The Real Match Reports

[Ian]

Season Opens With A Bang
This seasons curtain raiser saw the new Real Madrid boss Ian Greaves take his side to start the campaign against Monaco, on paper a fairy easy opener for the debut manager but made even more easy by the fact that the Monaco manager failed to turn up to the game and the home team ordered to play a tactic that fell straight into the hands of a strong looking Los Blancos outfit. From the off it was one way traffic and although the home side held Real Madrid at bay for nearly 20 minutes, once the first goal went in the floodgates then opened. Madrid's two front men in particular, Rodrygo and Doku had field days scoring seven goals between them with the team scoring an emphatic eight goals in total. Manager Ian Greaves was obviously delighted with the run out but was quick to warn his players to expect much tougher tests ahead.

Final score: Monaco 0-8 Real Madrid




Greaves Home Debut Spoiled By Gritty Fiorentina
League game number two saw Real Madrid play host to Fiorentina with manager Ian Greaves tasting his first game at The Bernabeu. This encounter was supposed to be a way for the new gaffer to say hello to the huge Spanish following on this side of Madrid but his thunder was somewhat stolen by a resolute Fiorentina outfit. Playing a counter attack style the away team found themselves a goal to the good after just three minutes of play and although the home side in the main bossed the proceedings and had the lion's share of goal scoring opportunities could only manage the one goal themselves and that was thanks to a stike by the giant defender Kimpembe. So this game turned out not to be the home debut that Greaves was hoping for but a timely reminder that even the games that you are expected to win should not be taken lightly.

Final score: Real Madrid 1-1 Fiorentina





Big Win For Greaves In Germany
Game Number three for Ian Greaves saw him travel into Germany with his Spanish side to take on Borussia Dortmund. Keen to put the events of the Fiorentina clash behind them, the Los Blancos opted to play on the front foot and with the home team adopting the same policy we enjoyed another high scoring encounter on the road. Real Madrid were out of the traps like lightning in this game and before the five minute mark was even reached Ian Greaves boys found themselves two goals to the good through firstly Rodrygo and shortly after a second goal of the campaign for the tall back man Kimpembe. Dortmund though created a good few chances themselves and could easily have got onto the scoresheet a couple of times but instead were punished by some devastating finishing by a rampant Los Blancos team. By the halfway mark Madrid found themselves four goals up and it didn't stop there as we entered the second period. Again Dortmund created further good chances but failed to finish, whereas the away side put a lot of their many chances away and by the end of the game found the net no fewer than seven times.

Final score: Borussia Dortmund 0-7 Real Madrid


July word count = 2,000+

[Ian]

Cup Run Over Before It's Begun
With Real Madrid receiving a bye for round one of the EFL Domestic Cup competition, their first game came in round two where the Los Blancos were drawn away to Barcelona. A tricky tie it has to be said and despite Ian Greaves boys being cast as Favourites to progress to Round Three that unfortunately proved not to be the case. It was however a fairly dominant Madrid display against Sam Bradwells team and despite Real Madrid creating the lion's share of efforts on goal as well as dominating possession it was a single goal by the home side that proved to be decisive on the night. So an early exit for sorry looking Real madrid it was.

Final score: Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid





A Close Call In Lisbon
League game number four saw Ian Greaves travel into Portugal to take on Sporting Lisbon, a game that on paper looked an easy tie for the Los Blancos. Well there is no doubt that on the night Real Madrid completely dominated their opponents but in the end only just scraped a victory. Hero of the night was the man in between the sticks for the home side who just had one of those games in which he looked unbeatable. Madrid did eventually put two goals past the Lisbon keeper but on the night that very same keeper made no fewer than 20 saves, some of them breathtaking ones. Sporting lisbon also snatched a goal of their own in the second period to bring the score line very close although it must be said that Real Madrid should have romped home as the traffic on the night was nearly all one way.

Final score: Sporting Lisbon 1-2 Real Madrid





A Derby Day Ding Dong
League game number five saw Ian Greaves taste his first big Derby here at The Bernabeu Stadium taking on Atletico Madrid managed by the well respected Simon Marsh. Anticipation was at fever pitch for this game and despite a fairly quiet opening half hour that saw no goals the game suddenly burst into action following an opener for The Los Blancos by Nco Williams and it was only minutes later that the home team doubled their lead thanks to Virgil Van Dijk. The game though did two and fro and Atletico who also looked dangerous throughout halved their deficit not long before the interval. The home side then swung into action again and further goals each side of the interval from Rodrygo put Ian Greaves boys into a commanding position. Atletico though never gave up as they again pulled one back only to see the home side again grab another goal as Rodrygo completed a hat trick. Amazingly Atletico still came after the home team and notched up two late goals to put them just a single goal behind. Unfortunately for Marsh’s brave performers they ran out of time and ended up narrowly defeated in a humdinger of a game.

