The upcoming Real Madrid defender David Mateos was banging heavily on hercules hurting FC Barcelona on the Saturday night. The truth was Hercules definitely tried, they played well, were very organised but this Barca side was too muchb for them to handle in the end. But the question in everybody's mind is whether the newly promoted recruit from Real Madrid B team was expecting too much from his senior side to keep on the tail of this exceptional Barcelona side. I have been to a particular Real Madrid blog sometimes back and it looked like they were banging heavily on Kaka's return to instill the momentum to take the quest forward. But at this moment his return looks like has done more damage than good to the side from the Capital.
The match against osasuna was quite difficult for Real Madrid, made tougher by an absolutely physical opposition and an aggressive crowd with some strange naughty acts. Was the opposition's efficieny the only reason for the Real Madrid defeat? No not at all. When you are a side assembled at more than 250 million dollars you ahve to find a way to get past those. The bigger problem for Real Madrid has been the lack of a definitive formation. Cristiano Ronaldo was the one who carried the Madrid hopes in recent times and he struggling in last three matches is very good news for us. But it is so surprising to see Madrid struggling big time whenever Xabi Alonso is taken off. Mourinho has a huge job in his hand and he could better write off La Liga title hopes. Not because Barca will not drop any points, we may but so do Real Madrid.
Meanwhile the Hercules match was a very tough test for our boys. And they came out of it with flying colours. We were focussed and determined to continue on the winning run. The win also said a lot about the character of the squad. The narrow pitch, actually the narrowest in La Liga gave a good test for Barca. Its tests like these which will prepare us well for the gruelling campaign in Europe. Iniesta did gave us a scare having getting injured in the match. As per the Barca website, Iniesta has suffered a grade 1 sprain on the AC joint of his left upper back. No i have no idea of this but a Grade 1 usually is a bad description. But considering that this is a sprain in the back, Iniesta should be fine to continue spearhead our midfield. He is sure to be missing in the match against Almeria but we have to wait and see whether he will miss the visit of Athletico Madrid.