Real Madrid produced a fairy tale for merengues by Hansel & Grettling the relegation-destined Zaragoza. In particular, the brothers (not in the literal sense) Diarra showed a strong proclivity for completing ten foot passes to one another. At times, this abdication of responsibility frustrated the fans and appeared a narcissistic attempt at some sort of tedious Guinness record, but still…at the end of the match one cold, snowy, dark, historical fact carved itself in stone – this is officially Pellegrini‘s team.
While Higuain and Van der Vaart will receive plaudits for the mere scoring of multiple goals in a match, Marcelo won the “Mancini-Brazilian-Defender-Adapting-Reasonably-Well-to-Midfield” award. This experiment began under the Schuster reign, struggled under Juane Ramos’ rule, but yielded a scientific breakthrough of algae-Cha-Cha-Cha-Chia proportions. He showed the tact of a Parisian pickpocket and the cunning of a Bobby Fisher. But, of course, his defending was awful.
While Pellegrini is 1 and 1 in classicos this season, and o-fer in the Copa del Rey, his leash re-lengthens by the day and the impressive Van der Vaart looked much more comfortable pulling the strings than little Ricky. Not to say that Ricky cannot pull the strings, but in possession he shows the confidence of a 7th grade male at a middle school dance. His decision-making is similarly skewed.
Despite a 4-0 lead at halftime, the blanquillos continued to bomb forward as if a college football team and points scored mattered for bowl selection. Cristiano brought down a Higuain cross and pulled a triple axel, all in one motion, and the momentum caused a mini earthquake that prompted both goalie and defender to precipitously lose the un-winnable battle with gravity. However, the cocky winger contemptuously placed his bending shot far post rather than helping either get back up.
The last half hour did not degenerate into dying embers, but the offensive furnace lacked a few CO2 omitting coals. In the 61st minute, Raul come on as a super sub and immediately swinged the match towards Zaragoza’s favor. Zaragoza, for their part, played the part of a sacrificial lamb but for the occasional “bah.” And Madrid can celebrate a happy navidad, scrooging Tiny Tim’s chances of staying in the topflight.