Final score: Real Madrid 5-4 Atletico Madrid





Champions League Stalemate
So a break from league football sees us go into the first round group stage of the Champions League in which Real Madrid played host to Leeds United. In all honesty this wasn’t a game to get the crowd excited in any way, our opponents set up cautiously which was kind of expected and so we initially set up playing a european style but switched after about 15 minutes into a more recognisable passing game. With the away side sticking firmly to a five man back line and a holder just in front the game never reached any heights from an attacking point of view and the end result was rather predictable.

Final score: Real Madrid 0-0 Leeds United





Mauled In Munich
League game number Six saw The Los Blancos travel into Germany to face Jon Banks Bayern Munich outfit, a game that proved to be far trickier than expected. The home side set up very positively, perhaps somewhat unexpectedly and that show of bravery certainly paid off for Banks and his team. In a tie that was statistically very even it was Bayern Munich that showed a touch of class in front of goal compared to the more fancied Madrid. Midway through the first period the German side found themselves a goal to the good through front man Gronto and by the halfway point had doubled their lead through the lively looking Simons. Real Madrid who themselves created enough chances to make their mark on the game failed too many times in front of goal although did half the deficit just before the hour mark thanks to Jeremy Doku. This though wasn't to be Ian Greaves day as the home side found a third through their back man Timber and it was a day in which Real Madrid were shown for once how to finish in front of goal.

Bayern Munich 3-1 Real Madrid





Real Madrid Regain The touch
Following on from a bad defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich Ian Greaves and his boys regained their touch this time against another German outfit Bayer Leverkusen. It was though Leverkusen who took a shock early lead at The Bernabeu when within just the first minute of play their front man Morris smashed a loose ball home to shock the home supporters. The Los Blancos did quickly regain control though and before long found themselves two goals up thanks to the prolific Rodrygo. Further goals from Dest and another one from Rodrygo to complete a hat trick during the second period put the game beyond any doubt.

Final score: Real Madrid 4-1 Bayer Leverkusen





Last Gasp Leveller Saves Champions League Tie
So back to Champions League football and group game number two which proved to be something of a nail biter. Opponents Burnley set up defensively but despite the initial desire to hold off Real Madrid the English side found themselves two goals to the good despite being prepared to sit in deep. Real Madrid had no other option than to go all out attack and did pull one back before the half time interval. Burnley during the second period always looked dangerous on the counter and again took a two goal advantage with less than 25 minutes remaining. The Los Blancos continued to charge, got a goal back with twenty minutes remaining and looked to be unfortunate to have a goal chalked off just five minutes later. With time rapidly running out up popped the ever present Rodrygo for the home side whose last gasp effort earned the home team a dramatic equaliser. So two Champions League fixtures and just two points gained for Real Madrid although the group does remain wide open still. The next two group games will see Madrid face the highly rated Juventus outfit in back to back group games, two games that could be make or break for both these fancied teams during this year's competition.





Los Blancos Held In Italy
League game number eight was next up for Real Madrid with The Los Blancos held to a point by Napoli. It was yet another team playing with a strong defensive line up that held back Ian Greaves boys with the Italian outfit prepared to sit in with a strong back line for the duration. With not an awful lot of excitement occurring in the game it was annoyingly the very negative home side that managed a breakthrough around ten minutes into the second period. Madrid despite being held and frustrated in this game at least managed a levelling goal through front man Jeremy Doku but all in all a game to forget.

Final score: Napoli 1-1 Real Madrid





Comfortable Win Over Lazio
Onto league game number nine in which Real Madrid played host to Italian side Lazio. On paper a game that should be a comfortable victory for The Los Blancos but when the opponent plays seven defensive players as was the case in this match it is not always easy. Chances didn't exactly flow in this game but thankfully Ian Greaves boys put the ball away on three occasions thanks to a brace from Dorku and also Sterling chipping in with one. Lazio did manage to breach our back line just once on the counter attack but in the end a comfortable victory for Madrid even if the game was somewhat strangled.

Final score: Real Madrid 3-1 Lazio





Comfortable In Sevilla
Next up for the Los Balcos was a trip to Sevilla where Ian Greaves boys overcame a team that has proved to be a banana skin for some big hitters so far this season. Although well in control of the game from the off it took Madrid close to half an hour before they managed a breakthrough thanks to midfield anchor man Lolocatelli who notched up his second of the campaign. From that point forward it did become a bit of a strole as the front pairing of Rodrygo and Doku added another four goals between them to make it a comfortable evening for the away team.

