Postgame Q&A: Real Madrid vs. Dinamo Zagreb

Hey guys! This afternoon, Apakshit, Tanuj, Umid and I discussed last night's game. You can hear their views and explanations in the audio below (also available on Youtube; hopefully our next Q&A will be available on iTunes as well). It was very interesting and I'm looking forward to the derby even more now, because I want to see how subtle Mourinho is going to be regarding a certain matter that we've discussed --I'm not saying anything else, I don't want to spoil it for you!

Also, you're in for a treat at the end of the post. Basically, we were supposed to have Carito on today as well, but there was a little misunderstanding and she couldn't join after all. But she's been nice enough to write down what she would have shared with us on the podcast. So we actually have 4 expert opinions today! Can this get any better?! :-)

Here are the topics that we covered:

• the line-up: a good balance between resting some players in view of the derby, giving playing time to others and securing the lead of the group?
• general feeling about the game
• Zagreb's goals: mistakes on our part, or well done on their part?
• our defense; Varane's performance
• How do Benzema and Higuaín complement each other?
• Callejón's performance
• Sahin and Altintop: we finally get to see them play enough time to form an opinion, what's yours?
• Lass' performance
• A bit more about Callejón
• Man of the match (hint: a bit more about...)

Here is the audio: Click here to listen to the mp3.

And here is Carito's insight:

• about the line-up: I was not surprised that Xabi was kept in the XI although I would have liked to see Granero from the start. I understand why Mou started with Xabi though, the crowd has been expecting to see "Sahin Alonso" in action and this was the perfect game to test the pair. It was nice to see Iker and Cristiano get rest and Callejon, Varane and Adan start as well.

• how she feels about the match: The first 8 minutes were magical. I was impressed by the team's enthusiasm and speed. I still can't believe we scored 6 goals without Cristiano, Di Maria, Kaka, Marcelo, Pepe, Carvalho, Khedira, Arbeloa, Iker... oh what a squad we have! Although Dinamo is no Manchester United it is no "google team" either.

• about Sahin: Sahin was great. I enjoyed the Sahin Alonso connection. Nuri is in his pre-season like Mou said. He touched the ball 118 times, gave 103 passes and ran almost 12k. It does not get any better.

• about Callejón: Callejon scored twice and assisted once I believe. He played an excellent game and he even has said that it was his best night since he arrived at Madrid.

• about the combination Benzema-Higuaín: Benzema played one of his best games since he arrived at Madrid, he even almost scored one of those goals people never forget. Benzema scored twice and assisted once while Pipa also scored and assisted. Benzema's second goal shows how they complement each other. Although sometimes it doesn't show they are both selfless, goal hungry and look for the best for the team.

• about the two goals we received: The second one is definitely a blooper. There was some serious miscommunication, they all fell asleep. The first one Adan stays put and I believe Varane jumped too soon. They were both mistakes on our behalf.

• about Varane: Varane had a great assist for Callejon and one great last man tackle. He is solid on 1on1's  although he was not at his best during the goals.

• a few more words: I liked Lass and Coentrao a lot and overall the team's willingness to try and score even at the last minute. Besides the score, I think it's important to highlight the amount of records we broke during that game.

1. First team to score 4 goals in 20 minutes ever
2. Benzema scored RM's fastest goal in UCL history (83 seconds)
3. First team in the UCL to score 200 goals at home
4. First team in history to score 3 goals in 8 minutes

All of this, without most of our main players...

• her man of the match: I'd normally give it to Benzema but I think Callejita deserves it. He barely ever gets to play and yesterday he did, he scored and he assisted. His celebrations grabbing the Real Madrid crest are also meaningful. A cantera player at his best.

Thanks a lot to Apakshit, Carito, Tanuj and Umid for participating. And in general, thanks to all the other Real Madrid fans/experts who participated in previous sessions as well. It's been a pleasure to discuss with all of you.

Readers, listeners, commentators, writers, bloggers, tweeters around the world: if you are interested in participating in upcoming sessions, let us know either in the comments or on Twitter. In any case, we hope you'll enjoy this Q&A. Remember you can rate the players here too. FYI, Benzema is currently the man of the match, with Callejón a very close second. :-)

¡Hala Madrid!