FANS were left torn after watching Real Madrid “invent a new corner routine” against Union Berlin.
The LaLiga giants were suffering a frustrating night in their opening game of the 2023/24 Champions League campaign before Jude Bellingham’s last-ditch winner.
Real Madrid’s set-piece routine against Union Berlin caused a stirRex
TNT SportsFans were split by Real Madrid’s new corner taking technique[/caption]
The visitors from the Bundesliga, making their debut in the competition, produced a gritty first half display to hold the 14-time European champions.
However, it was not for the want of trying from Madrid as they went to some whacky lengths to try and find a breakthrough.
After winning a corner, Luka Modric walked over to take it, but he was soon joined by team-mate David Alaba.
The defender stood almost next to the Croatian in what seemed to be an attempt to block the opposition from being able to see what they were plotting from the set-piece.
Real Madrid even repeated the trick, albeit to no avail, before the break.
And the new tactic certainly got supporters talking online.
One tweeted: “Real Madrid inventing new corner techniques.”
Another wrote: “Real Madrid’s corner kicks are like a box of chocolates – you never know what kind of surprise they’ll unwrap next.”
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Another viewer asked: “What on earth is this about?”
“This is strange,” noted another, while another added: “We didn’t understand this.”
And a fellow Madrid follower declared: “We are the pioneers of football.”
But not everyone was as enthusiastic, with one fan tweeting: “And still can’t score , so it’s pointless.”
While another said: “Warra rubbish technique…”
However, it was a quick corner that eventually prove to be the difference.
In the fifth minute of additional time, the Union Berlin defence fell asleep from a short one.
That allowed Federico Valverde time and space to shoot from the edge of the box.
His effort took several deflections before it fell perfectly for Jude Bellingham to bury from two yards out for his sixth goal in as many games for Madrid.