Final score: Sevilla 0-5 Real Madrid





Tight Game See’s Juventus Edged Out
League game Number eleven and a big one as high flying Juventus roll into Town in an attempt to pull away from The Los Blancos in the League standings. Those who were perhaps expecting an open and exciting game of football may have just been a tad disappointed at the way this game played out with neither side prepared to open up until the latter stages. With a cautious approach though from both teams it was Real Madrid that just kept an edge on the proceedings and as such found themselves two goals to the good by the hour mark thanks to good strikes from the midfield duo of Nico Williams and also Raheem Sterling. It was during the closing stages the game actually did start to open up and Juventus got a goal back with ten minutes left on the clock and despite the away side trying to push on for a leveller it was Madrid who just about managed to keep control.

Final score: Real Madrid 2-1 juventus





Yet Another Drawn Champions League Fixture
Next game saw The Los Blancos again come up against Juventus, this time in Italy in another Champions League group fixture.Like the previous League encounter between these two sides another rather cagey game was played out although on this occasion it was Andy Banks Juventus that found the first breakthrough following a defensive slip up by Madrid that let in Juve’s midfielder Gonzalez whose initial effort hit the post but Gonzalez able to follow up on the rebound to slot the ball home. The opening goal from the home side prompted them to adopt an ultra defensive style although Ian Greaves boys did push on well and managed to breach the home team's rear line up thanks to a deflected shot from Raheem Sterling. Despite the Los Blancos creating more chances and generally looking the more threatening team it was again the home side that managed to nudge ahead, this time through Joao Felix and yet again the home side deciding to park the bus in an attempt to cling on to what they had. So once again we had Real Madrid pushing hard in search of a levelling goal and they did find that leveller with twenty minutes left on the clock thanks to a pile driver from the irresistible Rodygo. During the closing stages Madrid continued to push on but after abandoning their ultra defensive line up, Juventus were now also afforded some space and we could easily have seen a winner from either of these two teams as the game entered into its final stages. It wasn't to be though as Real Madrid once again had to settle for a point in this year's Champions League group standings and finding themselves with some ground to make up and also needing to find some positive results to progress, although next group game is once again against Juventus, this should be a good game hopefully with both sides needing more than a single point.

Final score: Juventus 2-2 Real Madrid



August word count = 2,000+

[Ian]

Dominant Display Ends Up A Close Shave
EFL matchday number 12 saw Real Madrid travel to the UK to face Scottish side Rangers and despite The Los Blancos bossing the game nearly ended up throwing two points away. It all started so very well for Ian Greaves who saw his side race into a two goal lead in the first ten minutes thanks to goals from Doku and Rodrygo respectively. Madrid continued to push on and by the halfway mark had stretched the lead to three goals as Doku netted his brace on the day. The second period started as the first period ended with the away side looking the more likely team to score but out of the blue Rangers looked to have got themselves a consolation, or at least we presumed this was a consolation because just minutes later Rangers again found the back of the Madrid goal in unlikely circumstances. The Los Blancos did keep their nerve and continued to outplay the opposition but there were a few nervy moments where the homeside could have pulled the game back level.

Final score: Rangers 2-3 Real Madrid





Joy In Paris
League game number 13 saw Real Madrid travel into Paris to face the team that was most people's favourites to win the title this year, Paris Saint Germain. As it turned out, Ed Clark's team who have had a fairly torrid time in the League to date probably started this game as underdog although The Los Blancos manager Ian Greaves was having none of that pre match gossip. The game itself couldn't have started any better for Madrid who raced into the lead with just two minutes on the clock thanks to a smart strike from Reeham sterling. In what proved to be a very tight affair the home team struck next as Mbappe levelled with a long range effort just before the half hour mark but then Madrid nudged ahead once again this time through Doku approaching the halfway mark. Despite the game remaining a very closely fought encounter it was the away side who got the second period away with a further goal as Doku netted his second of the game to give Madrid a two goal cushion. Again though PSG came back as they halved the deficit almost seventy minutes into the tie, this time Ramos getting in on the act but try as they might the home team failed to find a third that would have salvaged a point for them.

Final score: PSG 2-3 Real Madrid





Champions League Close Shave
Back to Champions League action next and a third game against Juventus inside two weeks. This one a very important game for both Real Madrid and Juventus as they both sat behind Leeds United and Burnley who occupy the top two places in Group D. As far as Ian Greaves was concerned the game couldn't have gotten off to a worse start as the opposition scored an opening goal almost directly from the kick off. Now under normal circumstances you would expect this Real Madrid team to immediately react after going a goal down with a change of tactic but a breakdown in communication left the team playing on the back foot, only venturing forward on the odd occasion. As the game reached its later stages and with Juventus looking like they would take three valuable group points, Madrid got themselves on level terms thanks to the attacking midfield man Nico Williams and as the game suddenly burst into late action the homeside netted on two more occasions thanks to a second Williams strike and another from the irresistible front man Rodrygo. At this point the game had turned totally chaotic as Juventus got themselves a second goal but by which time the final whistle was almost upon us. The final whistle eventually sounding drew such a sigh of relief from the home team and crowd, an investigation was also ordered so as to find the reason for the tactical miscommunication that had occurred earlier in the game, with the Real Madrid manager having some difficult questions to answer.

