Last year these same two clubs met in the Champions League group stages. Madrid dominated both of those contests. The Dutch champions were hoping to do a little better as they made the trip to Spain to take on the 9 time European champs.
It looked like they might have a chance in the early going. Trying to emulate AC Milan's 1st minute success vs Barca, Boerrigter got off a shot almost right from the kickoff, only to see Iker Casillas save it. For much of the first 20 minutes Real's defense resembled the Keystone Cops, but Ajax wasn't really able to create much up front.
Madrid's offense was a little slow to respond at first as well, but eventually the chances started coming. Benzema had a couple of great looks, one particular chance fell for him in the 17th minute. However, facing a wide open goal, he smacked his shot wide of the post.
Madrid wasn't stagnant all night though. Cristiano Ronaldo saw to that. Los Galacticos finally struck in the 25th minute. They blistered Ajax on a counter, getting, if I remember right, 6 different men involved. The play culminated in a brilliant finish from CR7 to put Real up 1-0. Then in the 41st minute Kaka slotted home a second to give Real Madrid the 2-0 lead at the half.
The second half was mostly Real Madrid on cruise control. While Ajax had done some good things with the ball, they obviously lacked the finishing quality up front, especially against a team like Madrid. Benzema put the last nail in the coffin just 4 minutes after half time to make it 3-0, and Real Madrid coasted home rest of the way to all three points.
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