I know, it’s so easy to say, but without Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid really do look a different side. No disrespect at all to Madrid at all, any side in world football would miss the Portuguese star, but all the same it’s not healthy for Mourinhos side to depend so much on Cristianos penetration and goals.
The first twenty minutes have seen lots of sideways passing, some nice touches from both sides, but no real clear chances. Esteban Granero has seen a long range shot fly over, while Noe Paramot has had Hercules best chance with a header that flew straight over Iker Casillas crossbar. Quiet opening to the match.