Learning to suffer. It seems that this season, having a quiet match is impossible, especially away from the Bernabéu. While it’s true that Madrid secured six golden points from two challenging outings in San Sebastián and Vigo, nobody imagined during the summer that with so many star players upfront, the team would struggle so much in protecting Courtois’s goal. Therefore, I prefer not to dwell on it any further. I know the reigning champion has been quite inconsistent and has exposed several gaps in their defensive play. Celta, under Giráldez, played excellent football and put us on edge several times with their counter-attacks. However, the important thing in this trip to Balaídos was to win, and that was accomplished. The crucial week of the season is approaching (Dortmund and Clásico), and it was essential to arrive with a smile and a win that puts us level on points with Flick’s Barça. When you win these kinds of matches, you find yourself singing joyfully when the white spring arrives. I’ve seen this film numerous times…
Three tenors. When you have three footballers like Mbappé, Vinicius, and Modric, it’s easier to win the battle, no matter how good your opponent is. The Parisian pulled off a ‘made in PSG’ goal, one of those he has accustomed us to seeing in the Ligue 1 highlights. From 23 meters out, he lifted his gaze, aimed for the top corner, and placed it there with admirable precision. Guaita could only stretch out for the photo and applaud the outstanding player from Bondy. He has already scored 8 goals while not at full throttle. When he hits his stride, he will be unstoppable. The second genius was Vini, who is always there to make a difference. With the score at 1-1 and everything looking mediocre, the next Ballon d’Or winner (he will receive it in nine days) faced Guaita with calmness, feigned him, and calmly slotted it home beneath the Valencian, leaving few to have predicted such coolness when he arrived here six years ago. And I’ll save the best for last, the one and only Luka Modric. An extraordinary player who showcased yet another masterclass in just half an hour. His pass to Vinicius for the decisive 1-2 was a lesson for those kids dreaming of playing football well when they grow up. Surpassing Puskas’s record is just another achievement in the career of a legendary player. He is Peter Pan. He never ages and always brings us joy.
The streak. Madrid has gone 42 consecutive matchdays without losing a single game in La Liga. If they come through the Clásico successfully, they will equal the historical record… set by Barça. This isn’t by chance. It’s the result of hard work well done.
The centenarians. Celta is showing its best form in its Centenary year (the pre-match musical selection was splendid with ‘Sweet Caroline’ and ‘Sarà perqué ti amo’). We also enjoyed El Carrusel de Dani Garrido with its broadcast, coinciding with SER’s Centenary week. Recently, my esteemed Sergio Nieto celebrated his 100th year as the Madrid Number 1 member. Congratulations to everyone, friends.
Onward. This hard-fought and important victory has fired up the fans ahead of the double-header at the Bernabéu against Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona. Pepe Moreno from Vélez-Málaga, the ‘Gaiteros de la Calle Real’ from Burgo de Osma, the ‘New Raulistas’ group from Montoro (Córdoba), and the ‘Minuto 92:48’ group, which positively embraces triumph while acknowledging areas for improvement, all remind me of this. But everyone believes that the good times are now upon us. Barça, we are waiting for you. We’re excited!
