20-12-06 - Source: RealMadrid.com

REAL MADRID - RECREATIVO

Recreativo's historic win over Real Madrid closes out 2006 on a disappointing note

With the tragic events of this morning’s bus accident, which claimed the lives of four Recreativo Huelva fans on their way to the Spanish capital, looming over Wednesday’s match, Real Madrid and Huelva met in a somber, yet crucial clash for the Whites. Instead of the holiday season atmosphere everyone had hoped for, the game, which marked the last of 2006 for both sides, was a tribute to those who lost their lives and those still recovering from various injuries. Prior to kickoff, the Santiago Bernabéu held a minute of silence, and both teams took the pitch donning black armbands. The 0-0 scoreline reflected most of the first half, until Sinama gave the visitors the lead with a well taken shot. It was much of the same during the second 45 minutes, during which Real Madrid conceded two more goals, first to Uche and then a brilliant free kick by Viqueira. There was no better way for Recre to pay tribute to those who lost their lives than serving Real Madrid their biggest defeat at the Bernabéu this season.

All the build up to tonight's match by Madridistas and Huelva natives alike was marred by the death of four Recre fans and 37 other injured supporters who were part of a coach accident early Wedndesday morning as they made their way to the Spanish capital to watch what was the last match of 2006 for both sides. Everyone expected a great match to honour the memory of those lost, and while it did not go to play as Madrid would have liked, it was a day Recre fans will remember for years to come.

In solidarity with the fans of Recreativo Huelva and the city of Huelva, Real Madrid decided to cancel the tribute to recently named FIFA World Player, Fabio Cannavaro, who made his way into the starting eleven after Committee rescinded the second yellow card he saw on Sunday against Espanyol. David Beckham found his way back onto the right side of the pitch as Fabio Capello again placed his chips on the Double 9 with Ronaldo and Van Nistelrooy leading the Real Madrid attack.

Real Madrid found themselves up against a recently promoted Recreativo Huelva side who have taken the First Division by storm (eighth in the table with 22 points) and who arrived at the Bernabéu with nothing to lose and everything to gain, whether by bringing a smile to the families of those lost or by moving the team closer to a UEFA spot in the table. In a mediocre first half by both sides, the Andalusians were able to open the scoring against a Madridista squad lacking movement in the midfield and unable to complete passes. To change tactics, Fabio Capello made his first modification by telling Beckham to swap sides with Raúl, hoping his men would see more chances on the opponent's goal. Meanwhile, Recre coach Marcelino, who watched from the stands will mobile in hand as he served his one game suspension, ordered his men to open up on the pitch.

While Recre were well-positioned throughout the pitch, the Madridistas looked lethargic and had few opportunities to put the ball in the net during the first 45 minutes. Ramos (min. 5) came inches away from heading in a Beckham cross, which was followed three minutes later by a shot from Ronaldo, who didn't quite get control on the ball by going for precision to curve it by Vellejo. In the closing minutes of the half, Van Nistelrooy had a great effort from outside the box which just missed. Recre were delighted and not at all intimidated by the Bernabéu. In this historic game for the visiting side, it was Sinama Pongolle who gave Huelva the lead. The Frenchman scored his six goal in the League by taking advantage of a defencive error with a great left footed finish.

No signs of scoring
To get the second half off to a jump start, Capello hoped for a spark of creativity by replacing Emerson with Robinho. It was now up to David Beckham and José Mª Gutiérrez, Guti to orchestrate the midfield. But Recre were up to the task. The first five minutes were all Real Madrid. Robinho won a free kick just outside the box, and Beckham looked to whip it in just like he did two weeks ago against Sevilla, but Vallejo made a great save with his right foot. Two minutes later, Uche, last year's top scorer of the Second Division, went right by Cannavaro, slipped behind two defenders, and scored a lovely goal. The Nigerian's score put Real Madrid a long way back with quite a mountain to climb.

Marcelo had gone for pace and youth and it paid off. Recreativo then backed into their half of the pitch to hold Madrid at bay for the remaining 40 minutes. Capello used his last two changes and moved Sergio Ramos to the right wing and replaced Ronaldo with Reyes. The Seville native tried his luck on his first touch of the ball all night, but didn't get enough power or direction behind his shot.

Real Madrid began finding their rhythm, but the result stayed the same and dealt a real blow to the Whites. On the other hand, Recre had no better way to close out 2006 and topped it off with their third score of the night. Viqueira put the nail in the coffin with a free kick into the left corner of Casillas' net. The next League match, and first encounter of 2007, will take place at the Riazor on the first weekend of January.

MATCH REPORT:
Real Madrid: Casillas; Salgado (Mejía, min.66), Cannavaro, Ramos, Roberto Carlos; Emerson (Robinho, min.45), Beckham, Guti, Raúl; Ronaldo (Reyes, min.66), Van Nistelrooy.
Recreativo Huelva: López Vallejo; Mario, Merino, Beto (Arzo, min.55), Poli ; Cazorla, Jesús Vázquez, Viqueira, Aitor ; Sinama Pongolle (Juanma, min.56), Uche (Javi Guerrero, min.80).
Referee: Daudén Ibáñez (Aragon Referee Association). Booked Beckham (min.24), Juanma (min.60), Mario (min.73) and Ramos (min.81).
Goals:
0-1 min. 35: Great finish by Sinama Pongolle.
0-2 min. 51: Uche slips passed two defenders and beats Casillas.
0-3 min.90: Viqueira free kick.
Notes: Matchday 16 of La Liga. Game played at the Santiago Bernabéu. Prior to kickoff, the Santiago Bernabéu held a minute of silence in honour of those who lost their lives in this morning's coach accident. The Directors of Recreativo Huelva did not attend the match due to today's tragic events.