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REAL MADRID- INTER report

MANCHESTER - BARCELONA report

Man United (2) 3
Giggs 17          
Scholes 24         
Beckham 64       
(Butt sent off 70)
Barcelona (0) 3
Anderson 47
Giovanni 60 (pen)
Luis Enrique 71 (pen)
Amazing night at Old Trafford tonight as United`s annual blitz on Europe got
off to a rollercoaster start.
The first half was as open a game as you`ll likely to see in Europe, with
David Beckham in particular having a field day. Two crosses from the right
from Beckham produced two United goals, the first on 17 mins saw Ryan Giggs,
not noted for his heading, produce a fine header across the keeper and into
the far corner and then seven mins later another Beckham cross was met with a
powerful overhead effort by Yorke which was somehow kept out by the keeper
only for Paul Scholes to lash home the rebound. There were other chances as
well, Solsjkaer hit the bar and saw another shot rise just over and Roy Keane
also brought a save from the visiting keeper. Barca looked dangerous on
occasions, Rivaldo`s early shot almost squirmed away from Schmeichal and twice
Sonny Anderson was left unmarked in the box, firstly his deflected goal was
disallowed (harshly) for offisde and his second effort was excellently saved
by Schmeichal. The second half saw Barca level within 15 mins. They were back
in it within just two minutes when Sonny Anderson capitalized after a series
of ricochets in the area. On the hour Stam was adjudged to have fouled Rivaldo
in the box and although the Brazilian made a meal of it, it did look a foul,
and Giovanni scored with ease to make it 2-2. The fun was still beginning
though as four mins later Beckham produced his party piece, a 30 yard free
kick, curling over the wall and into the corner, we all knew it was coming,
including Barca, but nothing could be done to stop it and Utd were ahead
again. Nicky Butt was brought on to tighten the midfield and was unluckily
involved in the next major incident. A scramble in the area led to Rivaldo`s
shot being handled on the line by Butt and despite the rebound being put into
the net, the ref awarded a penalty instead and sent Butt off. Luis Enrique
converted the spot kick and it was 3-3, but as a contest the game was over as
Barca dominated late on without seriously troubling Schmeichal. Amazing game,
but a draw is not the start United wanted.
--
Gary Dowden - Joint Administrator (ISFA) Premiership Mailing List
Leeds United and Scotland and proud of it

http://www.footiemad.demon.co.uk


Real Madrid 2

Inter Milan 0

Referee: Hugh Dallas (SCO), R: 6

Illgner 7
Panucci 9
Hierro 9
Sanchis 8
Roberto Carlos 7
Redondo 6
Savio (87' Karembeu) 9, -
Seedorf 8
Mijatovic 5
Raśl 7
Morientes (85' Jarni) 5, -
Pagliuca  8
Fresi 3
Bergomi  5
Galante 6
Zanetti 6
Simeone 6
Milanese 9
Winter  (Ventola 80' 8) 5, 8
Cauet  (Silvestre 46' 6) 3, 6
Zamorano 4
Ronaldo  (Pirlo 74 7') 3, 7
NOTE: Number next to player indicates ranking from 1-10, players in red are the men of the match for each team

REPORT

Real Madrid dominates Inter in Seville

Real Madrid turned in a dominating performance today against a sorry Inter Milan side. The Italians came to play for a tie, but the persistent and fast Real Madrid attack ruined their plans. Luigi Simone started the match with 5 defenders and a destructive defensive midfield- the result was a ridiculously defensive Inter side. With only Ronaldo and Zamorano as true attackers, the Milan side was quick to sit back and defend against the Real Madrid attack. Real Madrid basically had carte blanche to freely attack, as Inter's counterattack was literally nonexistant. Ronaldo was highly out of form, and his partner Zamorano saw his offensive efforts continuosly thwarted by the outstanding Fernando Hierro in the center. In this manner, Madrid battered the unyielding defense throughout the one-sided first half. Savio Bortolini, Brasilian winger, was absolutely outstanding. His magnificent ball control, dribbling, and expolsive speed were the greatest enemies of the Inter defense. Continually he attacked on the left wing, and left interior, drawing a slew of "professional" fouls. In the 42nd minute, he was fouled blatantly by Fresi, earning the Milan defender his 2nd yellow. The dirty tackle was all that seperated Savio from Pagliuca and his goal, after a great individual run that sent defenders chasing him all over. The first half's best opportunities were for Madrid, notably 2 occassions coming off corner kicks and headed once by Panucci and once by Hierro. The first half was also notable because of Panucci's involvment as an attacking right back. He was outstanding, and alongside of Savio, the player of the game. With Savio's attacking, the Inter defense left space on the Real Madrid right wing, which Panucci beautifully took advantage of. His runs were frequent, and he made excellent use of the right wing to catalize the attack, especially in the second half. His involvement was crucial for the offense. Additionally, his anticipation was key to shutting down the Inter counter manuevers. In the Inter had a sorry match. In my opinion, the only player that truly stood out as good for them was defender Milanese. His work on the Inter left side was tireless, and his marking and tough tackling shut down Morientes, Raul, and Mijatovic at any given time.

Joaquin Bueno

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