As Crackòvia Cristiano said the other night, “míster, es muy feo.”  He could have been referring to this game as well, or even the field at the Bernabéu.

One. Since I’m taking the title of the post from the brilliant Crackòvia, I thought I’d start with a comparison between the two Cristiano Ronaldos.  Not much difference, no?

Two. And of course, we have to mention that goal celebration.  I’m assuming that Cris sucking on his thumb was a tribute to his new son.  In that case, I understand now why he was so anxious to score!  And he looked so happy too!  It was great seeing that smile back on his face, and seeing his teammates so happy for him as well.

Three. It was a good night for our forwards, since they managed to put one each into the net.  Pipita got a kiss from Álvaro Arbeloa as a reward, and of course Karim resorted to his favorite gesture/pose to celebrate.  I loved how Pipita was subbed out just after he scored, so that he could get a nice round of applause!

Four. I love acrobatic Iker!  This makes me want to take him to the playground.

Five. I can’t even remember those days when Pepe had no hair and Marcelo just had stubble.  And of course, we can’t talk about hair without mentioning a certain Sergio Ramos, so here is Sergio ruing a missed goal.

Six. The Mourinho section.  First up: quote of the game.  This one goes to his statement that “it’s not easy to play on a field of potatoes.”

If you were watching the TV feed of the game, it only took one minute and five seconds for the camera to focus on Mou and his gum chewing.  We didn’t get to see too much of him during the game, which must mean he didn’t throw any tantrums (or water bottles) this time, though he was of course his usual expressive self.  Maybe he’s telling the boys to hurry up and close out the game, because he only has three sticks of gum left?

Bonus pic of Mou winking here.

Seven. Did you notice that when Álvaro checked into the game, he immediately ran directly to Xabi to give him the coach’s orders?  That’s why Xabi is the father!  He’s definitely in charge on the field, since Iker’s stuck in the goal.  Speaking of Xabi, it took him 16 seconds during a point in the second half to clear the runway corner so that he could strike a pose take the corner kick.  More Xabi posing here.

By the way, Fernando Verdasco was at the game.  I wonder if he and Álvaro found time to go eat afterward?  Maybe not, since it was a late game and the players have a training session today.

Eight. The rival players section.  Well, in this case, not exactly rival rivals, because both of these players came from the cantera.  Doesn’t José María Callejón look exactly like Álvaro Benito?  And good for him for finally getting to play in the Bernabéu!  Third time’s the charm!  And Luis García shared a hug after the game with another canterano, Álvaro Arbeloa, though they didn’t coincide at Madrid.

Nine. Good sportsmanship from Espanyol keeper Carlos Kameni, who helped Cris up; he was duly thanked.  And Pepe showed his class when he shook the hand of the ref who had just expelled him before leaving the field.

And Espanyol’s players gathered around Cris to see if he’s ok, after first pleading their case with the referee, of course.

Ten. I love this picture of Sergio and Pepe almost looking like they’re dancing – check out their hands!  Who do you think would lead in this case?

Eleven. Poor Pipita.

Twelve. After the game: Sergio showed up in an awful jacket, and workers began removing that awful field.  In the beginning, the problem was just in the area around the benches, but now the plague has spread to the entire field, which is why the whole thing is being replaced (too bad I can’t say the same for the jacket).  The new field will be ready by the next home game.

Like Sergio, Iker was interviewed after the game by Real Madrid TV.  It appears that they are quite sympathetic to Iker’s fans, because they basically only showed him from the neck up.  Video here.