The Berliners jump ahead of the Madristas in the 1st leg

By: Drew Peacock

Berlin knocked out League Cup runner-ups Amsterdam in their first round matchup using their new and improved 4-2-1-3 set-up. Berlin was the highest scoring team in the first round with stand out striker Babatunde Agachuthu. This is our first look at the visitors, Deportivo Madrid, as they had a first round bye in this tournament. Madrid coming out in what appears to be a 3-4-3 formation.

The first real opportunity of the game came to Madrid as captain Billy "Jah" Boyo stepped over a free kick. Journeyman midfielder Colton Russell Jr was judged by the referee to have committed a foul on Jase Ballenger just outside the penalty box. Unfortunately for the Madrid traveling supporters, Boyo was unable to beat the wall with his attempt on goal. Coming off a corner routine, Woy Hodgson found some space to shoot, but Henrik Schwinghammer denied the striker with a comfortable save. In the 37th minute, Babatunde Agachuthu does it again. Frank Babatunde's corner kick found Agachuthu leaping higher than the Madrid defenders; the hosts led 1-0. Just after the start of the second half, Agachuthu got his second goal of the match by cleverly flicking the ball into the air and volleying it past Becky Blake. Madrid did up the pressure to try and get back into the game, but Berlin was able to hold off their attack superbly. Berlin takes this one; 2-0.