Madrid Olimpo v FC Británico

Recap

And on the seventh day they rose again.

Under the lights and in an unfamiliar setting FCB pulled off a convincing performance to right the wrongs of the previous week. After a lot of discussion and soul searching after their loss to title challengers Canillejas, this was exactly what the FCB boys needed before going into the Easter break.

The top pitch at Las Cocheras is short, narrow and hard – something, something Padraig Slain – but FCB adapted to conditions well to maintain their spot as second in the league.

A new look line-up entered the field. With Rafa, Omar and Gonza playing in front of Paco in goal. Rafa was central to FCB’s opener that came within the first ten minutes when interplay between him, Yaron and LWB Ed gave him the time and space to pick out forward Harry who crossed to the ever efficient Padg.

This early goal was exactly what FCB needed and they settled into the game. Olimpo had good intentions but their naivety let them down. Often they would play out from the back and be caught in the FCB press. FCB enjoyed time on the ball, and found specific pleasure down the right hand side where latest recruit from across the pond, Landon, linked up well with Paddy.

Harry scored the second goal with the ball squared to him from the right, and then Padg made it three – nil in the first 15 minutes with a lovely – and quickly becoming trademark – lob over the spirited Olimpo ‘keeper.

Yaron, Cal and Will were enjoying time on the ball in the midfield, and after a hectic game the week before the tempo of this match was much more measured and controlled.

That being said, Olimpo did manage to nab a goal after a long ball over the top evaded FCB’s high line. Frustrating but not catastrophic and Padg managed to complete his hattrick just before half time to see the teams go in at 4-1.

Soon after the second half began Rami started ringing the changes. EQ came into the midfield and Josh replaced Omar at centre back, while Karlos also came on at right wing back with Landon moving to the left.

There was no change in the quality and intensity of FCB’s play, however. Sensing the tiredness and growing frustration of their opposition, the boys kept the ball well, especially after Mats came on for Will, Rama replaced Rafa and Maca switched with Gonza.

And the goals kept coming, with H scoring his second with a wonderful lob over the ‘keeper.

Now, what’re the two similarities between Tigger (from Winnie the Pooh) and Welsh-Mexican Karlos?

They’re both one of a kind and they’re both very good at jumping. This was on display here when Karlos leapt like a salmon to meet a lovely H cross and beautifully guide the ball home back across the sprawling Olimpo keeper. It was a proper, proper header, and capped off a fantastic night for the Britanicos.

Now there is a week off to rest and go again, with five must-win games remaining. I cannot wait.