Raulwillbeback
11-02-2005, 11:11 PM
Five of Luxemburgo's men played while in pain at the Lerkendal Stadion
Vanderlei Luxemburgo can be very proud of the team that he has under his command. With the sick bay more than full, five of his footballers were experiencing physical pain during the match against Rosenborg, Raúl, Salgado, Sergio Ramos, Beckham and Woodgate played ay the most difficult moment so far of the season. And the responsibility they showed and their commitment to the club bore fruit. Now classified, they have four days to recuperate and get back to top form for their match against Zaragoza (Sunday, 7:00pm).
Apparently, the team who came on to the pitch at the Lerkendal Stadion was composed of players in full fitness to face a Champions League level duel. But their recent matches, their fatigue and the irregularity of the pitch would require a big effort which could have sent any player with physical problems straight to the sick bay.
Raúl González, Míchel Salgado, Jonathan Woodgate, David Beckham and Sergio Ramos had been cared for and treated by the physiotherapists and Dr. Alfonso del Corral during the two previous days which ensured that the team were present at Trondheim. In the hours before the match, they took the decision to include the Galician winger. When the result of the match had already been decided, Vanderlei Luxemburgo decided to replace him with Álvaro Mejía. The injury which he suffered against At. Madrid could have resurfaced, and so by precaution they decided to give him a break, as was confirmed by Del Corral in the mixed zone of Lerkendal Stadion.
For his part, David Beckham didn't play the whole ninety minutes, although his substitution came in the dying minutes of the game. With his back in agony at some moments, and his left leg not one hundred percent, he played a very respectable match marked by commitment and good attitude. He didn't have an opportunity to put the wind up the goalkeeper Jonhsen with his free-kicks, but his presence reactivated the Madrid midfield. Just like Raúl González. The injuries of Ronaldo and Baptista had prevented him from taking a rest, and the accumulation of matches was having an effect on his legs. Nobody, but nobody, noticed that the number ‘7’ was not at one hundred percent, and his hunger for victory and his leadership brought triumph, once again, for his team-mates.
And lastly, Sergio Ramos and Jonathan Woodgate. The Seville player was, without doubt, the most active player of Real Madrid and during ninety minutes he put aside the pain that he has been suffering from which is due to the frenetic pace of their calendar. Meanwhile, the English central defender, who hasn't had a breather since he came back to the squad, came out on to the Norwegian pitch limping, with a stiff and painful calf-muscle, showing how he played the match whilst in pain. The best possible evidence to show the effort and commitment of this Real Madrid who overcame the absences of some of their best known players, and still, passed with flying colours this complicated phase of the season.
Vanderlei Luxemburgo can be very proud of the team that he has under his command. With the sick bay more than full, five of his footballers were experiencing physical pain during the match against Rosenborg, Raúl, Salgado, Sergio Ramos, Beckham and Woodgate played ay the most difficult moment so far of the season. And the responsibility they showed and their commitment to the club bore fruit. Now classified, they have four days to recuperate and get back to top form for their match against Zaragoza (Sunday, 7:00pm).
Apparently, the team who came on to the pitch at the Lerkendal Stadion was composed of players in full fitness to face a Champions League level duel. But their recent matches, their fatigue and the irregularity of the pitch would require a big effort which could have sent any player with physical problems straight to the sick bay.
Raúl González, Míchel Salgado, Jonathan Woodgate, David Beckham and Sergio Ramos had been cared for and treated by the physiotherapists and Dr. Alfonso del Corral during the two previous days which ensured that the team were present at Trondheim. In the hours before the match, they took the decision to include the Galician winger. When the result of the match had already been decided, Vanderlei Luxemburgo decided to replace him with Álvaro Mejía. The injury which he suffered against At. Madrid could have resurfaced, and so by precaution they decided to give him a break, as was confirmed by Del Corral in the mixed zone of Lerkendal Stadion.
For his part, David Beckham didn't play the whole ninety minutes, although his substitution came in the dying minutes of the game. With his back in agony at some moments, and his left leg not one hundred percent, he played a very respectable match marked by commitment and good attitude. He didn't have an opportunity to put the wind up the goalkeeper Jonhsen with his free-kicks, but his presence reactivated the Madrid midfield. Just like Raúl González. The injuries of Ronaldo and Baptista had prevented him from taking a rest, and the accumulation of matches was having an effect on his legs. Nobody, but nobody, noticed that the number ‘7’ was not at one hundred percent, and his hunger for victory and his leadership brought triumph, once again, for his team-mates.
And lastly, Sergio Ramos and Jonathan Woodgate. The Seville player was, without doubt, the most active player of Real Madrid and during ninety minutes he put aside the pain that he has been suffering from which is due to the frenetic pace of their calendar. Meanwhile, the English central defender, who hasn't had a breather since he came back to the squad, came out on to the Norwegian pitch limping, with a stiff and painful calf-muscle, showing how he played the match whilst in pain. The best possible evidence to show the effort and commitment of this Real Madrid who overcame the absences of some of their best known players, and still, passed with flying colours this complicated phase of the season.