A Tough One to Swallow …

By: Cesar | December 22nd, 2008

All I wanted for Christmas was a Valencia victory at the Bernabeu against heated rival Real Madrid.
Instead, I got a loss and a bad stomach ache …

But better times are ahead, my friends. We’re not where we want to be. But we’re not far either.

This isn’t going to be an all-engrossing version of the Valencia blog, as I have X-Mas presents to shop for and general debauchery to cause.

But I will say that while we didn’t garner any points against Madrid in our 1-0 loss to the Merengues, we did garner some respect. Besides that, I do see some optimism in the way we played …

Now I’ve seen the comments written on the last post and while I generally see what everyone’s talking about, I’m not of the negative opinion when it comes to this match.

We played well for long stretches of the game, pushing Madrid back into their zone, working the ball around the box and setting up David Villa for some nice scoring opportunities.

The difference lies in very small aspects of the match. For starters, Madrid’s counter attackers are simply much faster than our defenders.

65-year old Arjen Robben (seriously, doesn’t he look about 45 with his balding head? He’s what? 24?) is one of the fastest, most energetic footballers I’ve seen in some time … he ran poor Asier Del Horno ragged on the right, completely demoralizing a guy many considered a world-class defender years ago.

It’s hard for our Beloved to compete against attackers that can run so swiftly.

Next, Iker Casillas was simply magnificent.

He made some amazing saves. One off Villa, another off Ruben Baraja that he barely got to.

He’s the best goal keeper in the world. You can have your Gianluigi Buffon’s and your Petr Cech’s. I’ll stick with Saint Iker …

Then of course, captain Carlos Marchena was sent off.

I know, I know. Like Marchena being sent off is a surprise to anyone …

Let me begin by saying that I didn’t think what he did to Robben constituted a second yellow card. But really, what was he thinking by putting himself in that position?

He should’ve thought that move out a little more clearly … it’s obvious Spanish referees are playing closer attention to him, especially after the incident in Getafe with Soldado. Why even put yourself in that position?

Silly call but silly play by Marchena. He should have known better.

It gets exhausting defending our captain when he does stupid things. It’d be one thing if Marchena didn’t do something every other week that warranted a special review. But Carlos is a rare breed, one of those players that loves to get under the other team’s skin. Often times, that can work to his benefit, a la the Soldado incident. This time, it backfired …

As for Higuain’s goal in the 2nd minute of the match … great moves from Robben, shoddy defending by our lads and a wicked rifle shot into the upper left hand corner of the net that Renan could do nothing with … it was a great goal and that’s just the way it is … what else can be said about it?

Villa missed an absolute sitter later in the game off a pass from Joaquin. Golden opportunity to tie it up and too bad El Guaje shanked it … it happens, eh?

After Marchena’s second yellow, the game was pretty much over. David Silva got a run, Guti almost scored and Albiol hurt Madrid youngster Palanca, but that’s about it.

Honestly, we looked like world beaters at times. But too often, we caved under the pressure. Not enough execution, no finishing and horrendous defending did us in …

This team isn’t built to win a Spanish championship … not against the likes of a Madrid or Barcelona. We’re built to finish in the Top 4. I hate to say it. But it’s true.

Now we have to figure out where to go from here … Are we buying anyone in the winter transfer period? Are we selling Zigic? Are we going to concentrate on shoring up our position in La Liga or go after the UEFA Cup? How will we solve the defensive liabilities of this squad? So many questions to ponder …

Still, a 1-0 loss to the two-time defending champions isn’t a bad result, especially at the Bernabeu. But it could have been better, given Madrid’s obvious frailties.

Oh well … it is what it is … can you sense the resignation in my writing voice? I’m disappointed, but what can be done about it?

Here, a very detailed look at the match …

real-valence
Uploaded by Globajeez

I’ll be back tomorrow with more about our beloved Valencia … they finished the year in good position, considering where they were this time last year with Juan Soler and Ronald Koeman.

We’ve come a LONG way … we just have further to go.

I like coach Unai Emery. I like the way our players have rallied around each other. I think the jury is still out on Vicente Soriano, but he seems a good find …

I love Villa. I love Silva. I’m excited for the club and only wish them the best this holiday season …

Now let’s hope they get some rest and come back refreshed for the task at hand … namely, defeating the likes of Atletico Madrid and Villarreal before the 1st half of the season ends. The fun’s just beginning …

One more note before I sign off: I love good journalism and one of my favorite Monday morning reads has been ESPN Soccernet’s Phil Ball, who wrote his last column today.

I’m sad Mr. Ball’s calling it a day, although he might be back at a later date. He’s a class act and whether you agree with his opinion or not, he’s been at the forefront of Spanish La Liga journalism since he started his column way back in 2001, the year Valencia broke their 31-year drought and won the Spanish championship.

Phil’s column today talks about the changes that he’s seen in La Liga, specifically the ascent and eventual descent of clubs like ours … take a look at his work, browse his archive and give thanks to a guy who’s been an inspiration and a great joy to read.

Thanks for the great stories, Phil Ball.