Odds and Sods

It was a starry night in Madrid.   On the pitch, legends like Roberto Carlos and Raul sported the famous (or infamous) white shirt.  The stars were out in the stands as well.  There was a tennis pro and a washed up pop star.  Avid Spanish football buff Tom Cruise was magnanimous enough to allow his wife to appear in public for the festivities (giving her a kiss that was in no way forced or awkward, was completely spontaneous and not meant for the camera, and obviously proved his raging heterosexuality to everyone).  The biggest star of them all David Beckham climbed atop his high horse and rode off into the sunset, filling the one whole in his club football career, as Madrid came from behind to beat Mallorca 3-1 and claim the Spanish Primera Liga Title.

If one had to described the day in one word, it would be vindication.  It was vindication for a team that looked uninspired and impotent for much of the season, and for a team that, even in their miraculous stretch run, looked on the brink of defeat in nearly every match.

It was vindication, obviously for David Beckham.  Six months ago, his hopes of an England call up appeared dea, Fabio Capello had vowed never to play him again, and it looked to all concerned as though he would skulk unceremoniously out the back door into the friendly confines of MLS.   Today, he has regained his spot in the England team, has proven most of the pundits wrong about his ability, and has been the key figure in leading the club to that elusive trophy during his tenure.  He leaves for MLS a prince rather than a pauper.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy also got some sweet satisfaction.  Sent packing after his “sub-par” 24 goals in 39 appearances season for Manchester United, Ruud stormed back with 33 goals in all competitions for Los Merengues, many of them were pivotal to the club’s Title chances.  Sir Alex is still looking for his replacement.

The Angel of Madrid and world’s most grizzled 29 year-old Raul also can take a big gulp of that vindication wine.  The captain took the brunt of the blame for the club’s poor performances the last few years.  He was dropped from the national squad, and only his clout appeared to be maintaining his place in the Madrid setup.  Though getting on in years, he was still able to give gritty veteran performances in partnership with Ruud to help lead his club to the title.

Roberto Carlos also got the chance to prove a point.  One of the best leftbacks in the history of football, he had fallen on hard times of late.  His World Cup performance made him a pariah in Brazil, exemplified by the YouTube clip of him watching Thierry Henry blow by him on Zidane’s free kick to put it into the net.  He was also personally responsible for Roy Makaay’s fastest goal in Champions League history during their defeat to Bayern Munich.  However, he came on strong toward the end of the season and fought his way back into the lineup, delivering some vintage performances during the stretch run.

Jose Antonio Reyes also got some vindication.  Unwanted by either Arsenal or Madrid for next season, he had also lost his place in the Starting XI to David Beckham.  No one would have guessed that it would be him who would pump in two goals as a substitute to earn the victory.  No one will be happier than Arsene Wenger who just saw his transfer value jump up about 2-3 m GBP, as he played the hero in front of the entire footballing world.

Manager Fabio Capello perhaps got the most redemption.  He very nearly was canned earlier in the season with Madrid playing atrociously.  He was a big enough man to admit his mistake and allow Beckham back into the squad, and, in perhaps his best managerial performance, lead the team on an improbable title run saving his job.  Rather than being perceived as having lost it, he remains arguably the best manager in Europe.

The only player without vindication is Robinho, who remains a superfluous fancy dan who can’t score a goal to save his life and only looks impressive when the defender grans him five yards of space.

Barcelona normally attracts the neutrals.  They have the beautiful football, the sympathetic politics, and way more than the required 15 pieces of flair.  Sevilla was David attempting to knock off the two goliaths.  But, today the momentum and the great story rested with Madrid, and, at least for a day, one could not help bleeding white.