Real Madrid’s timid start cost them the record
Sergio Ramos second half header salvaged Los Blancos in a 1-1 draw against Villarreal
Zinedine Zidane men failed to surpass Barcelona’s record of 16 consecutive La Liga wins on Wednesday against Villarreal, thanks to skipper Sergio Ramos.
The Spain international was accountable for both conceding a penalty kick just before the first half, and later equalizing in the second half with a ferocious header.
Ramos, who was carded three minutes into the match last Sunday against Espanyol, was in the middle of another controversial call when Manu Trigueros shot was blocked by the 30-year-old outstretched arm in the penalty box.
ESPN’s Dermot Corrigan explaining the centre-back’s intention on the play.
Ramos clearly puts his hands out to block the shot... right on the line at edge of the area... very hard to tell if inside...
— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) September 21, 2016
Soccer writer Sid Lowe talking about Ramos’s handball against Espanyol, which would have been his second yellow.
Ramos does the hold face after handball thing for second game running. Doesn't work this time. Bruno dinks in cool penalty. 0-1
— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) September 21, 2016
Ramos now has awarded three penalty in all competitions this campaign, the most by any La Liga players, per OptaJose.
Wednesday’s game saw Zidane’s array of talent squad commence the match poorly for the second consecutive week.
And Zidane has emphasized his team must start the game strong.
“We managed to change things around after the break, but the first half was not good enough. That is not the first time this has happened. We will try to work on this,” said the Frenchman at a post game news conference.
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“We will now focus on our next game. We have to change some things, especially the way we start. We like to put the pressure on our opponents right from the start, but we were unable to do that. But we cannot always play well and be at our best from the start. Things like this happen.
“It always costs energy when you have to chase the game. You make life difficult for the opponent if you go a goal up. We have to be more focused from the start. We lacked intensity in the first half.
“But the second half was phenomenal. The second half was spectacular. Mistakes can happen in football. You cannot always secure the win in the final minutes. But I am happy with the team. We got a point in the end and I am happy with our second half.”
With 13 points in their first five La Liga matches, Blancos will visit Las Palmas on Saturday.