Final score: Real Madrid 3-2 Juventus





High Scoring Thriller At The Bernabeu
Next up we dived back into league action and an eight goal thriller against AC Millan here at The Bernabeu. Both teams set up to play attacking football and boy did that give the crowd some entertainment. The Los Blancos got the proceedings underway with two early goals as Madrid found themselves with a two goal cushion just seven minutes into the game. Before the midway point of the first period Madrid had raced into a three goal lead although this game was by no means one way traffic as AC Millan reminded us they were also a big part of this tie as by the midway point had pulled the score back to 3-2. The second period saw plenty more action as just three minutes into that half Madrid regained a two goal cushion and it wasn't long before that turned into a three goal cushion. The away side did manage two pull another goal back in this pulsating game, and although Millan gave an excellent account of themselves Madrid always maintained the upper hand.

Final score: Real Madrid 5-3 AC Millan





Dutch Wall Demolished
League game number 15 saw Real Madrid travel to the Dutch outfit of Feyenoord in a game that saw the home side build a brick wall in front of their goal only for it to be knocked back down. It was in fact the home side that struck first blood as they nudged ahead just four minutes into the game but apart from taking an early shock advantage maintained a solid defensive line up even after going heavily behind. It proved to be a game in which goal scoring opportunities would be difficult to come by so Madrid had to be clinical and clinical they certainly were. Three defenders chipped in with goals today as Dest, Van Dijk and Min Jae all got themselves on the score sheet with the two front men Doku and Rodrygo also in on the action. This game was far from a thriller but the end result was top notch.

Final score: Feyenoord 1-5 Real Madrid





Roma Narrowly Edged Out
On to EFL League game Number 16 and a game in which two Managers new to this League meet for the first time in their new environments. It was a game the Los Blancos had the much better of although a game that both teams appeared fairly goal shy in. Despite enjoying the lion's share of the game and far more opportunities this game looked to be heading for a goalless draw, or so it seamed, that was until we reached the 82nd minute when up popped the Madrid front man Jeremy Doku to save the day for the home side as he slammed the ball in from close range.

Final score: Real Madrid 1-0 Roma





Defeat Suffered In Scotland
Onto League game number 17 where The Los Blancos travelled into Scotland to take on the Scottish giants Glasgow Celtic. Following on from a winning streak that had lasted seven League games Real Madrid would have been strong favourites going into this tie but in dramatic circumstances came unstuck. Madrid did get off to a very bright start going a goal up after just eight minutes thanks to a fine strike by the back man Raphael Varane. Unfortunately it all went downhill from that point with Real Madrid failing to reach the high standards they had set over recent weeks and by the halfway mark a sprightly Celtic had nudged ahead by two goals to one and further extended that shock lead after converting a spot kick with around ten minutes of the game remaining. A day to forget for Ian Greaves that's for sure.

Final score: Celtic 3-1 Real Madrid





Champions League Success
A break from league football saw The Los Blancos travel over to England where they took on Burnley in the Champions League group game number five knowing that victory at Turf Moor would see Real Madrid qualify into the knockout stages of the competition. In what was a very slow start to the game due to the home side playing very cautiously, goal scoring chances looked difficult to come by although Madrid who tried to be more positive got a breakthrough just before the half time interval, a goal that did open the game up a little more. From that point Burnley certainly tried pushing forward but that left spaces in behind and The Los Blancos took advantage scoring two further goals during the second 45. Burnley did grab a goal late on but this proved to be nothing more than a consolation for them as Real Madrid ensured they would stay in the competition beyond the group stages.

Final score: Burnley 1-3 Real Madrid




High Scoring Draw Played Out In Millan
League game number 18 saw Real Madrid travel into Italy to face the stern test of John Read’s Inter Milan outfit. Playing with the better tactics on the day Milan got off to a flyer opening the scoring in just the second minute of the game and went on to double that advantage after just twenty minutes had elapsed. Looking a little shell shocked The Los Blancos did manage to rally and shortly into the second period had tied the game back up at 2-2. By now the game was a very tight one with both teams at times looking menacing but it was the home side who once again took the advantage, again going ahead but again madrid managed to pull it back level and this time that's how the tie stayed and no one could really argue that a point each was a fair result on the day.

Final score: Inter Milan 3-3 Real Madrid





Madrid come Out OnTop In The El clasico
League game number 19, Exactly the halfway point of the season saw Ian Greaves travel to Barcelona for the EFL League El Clasico of the season. With no league win in the last two games Greaves adopted a slightly different approach to this game and that ploy seemingly paid off. We only had to wait four minutes for a goal and that goal came the way of Real Madrid thanks to a cheeky chip from top scorer Rodrygo. Barcelona, who enjoyed plenty of possession and also got more shots away on the day, drew level midway through the first period but Rodrygo was again on hand for the away side to nudge them ahead before the interval. Madrid then clinched the game in the second period as back man Kimpembe gave them a two goal cushion that the home team had no answer to.

