Real Madrid’s Javier Hernandez celebrates his goal against Atletico Madrid during their Champions League match.
DPA/Madrid
There was general agreement among the Spanish media yesterday that Real Madrid largely deserved their late 1-0 win over dour neighbours Atletico in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
“Real just about deserved this win,” commented sports daily AS. “They were the only team that attacked, despite their injuries, whereas Atletico seemed content to defend and reach a penalty shootout.”
AS was full of praise for goalscorer Hernandez, who was only playing because of injury to Karim Benzema.
“He (Hernandez, on loan from Manchester United) has had to endure a difficult season, playing in very few matches. Every day in training he has shown a spirit of honour and sacrifice.
“He was the best player on the night, and full deserves his moment of triumph.”
Hernandez himself said: “I have been very patient all season, waiting for my moment. I knew my team-mates had confidence in me. I am delighted to have helped the club in this way.”
Meanwhile, Radio Marca called the Mexican striker “the secret weapon” of Real coach Carlo Ancelotti.
It is the fifth straight season that Real have reached the semis. They are trying to become the first team since AC Milan in 1990 to win back-to-back European titles.
Ancelotti was widely praised for his experiment of playing defender Sergio Ramos in midfield, in place of the injured Modric.
“I like coaches who have courage and the strength of their convictions,” Ramos said.
“I felt fairly comfortable in midfield, though I haven’t played there for many years.”
El Pais called Ancelotti “an expert in the Champions League”, while Antena 3 labelled him “a master tactician and strategist”.
In contrast, Atletico boss Diego Simeone has been criticised for an overly cautious, defensive approach.
“Atletico’s caution was surprising given Real’s injuries, and given the fact that they had not lost to Real in seven matches this season,” Cadena COPE commented.
Meanwhile, El Mundo said that “Atletico gifted the initiative to Real, instead of trying to attack them as they have done several times this season.”
The sending-off of Atletico winger Arda Tiran, 15 minutes from time, has been labelled rather harsh, although there is general agreement that Atletico midfielder Raul Garcia should have been given his marching orders shorty before for a wicked tackle.
Meanwhile, Simeone defended himself from criticism by saying: “I’m very proud of my team because of the way they competed tonight. My team is a team of men.
“They showed that, whatever happens, you have to compete. If you give your maximum out there, you can go home happy. I have no negative sensations from tonight’s game.
“We lacked connection up front and the passing moves that we did pull off were cut short by the hard work of our opponents. Real worked just as hard as we did, and I have to congratulate them on this win.”
