| Zante Guide |
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
» Madrid battle back to save Greek tragedy
Published 2007-10-25
Raśl put the home side ahead in the opening minutes before Luciano Galletti levelled, but then the visitors saw Vassilis Torosidis sent off after just 13 minutes and the game was left in Madrid's hands. The hosts were stunned when former their former player, Julio Cesar, put Olympiacos back in front, but fought back to claim all three points thanks to two goals from Robinho and a last ditch effort from Javier Balboa, after Iker Casillas had saved his side from dropping two points. In minute 68 the equaliser duly arrived as Sergio Ramos' cross to the far post found the over-extended Olympiacos defence exposed as Robinho was left to head the ball inside Nikolopidis near post.
The Brazilian goalscorer then thought that he had provided Madrid with the chance to take the lead in the 77th minute when he went over in the area, soon after being booked for diving, and won his side a penalty.
In injury time, Casillas made himself a hero with a spectacular save to deny substitute Darko Kovacevic as the former Real Sociedad striker sent the ball towards the far corner only to see the Spanish keeper pull off a fine save to deny him.
Madrid broke away immediately and Robinho's run down the right and cross found Balboa, who turned one way and then the other before tucking home the fourth of the evening for the hosts.It was not pretty from Madrid, but to fend off the critics it had to be effective and the relief was palpable when they eventually took the lead with seven minutes to go.
More news from Greece:
:: » :: 2008-09-16
:: » :: 2008-07-15
:: » :: 2008-07-15
:: » :: 2008-07-02
:: » :: 2008-05-16
:: » :: 2008-03-21
:: » :: 2008-02-29
:: » :: 2008-02-25
:: » :: 2008-02-08
:: » :: 2008-02-05
:: » :: 2008-01-28
:: » :: 2008-01-18
»
|
|
|
|
|
