As the final match of the group stage of the Champions League came to a close, both Madrid and Barcelona comfortably enjoyed taking the first place in their respective groups even if they lost. Both teams came out playing with their second string team full of youngsters and some experienced players. Barcelona refrained from playing with Valdes, Messi, Xavi, Puyol, Alves, Iniesta, Villa, and Pedro. Madrid only absented Casillas, Di Maria, Ozil, and Khedira (Pepe, Ramos, Alonso all had red cards or accumulation of yellows). Nevertheless, both teams took satisfying wins over international club teams. Barcelona beat Rubin Kazan 2-0 and Madrid scorched Auxerre 4-0.
Benzema is an amazing player, and nothing surprises me more than how little he plays. Often replaced by Higuain, another great player, Benzema is in a hard position. Jose Mourinho has to do a lot of thinking before planning every game's starting lineup.
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