Kaká and Ronaldo, each former winners of the Champions League, provide insurance against continued Real Madrid disappointments. (Photo: ZumaPress)
It is a testament to the mentality Manuel Pellegrini has infused into his Real Madrid side that upon Barcelona’s first true league slip in an otherwise other-worldly La Liga season, los Blancos are in position to challenge for that league’s title.
While mentality is a word few would readily associate with a Madrid side that crumbled last season, were steamrolled by Liverpool in Champions League, and this season still have moments where they play as a collection of talents rather than a talented team.
That’s where Real Madrid’s record in league becomes informative, particularly against this Olympique Lyonnais side.
While Lyon has enough talent to beat anybody, we have not seen Claude Puel apply that talent since the early part of group stage. Now, looking back on a group whose main competition was a mid-table (in league) Fiorentina and a uninspiring Liverpool squad, Lyon’s second place finish in group looks far less impressive.
While Real Madrid also failed to dazzle in group, their workman-like results in league show their ability to get results, no matter then manner or obstacles. Be those obstacles injuries (Ronaldo, Kaká, Pepe, amongst others), suspensions (Ronaldo, Pepe), or dissent (Guti), los Blancos have still won 17 of their 22 league matches. Their points-per-match ratio is better than either Chelsea’s or Internazionale’s despite having equal (if not better) top-of-the table competition.
Against a Lyon side that has struggled defending and have gotten inconsistent play from their ball-winners in midfield, a workman-like performance should see Madrid through. However, if Madrid fails to give Lyon the respect deserved a side with names like Govou, Cris, Toulalan, Bastos, Pjanic, Cissohko and Gomis, OL has the quality to find goals.
Of course, a large portion of that quality sits with Lisandro López, the player who make Lyon more dangerous than their other, recent vintages that have not been able to meet Champions League expectations. Though Lyonnais as previously had great scoring talents like Karim Benzema, who returns to Stade de Gerland today, it’s hard to pick out a player who can be described as a match-winner: the player with the combination of talent, personality, and mentality to drive a squad to victory. Benzema was decidedly not that player, while López is.
Last season, López had six Champions League goals in ten matches for Porto. This year for Lyon, he has five in seven. While the other names on Puel’s squad demand respect, none can single-handedly steal a match like Lisandro, be it with a technical skill moving in front of a back line or with his strength attacking goal.
Looking across Real Madrid’s defense and considering the challenges posed by Lisandro, its difficult not to dwell on Pepe’s absence.
But despite Lisandro’s presence, Lyon has playing beguilingly disappointing football. They were recently bounced out of each domestic cup competition, currently sit fourth in a league where they seem to be the most talented team, and have scored only one goal in their last two matches (against mid-to-lower table sides).
And for all the danger Lisandro poses for Real Madrid, los Blancos still have Cristiano Ronaldo, who has proven his Champions League metal over the last two seasons. They still have Kaká, a former winner of this competition. And they still have Manuel Pellegrini pulling the strings, possibly the main reason why Real Madrid is set to discard the recent, disappointing Champions League history.
I think Real’s defense has been really underrated lately. For me, Arbeloa has been one of the better unheralded signings of the season, and the Albiol/Garay partnership has been looking better and better. I don’t see a way through for Lyon, based on current form.
I completely agree, Theo. I think that Madrid to miss Pepe, but I think his absence might be a bit analogous to United missing Vidic today. Obviously, it’s a loss, but the deputy is very capable, in this case.
Lyon has both the talent and approach to beat a Madrid team that often leaves themselves exposed to the quick attack that Lyon, at their best, can employ. But do we have reason to believe Lyon will, can play at “their best?”
What is their best?
Puel and company get a chance to prove me wrong. I think they could get a 1-1 today, which would (big picture) be the first step toward being eliminated.
Well, we know how well a 1-1 home draw against a big Spanish team worked for Lyon last year, don’t we?
I think they’d do well today just to get a draw.
Agreed, Theo. But at the same time, it doesn’t sound like either of us hold much hope for better.
It would be nice if OL played to their talent in this one. If they do, I think they could counter Madrid to near-death. However, I just don’t see that happening.