saw both sides go for broke, as Broadcast custodian Peter Brennan made fine saves to deny Blackburn and Rasul.

It was Broadcast, however, who completed the most remarkable of recoveries, as Dhar surged forward from defence to beat the onrushing Evans and slot home the winner.

Wednesday 24th November 2010
Teeline Cup Final – First Leg
Stade de Shorthand, Pitch 3

Broadcast             7 – 6               Print
(HT 1- 5)
Dhar                                             Gwatkin
Dhar                                             Shergold
Yuyutsu                                       Rasul
Dhar                                             Shergold
Yuyutsu                                       Blackburn
Moermans                                  Gwatkin
Dhar

MA Print suffer Payling blow

MA Print forward Robert Payling will miss Wednesday’s crunch Teeline Cup clash with MA Broadcast due to personal issues.

The 22-year-old forward, who is the league’s leading scorer this season, is expected to return for Monday night’s second leg.

Club captain Liam Blackburn said: “Rob is a key component and will be missed so I implore my men to stand up and rise to the challenge.”

“I would liken us to a blind man. Yes we have lost our sight but as a result our other senses will be strengthened. We will hear better, we will taste better and we will feel better.”

It is a huge setback for MA Print, who are looking to extend their unbeaten run to three games.

Underperforming playmaker Zarif Rasul is expected to deputise up front in Payling’s absence.

“Obviously we will miss Rob’s goals and his work-rate, but we’ve got a good bunch of lads here, and I’m sure we’ll put out a strong side on Wednesday,” he said.

“I’m more than happy to play wherever the gaffer asks me to, I just love playing for this team.”

MA Broadcast have no fresh injury concerns ahead of Wednesday night’s encounter.

Harry Redknapp’s Summer Diary – 2010

[Dated 27th June 2010]

Dear Diary,

Gordon Bennett! Although the lino clearly got it wrong yesterday, you’ve gotta say we looked poor.

No Aaron, no Michael, no Peter, no Ledley and taking off Jermain early – what was Fabio thinking? He’s treated poor Michael like a ghost, you gotta feel for the lad. What was he thinking taking him to South Africa and not playing him, especially after the boy cancelled his summer holiday with the missus.

Those Germans were fantastic though, weren’t they? Vorsprung durch technik and all that? The boy Ozil was triffic, looks like a top, top player. I’m not gonna say I wouldn’t like to see the lad at White Hart Lane because I’d be lying if I did. Will have to see what Joey Jordan’s got to say about the boy when I go home.

Mind you, I’ve seen a fair few exciting young players this month. That young, blonde lad who plays at the back for Denmark looks like a top, top player. I’m not gonna say I wouldn’t like to see him at White Hart Lane because I’d be lying if I did (especially with Ledley’s knees being in a right two’n’eight).

Despite our performances, I’ve had an absolutely triffic time in South Africa this month. Sandra packed the Wii in my suitcase, so lovely Gabby Logan come over the hotel a few times for a bit of Mario Kart and a bit of ‘nunchuk fun’ if you know what I mean. Also managed to bump into Wilson after Honduras got knocked out, the boy doesn’t speak a word of the Queens but my word can he knock ‘em back. Had to call it a night after he challenged me and Garth Crooks to a swordfight in the little boys’ room. I dropped Heurelho a text the other day, the pointy-eared mug sent me a text back saying that Dunga wouldn’t let him meet me. Bloody foreigners…

Went out in Cape Town yesterday with Ledley’s bird and a few of the other WAGs (Garth had to stay in ‘cause he had the shits), needed to get some factor 50 and some sandals. Managed to pick up a lovely little tribal negligee for the missus, as well as pair of vuvuzelas for Jamie and Louise. Little Luka’s been getting the hump lately about not going to the World Cup, so I got him a vuvuzela’n’all.

Anyway, gotta go now, have to phone my agent back. Apparently someone from the FA contacted him to see if I would be interested in a job…

[Please note that this is a spoof series and doesn’t represent the actual views of Harry Redknapp]
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