James Rodriguez started his first game for Real Madrid with no crucial impact in the 2-0 defeat of Sevilla in the European Super Cup on Tuesday, according to international media.
After weeks of media hype since his transfer to Real Madrid, James’ debut ended in a victory in the European Super Cup between the winner of Champions League, Real Madrid, and Europa League winner, Sevilla.
However, the Colombian had little impact on the game’s final result, according to Peruvian newspaper El Comercio.
From the beginning, nerves apparently affected the new number 10 in his Super Cup game, which was played in Cardiff, Wales. His first contact with the ball ended in a pass that could have ended badly if the Madrid defense hadn’t been on their toes, El Comercio reported.
The Colombian star did show some of his quality reminiscent of the World Cup in Brazil. James made a cross in the 17th minute to Welsh teammate, Gareth Bale, who almost scored, Bleacher Report wrote.
Less than 15 minutes later, the Colombian debutante served a pass to Bale, who crossed the ball to Cristiano Ronaldo scoring with his outstretched foot right foot.
With a bad clearance from James, Sevilla almost tied the score only four minutes after the Ronaldo goal.
James nearly achieved redemption, when the Sevilla keeper was forced into action by the Colombian midfielder, who almost tripled the score after Ronaldo’s second goal, according to El Comercio.
Subsequently, Spanish teammate Isco substituted James. Despite being rusty at times, the 23-year-old Colombian’s performance proved him worthy of the staring position with 38 successful passes out of 43 and one shot on goal.
James is not the only Colombian player who can be seen in the top European leagues. Several players from the World Cup team have already been announced in new clubs, including David Ospina to Arsenal and Pablo Armero to AC Milan.
The destiny of “El Tigre” Radamel Falcao, who has been rumored to both Real Madrid and Liverpool, is still unknown.
MORE: Colombia’s Carlos Sanchez also rumored in European transfer
Sources
- Real Madrid vs. Sevilla: Score, Grades and Reaction from European Super Cup (Bleacher Report)
- James Rodríguez: el análisis de su debut en el Real Madrid (El Comercio)
