Real Madrid

Deportivo goalkeeper Aranzubia made 12 saves and Real Madrid sent two balls off the woodwork in what ended in a 0-0 draw for the Whites at Riazor.

Real knew they would be up against a defensive Depor side on Saturday. With that in mind, Benzema and Kaka were given the nod for kick-off. The Whites tried from the very get go, but were unable to elaborate plays with such suffocating defensive pressure. Although they had their chances throughout the first half, the first real opportunity came on 30’ when Ozil fire just wide of goal. Deportivo meanwhile didn’t try their luck once against Casillas.

With the second half under way, it was Aranzubia who stole the show. The keeper made one save after the next and came up huge against Cristiano Ronaldo and Di Maria, both of whom believed their shots had found the back of the net. Even when Aranzubia appeared to be bested by the Whites, it was the woodwork that denied them of glory. Adebayor’s shot on 78’ hit the near post and then deflected off the keeper for a corner kick. Two minutes later, Cristiano sent a rocket off the far post following a magical run.

Real Madrid tried every which way, but there was no answer. Benzema nearly tapped in what would have been the winner on 83’, but Deportivo managed to clear the ball. Mourinho put it all on the line with three changes that saw the back line reduced to three men, but it simply wasn’t the day. Time to begin preparing for Thursday’s match against Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Lineups

Deportivo de La Coruña
Aranzubia
Laure
Lopo
Colotto
Morel
Rubén Pérez
Antonio Tomás
Juan Rodríguez
Guardado
Pablo Álvarez 57'
Adrián
Lassad 73'
José Sand
Riki 84'

Real Madrid
Casillas
Sergio Ramos
Pepe
Ricardo Carvalho
Marcelo
Granero 77'
Xabi Alonso
Özil
Lass Diarra
Adebayor 62'
Kaká
Di María 62'
Cristiano Ronaldo
Benzema