That picture kinda says it all, doesn’t it? Ronaldo triumphs and Almeria is deader than a doornail. The “ouch” is for both me and Almeria. I threw out my back this morning and I’m in quite a bit of pain (as I imagine the relegated Almeria is tonight. My condolences). I’m just trying to stay resting quietly until I go to my acupuncturist tomorrow morning. I hobbled on down to the pub to watch our boys play the last match of the season and Crissy break the La Liga scoring record. I wasn’t disappointed!
The match started out with a tribute to the departing Jerzy Dudek. He was presented with a replica of the statue of Sotero Aranguren and Machimbarrena which stands outside the Real Madrid dressing room.
We didn’t have to wait long for Cristiano to score his 39th goal. He tapped it in at 4′ off a header from Sergio Ramos (Okay, I’ll start mentioning his name again because he was our captain today, but I’m still not feeling warm and fuzzy about him right now).
Here’s the historic goal. I’m most excited to see the celebration complete with Manu & Crispy dancing together. You know what’s missing from this moment? Marcelo. ::sniffle::
Manu made the score 2-0 at 31′ off a through ball from the best damn German-Turkish midfielder in the world, Mesut Ozil.
Uche scored for Almeria two minutes later. I was really bummed that Dudek wouldn’t have a clean sheet for his final game but the ball deflected off of Ramos and basically put it right at Uche’s feet. There was nothing that Jerzy could do.
Benz had a real corker of a shot at 36′ but Esteban managed to knock it up just a bit and it went out. The half ended with a score of 2-1.
The second half opened with a bang. Almeria hit the post at 47′ and then Benzema scored at 48′ off a Crispy assist. Go CrispyKarim!
Then Manu scored his second goal of the game at 53′ with an assist from…Cristiano Ronaldo (who was on fire today)! Wow!
The unRaptured Kaka (so much for that, eh?) left the pitch at 61′ and our nummy El Pirata came on, looking delicious as usual. Then Benz scored his second goal of the game with an assist from the out of this world Cristiano Ronaldo.
Esteban made a killer save at 69′. The Ramos made a strong header from an Ozil corner kick and he managed to knock it over the bar.
Manu got his well-earned hat trick at 73′ and he was one happy camper! His teammates seemed thrilled for him as well. So will his stellar performance today help him in his quest to stay at Real Madrid? At the post-game presser, Karanka said “The goals Adebayor scored today will not influence his future. He has been a great player for this team and he got along well with everyone.” Similarly, Valdano said “Adebayor has done a great job during his stay. He provided some important solutions and today had a sensational performance.” Poor Manu, they’re already talking about him in the past tense. That doesn’t bode well. I’m still hoping for the best for him.
Crispy put in another goal at 77′ off a Ramos header to score his 40th La Liga goal of the season. He also surpassed Messi’s total of goals across all competitions with 53 and also became Real Madrid’s all time scorer for a single season surpassing the previous record of 49 set by Ferenc Puskás. Just gorgeous. Well done, Cris. (In this game, he scored 2 goals and had 4 assists!)
At 78′, Dudek was substituted for Castilla’s Jesus and he received a standing ovation from the Santiago Bernabeu. His teammates formed a corridor of honor to leave the pitch and I got more than a little misty.
Awwwww! I wish him all the best. What a lovely man. After the match he said “Three weeks ago I already knew I was going to play, but I didn’t expect it to be so moving. When my teammates and friends formed the corridor… I don’t have words to describe it. I am very happy and the last four years have been incredible. I have always tried to help. Time has flown by because they have been four great years.”
Jesus was the 9th youth teamer to debut under Mou and at 84′, Joselu became the 10th. Three minutes later, he made an unforgettable debut by scoring on a 8 yard shot from a Cristiano Ronaldo (AGAIN!) cross. Amazing! The kid was over the moon with excitement and rightfully so! He even got in on all the big boy traditions: group hug, high fives with Pepe, dancing with Manu…
And that was that… Final score: 8-1 I’m sorry that Almeria had such a shite last day in La Liga. By the end of it, Shiggers and I were like “Erm, that’s quite enough goals… Let’s not rub it in.”
After the match, Cris spoke about his record breaking season and gave the credit to his teammates: “The only reason I have scored so many goals is because of my teammates, and I am exremely appreciative. The Pichichi is for them and the fans.”
“I am generous with my teammates and they are generous with me. I wouldn’t have scored 40 goals in La Liga without them.”
He also obviously served as a hair inspiration for the Castilla crew. They might better emulate his record breaking prowess than his gel application skills, but boys will be boys. They also spoke of their debuts.
“This was a dream come true and a reward for the season we have had. Jerzy played his final match and we all wish him the best. I was overcome emotionally when I took the pitch, but then I relaxed.”
“This is a dream come true. I am so happy. I debuted in the best way possible. Cristiano served up a perfect pass and I hugged him appreciation. Mourinho has had a lot of faith in us youth teamers this year.”
“Seeing the Bernabeu empty is amazing, but when I went to warm up and later took the pitch, I was overcome by a spectacular feeling.”
Aitor Karanka, looking hot, had his say as well. I do miss Mou’s press conferences though. I hope he starts talking again soon.
