OK, the headline may be a slight exaggeration but even the most die-hard Real Madrid fan would be hard pushed to deny that the Poles gave the Spaniards a fair run fun for their money in last night's game.
The final score - 2-0 to the Spaniards - belies the reality that for much of the game victory could have gone to the Cracovians. The Poles were robbed!
Indeed, right up until Fernando Morientes' lacklustre goal at seventy minutes, it repeatedly looked like it was the Poles' who would carry the day. Even after the first goal an equalizer still looked like it was on the cards. Morientes' flukey second goal in the ninetieth minute was just uncalled for really. A cruel game my dear fellows.
Allthesame, the Cracovian crew acquitted themselves admirably. Zurawski's boys looked distinctly unfazed by the combined attack of David Beckham, Roberto Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Roberto Carlos, Luis Figo and the rest of Madrid's golden-booted line-up. Kalu Uche's casual performance was especially stylish, and when he felt inspired to do so, he proved adept at running rings around Madrid's hotshots.
Of course, the second leg of the clash is still pending. Who knows, perhaps the Poles can romp to victory in Madrid next month. Bring on the sequel!
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