Final score: Barcelona 1-3 Real Madrid





Champions League Quarters Secured On The Back Of Defeat
Back to the Champions League next and a final group game for Ian Greaves away to Tim Davy’s Leeds United. This a game that had no real consequence for the Los Blancos but a vitally important game for the home side who needed to secure a win in order to progress in the competition. What played out on the night was a very tight and somewhat nervy affair and it was Leeds who drew first blood as they went ahead just before the ten minute mark and then instantly shut up shop in an attempt to hold on to that advantage. Madrid hit back though just shy of the half hour point thanks to a fine effort from top marksman Rodrygo and just a few minutes later Rodrygo was on hand again this time from the penalty spot to turn the game around. This flurry of goals continued as Leeds pulled the game back level before the first half had ended and into the second period it was the homesides turn once again to nudge ahead this time on the hour mark . Taking the lead for the second time in this game Leeds once again turned to an ultra defensive set up and although Madrid pushed hard failed on this occasion to break through the white brick wall.

Final score: Leeds United 3-2 Real Madrid



September word count: 2,000

[Ian]

Comfortable Three Points At The Bernabeu
So we now enter into the second half of the season with the first game of that period being against Monaco here at The Bernabeu. This a game that the Los Blancos should be comfortable in and that is exactly how it panned out. It took just nine minutes for Madrid to take the lead in this game through Nico Williams and after that point the goals came at regular intervals. By the end of the first period the home side were three goals to the good with further strikes from Kimpembe and Doku. All in all this game proved to be a stroll for Ian Greaves boys with three further second half goals, a second for front man Doku and a brace from the midfield playmaker Leao.

Final score: Real Madrid 6-0 Monaco





Outdone In Italy
League game number 21 saw the Los Blancos travel into Italy and Florence to play ACF Fiorentina. This was a game of sheer frustration for Real Madrid with the home side nudging ahead and then shutting up shop. It was midfield man Suso for Fiorentina that managed to grab his side a goal after just eleven minutes had elapsed, a goal which immediately shifted the home side's tactic to a park the bus scenario. In what was a fairly subdued game Madrid did find an equalising goal shortly into the second period although the homeside did remain in defensive mode even after the away sides leveller. Somehow though despite showing very little intent to get forward Fiorentina got a second breakthrough this time via the penalty spot that was converted by Guirassy who had hardly had a sniff at goal all evening. A bad day at the office then for Real Madrid.

Final score: Fiorentina 2-1 Real Madrid





CL Quarter Final Leg first Leg Trouble
Next up we ventured back into the Champions League and an away tie for The Los Blancos against Chelsea over in England, an encounter that saw ReaL Madrid come face to face with ex manager Steve Talbot for the first time since his departure for the spanish club at the end of last season. It was a game that saw Real Madrid start very positively and create numerous openings during the initial exchanges but it was the home side who struck first on the counter attack as their full back Kayode fired home a sweet looking shot from the edge of the box. The match remained very even with both sides creating opportunities but it was Chelsea who had the edge tactically and they made that advantage count by doubling the lead shortly before the half time interval through front man Firmino. The second half continued with both sides still probing and to the delight of the home fans Chelsea made it three this time a long range dipping effort from De Bruyne that looked to have somehow deceived Donnarumma in the Madrid goal. Three goals to the good Chelsea did look to have both games tied up already but a goal from the Los Blancos top marksman Rodrygo gave Ian Greaves boys a glimmer of hope going into the second leg although it must be said still with a mountain to climb.

Final score: Chelsea 3-1 Real Madrid





Three Points In Dortmund
Back to League football next as Real Madrid played host to the German outfit Borussia Dortmund. As expected the away side came to The Bernabeu with the intent of sitting in and hitting and hitting Madrid on the counter attack and that to some degree did work for the Germans but the Los Blancos stuck to their task of playing the game on the front foot and were rewarded just ten minutes into the game with an opening goal from Nico Williams. Dortmund though quickly hit back with their only goal of the game through Chris Smalling to square the tie back up. With Madrid doing the majority of the pressing though they once again shot themselves into the lead just past the half hour mark this time thanks to a fine effort by Rafael Leao. Despite a few tactical tweets the game continued in similar fashion with Madrid the main threat and it was top marksman Rodrygo who put the game beyond doubt as he notched up his 30th of the season in all competition during a dominant second period.

