MARCA.COM
A striking quandary faces Real Madrid. Without Higuaín or Benzema, who is going to lead the line for Mourinho? A knackered 'Pipita' made way for José Callejón (one of only two attacking players on the bench, alongside Kaká) on Tuesday night against Dortmund. The introduction of the youngster allowed Cristiano to take on a more central role – in both senses of the word – moving in from the flanks to raid behind the iron-hard German defence. Callejón's pace and movement were key to this shift, as the Spaniard made the most of the gaps left behind by the Borussia backline, which had its hands full with CR7.
This scenario could be replayed on Sunday, with no.7-shirt-wearing Cristiano lining up as the false nine and Callejón expected to pick up the slack around and in front of him. Kaká could also come in for Callejón, as could Morata, who was omitted from Tuesday's squad by Mourinho.
There is nothing new about this issue. When neither Benzema nor Higuaín has featured in the past – not always because of injury –Mourinho has turned to Cristiano, who can play anywhere. Emmanuel Adebayor also put in a shift on several occasions during Mou's first season.
When Madrid defeated Barcelona in the Spanish Cup final, the Portuguese star started up front and clinched the trophy with a header that has gone down in history. A Ronaldo goal from the number 9 position had previously sealed progress from the quarter-finals at the Calderón.
In the Champions League that season, Madrid fielded Di María and Özil behind Cristiano in the first leg of the semi-finals against Barcelona, with Adebayor replacing Özil in the second half. Benzema and Higuaín remained on the bench throughout.
"If in doubt, move Cristiano about". This seems to be Madrid's policy when things are awry at the tip of the formation.
A striking quandary faces Real Madrid. Without Higuaín or Benzema, who is going to lead the line for Mourinho? A knackered 'Pipita' made way for José Callejón (one of only two attacking players on the bench, alongside Kaká) on Tuesday night against Dortmund. The introduction of the youngster allowed Cristiano to take on a more central role – in both senses of the word – moving in from the flanks to raid behind the iron-hard German defence. Callejón's pace and movement were key to this shift, as the Spaniard made the most of the gaps left behind by the Borussia backline, which had its hands full with CR7.
This scenario could be replayed on Sunday, with no.7-shirt-wearing Cristiano lining up as the false nine and Callejón expected to pick up the slack around and in front of him. Kaká could also come in for Callejón, as could Morata, who was omitted from Tuesday's squad by Mourinho.
There is nothing new about this issue. When neither Benzema nor Higuaín has featured in the past – not always because of injury –
When Madrid defeated Barcelona in the Spanish Cup final, the Portuguese star started up front and clinched the trophy with a header that has gone down in history. A Ronaldo goal from the number 9 position had previously sealed progress from the quarter-finals at the Calderón.
In the Champions League that season, Madrid fielded Di María and Özil behind Cristiano in the first leg of the semi-finals against Barcelona, with Adebayor replacing Özil in the second half. Benzema and Higuaín remained on the bench throughout.
"If in doubt, move Cristiano about". This seems to be Madrid's policy when things are awry at the tip of the formation.
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