Real Madrid Survive Scare to Crush FC Zurich 5-2

Real Madrid started their Champion’s League campaign away to Swiss champions FC Zurich with an exciting 5-2 victory.

Real started the match slowly and had some trouble with Zurich’s physical style.

Madrid’s game plan seemed to be to get Cristiano Ronaldo the ball wide on the left. They overloaded that side, putting Kaka behind him, and letting midfielders Xabi Alonso and Lassana Diarra both drift to that side.

Fullback Royston Drenthe also pushed up the flank in support, and forward Raul often tracked back, allowing Ronaldo to run into the empty space.

The plan was not successful initially, with the players bunching up and losing possession.

Zurich attacked, and kept possession well. They won a corner in the 9th minute, and following a scramble in the box, goalkeeper Iker Casillas made a good save off a back-heel shot.

Xabi Alonso started to come alive, and set up some chances for Ronaldo with nicely weighted long passes.

Real’s striker on the right, Gonzalo Higuaín consistently tracked back to become involved in the midfield, with right back Alvaro Arbeloa pushing all the way up the flank, essentially playing as a winger.

Arbeloa was able to get back when necessary, but central defenders Raul Albiol and Pepe seemed to be the only defense necessary.

Ronaldo was awarded a questionable free kick in the 25th minute, but missed off his own player.

Two minutes later he had another chance after the defender again seemed to get the ball, but the referee awarded a foul.

Ronaldo made no mistake this time, firing a curling shot in at the near post for a goal. Zurich goalkeeper Johnny Leoni seemed to be in the right place to stop the shot, but was twisted around and could not make the save.

Real grew in confidence, and began putting on a show of smooth short passing, much in the style of Barcelona.

Madrid kept possession well and were rewarded with another goal in the 34^th minute.

Higuain beat his defender to the ball and knocked it beautifully across to the trailing Raul. The captain leapt forward, extending his leg to guide the ball into the net from close range.

The pace of the game quickened and the game became more open after Madrid’s second goal. Zurich had some chances on the other end, but Real got their third in the first minute of stoppage time.

Raul passed it in the center to Higuain who poked the ball right, bullied his way around the defender and caught up to the ball, smashing it to the far post for a goal.

The visitors went into the break comfortable with their large lead.

Kaka had an early chance to start the second half. He claimed a penalty a minute later which was not given, nor was it deserved.

The home team continued to battle bravely and attacked the Spanish giants.

Xabi Alonso picked up an injury in the 53rd minute, after his legs were tangled with a Zurich player. Alonso hobbled off gingerly, and seemed to be in a lot of pain on the bench.

Zurich came forward to play the man advantage and had several chances to no avail.

Fernando Gago replaced Alonso in the 59th minute, and both sides continued to attack. Pepe had some nice defending, and Casillas made a good save from a close range shot.

In the 63rd minute Alexandre Alphonse sprung the offside trap, and went down in the box after the lightest of touches from Casillas. A penalty was awarded and the Spanish international received a yellow card.

Casillas guessed correctly, but dove too early as Xavier Margairaz fired the penalty shot into the top right corner.

The home crowd roared, and the players appeared invigorated.

A minute later Zurich had another penalty claim against Arbeloa, this one more substantial.

The referee gave only a corner kick, which Johann Vonlanthen delivered to the near post. Silvan Aegerter was there, rising above Ronaldo to head past Casillas. Madrid’s lead was suddenly cut to one.

Real Madrid seemed shocked and proceeded to give the ball away easily several times.

Guti came on for Higuain in the 68th minute, and the game became a bit scrappy, both sides going for late challenges. Gago picked up a yellow card, then Guti received a yellow six minutes later.

Ronaldo had a chance against one defender in the 76th minute. He held the ball up well and made a nice cross to the onrushing Raul, but the captain’s shot was blocked.

Neither team seemed able to sustain possession as the game wore on. Lassana Diarra picked up a yellow card in the 81st minute, and three minutes later Gago fired a vicious shot from distance just over the bar.

Guti was fouled in the 89th minute, and Ronaldo stood over the ball well within his range. He fired a venomous shot straight at the keeper Leoni who could not contend with the velocity. The ball flew off his fists, over his head and into the back of the net.

Real were up 4-2, and seemed well assured of victory, but there was still time for another goal.

In the 94th minute, Kaka’s deft touch set up Guti in space. The keeper was stranded in no-man’s-land, and Guti expertly lobbed the ball over his head for Madrid’s fifth goal.

Overall it was a thrilling encounter that managed to deliver some tense moments. Ronaldo shone all evening, netting two sublime free kicks. Higuain and Raul combined well twice, with each getting a goal and assist.

Madrid seemed fluid, and both full backs played well in their advanced roles. This seems like a team capable of scoring against anyone, but they will be disappointed to have conceded twice.

Casillas should not be faulted too much for the first goal, but he as well as Ronaldo could have done more to prevent the second.

Real Madrid sparkled in their first Champions League match of the season, and will look to continue their success at home against French club Marseille in two weeks time.