LOTHAR MATTHAUS is SunSport’s European football expert.
The former World Cup winner analyses the one player Real Madrid can count on in tonight’s second leg of their Champions League semi-final at Atletico…
Atletico must believe
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Despite losing 3-0 in the first leg at the Bernabeu, Atletico Madrid will believe they can change things tonight.
They would have to score early, get a second before 75 minutes and then a third to take it to extra-time. If everything falls their way — and they must believe it can — then it might change. But the truth is that they are in a poor position now.
This is football, not Formula One. The other side is not going to break down and give you a chance if you are a lap behind.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has been the best player in the world over the last 18 months.
It’s very difficult to stop him because he is a striker who has all the options. He is dangerous wherever he gets the ball and that sets him apart.
He can score with both feet, from long distance or close in. He’s good in the air, very fast. In fact, he has everything.
There have been great scorers in history, but none like Ronaldo
In Germany we talk about Gerd Muller but he only came alive in the box and then he would find the right position and score. But Ronaldo can score from anywhere, any way.
Lionel Messi can score great goals as well, but not from the range of places Ronaldo can.
We have seen it all again in the Champions League. In every game he has delivered and done it against the biggest clubs.
Just look at the Bayern Munich matches and the first leg against Atletico — eight in three matches. That’s incredible.
What also needs to be said is he is a great team player.
If people say he plays for himself, that’s simply not true. His team-mates respect him and know he can make the difference.
Marc-ed man
I’ve not always been a big fan of Marcelo but he has shown his quality in recent games.
I thought he was a decent player, no more. But he is showing me something I’d not seen before.
He did superbly up against Arjen Robben in Real Madrid’s clashes with Bayern.
Ronaldo came back to help and Toni Kroos closed down the centre when Robben came inside.
It showed Zinedine Zidane has given them the right tactics.
Zizou’s done biz
When Real made Zinedine Zidane manager 18 months ago it was a big decision.
There were some who doubted it — but I thought it was a great call.
To have Zidane on the bench will give any team confidence and he also understands how to deal with great players… because he was one himself.
At the same time he wants to give younger players their chance to thrive, like he has with Marco Asensio
He has allowed everyone at Real to play with freedom and fills them with confidence and belief.
Verdict
Atletico have very good players and a great unit and I think they will score tonight… but so will Real and I cannot see them scoring four against Real Madrid.
Not this Real Madrid!
And of course Cristiano Ronaldo will score for them because that is what he does.
Prediction: Atletico 1 Real 1 (agg: 1-4)
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