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1. Javier Hernandez is now so rusty he gets cramp when he scores
Chicharito was once used to scoring week in, week out for Manchester United. Nowadays, finding the net is so rare that it invokes cramp in the Mexico international.
2. Hernandez’s Madrid move might yet be deemed worthwhile
Chicharito has endured a torrid season at Real Madrid. His plan of seeking more first-team football away from Manchester United hasn’t really panned out. But he got his opportunity and goal in a huge game this evening. You can see him gradually rediscovering his eye for goal as the game wore on – and he eventually made one count. That one goal was enough to have Real fans chanting his name.
3. Arda Turan really didn’t want to leave the pitch
No wonder Diego Simeone likes to have Arda Turan in his side – there’s definitely a similar temperament. Turan’s protests after his red card for a second bookable offence were reminiscent of his manager’s outrage at the end of last season’s Champions League final.
4. Atletico came to defend
A bus might not have been essential for Atletico’s short trip across Madrid, but they used one and they parked it. Their lack of ambition going forward led to a tight and cagey affair – and a continuation of the lack of goals that afflicted the first leg.
5. Versatile Sergio Ramos did his job well
There was something very odd about seeing Toni Kroos sitting deeper than Sergio Ramos. Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to deploy the Spain international defender in a fairly advanced midfield role in the absence of the likes of Luka Modric paid dividends. He saw plenty of the ball and was in the thick of things when Turan got his marching orders.
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