Re: The All New PES5 Master League Thread.
Real Zaragoza vs Alaves - Division 2, Matchday 2
Zaragoza line up:
Cesar Sanchez; Ponzio, Alvaro, G. Milito (c), Toledo; Zapater, Celades, Cani, Savio; Ewerthon; Sergio Garcia (with a midfield three, and a three upfront, but with Savio drawn back into a LMF role - default formation under PLF data)
Alaves line up;
Costanzo; Coromina, Juanito, Pellegrino, Poli; Carpintero, Astudillo; Lacen, Nene; Antchouet, Bodipo
Three changes from the last outing by Zaragoza. Celades, Cani and Sergio Garcia came into the starting line up after impressing in training. Star man Diego Milito had picked up a knock, and was initially on the bench as a precautionary measure.
It was Garcia who had the first outstanding chance of the match. Whilst Savio had wasted two good crossing opportunities by planting the ball in Costanzo's hands, Ewerthon produced a peach of a cross that deceived the Argentine custodian, and left Sergio Garcia to head home. Unfortunately, the young star was surprised by the fault of the keeper, and proceded to head over from point blank range. The striker fell to the ground, with his head in his hands, not believing what had just happened. The next chance wouldn't be far off though - a neat move down the right side starting with Ponzio and going through Ewerthon, led to the ball falling Celades. The former Real Madrid midfield fired a shot in from 25 yards, but the shot was at Costanzo. Alaves just had no answer though - Savio broke free down the left side, and fired in a low cross shot that Costanzo could only parry. Sergio Garcia pounced on the loose ball, but his shot was charged down by Juanito.
Then came a chance that perhaps indicated that Sergio Garcia was not having a good day. Zapater's rugged play helped dispossess Lacen. Poli had pushed up on the overlap for Alaves, so Zapater fed Ewerthon, who had a free run down the left side. The Brazilian winger attacked the area, and fired in a shot that Costanzo did well to block, and the ball came off him. Sergio Garcia followed in, and whilst Pellegrino did his best to put the striker off, the young lad will be more than unhappy at missing an open goal and instead hitting the post. Further evidence to prove this theory was the cynical challenge by Pellegrino on Garcia that didn't produce a card. Whilst the Argentine centre-back wasn't the last man, he did deny Sergio Garcia a real chance to race in on goal and slot home.
The second half picked up where the first had left off. Ewerthon's pace was too much for Pellegrino, and the Brazilian raced in and saw another shot parried by Costanzo. This time, Celades managed to prevent the ball reaching Sergio Garcia by running in front of him.
Having a shocker
The problem for Zaragoza in the second half was the poor final ball. Zaragoza managed to work Ewerthon into fantastic positions, but the delivery was poor. And, in typical fashion, it was Alaves who snatched all three points. A triple substitution would begin the motion of the goal - Antchouet, Lacen and Bodipo came off for Pape Thiaw, De Lucas and Arthuro - the latter stealing in to score a header, which was a carbon copy of Anderlecht's goal in Week 1. A sucker punch for the restless home fans, who were in disbelief.
Smash and grab
A cynical challenge by De Lucas saw Savio substituted and De Lucas cautioned. Milito came on for the injured Savio, with Garcia moving to Savio's left wing position temporarily. However, try as they might, Alaves' sucker punch was too much, and in fact, had it not been for some heroic defending by Gabi Milito, Alaves could have doubled their lead as Zaragoza played 2 vs 2 at the back.
Alaves did keep posession a lot better in the second half, but again, Zaragoza will be disappointed with their inability to make the good situations count - 13 shots on goal but only 4 on target. Alaves had two on goal, and two on target. A cruel lesson for Zaragoza, who will see this home loss at La Romareda to a rival as a major blow to their campaign. Cani was the man of the match, and will be pushing to keep his place in the team at the expense of the rested Oscar, who performed well in the last game. The manager needs to do something to give La Blanquillos an edge up front.
The season hasn't started off well for the side, who must have thought that second place was a reasonable target, considering that FC Porto are in the Second Division along with some of the lesser lights. FC Porto lead the way at this early stage with maximum points. The next match for Zaragoza will definitely be a crunch tie - Benfica, who are bottom with two losses, look to put their season back on track next week against the Spanish side. It has the makings of a classic match in this division.
Final Score
Real Zaragoza 0
Alaves 1
Arthuro
Note - this is the last match without video highlights, which require an xvid codec to watch. I'm intending to upload the videos to sendspace or something like that, yousendit or filefront. Does anyone have any preference for this? Also, from the next review onwards, I am likely to ditch including real photos for screen captures from the game. If anyone thinks this is a bad idea, please say so. Oh, and trust me, the next match is a cracker.
Cheers all.
