Dr Kenneth Noisewater 0 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 (edited) Woodgate itching for Real run-outJonathan Woodgate says he is in perfect shape to make his much-delayed first start for Real Madrid against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday evening. He should make his first start since last year's £13.4m move from Newcastle after overcoming a major thigh problem. "The injury doesn't bother me at all. Thanks to all the doctors and physios I am fine," he said. "I've dreamt about this every day and night since I came here. It's become my obsession, now it can become reality." The 25-year-old former Leeds player was on the bench for Saturday's defeat by Espanyol, and with Madrid having lost two of their three opening games and conceded six goals from set-pieces, his height would be welcome in defence. Woodgate says he knows exactly what the team need to do. "Rather than dream about scoring, I dream my team can keep a clean sheet, because if we do that we will be a step closer to winning," he said. His comeback will be well timed for England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, at the start of a World Cup season. But after such a long lay-off, Woodgate is being cautious about his comeback. "It is still very early to talk about that, my first aim is to play football again," said Woodgate. "I will try to do well for Real Madrid and if I get some consistency then I can say I am available for Mr Eriksson, but at the moment I am logically just thinking about Madrid." Story from BBC SPORT: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi...ope/4263244.stm Published: 2005/09/22 12:04:58 GMT Edited September 22, 2005 by Dr Kenneth Noisewater Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pedro111 0 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 I thought he made his debut a few weeks back didnt he??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbo 175 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 I thought he made his debut a few weeks back didnt he??? 37662[/snapback] that was with the juniors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbo 175 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 Ooops, First game in a year, first game for Real Madrid, Poor fucker scores an own goal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chip2388 0 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 Ooops, First game in a year, first game for Real Madrid, Poor fucker scores an own goal. 37680[/snapback] Harsh!! For a moment there i thought you was going to say he was injured. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bizza 105 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 poor bastard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbo 175 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 a cracking header from what I hear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chip2388 0 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 Yer saw it on SSN someone had a cross he stuck his head out and totally wrong footed the keeper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Kenneth Noisewater 0 Posted September 22, 2005 Author Share Posted September 22, 2005 Bit ring-rusty eh? Oh well, things can only get better for him now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chip2388 0 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 Bit ring-rusty eh? Oh well, things can only get better for him now. 37691[/snapback] Hes been booked by the way Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg 6 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 Here we go. Woodgate's Debut Goal for Real Madrid: Link 1 http://s50.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=16R84LD...RC02HIC0DCIXZ09 Link 2 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=21ZU17T0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chip2388 0 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 2-1 up now Robinho and Raul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caz 0 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 Its a fantastic goal He was lucky just to get a yellow card for that challenge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottish Mag 3 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 Now been sent off... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chip2388 0 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 Now been sent off... 37707[/snapback] Looked abit harsh i thought Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheInspiration 1 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 Great header to score though. Doesn't really come as a surprise the boos from the Madrid fans were much louder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bizza 105 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 Poor bastard, Debut from hell. Reckon they'll get rid? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emperor_k 1 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 I think I'd have prefered another month out injured than a debut like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Kenneth Noisewater 0 Posted September 22, 2005 Author Share Posted September 22, 2005 Bit ring-rusty eh? Oh well, things can only get better for him now. 37691[/snapback] Sorry about that Jonathan, I'll keep my gob shut in future Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Kenneth Noisewater 0 Posted September 22, 2005 Author Share Posted September 22, 2005 Just watched that first clip. Poor bastard, got to feel for him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papa Lazaru 0 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 Not the best of debuts was it! To be fair he could have got a straight red for the first challenge itself. But once he gets match fit and IF he can stay away from further injury he'll show them that he's one of the best defenders in the game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shakermaker 0 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 rumour has it he's never played more than six consecutive first team games..all together now...ONE. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg 6 Posted September 23, 2005 Share Posted September 23, 2005 rumour has it he's never played more than six consecutive first team games..all together now...ONE. 37778[/snapback] errr... he only played 66 mins? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catmag 337 Posted September 23, 2005 Share Posted September 23, 2005 How bloody unlucky can you get? Here's the BBC's report if anyone want it.. Woodgate endures disastrous debut Jonathan Woodgate suffered a torrid Real Madrid debut, scoring a spectacular own goal and then being sent off against Athletic Bilbao. In the first half Woodgate, 25, stooped to clear a Joseba Etxeberria shot only to head the ball past Iker Casillas. Woodgate was red-carded on 65 minutes after picking up a second yellow card. Despite Woodgate's sending off Real went on to comfortably beat Bilbao 3-1, with goals from Brazilian Robinho and a brace from captain Raul. Woodgate's first yellow card came when he lunged at Bilbao midfielder Carlos Gurpegi just before the interval. The second booking was for a foul on Etxeberria. Woodgate confessed: "It was not the best start in the world." On his own goal, he said: "I couldn't believe it. I went to try to block the ball and it just skimmed off my head. Obviously, I did not want to get an own goal." As for his dismissal, the former Leeds United player added: "I just can't believe I got sent off. I didn't think the second yellow card was right, you know, but it's the referee's decision. "I want to thank the public, who were brilliant when I was walking off. They were all clapping and cheering." Injury to Ivan Helguera and a suspension for Sergio Ramos had allowed the central defender to make his debut over a year after joining Real from Newcastle in a £13.4m move. Woodgate had not started a competitive match since tearing a thigh muscle in a Premiership game against Chelsea on 25 April 2004. He had been due to make his debut for Real last October but suffered a recurrence of the injury in a training game. Woodgate did make a brief appearance for Real in the final five minutes of a pre-season match in August. On a positive note, the Englishman came through his debut without any adverse physical reaction. "Physically I felt good," he said. "My leg was no problem and I felt strong." He also vowed: " I will come back stronger." Ah well, I suppose at least he didn't injure himself again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammynb 3355 Posted September 23, 2005 Share Posted September 23, 2005 Plus with the red card he can have another game off, ensuring he maintains his non consecutive starts record! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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