Real Madrid have a double task ahead when they make their return to the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Real Madrid entertain Dutch outfit Ajax in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium just four days after their 1-0 win against Osasuna.
That game was decided by a solitary goal from central defender Ricardo Carvalho, but Real Madrid were below their best and that performance was greeted with boos and whistles from sections of the crowd.
Speaking after the game, coach Jose Mourinho said the fans had been within their rights to criticize the team's performance.
Nevertheless the criticism clearly annoyed some of the players and Cristiano Ronaldo used his press conference on Monday to say that the supporters would be better employed using their energy to cheer the team on, rather than in booing when things were not going right.
Ajax travel without key striker Luis Suarez, the Uruguayan international is suspended because of bookings he picked up in the preliminary stages of the competition and it will be interesting to see how the historic club that finished last season second in the Netherlands performs.
In theory Real Madrid should get their European campaign off with a win, but the emphasis will be on trying to mix and effective display with some entertainment as both press and supporters are clearly impatient to see Mourinho's side perform with style as well as efficiency.
Mourinho is unlikely to make many changes in his starting 11, with Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain in attack. Pedro Leon and Angel di Maria have a chance of replacing Karim Benzema, while Lassana Diarra may step into midfield to allow Sami Khedira to rest.
With players such as Raul Albiol still injured, Mourinho is unlikely to make changes to a defense that has yet to receive a goal this season, but defense looks as if it is not going to be a problem this season.
The task is clear. Real Madrid want to win a 10th European Cup and the fans want to see attractive football. On Wednesday, Mourinho's men can start to deliver.
Bombing strikes Assad's inner circle
It's not doping that wins races, Sun says - it's lots of hard work
Internet savvy voters targeted on social media
Capital issues fresh warning of rain
Drivers at fault in tragic accident
ROK-Japan dispute worries US
China helps bust US drug websites
Games begin not with a bang, but a Tweet
如何形容型男的身材?
Japan calls ambassador back for day
Chinese beauty takes Miss World crown
Curiosity of a girl lands on Mars
5 soldiers killed in Afghanistan
Newspapers warned over nude photos of Prince Harry
What do you think of this weather?
Yeah! She Won
UK: 3,500 more troops assigned to Olympics
Seventeen partygoers 'found beheaded' in Afghanistan
Mine blast death toll rises to 44
Clinton to discuss wide range of issues during China visit
Colors of the Life
Rescued fishing vessel heads to Tanzania
Libya's Olympic chief kidnapped
Gold-trading ring took in billions
乱弹小布什“笼子演讲”翻译问题
Robots? Nope - just really good athletes
Feuding couples lead rise in online slander
Most wanted Nazi suspect found in Budapest
Street performers will soon gain legal status in Shanghai
White House releases beer recipes
不限 |
英语教案 |
英语课件 |
英语试题 |
不限 |
不限 |
上册 |
下册 |
不限 |