Hala Madrid 1.0

This is the inaugural edition of Hala Madrid, a weekly feature that covers the merengues from a decidedly different perspective, with respect of course and affection as well, but also with a pointed and critical viewpoint if need be.

Tomorrow, José's charges will meet Martin Jol's Ajax of Amsterdam. Uruguayan semi-pro volleyball player Luis Suarez will not start up front (suspended) but mentioned that they still come to Madrid to beat the hosts at the Santiago Bernabeu. It's a tall order, not only because Real Madrid are so difficult to beat at home, added to Mourinho's own ungodly home record, but the fact is that Ajax just aren't on the same level as Real Madrid. Sure, you could argue that this version of los blancos is not as attack minded as last year's but Jose is slowly starting to develop his starting 11 and it wouldn´t shock me if the results of his labor present themselves tomorrow.

He has flirted with Canales in the hole behind Higuain, but it´s clear that Mesut Özil is light years ahead of the young Cantabrian right now. He tried Sergio Ramos in the center, but Pepe is back and partnering Carvalho, which allows the Sevillan defender to bomb forward. Marcelo is starting on the left, but he has been playing with more control, sharper instincts and better decision making. Man management is the key here with the young Brazilian; he looks much more confident.

The Bernabeu whistled the dull spectacle this last weekend against Osasuna, but I´m not so sure that this is a group that can be compared to Capello's as many are saying. They may play a similar 4-2-3-1, but Jose´s got Khedira and Alonso in front of defense who are much more than holding mid-fielders. They can hold and trap the ball and play the ball out of defense. It's a much more dynamic double-pivot than say the one Rafa Benitez likes to play for instance. They also have more width than last year and more importantly, it is highly doubtful that a Segunda B team will upset this group.

What you might see tomorrow is the unveiling of the new Real Madrid; the arrival of their best. They have had more time together in practice. They are a point ahead of Barcelona in the standings and they are focused on the Champions League, La Decima or their Tenth European title.

Look for a 2-0 win at home.

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