Final score: Real Madrid 3-1 Borussia Dortmund





Los Blancos Ease Past Sporting Lisbon
League game number 23 was a second home tie on the bounce for Real Madrid as they came up against strugglers Sporting Lisbon, this a game that everyone would have expected the home side to win convincingly but with some teams having already been tripped up by the likes of Lisbon you can never take these games for granted. Thankfully Ian Greaves boys were on their game though as they brushed aside the opposition with apparent ease scoring six times along the way. We also saw today a wide variety of the Madrid first eleven get themselves on the score sheet, which was another point that pleased the manager on what turned out to be an excellent day at The Bernabeu.

Final score: Real Madrid 6-1 Sporting Lisbon





Real Madrid Exit The champions League
It was a disappointing if not predictable night for the Los Blancos at the end of the quarter final second leg tie in this year's Champions League tournament with Ian Greaves boys exiting the competition at the hands of the previous Real Madrid manager Steve Talbot. Going into this second leg game three goals to one down this was always going to be an uphill battle for Madrid but that uphill battle quickly turned into a mountain to Climb as Chelsea scored almost directly from the kick off to the dismay of the majority in The Santiago Bernabau Stadium. Madrid of course at this stage had no choice but to press ahead in search of goals in an attempt to pull this fixture around but that in turn made it easy for the opposition to deploy tactics that would suppress the home sides efforts and in the end the game petered out with Real Madrid just managing a consolation goal towards the end of the game and so chelsea it was who progressed following both ties.


Final score: Real Madrid 1-1 Chelsea





All Square In The Madrid Derby
Following on from The Champions League disappointment suffered by the Los Blancos it was straight back to League action for Real Madrid and the small matter of the Madrid Derby against arch rivals Atletico Madrid. In what proved to be a rather tight and cagey affair this game never reached the heights of great entertainment and excitement that many would have expected from such an occasion as this, instead the expectant crowd had to put up with two teams intent on not losing the game rather than going all out for victory. It was Ian Greaves boys who drew first blood in this game of relatively few chances thanks to a fine volley from front man Doku who smashed home a wicked crossfield ball by team mate Guimarares. The home crowd though didn't have a long wait very long for their team to reply as Saint Maximin executed a fine long range chip shot to tie the game back up. Both teams did create a handful of further chances each but a draw was the fairest result and maybe the most predictable on the day.

Final score: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Real Madrid





Los Blancos Suffer Big Defeat
League game number 25 saw the German outfit Bayern Munich visit the Bernabeu and leave again with not only the three points on offer but an emphatic victory to boot. The opposition set the tone of this game inside the first five minutes when their front man Gnonto drove the ball home directly from a free kick taken from just outside the eighteen yard box. Despite taking a firm beating as far as the scoreline was concerned Real Madrid did play some good football and on another day you would have expected a more positive result but this was a game it just didn't happen in front of goal for the Los Blancos. That said Ian Greaves boys did find an equalising goal that came via the penalty spot and this was confidently dispatched by Rodrygo but it was a devastating second period in which Bayern Munich put away their chances and Real Madrid failed to do so that decided the outcome of this humiliation as The German side tucked away three further goals.

Final score: Real Madrid 1-4 Bayern Munich





Real Madrid Bounce Back In Style
A second League game against German opposition for The Los Blancos saw the team bounce back in style following the humiliation of the defeat against Bayern Munich. Bayer Leverkusen the opposition on this occasion as Ian Greaves and his boys put behind them the horrors of their last encounter. The game got away to a perfect start for Madrid as they were awarded a penalty kick after just five minutes of play had elapsed and up stepped Rodrygo to convert. Within three minutes of the first Madrid made it two, this time Doku getting in on the action and the game already looking ominous for the home side. Leverkusen never laid down though and right throughout this game held their own and even attacked at times and that paid off for them as Palhinha quickly pulled a goal back for the hosts. Madrid though had a devastating day in front of the opposition goal and five further goals made this tie look like the stroll that it perhaps always wasn't as the team clinically took the majority of their chances.

Final score: Bayer Leverkusen 1-7 Real Madrid





Napoli Prove A Stumbling Block
League game number 27 on this season's calendar saw the Los Blancos take on Italian club Napoli at home, a game that proved to be a stumbling block against a team that Real Madrid should be putting to bed. We had a surprise straight from the off in this game as Napoli, who always play a counter attacking style of football against stronger teams, chose not to on this occasion, instead adopting a possession based strategy. In what proved to be a fairly quiet and uneventful first 45 minutes the teams remained at stalemate with no goals scored, in fact it took over an hour to register any goal at all and that breakthrough fell the way of the Italians after Immobile’s effort rebounded in off the post. The game opened up somewhat at this stage and Madrid got themselves back on level terms thanks to an own goal shortly after. At this stage it was the home side doing most of the attacking but it was Napoli who again popped up with a goal this time through Diallo. With the home side pressing hard at this stage in an attempt to try and salvage something it was defender Kimpembe who came up with the goods and levelled the proceedings back up once more with a finely executed chip shot.

