Hercules vs Real Madrid Match Preview
Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid is two-faced. Midweek's goalless draw against Murcia showed that Mou's Merengues are too dependent on the performance of his top players. Hercules' creative leader and former Real Madrid's player Royston Drenthe might not be able to perform and his absence will greatly undermine Esteban Vigo's attack.
Drenthe is on loan at Hercules and it'll cost him two million euros to perform against Madrid "Perhaps I want to pay that" he said, with a smile upon his face.
The good news for the hosts is that David Trezeguet is ready to return to the team, having missed the last two matches. His prowess on the opposing area will be one of Blanquiazules' main strategies to stop Real Madrid from leaving the Rico Perez with three points.
Jose Mourinho is aware Hercules will offer tough opposition for his squad. Sergio Ramos is back and his speed will only make things more difficult for the hosts. Mesut Ozil, Ricardo Carvalho and Xabi Alonso return to the starting eleven to provide support to one of the deadliest offenses in the league.
Pedro Leon and Sergio Canales did a fine job against Murcia but are still far below Di Maria and Mesut Ozil's level. Are Jose Mourinho's boys ready to take on Hercules on Saturday's night?
Hercules vs Real Madrid Match Report
Thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho's Merengues celebrated another victory to perpetuate their Liga leadership for another week. David Trezeguet score the opening goal on the 3rd minute and it looked like Esteban Vigo's Blanquiazules will surprise once again against a top-rival, who dominated the first half of the game with a brilliant performance of Hercules' goalkeeper Catalayud.
in the second half the situation changed radically. Angel Di Maria score the equalizer on the 52th minute as Catalayud deflected poorly one of Cristiano Ronaldo's furious shots. The goal was decisive and Mourinho knew it was time to go for more: He sent Karim Benzema to the fields to give him another opportunity on his scheme.
The presence of the French striker gave Madrid once again control of the game. Marcelo became another striker, indomitable from the wing. Six minutes after Benzema joined the game he was assisted by Brazil's winger, the ball was left bouncing inside the area and Ronaldo appeared, as always, in the right place at the right time.
Benzema had more to offer to Madrid. Four minutes later he assisted Ronaldo delightfully and Liga's top striker didn't hesitate. Madrid did not play well but once again they manage to retain the full scoring. Their next rival Atletico Madrid won't forgive as much as Hercules
