LEICESTER CITY 1 REAL MADRID 2
There was a real carnival atmosphere as we walked in the sunshine towards the King Power Stadium (will I ever get used to that name?). The owners new branding was everywhere, both on new shirts and on the building, and the fans village made a real difference. Why not try something like this for a league match? It certainly is a good way to attract families.
Inside the stadium was packed. The “new” electronic score boards looked suspiciously like the same ones we saw on trial last season. However, the new revolving advertising boards at pitch side took some getting used to. The overall effect was that this was a ground that looked Premiership class. All it needed was a team that could get us to the promised land.
It was just as well that they showed pictures of the new players on the score board before the match started! We have signed so many players in the close season it has been hard to keep pace.
When the players all came on for the warm up we wondered whether Sven had acquired a squad for American football- we seemed to have so many on the pitch. We still seem to be short of a class striker. Is Maynard still a possible purchase? Let’s hope so. Nevertheless, the reasoning behind the signings have been sound- get the defence sorted out first and generally buy young proven Championship players that can roll their sleeves up on a rainy Tuesday night in Watford, get stuck in, and come away with three points….
Sven put out what might be close to his best team for the first half. Surprisingly Andy King did not feature until the second half. How much should we read into this? Mourhino kept some of his big guns back for the second half.
And so a game of fantasy football kicked off: Leicester City v Real Madrid. Was I dreaming?
City passed the ball around tidily and Real rarely moved out of second gear. Their players always needed a touch less than City and invariably it was passed on the ground. The ball “down the channel” (a typical Championship ball) was never played.
City had few chances. A Nugent shot into the side netting when he could have done better and a Dann shot that went wide. In the first half Schmeichel verbally and physically bossed his area and made some good saves. Danns looked mobile and always looked to go forward. Bamba made some last ditch tackles. Oh- and Gallagher was as frustrating as usual- nothing changes! Mills looked good before a head injury seemed to affect him and his mistake allowed Real to score easily with a tap-in just before half time. City 0 Real Madrid 1.
Half time was packed with Asian dancers and singers of different sorts. Why not have varied entertainment like this at half time on league games?
Twelve substitutes were allowed for this match which suited City with its large squad. That was fine for this friendly match but has anyone told Sven that you only can have five subs this season?
The second half brought cries of “who” from the crowd as the pantomime villain and brilliant footballer Ronaldo was brought on. It was a fantastic moment for the crowd and, although he mainly strolled through the match, his ball control stood out a mile- as with all of the Real players.
City stuck at it but Nugent got more and more isolated and our possession dried up. The midfield was weaker without Wellens with his deft passes and King could not get into the game. Real were absolutely brilliant at breaking forward at speed as a group. During one break City should have cleared the ball but a misunderstanding between St Ledger and Abe led to Benzema scoring- much to Schmeichel’s annoyance. City 0 Real Madrid 2.
So, it was a harsh lesson, but two City mistakes by our new defence had led to two Real Madrid goals. Sounds familiar doesn’t it? Let’s hope for better in two weeks time!
Schmeichel and Bamba continued to keep Real out defiantly. City were unable to keep possession of the ball for long. Bamba had a good header saved. Yet more substitutes brought on broke up the match further. And then the moment we had been waiting for- Steve Howard came on as sub to be on the same pitch as Ronaldo. Now this was really fantasy football at its best! It nearly got better when Stevie put a header wide from a great Waghorn cross.
Dyer also came on and immediately brought the crowd alive with some scorching runs. He also will be remembered for one of the worst short corner routines you will ever see which nearly presented Real with a goal at the other end in a rapid breakaway.
There was great joy for the fans when, after a Bamba flick on from a Peltier long throw, Dyer scored with his left with a smart shot just a few minutes from the end. Unfortunately there was no time for a grandstand finish and the trophy went to Real which was quite justified despite the apparently close scoreline.
It was a great occasion for the fans but it was hard to read too much into how our new look team will shape up for the new season. Sven has an embarrassment of riches in midfield but few quality options in attack which needs reinforcement. I suspect that there must be a big buy in the wings and then we are ready to take on the Championship and then the world! Who knows- in years to come we might be playing Real Madrid next in the Champions League!!
The views expressed in this report are the opinions of the Trust member nominated to file the report only and do not represent the views of the Foxes Trust organisation