This is also Jose Maurinho's first trophy with Real Madrid on his debut season as head coach. What catches my interests was how Jose had strategies planned for this match. With no out and out striker in the starting line-up I found it quite interesting how Real Madrid will fare during the match. After all they are meeting the mighty Barcelona.
The first 45 saw Real Madrid players playing a physical game and used plenty of long balls to trouble the Barcelona team. Both teams have gifted world class players. Eventually 1 team have to be the loser and Maurinho does not take this into consideration.
The inclusion of Mesut Ozil replacing Benzema was tactically spot on. This leaves Madrid with one additional player to pressure the Barca midfield. They also pressed Barca closer to their goal and not allowing them to play their normal game. By doing this Madrid was cutting Barca's supplies from midfield to the front-men.
With Christiano Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria waiting for a perfect pass, Barcelona was wondering why it was difficult for them to get pass Madrid's midfield and back four. Even if they did, Casillas was there to stop them.
Only the genius of Maurinho could master such a game-plan to defuse Barca's attack. Playing a counter attacking game, Real Madrid had their fair share of shots on goal even with a low % of possession. I feel Maurinho still have something up his sleeves and Real Madrid could have another surprise when they meet Barcelona again for the 1st leg of the Champions League. Who know, Madrid might even go all the way to win it.
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