Madrid subdued in Valladolid
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Article summary
Real Madrid CF were held 0-0 by Real Valladolid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey third-round tie.
Article body
By Andy Hall
Real Madrid CF were unable to establish a lead against second division Real Valladolid as the eighth and final Copa del Rey third round first-leg tie finished goalless.
Luxemburgo changes
Madrid coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo opted to shuffle his pack, with Javi García starting in midfield and Roberto Soldado partnering Michael Owen in attack. The Brazilian coach also deviated from his usual formation, fielding three centre-backs in the shape of Míchel Salgado, Francisco Pavón and Walter Samuel.
Valladolid pressure
Both teams began the match tentatively, and it was not until shortly before half-time that the first genuine goalscoring opportunity arrived but Valladolid's Aritz Aduritz connected with Víctor Fernández's sweeping centre only to direct his header just wide.
Visitors kept quiet
The home team continued to pose the greater threat in the second 45 minutes, but were unable to manufacture a breakthrough. Madrid, meanwhile, were largely short of inspiration, with even the appearance of Roberto Carlos as a late substitute failing to galvanise the visitors to find a winning goal.
