Deportivo bestowed way too much respect upon a less than deserving PSG, and even went into the half time break a goal down to a side where only a couple of players broke sweat. As luck would have it, Deportivo’s plan to escape France with a draw had been dented at this point and they were reluctantly forced to regroup for the second period. Eventually they introduced substitute Roy Makaay and finally attacked PSG in the last third of the game, easily scoring three unanswered goals and collecting all three points on offer. When subjected to some pressure, PSG’s defence leaked goalscoring chances like the proverbial siv and in truth Deportivo could have taken this game even more easily with a little pre-game research and proper approach. What’s ironic is that Deportivo are the only unbeaten team in the competition. I don’t think that distinction will last much longer.
Contrast that with the approach of Real Madrid. Real remains the class act in Europe right now. They are laden with talent, including Luis Figo, the world’s most expensive player. The top four goalscorers in the Champions League so far this year are playing with teams already eliminated, and so there is an open opportunity for someone to elevate himself even further.
In looking at the Elland Road game, it was obvious that Real bestowed no similar respect upon a clearly more deserving Leeds United. Of course they acknowledged the English underdogs achievement in getting this far in the competition. Of course in pre game build up they issued the pious platitudes that professionalism demands. Of course they announced that it would be a tough assignment and they would have their work cut out for them. But essentially they declared that they were there to get the three points and were confident about their ability to acquire same. As a class act and worthy champions, they proceeded to deliver on the pre match hype and followed through with a clinical second half two minute execution that somehow summarised the ninety minutes.
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