MADRID, Mar 24 (SW) - Although
Monaco went into half time with a 0-1 lead in the Spanish capital, Madrid's
machine started working in the second half, allowing them to easily defeat the
French and take a big step towards the semi finals for the fifth time in a row.
For Real Madrid, a good performance today was important as the team of coach
Carlos Queiroz has been having disappointing results lately. Over the last week,
they had lost in the Copa del Rey final against Zaragoza and in the Liga against
Athletic de Bilbao, allowing their rivals to put more pressure on them, and with
that, more pressure on the coach.
AS Monaco, lead by former French international Deschamps, were held to a draw by
Sochaux over the weekend, and share the lead with Olympique Lyon, who have a
better goal record.
Both teams had chances up front but it was Monaco who broke the deadlock. Just
two minutes before the half-time whistle, the Madrid defence made a mistake and
the ball ended up in front of Squillaci who struck home from close range.
In the second half however, Madrid came back with a goal scored in the 51st
minute. A corner from David Beckham was headed in by Ivan Helguera. The French
defence came too late to clear from the line and after a moment of confusion the
referee ran back to midfield to indicate a new kick-off.
In the 70th minute, Madrid took the lead. Monaco goalkeeper Roma blocked an
attempt from the Spaniards but Zinedine Zidane was there to take advantage of
the rebound. With that goal, Madrid seemed to have lost the pressure on their
shoulders and started playing more freely.
Seven minutes later, Monaco goalscorer Squillaci brought down Ronaldo in the
penalty area and referee Lubos Michel awarded Madrid a penalty. Luis Figo
stepped up to take the spotkick which was blocked by Roma. However, the
Portuguese midfielder got a second chance as the ball came back to him and
headed in for 3-1.
Another four minutes later, Ronaldo decided the tie by scoring the fourth goal
of his team. Zidane passed the ball to the Brazilian who left goalkeeper Roma
without a chance.
Monaco refused to give up however and in the 83rd minute, Morientes, who is
actually on loan from Real Madrid, scored against his own club with a perfect
header after a cross from Plašil. This goal could turn out to be significant for
the return leg in Monaco.
Madrid were without a doubt the strongest side today at Bernabeu stadium, with
almost twice as many attempts on goal as their opponents. |