Leaders until 2008
Real Madrid 2-0 Osasuna
December 16, 2007 -The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium saw two beautiful goals on its 60th anniversary, the first being scored by Van Nistelrooy and the second by Sneijder. Tonight's three points will allow Real Madrid to lead the League table until 2008.
Sixty years and two days old. That's the age of a stadium that has made many dreams come true, that has celebrated countless successes and that has thrilled generations of Madridistas for six decades. Just like back on 14 December 1947, the stadium was packed, tonight seeing how the locals defeated Osasuna 2-0, therefore becoming leaders until 2008. This was the first fixture in a week that will finish with the Clasico clash with Barcelona.
Good attack, better defence
Bernd Schuster lined up the same team that defeated Lazio on Tuesday, with Baptista pairing with Diarra in midfield. The intense cold in Madrid froze the opening minutes of the game, during which the Whites' first chance came through Robinho. The Brazilian toyed with Azpilicueta down the left wing during the first half.
Osasuna had midfield well covered, so Real Madrid looked to score a goal quickly. But the northeners wanted to win and tried to score several times in the first ten mintes, especially through Vela. The most dangerous chance of theirs grazed one of the posts (10'). Real Madrid's defence pulled rank, especially Pepe and Cannavaro, who had a great first half, cutting through Osasuna's attacks and initiating their team's game; the Portuguese national was even applauded several times during the encounter.
Goals with a Dutch flavour
Ruud van Nistelrooy scorted the opener on the 16-minute mark with a header from a free-kick by Sneijder, allowing the team to lead in the score by half-time.
The match cooled down in the second half, although both keepers were put to the test at times, especially Osasuna's Ricardo. Robinho had two chances, first with a shot that hit Raúl's back and later with one that came after an incredible slallom of his that lasted for more than 30 metres. In the 76th minute, Sneijder shot a powerful ball from outside the goal that was impossible for Ricardo to save, scoring the second and final strike of the evening.
With tonight's three points Real Madrid will be able to lead the table until 2008. This victory has been the perfect present for a legendary stadium that has just turned 60.
MATCH REPORT:
2 - Real Madrid: Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Cannavaro, Marcelo (Heinze, 77’); Sneijder, Diarra (Gago, 75’), Baptista (Guti, 59’), Robinho; Raúl & Van Nistelrooy.
0 - Osasuna: Ricardo; Azpilicueta, M. Flaño, Josetxo, Monreal; Font (Portillo, 80’), Erice, Plasil (Delporte, 72’), Margairaz (Hugo Viana, (60’); Vela & Dady.
REFEREE: Fernando Teixeira Vitienes. Booked Van Nistelrooy (42’) and Marcelo (76’).
GOALS:
1-0, min.16: Van Nistelrooy.
2-0, min.15: Sneijder.
NOTES: Matchday 16 of the Spanish League. José Corona attended the match representing the team that inaugurated the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium 60 years ago.
Match report by Arancha Díaz
Photos by David R. Anchuelo & Fernando Comeche
Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell
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