Final score: Real Madrid 2-2 Napoli





Lazio Defensive Wall Broken Down
League game number 28 saw Real Madrid take on a second Italian club in consecutive games this time it was lowly Lazio. This one a game in which the opposition decided to play for a single point by the way of playing with a rigid defensive line up and although this made it difficult and kept goal scoring chances to a premium The Los Blancos did breach the Lazio backline on three occasions. First goal was a thunderbolt by top marksman Rodrygo but the Lazio tactic never altered and later in the second period with just 15 minutes left on the clock Madrid doubled their lead through midfield man Leao. At this point the Italians did attempt to get forward themselves and even created a few opportunities during the closing stages but it was Ian Greaves boys who scored the final goal of the game this time a neat chip shot by Doku.

Final score: Lazio 0-3 Real Madrid


October word count: 2,000

[Ian]

Held By Sevilla
Matchday Number 29 and as the season's ending is now in sight the Los Blancos hosted Spanish outfit Savilla who held the homeside at bay. The Spaniards played a long ball game on the day, a tactic that is well known for strangling games as far as goal scoring opportunities are concerned and although Real Madrid did have by far the better of this game chances on goal were far from plentyfull. Indeed it took until the 53rd minute before a goal could be found and that goal going to the more sprightly home team thanks to a thunderous shot from inside the eighteen yard box by Doku. With the game seemingly heading for a narrow victory to Madrid a rare venture forward by Savilla earned them a penalty kick as Leao was adjudged to have handled the ball. Up stepped Jose to slam the spot kick home and give Saville a share of the spoils.

Final score: Real Madrid 1-1 Savilla





Big Three Points Secured
League game Number 30 was a huge game in which the outcome would also have huge ramifications as far as the EFL title would be concerned. It was a trip into Italy for the Los Blancos, Turin to be more precise where Real Madrid faced Andy Banks Juventus outfit who sat three points in front of Ian Greaves boys at the top of the table. The game started in a very conservative fashion as both sides set up to heavily protect their own goalkeepers and that came across on the field of play as chances on goal were rather meagre. It was though the home side who got the initial breakthrough and that came just past the half hour mark when the Juventus front man Gimenez fired home from close range through the legs of an outstretched Donnarumma in the Madrid goal. Immediately after the goal Juventus gaffer Andy Banks ordered his team to sit in deep in an attempt to protect the narrow lead they had and that ploy by the Italians looked to be working until the 76th minute that is when a neat interchange between Doku and Rodrygo left Rodrygo in on goal one on one with the juve keeper and the Los Blancos top marksman kept his cool to neatly finish and tie the game back up square. The final quarter hour of the game did open up a little more and it was indeed Real Madrid that looked the more menacing and some late pressure by The Spanish side paid off as Virgil Van Dijk found himself in space and let rip with the ball slamming into the back of the home tams goal to break the hearts of the Juventus fans here in Turin.
Final score: Juventus 1-2 Real Madrid





Scottish Rangers Put Up A Fight
League game Number 31 and a home tie for Real Madrid against Glasgow Rangers who seem to be punishing above their weight this season. This a game in which the home side were happy enough to give a tactical advantage away to their opponent, which by the end of it all worked out fine for the hosts but in some ways it was a nervy game for Madrid who in the main did dominate, but make no mistake Rangers did have their moments as well. The Los Blancos were presented with the perfect opportunity to take an early lead when they won themselves a penalty after just three minutes of play but when the ever reliable Rodrygo stepped up to take the spot kick he inexplicably missed with the keeper saving well. Madrid did push hard for large parts but it took until the second period of play to get a breakthrough and that thanks to a sweet shot on the half volley by front man Doku. With the opposition still threatening on occasions a one goal lead was always going to be nervy for the home team and so they were relieved when a second goal was scored fifteen minutes before the end and it was Doku again who was on hand to clinch the points.

Final score: Real Madrid 2-0 Rangers





PSG Get The Better Of A Drab Game
Next game on the calendar was a long awaited one particularly as far as the supporters were concerned as Real Madrid took on Paris Saint Germain. Unfortunately for the supporters, or at least the home supporters the game itself was something of a let down. Now there was obviously some intent to play an attractive game by both of these sides, but it was the formations of both teams that went a long way towards stifling the game as chances on goal were far from plentyfull. The first goal however was always likely to be key in this tie and that goal went to the away side as Kylian Mbappe headed PSG in front approaching the half hour mark. Neither side managed to create any serious inroads and the next big talking point was the dismissal of the goal scorer Mbapee after receiving his second yellow of the game, that though didn't stop PSG getting a second goal this time through Erling Haaland and that's how the game disappointingly ended up.

