Winning El Classico 3-1, Barca proved they too, depend on luck sometimes. Real Madrid had control of proceedings until great defensive blunders of a Christmas gift nature. Jose Mourinho took over an ordinary Real Madrid and formed a formidable force to compete with Barcelona, arguably the best team in the world.
Alexio had no right getting to the ball that was delivered by Messi. When he did receive the ball, from a central position and under pressure, Cassillas had clear view of events and distance was with him to adjust, not easy but possible. Contrary to popular belief, that goal had nothing to do with the genius of Messi or the clinical finish of Alexio. It was a lax Madrid sleeping on duty.
As it stands, The Special One must change formation and quickly. Rumours that he is hunting down Frank Lampard gives the impression that he has come to this realisation, but the choise of his solution makes one doubt.
The Galatico’s problem is Mezuit Ozil. The German maestro is the weakest link in the Real team. Not that he is a bad player, but he is costing the team real mileage in the way Mourinho wants to play. With Cristiano Ronaldo on low gear on the left, Di Maria was at full throttle on the right.
Ozil’s duties were supposed to be, providing wall assistance for the two speedsters to deliver crosses on the byline and to pick the second ball from Benzema. On the particular day, Ronaldo was lukewarm and arrogantly off form, besides his extravagance in front of goal.
Dani Alves naturally closed down his path, needing Ozil to come across for one-twos and tearing away to the central position. Important to note is the intelligence of Di Maria in noting the lack of mobility of the German Ozil. The Argentine relentlessly probed the middle channel with the ball.
After collecting the ball from his half, he made ground, bound for the box directly, thus eliminating the need and use of Ozil. Given the fact that Madrid started on fire pressing from the final third at high tempo, it was going to be interesting to see the balance of scales had the usually dependable Ronaldo had been more clinical. However, as it turned out, the great and enviable work of Jose was made ordinary in the least as defeat at home was embarrassing.
Frank Lampard is a renowned midfielder and possibly a comrade in arms for Jose, but the role he has to play at Real will need a lot of work rate. Lampard is 33 and delivering at that pace will need him to be where he has never been before in terms of physical conditioning. A pound for pound replacement for Ozil may be financially out of reach for Real now, meaning Lampard is always a plan B for Jose.
Under the circumstances, Jose Mourinho can still be the best in Spain and Europe with what he has. He has to change formation. Karim Benzema and Hinguin must play alongside, not in tandem, but square. This will require extra attention from defenders, reducing the traffic of the opposition moving forward from the back even in counter attack opportunities.
Real can revert to the former tactic later in the match when every situation is under control. After all, Ozil is a good impact player and maybe then, he can start scoring again
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