18.3.2009 - A different kind of challenge
After inflicting the heaviest defeat in Real Madrid's colourful Champions League history last night, thoughts turn to Old Trafford on Saturday, where the challenge awaiting Liverpool will be a lot tougher than that offered by the Spanish champions.
The press, both in England and in Spain, appeared to be unanimous in the verdict that Liverpool could have won by a margin of eight or nine had it not been for the heroics of Iker Casillas. But the damning verdict of the Real Madrid performace took a bit of the shine off the result, with focus switched to Madrid's ageing stars and poor performaces of some of the more recent additions to the side.
But such focus unfairly takes some of the credit away from Liverpool. Yes, the opposition were poor. But part of the explaination for that was the way in which Liverpool relenlessly attacked them, playing at a pace which Real were unable to cope with. At 2-0, albeit with some thanks to a controversially awarded penalty decision, the tie was beyond them and not until another goal was put past them and Liverpool eased off a bit did the Spaniards manage to create anything.
It is true that the current Real Madrid squad is not the greatest. But it's also true that whilst not all of the names on the teamsheet are household names, the likes of Pepe, Huigain, Gago carry big reputations in the Spanish capital and are far from second rate players. Nothing should be taken away from Liverpool's demolition of the most successful side in European football's premier club competition.
However, the challenge facing Liverpool on Saturday lunchtime will be a much more difficult one, against a club who consist or arguably the strongest squad of players ever assembled in the English game, and features an attack which doesn't need to include a player such Carlos Tevez. Even if he's in form.
Their form over the last three months has been virtually flawless, demonstrating an ability to blow opponents away when the opportunity has arisen, but being equally capable of winning games 1-0. A win is a win, and Man United's machine-like ability to achieve wins has put them in a strong position to claim a third successive title. Even if Liverpool win, it's difficult to see how Man United will drop enough further points to allow Liverpool to overtake them before May.
But there'll rarely be a better chance to win at Old Trafford than on the back of the confidence gained from a crushing victory over Real Madrid and should the Reds take all three points it will, at the very least, keep the title race interesting for just a little longer.
|