Final score: Real Madrid 0-2 PSG






Points Secured In A Late Show
With the end of the season now closing in, Real Madrid next travelled into Italy to play AC Millan in what had become a must win game for Ian Greaves following defeat in their last outing against PSG. Now adopting a slightly more cautious approach due to the fear of being caught out by their opponents The Los Blancos played AC millan at their own game, a counter attack style and that initially appeared to pay off with Madrid taking the lead on the quarter hour mark through back man Kimpembe although the home team getting back on level terms within 5 minutes of that opening goal. Into the second period and with the game still all square, Madrid decided to open up and go for goal in the knowledge that a point was not good enough. This of course a slightly more risky approach as gaps would inevitably be left at the back of the Madrid defence but very late on in the game this move paid off with two goals scored in the dying minutes by Rodrygo and Sterling to give Madrid all the three much needed points.

Final score: AC Millan 1-3 Real Madrid






Feyenoord Brick Wall Broken Down
Match day number 34 Saw The Los Blancos play host to struggling Dutch side Feyenoord and despite the lowly position of the opposition they sure as hell proved a tricky opponent to take the points from. With a rigid back five and two defensive midfield men in front of that opposition back line it sure looked like being a long and frustrating night for Ian Greaves boys who by the end of the first period had failed to penetrate the Dutch teams brick wall. Madrid’s fortunes quickly changed though as the second half got under way as the man departing the club at the end of this current season Raheem Sterling popped up with a quick fire double, bagging a brace for himself inside the first three minutes of this second period, goals that certainly calmed the nerves of everyone involved with Real Madrid. The game did open up slightly more although in all honesty Feyenoord never looked that interested in pushing for a goal themselves and as the game reached its later stages Nico Williams got himself in on the act with a skillful dribble and goal to make the score line look convincing although it must be said that the home team had to work very hard for the three points.

Final score: Real Madrid 3-0 Feyenoord






Los Blancos Inch Past Roma
Now into the last few games of the season it seems that every game is a must win game and that was certainly the case as we travelled to Roma. Having given up the reputation of a once feared force Roma just aren't the force they were under Derek Hughes but non the less needed treating with respect. It was a fairly simple task in predicting how Roma would set up for this game and Real Madrid took advantage of that fact by setting up to gain a tactical advantage. Despite the advantage, Ian Greaves boys didn't find it all that easy to break down their opponents despite playing much better football and creating the lion's share of all the goal scoring opportunities. The breakthrough finally came during the second half thanks to a good goal from back man Dest and with the home side offering very little that single goal ensured all three vital points went back home to Spain.

Final score: Roma 0-1 Real Madrid






Celtic Brushed Aside
Game number 36 and as expected another must win game for Real Madrid, this time against the Scottish outfit Glasgow Celtic. This a game in which the home side went for the jugular and attacked Celtic from the off, knowing that a positive result in this game would be major step forward towards securing the EFL League title. It was the away side that got an early boost though as they hit Madrid on the counter attack scoring an opening goal after just seven minutes of play. The Los Blancos though kept their cool, continued on the front foot and levelled just a few minutes later through Doku. Bossing the proceedings the home side went in at the half time interval a goal up thanks to a strike from top marksman Rodrygo and the second period also proving fruitful for Real Madrid with two further goals from the ever impressive Raheem Sterling, although celtic did manage to score a second for themselves again on the counter attack.

Final score: Real Madrid 4-2 Celtic






Real Madrid Secure The Title In Milan
We did it. In the penultimate game of the season Ian Greaves and his boys secured the ELF League title away to Inter Milan. It was a game that perhaps was a little nervy but the travelling supporters didn't care about that as they watched their team secure the League title for the second season in succession and also the first time of asking for new boss Ian Greaves. An early goal from Rodrygo was cancelled out just past the 15 minute mark by the home side's Lorenzo but a fine drive from back man Kimpembe settled the game as well as the title for Real Madrid. An open top bus was promised to the supporters immediately after this game which would parade the streets of Madrid a few days after the final game of the season which just so happened to be the El Classico to be played at The Bernabau.

Final score: Inter Milan 1-2 Real Madrid






The El Classico A Day Of Celebration
Well it just couldn't have a more fitting setting could it. Real Madrid lifting the League Trophy in front of a packed house here at The Bernabau during one of the most prestigious games in the world, The El Classico and to cap it all off, a comprehensive victory for The Los Blancos. With the title already in the bag regardless of today's outcome. Manager Ian Greaves was intent on entertaining the crowd due to there being no pressure on his players. Well entertainment is certainly what we got with Barcelona also playing to entertain. Perhaps surprisingly we only saw a single goal during the first period although that wasn't due to the lack of trying, but in the second period goals did start to flow and it was a brace apiece from front man Doku and the wing back Min Jae that secured all the points for Madrid during a thoughtfully entertaining days play. All that was left after that was the small matter of the Trophy being handed to the Los Blancos Captain Doku and that set off scenes of wild celebration here at The Bernabau.

Final score: Real Madrid 4-0 Barcelona


November word count: 2,000