"Real Madrid Makes a Vibrant Debut in Spain"



Even if they are announced as friendly, all Valencia-Real Madrid are not friendly matches at all. Queiroz and his men made their debut in Spain in this pre-season and they did not disappoint anyone (not even Valencia supporters). The match was vibrant, with many goal-scoring opportunities, all of them well saved by Casillas and Palop. At the end of the match, in the penalty shootout (5-6), Real Madrid's players won the cup "Trofeo Naranja". Now, it is time to think in the Spanish Super Cup Friendly?!

There were a few facts that made us think this was a friendly match: the time of the year, the title was not very important and part of the stands was wearing shirts with Real Madrid's colours. But, in fact, this was a very serious match. The test was relevant for both teams, Valencia and Real Madrid. And for the fans, this match became the best match of this hot and long Spanish pre-season.
The starting line-ups confirmed the seriousness of the match. Tests finished for Ben?tez and Queiroz. Their tactic war started when both teams wanted to be in the possession of the ball. But Real Madrid had the possession of the ball during most part of the match, maybe due to the better technical quality the Whites have in the midfield, with Cambiasso at the front, Zidane at the back and Figo and Beckham in both flanks.

Real Madrid rolled the ball perfectly, but they found a serious defence, which didn't leave any spaces in the centre. Only Figo (13’), Roberto Carlos (23’) or Ra?l (26’) could shot from a long-range distance. It was becoming necessary to create more opportunities if they wanted to overcome the “Marchena-Ayala wall ” and make the way into the goal area. Zidane appeared again to make up the best opportunities for the Whites. An excellent service to Ronaldo left the Brazilian alone in front of Palop, but his shot skimmed the post. This was the best opportunity during the first half.



The match was open and Valencia was waiting in his area. However everytime they touched the ball, they hit back and started the counter-attack. They got to the penalty box with danger but only to find Casillas there. The player from the club's school made an excellent performance, especially when he saved well a double shot by Aimar and Vicente. Afterwards, a shot by Olivera hit the sticks luckily. Neither Casillas nor Palop could take a rest during the match. The Valencian goalkeeper saved well from a Zidane´s shot as well. There were no goals during the first half (51 minutes) due to the excellent performance of both goalkeepers.

As minutes were passing, the match was losing intensity due to the effort that players had made and also due to the changes made by both coaches. The penalty shootout was unavoidable. Eleven shots were necessary to know the champion. Cambiasso scored the crucial shot and the cup "Trofeo Naranja" flew to Madrid.

THE MATCH:
0 – VALENCIA: Palop, Garrido, Ayala (Pellegrino, m.46), Marchena, Carboni; Jorge L?pez (S?nchez, m.66), Albelda (Verdejo, m.83), Baraja (De los Santos, m.73), Vicente (Canobbio, m.46), Aimar (Carew, m.59) y Oliveira.
0 – REAL MADRID: Casillas, Salgado, Pav?n, Helguera, Roberto Carlos; Beckham (Guti, m.63), Cambiasso, Zidane (Solari, m.79), Figo (N??ez, m.84) Ronaldo (Portillo, m.75) y Ra?l (Morientes, m.84).
Penalty shootout
Oliveira, Cannobio, Carboni, Marchena and Palop scored for Valencia, Juan S?nchez and Pellegrino missed their shots.
Roberto Carlos, Morientes, Guti, Portillo, Helguera and Cambiasso scored for Real Madrid, Solari missed his shot.
REFEREE: Rodriguez Santiago. He showed the yellow card to Beckham and Marchena.
OTHER FACTS: 23th Edition of the Valencia Naranja Cup. Half attendance in Mestalla Stadium, with many fans of Real Madrid in the stands. Rain during part of the match.