The pundits in Madrid are going to be slobbering over a performance that saw Tottenham Hotspur put to the sword brutally for some time to come, but those who are not quite as enamoured with Real Madrid watched their game against Spurs in the knowledge that they failed to show a complete game that could help them defeat the likes of Barcelona or Manchester United in the future, with both of those sides far stronger defensively than Spurs were last night and who both have an immense counter-attacking unit that they could unleash against a defensively weak Real side that looked vulnerable at times even against the ten men of Spurs.
Sure, they have the offensive capabilities to really go for it when they have possession but they lack the defensive strength to show themselves to have the characteristics that previous Mourinho sides have displayed when they have gone all the way and won the Champions League. However, although they lack this, they may benefit from the fact that they will have the chance to face their greatest threat in the competition in the next round, rather than the final, as their likely opponents look to be Barcelona. However, before this can happen, they will surely see their defensive capabilities tested thoroughly by Spurs at the Lane as they look to play with no fear and with nothing to lose against Real. The Champions League betting odds suggest it could be an interesting game.
If they can progress as they are widely expected to, then they will subsequently need to show that they are good enough to beat Barcelona over two legs. Then, and only then, can the players hope to show Mourinho that they are good enough physically and mentally to go all the way to Wembley and pick up the Champions League trophy, making history for Mourinho in the process.
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