Rafa Benítez has once again made history in the Champions League competition after Real Madrid’s 8-0 victory over Malmo at Santiago Bernabeu. With that result, Real has matched Liverpool’s 8-0 victory against Besiktas in the 2007/2008. Benítez has also equalled his record, as by that time he was in charge of the English side. It was a fantastic night for the “Blancos” as their star Cristiano Ronaldo also accomplished yet another record after scoring a total of 11 goals in the group stage of the competition.
Rafa and his team were in need of victory that would prove the rest of Europe that they are a serious contender to win the UCL campaign this year. It was supposed to be quite an easy match for the Spanish giants, but Madrid were not satisfied with a simple win. They were looking for an overwhelming victory and Malmo never stood a chance. Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema scored a hat-trick, and this summer’s new signing Mateo Kovacic was the other goal scorer of the night.
It was, however, an important game for Benítez, like in every match, especially those played at Santiago Bernabeu, fans seem to question him when the team don’t respond as expected. Rafa was therefore relieved by the historical victory against Malmo. “I am really happy for the team and the Madrid supporters that believed in the team. We have taken a step forward, we have won five consecutive games, that is very positive and winning as we have won today in Europe even more,” he said in the press conference after the clash.
Since he took charge of the team, Rafa has been considered as a defensive coach. In various occasions, the manager has denied those statements and after the match, he took the opportunity to say that “the 8-0 proves that I am not a defensive coach.” To be fair with him, he also made history with Liverpool’s 8-0 victory over Besiktas. Surprisingly he is not the only member of the squad that has witnessed both records, as Álvaro Arbeloa was a Liverpool player back in the 2007/2008 season. That day Arbeloa made it into the starting line-up as the right-back of the team, and although this year he is not taking part in the majority of the games, against Malmo, due to the numerous injuries, he was part of the starting eleven.
By matching his record, Rafa Benítez has not only made history once again, but he has also received and the important boost of confidence in this irregular season. Victory for Real Madrid is practically an obligation in each and every match, no matter which competition, but the supporters also demand good football. Against Malmo Rafa and his players gave them both and step by record step man Benítez will try to turn the initial deception into illusion and excitement, as despite being disqualified of the Copa del Rey, the “Blancos” are still one of the main favourites to win both La Liga and the Champions League.
