The Madrid of the two faces

The Real Madrid solved his visit to Etihad Stadium with a 1-1 draw which classifies mathematically to Jose Mourinho for the knockout stages of the Champions League, but will have to be classified as second. The first place is already booked, and deservedly, for a superlative Borussia Dortmund crushed Ajax 1-4. The Dutch team will have to fight on the final day of the third place that gives a ticket to the Europa League. A consolation prize for the fight also a disappointing Manchester City, who finds it hard to realize that all the millions invested are wasted on the bench as Roberto Mancini follow.

Focusing on the match between City and Real, it is noteworthy that one more time and you will more this season-we returned to Madrid to see the two sides: while in the first half gave its best and could rout the premises In the second lost control and were about to leave empty handed Manchester.

In the first half hour we saw the Madrid of the big occasion, and that is good news. Demolition team showed that last season is still there, it is gone. Just wait for it to arrive crouching key moment of the season to come to light. Also note that the recovery of important pieces helps enhance the role of previous weeks. With the recovery of big game Coentrao-Portuguese-defense is rearranged, with Arbeloa Ramos on the right and in the center. And let's not forget Khedira, who continues to prove that their work is more vital than brilliant. His defensive work was beyond doubt, and only expected to adopt that attitude offensive with Glow in Germany. Tonight has joined the attack on countless occasions, with an absolute opportunism. The trouble is that when their limitations are defined. However, no one with which Xabi Alonso is so happy at his side.

Madrid would soon find rewards in that domain, when Benzema finished off in the small area a center of Di Maria. Maicon, who is no longer for these jogging-falls asleep and goes to Joe Hart no intercept. Given the barrage of occasions that kept having the Madrid, many of them very clearly, it seems impossible that such was their only goal.

Part of the blame for this superiority merengue in the first part of Mancini also had that fear before his opponent jumped into the grass with a defense of five. Consequently, Yaya Toure found overflowed from Xabi Alonso, Khedira and Modric. The three were filled to steal balls to enable Cristiano Ronaldo racing-very motivated in his return to Manchester, Benzema and Di Maria.

Mancini was able to correct his mistake. Half an hour passed a line of four back to strengthen the midfield, and the rest retired to input Kolarov Javi Garcia. With this change of parts, Yaya Touré could take a step forward, and David Silva became lord and master of the game. He ran and ran Kun, or rather tried to run.

The Madrid and did not come with such clarity, and above all, no longer showed the same forcefulness defensive. It is true that, barring a stunning stop a shot from close range Casillas of Kun Aguero, the goal Real Madrid suffered virtually no danger. However, do not get washed away the Rush City with the same sobriety. Xabi and Khedira longer closed spaces or helped in band with the same aplomb, and between Maicon and Zabaleta managed a steady two to one on the left flank of Coentrao, given the lack of collaboration Cristiano defense. Probably why Mourinho ushered Alley and focused Portuguese position.

The goal of the City, designed by Kun, arrived in a nonexistent penalty. The Argentine dropped into a career with Arbeloa in Madrid defender also went to the ground. Gianluca Rocchi, very homely and reticent when whistle against the City, decided to bring the death penalty.

The second position in the group causes the Madrid probably have to give its highest since the second round. The chances that you play a top team like Manchester United or Bayern Munich are very high. But as they always say in these cases, to be European champion must beat anyone.

Photo | Real Madrid