Real Madrid equal club record with victory at Ajax
Thursday 08 December 2011
Real Madrid equalled a club record 15 wins in all competitions with a comprehensive 3-0 victory at Group B opponents Ajax that ensured José Mourinho’s men are the only Champions League team to maintain a 100% record.
Ajax needed a draw to progress to the knock-out stages but they were up against it from the time José Callejón put the visitors ahead on 14 minutes when he took advantage of Kaká’s pass to fire home. Nonetheless, the Dutch club had two goals ruled out for offside in contentious circumstances before Los Blancos doubled their lead four minutes from the break, Karim Benzema linking up with Gonzalo Higuaín for the latter to score with a clinical finish from inside the box.
Serbian striker Miralem Sulejmani hit the crossbar for the hosts seven minutes after the restart, yet despite having most of the possession Ajax were unable to force a breakthrough. Their misery was then complete in stoppage time with Callejón notching his second of the evening from Xabi Alonso’s pass.
Afterwards, Mourinho warned of the dangers of any complacency before this weekend’s El Clásico: “Last season we came here and beat Ajax yet a few days later we lost 5-0 to Barcelona,” said the Portuguese. “But I am very happy with how we played and I was also pleased with the team’s attitude. We played a serious game and wanted to win.
“My intention was to play Jesé, but when it was 2-0 Arbeloa had a problem so I had to replace him with Mendes. I thought of putting Altintop at full-back and Jesé out wide but they were getting on top. Mendes did his job well as he has international experience but Jesé will get to play many Champions League games.”
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