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Real Madrid got off to a slow start in their new La Liga campaignRafael Benitez’s second spell in Spain got off to a whimper as his side Real Madrid were held to a dour 0-0 draw at El Molinon by the stoic Sporting Gijon side, who returned to the Spanish top flight after three years of absence.Having fielded a stong line-up, the visitors were expected to saunter their way past the newcomers, but Rojiblancos had other plans. Los Blancos were made to strain every sinew to conjure any clear cut chances at goal by an obdurate Gijon defence, that had closely man marked every visiting player.Although Real did manage to fire a few shots over the course of the game, lack of cutting edge in the final third meant that they ended goal-less in their opening game of the season for the first time since 2010.Here are the five talking points from the dull stalemate.
#1 Gijon back with a bang
Back in the 2011/12 season, Sporting Gijon were relegated from the Liga BBVA after they finished a lowly 19th in the table. Their quest to return to top flight in the following two years ended unsuccessfully as they finished 10th and 5th respectively.
However, last term, the Asturias outfit put out a remarkable show throughout in Segunda division as they propelled themselves back into the top tier after finishing second behind champions Real Betis, and with just 2 defeats in 42 games. Gijon seem to have subsisted that form into La Liga too.
Abelardo Fernandez’s side knew the challenge they had to contend with when they would be up against the mighty Real Madrid, but their performance exuded great confidence and verve and successfully fended off one of the most lethal threats in football.
The hosts suffocated the men in white with their defending ploy and also managed to silence to likes of Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo for a large swathe of the game. Gijon, in the end, walked away with the deserved point and have announced their arrival in some style.
#2 Bale not convincing in his central role
With striker Karim Benzema missing out, manager Rafael Benitez opted to play Jese Rodriguez as the central attacker. However, during the course of the game, it was Gareth Bale was found playing in the position more often. The Welsh international although did manage to threaten on quite a few occassions, his usual role on the right seemed better.
Bale ran at Gijon’s defence and his blistering pace was the biggest weapon with which he was able to invade the box and intimidate the defence. He was heavily involved in the attack, especially in the first 45 minutes of the match, and continued to pop up in the dangerous areas. However, on the flip side, his move to the centre caused a few problems for the ones right behind him.
Isco was forced to play wide and visibly, struggled to settle in that position. On the other hand, Colombian star James Rodriguez was relegated to the bench altogether. Rather than Bale, these two youngsters appear more capable of essaying the No.10 role.
Bale did not disappoint but wasn’t so impressive either.
#3 Ronaldo did his best but could have done even better
On a night where Real Madrid’s attack proved really profligate, not even Cristiano Ronaldo could bail them out of their misery. The Portuguese was a constant worker throughout the game but did not seem to be at his prolific best. He fluffed his chances constantly and was disappointing in front of the goal.
In the first half, the 30-year old had a shot thwarted by the Gijon goalkeeper whereas later on, smashed a free-kick straight into the wall. Ronaldo’s frustrations continued in the next half as well, as the former Manchester United ace was briskly kept under check by the sturdy Gijon defenders and even spurned a great chance to get on the score-sheet, when his headed effort went off target. Another free-kick came his way in the second half, but it was another tale of a missed attempt.
It was an evening to forget for Europe’s most prolific player of the past two seasons, and needs to up his game if he’s to make it three on the bounce.
#4 Modric mesmerizes in the middle
Amidst the ropey display put up by the visitors, their talismanic midfielder Luka Modric, stood out. The 27-year old was the sole shining light for Real Madrid and pulled the strings from the centre of the park with great aplomb.
As per stats extracted from Squawka, Modric completed a whooping 79 passes in the match and also created as much as four chances for his team-mates. He was the key to unlock the Sporting rearguard and picked up defenders at will.
The former Tottenham Hotspur playmaker orchestrated Real’s play and relentlessly put out crosses in dangerous areas. The best of the bunch though, came in the first half when sliced through the defence to lay things on the plate for Bale, who could hit the side net after rounding the Gijon netminder Ivan Cuellar.
His long injury lay-off last season took the gloss off the Real Madrid juggernaut, that went totally off the boil in the crucial juncture of the season. Now in a fine fettle, Modric is vital to Rafa’s plans and will the key to Real’s chances to silverwares this season.
#5 Benzema on his way out?
Real Madrid hitman Karim Benzema has been a subject of transfer for quite a while. The speculations are rife with the French striker currently contemplating about a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal emerging to be his preferred destination. And his absence from the opening game here in Asturias has only served to fuel the fire.
Benzema was not a part of the Real side that travelled north yesterday and report suggests that the former Lille forward is ready to head out of the Madrid exit door. The Gunners have been his long-time admirers and are scouting the 29-year old closely.
Whether or not a move will transpire is a debate for another day, but considering the performance put up by Real Madrid attackers last evening, he is very much needed by the club.
