Final session in preparation for the match in Bilbao
Real Madrid put the finishing touches to their tactics for tomorrow's league clash against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames (18:00 CET). Benzema rejoined the squad; he recently recovered from the Grade I fibrilar tear he suffered from on his left hamstrings. Only the injured Gago and Pedro Leon missed the session.
Rui Faria supervised the opening minutes of the session, during which the players did warm-up exercises and jogged around the pitch. The squad then divided into two groups to do ball work under the supervision of Jose Mourinho.
Sergio Ramos and Marcelo coincided with the rest of their teammates in pointing out the importance of Tuesday's victory against Tottenham.
Ramos: "Crouch being sent off influenced that match, but that doesn't mean we deserve any less credit. We played a serious match and had a clear game plan. We really felt our fans and the passion that they exude. We are grateful to them. They really came out to support us and we hope they continue."
"Hats off to Adebayor for his two goals, but I cannot forget about the others. We are a complete team and each one of us plays a crucial role on the pitch."
"We know what we will find in London. Even a man down Tottenham played a serious match, so I am sure it will be tough on their turf. We are still alive in all three compeititions, so hopefully things turn out well over the next month and a half."
Marcelo: "I wasn't 100% fit, but I spoke to the coach and medical staff and I had to help the team. I did what I could. Tottenham will make it hard on us if we relax in the next match, but if we play like today it will be hard for them to beat us in London. Our fans were marvelous. We also play for them."
Real Madrid will head to London with a comfortable 4-0 victory in their pockets. Squad members asked fans to turn out in force to welcome Tottenham and the Bernabeu responded as only it knows how. The Whites played a sensational match and practically sealed their place in the semifinals with 35 total shots, eleven of which were on target. The second leg at White Hart Lane won’t come easy, but the four goal cushion is a tough uphill battle for Tottenham next week.
A magical night in Champions League action couldn’t have gotten off to a more perfect start. Real Madrid received their first corner of the match on 4’ and Adebayor met Ozil’s cross to put the first on the board following a light deflection by Modric. Crouch was sent off ten minutes later after a rough tackle on Marcelo and Spurs were reduced to ten men with an eternity left to play. The English side retreated to prevent the match from getting out of hand, but the Whites took their time and slowly generated chances. With four minutes to play in the half, Di Maria’s strike was cleared by handball by Dawson, but the referee looked the other way much to the chagrin of the Madridistas.
Real Madrid set their sights on Gomes after the restart. They knew it was a momentous occasion to return to the Champions League semifinals and they stepped on the gas. On 56’ Cristiano put the ball in play from the corner with a short pass to Marcelo, who curled a cross into the box. Adebayor met the ball, headered into the back of the net and the Bernabeu erupted.
With the match well under control, Lass, Higuain and Kaka all came off the bench and Real Madrid continue to pour on the heat. Di Maria scored on 71’ with a magical shot into the corner, but Cristiano Ronaldo would have the final say. With only three minutes left in regulation, the Portuguese international struck gold with a volley and the Bernabeu went wild. They still have the return leg to play in London, but barring a disaster Real Madrid will be playing in the semifinals of the Champions League.
