ISTANBUL STEAL A POINT AND BARRY SCOTT STEALS THE SHOW

by Ignacio Dorito

Coming into this game, it was impossible to imagine anything other than 3 points for Madrid; a new look squad, including World Cup Player of the Tournament, Bobby Shmurda, among other signings, surely couldn't be held back by a promoted Istanbul dressing room already in turmoil? The turks' interim captain has not endeared himself to his public, engaging in full blown rows in the public eye with 2 of his most promising players, Muka Lodric and Barry Scott. So, while it was a tense first half as both teams tried to find their stride, a Deportivo Madrid win seemed inevitable in spite of Løord Bendtner, an astute poach from Vienna, serving the first of his 2 game ban. Indeed, only 21 minutes in, Shmurda bagged his first (presumably of many) for the Spanish outfit and, despite Istanbul mounting a few attacks of their own, Madrid looked likely to extend their lead. As the half time whistle blew, despite being on the pitch, it was obvious that captain Enzo Lemaire wasn't present in the tactical discussions - step up Barry Scott, who immediately took the decision to move from central midfield, where he had been a dominant force, into a more attacking role. Meanwhile Madrid made an astounding 4 changes at half time, including mercurial striker Marcus Wood replacing assister Eom Ji-Sung. Wood's wayward shots let down his side in the 2nd half as they failed to capitalise on their advantage, and then out of nowhere Barry Scott was in open space at the goalmouth. Lemaire squared it to him and Istanbul had done the impossible and drawn level with 19 minutes left. The avant-garde tactics of max tempo, while maintaining a defensive formation, had worked wonders under Scott and he immediately shored up his defence with some substitutions then dropped the tempo right down low, closing up shop and protecting their precious point. And so it ended 1-1, Istanbul in ecstasy and Madrid downtrodden.