Real Madrid convince on Champions League opener
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Real Madrid's Mesut Ozil (L) runs with the ball as he is challenged by Ajax's Eyong Enoh (C) during their Champions League Group G soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, September 15, 2010. [Xinhua/Reuters Photo] |
Real Madrid opened their Champions League campaign with a convincing 2-0 win at home to Ajax.
Goals in either half gave Jose Mourinho's side an easy win and although there was a touch of fortune about the opening goal, there was no doubt that the final result did justice to the Spanish side's performance and that a bigger winning margin would not have flattered them.
Real Madrid suffered a setback before the game when right back Sergio Ramos was forced to leave the team hotel suffering from a calf complaint. He was replaced in the starting line-up by former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa, while Angel Di Maria also stepped into the side in place of Karim Benzema.
Ajax meanwhile travelled without striker Luis Suarez who was suspended as a result of bookings he had picked up in the qualifying stage.
The opening minutes were quite even with both sides looking to create chances, but with Mesut Ozil taking control in midfield, Real Madrid gradually began to take control and create the better chances.
Higuain missed a chance after 18 minutes, but just on the half hour he opened the scoring with a goal that had more than a touch of fortune. Xabi Alonso took a corner and although Ajax defender Vurnon Anita got in a clearing header, it rebounded off the Madrid striker to leave Stekelenburg helpless.
Real Madrid tried to press home their advantage in the closing minutes of the half, but neither Ozil, nor Cristiano Ronaldo was able to make their efforts count.
The home side began the second half looking to kill the match off with Higuain on two occasions and Ronaldo both going close in the first five minutes.
It was all Real Madrid against a rival that lacked self belief, but the second goal of the night didn't arrive until 17 minutes from the end. Ozil was again at the heart of the move, getting on the end of Di Maria's cross and when his shot was blocked Higuain was on hand to score a simple goal.
Madrid's brief had been to win and to play well and that is exactly what they did.
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