Down the years, how many times have we heard top managers speak of the importance of silencing the crowd in big European away games?
Fortunately for Real Madrid, they didn't have to worry too much about this in their trip to Legia Warsaw. The match with the European champions is being played behind closed doors after trouble during the Polish club's opening Champions League home game with Borussia Dortmund.
In the absence of a hostile atmosphere, Real wasted little time in taking the lead in the Polish capital - 55 seconds to be exact - with Gareth Bale firing them into the lead.
Their first venture forward saw the ball reach the Welshman outside the box via a flick header from Cristiano Ronaldo. Bouncing once before it reached him, not many players would've attempted to hit this one first time. Bale did, and the ball flew into the top corner of the Legia goal.
Sit back and admire the technique in this one...
https://twitter.com/TheRealChampsFS/status/793906038844129283
Somebody give that man a new contract...
Ten minutes before half-time, Madrid doubled their lead. Karim Benzema finished off a fine team move, with Gareth Bale squaring the ball to him to tuck inside the near post.
Cruise control for the eleven-time European champions in Poland? Not just yet. Legia pulled one back before the break. Also a bit of a screamer...
https://twitter.com/ANDERSONDARREN7/status/793912422369202177
Colm O'Rourke and Pauric Mahony join Colm Parkinson on a packed GAA Hour that includes Dick Clerkin appreciation and Sean Cavanagh envy. Subscribe here on iTunes.
