I Blame It On My Shirt/Xabi Interview

Yes, we won 2-0, got our three important points and Mou got his 150th home league win. And I’m a big whiny baby for not being completely content with the game. There were definitely some good moments and performances, but I just found it all rather underwhelming. I guess after last week’s dazzling displays, I wanted more. It’s my own damn fault. I wore the wrong shirt.

I seriously told Shiggers if we didn’t score by the end of the first half, I was going home to change it. Okay, I swear to God I’m not insane, but like many people, I have little superstitions about games. I usually wear one of my Ozil jerseys. If I’m at work on game day and can’t, then I have some other item of RM gear on me. The only time that I have not kept the tradition this season? El Clasico in November. I rest my case. 😦  So, I got 2 shirts awhile back: Los Blancos and  Iker. Cute, right? Well, every time I seem to wear one of these shirts, we don’t have a good game. I decided that this was ridiculous and I was going to break the curse so I wore my Iker shirt. And…well, curse broken because we won, but ehhh, not the most brilliant game. I’m a picky bitch, aren’t I? Maybe I’m just overtired and cranky from finals. I’ll re-watch the game when I’m less grumpy and see how I feel then. Sigh. Don’t mind me.

The game started with both teams observing a moment of silence (and rightfully so) for the people of Japan. Real sported black armbands as well. I was so glad that they were thoughtful and respectful in this manner. It may seem like a small gesture, but it means a great deal. We should all send love, prayers and good thoughts to those affected. (And money, people! Please consider making a donation to the Red Cross or other charity of your choice. Every little bit helps)

Benz was on fire. He rocked a goal in at 24′ with an assist from Albiol. We definitely had some good chances prior, thanks to El Pirata and Fideo. In fact, one of the great pleasures of this game was seeing so much of our adored pirate.

Manu had a near miss at 28′ and Real was starting to dominate. However, Hercules was definitely putting up a fight and their goalie, Calatayud, made some really good saves.

Iker got bit of a workout today (well, a bit more than he has had lately). He made 2 particularly lovely saves at 36′ and 37′. The second half was much better. Manu came oh so close again at 46′.  DiMaria pulled some more diving crap (seriously, hon, cut it out – the Oscars are over). At 53′, Benz almost scored again, but it wasn’t until 3 minutes later that he knocked in his second with an assistant from Angel DeNiro. Whoops! I mean, DiMaria. (All that acting has me confused).

Fideo was subbed out 2 minutes later and Sami came on. (Whooooo!) Xabi came in for Granero at 67′ – the crowd had been singing Granero’s name during the game, which must be such a great feeling for a local boy. Ozil had another good game and came really close to scoring at 73′, but no joy. Mou subbed Jailbait! in for Mesut at 80′ and  Shiggers described Ozil’s look coming off  the pitch as “about as happy as  a 2 year old who doesn’t want to take a nap.” Spot on! LOL!

Benz almost had his hat trick at 86′ and Manu had a near miss (Again! Poor guy!) but Calatayud made 2 more great saves. We had a strong second half after, IMHO, a not that spectacular first half. Now, the boys need to rest up and prepare for Lyon on Wednesday. Time for some Xabi!

The wonderful unamadridista translated the Xabi interview from Real Madrid TV. You can read her terrific translation here. Thanks una! You are amazing! Xabi, of course, is completely lovely. Well, that’s enough for me tonight. I’m taking my grumpy arse to bed. HALA MADRID!