Real Madrid Likely to Advance to Quarterfinal

Real Madrid was real sharp.

Real Madrid of Spain took on AC Milan of Italy yesterday as part of the 2002-2003 European Champions League held in Madrid, Spain. They fought with each other for the ticket to the quarterfinal for group C.

Real Madrid beat up AC Milan 3-1 and cheered its home fans with two goals of Raul Gonzalez and one of Gutierrez, who was sent in as a substitute in the latter half.

At 12`, Raul first tipped the balance for his team with his volley shoot in the box, which was made off the centering by Ronaldo right upon receiving a pass from Roberto Carlos. Against at 57`, Carlos made another pass to Raul, and Raul kicked it into the net. It was his season 41st goal.

Despite its slow performance in the earlier games, Real Madrid has built up maximum 8, and secured the second spot in its group. As a result, it took one step closer to advancement to the quarterfinal. On the other hand, AC Milan, regardless of its loss against Madrid, is sure to advance to the quarterfinal with 4 wins (maximum 12), topping his group.

Challenging for its 10th championship, Real Madrid manned its front line with Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo. Its mid field was armed with Claude Makelele and Flavio-Conceicao, and its defense line was buttressed by Michel Salgado, Francisco Pavon, Ivan Helguera, Carlos and GK Iker Casillas.

In the group D, Juventus FC of Italy won a 3-2 victory over Deportivo of Spain. On the other hand, Basel of Switzerland ended up even, or 1-1, with Manchester United, which has already secured a ticket to the quarterfinal.

Juventus has built up 2 wins and maximum 7 (plus 1 tie and 2 losses), and retained its second spot in the group. Thus, if Juventus succeeds in getting, at least, a draw in the only remaining game, it will advance to the quarterfinal.

Soon-Il Kwon stt77@donga.com