“Cristiano Ronaldo’s numbers are astounding. He is talented, strong and ambitious. He broke the record because he is simply amazing.”
“Seeing young players debut is extremely satisfying. I have worked with some of them since they were 14. All those who made it to the first team are role models for the rest.”
You know who else had a had a stellar game? My boo. Ozil was his usual wonderful self and capped off a great season. He made 18 assists this season beating Figo’s previous tally. It’s the best record in 20 years. Way to go, Mesut! If you want some extra giggles today, check out the great Mesut gif that the super awesome derbis posted over at o_ozil. Mesut is rocking his muscleman moves.
And now, a few more pictures and then I need to really go take a pain killer. I’m in abject misery here! OUCH. For the last time this season, let’s have some Put On Your Game Face!
Having the last laugh is the best revenge!
Thanks God! Is this Muppet Baby my gift for breaking the record?
CrispyKarim: Hallelujah!
Crozil: A look says a thousand words.
And *that* looks says “Playstation & OJ at your place later?”
Mou-plause to that!
The celebratory dance
Catch him if you can…
Two great things that go great together
Thank you and good night!
HALA MADRID!
Of Headbands and Heartbreak... 
hope you feel better sooon!!!
what a game!! glad i didnt miss this one!!!! karim, cris, ozil, ramos, ade!!!!!
omg..the ozil gif is PRICELESSSS. thanks for making my day.
I squealed when I saw it. Too cute!
Han Solo Karanka.
who else is astonished by the fact that RM can score 6 and 8 goals on certain teams, but only one against others? Aggravating. Sad to see any team get sent down to the minors.
I hope you feel better quickly! the back is a tricky thingy…
Yeah, it’s amazing how sometimes they just can’t get past their own selves to score, isn’t it? Other days… Remember the whole spate of 1-0 victories earlier this year?
there are many reasons why we’re scoring buckets now..
1. at the start of the season – new coach, new players..we needed time to gel together (which is why i’m nervous about all the new signings). the team finally has established some sort of fluidity and understanding with each other.
2. no pressure in the last few games.
3. mou probably told them to go out and play their game. in the clasicos there was so many tactical adjustments. i imagine ozil staying up all night studying formations and plays and trying to cram what he was supposed to do into his head before playing barcelona. past 4 games, they just did what came naturally to them.
I’m dissappointed that Depor got relegated as well… I don’t remember them not playing in the first division.
It was a great game and a great tribute to Jurek. Can’t wait for the beggining of next season! 🙂
Most people reading here won’t remember them not playing in the first division. It’s been 20 years. I meant to link this article from the Guardian in my post last night, but forgot (blame it on the pain).
don’t worry, Lozil, keep resting! (I hope you’re feeling better now…)
acupuncture it up, lo! warm wishes (and compresses) for a much improved alignment after your appointment.
and, how much do i love cristiano? a lot of people fault him for being a selfish, individualistic player, so i was especially glad to see all these assists yesterday.
I thought his pass to Joselu was so lovely and giving of him. He could have putzed around and maybe scored another one, but he gave that kid the moment of a lifetime. Shigs and I were cooing over it for about an hour afterward. We squealed “The baby scored!!!!!!!!” We were so excited for him. I have to admit, I’ve really fallen for Cristiano this season in a way that I hadn’t expected to. His obvious love and concern for Marcelo, his generosity with his teammates and their love for him. I think, much like Mourinho, he often gets a bad rap. He’s one person in the press and someone completely different in private. I think it’s self-preserving behavior to a point. People may not always love him, but they should respect him for his hard work and talent.
i admit, i didnt like him much when he was at man u. i bought all the crap the media spins out about ronaldo. but now i couldnt love him more. he isnt selfish, he genuinely wants his team mates to do better and be better players and goes out of his way to help them. when he was benched against zaragoza, he didnt throw a hissy fit like everyone said he would (and like messi did a couple of weeks ago when he was benched, if you can believe goal.com). i just love him. i wouldnt have him any other way.
i lie, i could do without the belts and the too small shirts..
did anyone see mesut take his shirt off after the game? i missed it!!!
Mmmm, yummy! He’s getting more built! They cut away from the post game. Shiggers and I were pissed. That’s shirt taking off time, don’t they understand that?! Sheesh!
EXACTLY!!! i hope a video of the post game bare bodies comes up somewhere. i saw on una’s post that sergio removed his too. i hope mesut doesnt get too built. i like him as little mesut..
Here’s a close-up: http://tinyurl.com/3zc3tba
And this is for me, Maisoun and other Sergio peeps: http://tinyurl.com/3t6rvuo
🙂
Woof! Mesut is getting ripped! Maddy is going to pass out from that one! 😉
Sergio looks hot wearing nothing up top but a captain’s armband. Yum!
ooo..and this is ADORABLENESS…http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=229148560431944&set=a.220438011302999.74050.170678649612269&type=1&ref=nf
the links arent working??? 😦 is it this pic? http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=229148570431943&set=a.188966731116794.58671.170678649612269&type=1&ref=nf so yummy…
but dont get bigger, mesut. okay??