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06th May 2017

Tony Adams’ peculiar tactical switch made no difference as Real Madrid hammered Granada

Adams' waistcoat also had people talking

Robert Redmond

Tony Adams’ Granada versus Real Madrid was always only going to end one way, wasn’t it?

Adams’ already relegated La Liga side took on the mighty Madrid at the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes on Saturday night, and it was a complete mismatch.

Madrid, who needed to win the game to draw level with Barcelona at the top of the table, were 1-0 up after three minutes, two up after 11 minutes, three up after 30 minutes and it was 4-0 after 35 minutes.

James Rodriguez and Alvaro Morata both scored a brace. Zinedine Zidane’s side appeared to take pity on Granada in the second half and the game finished 4-0 to the visitors.

Adams is in charge of Granada until the end of the season, and he opted for an unusual tactical switch early in the game.

The former Arsenal captain took Aly Malle off for Uche Henry Agbo after 17 minutes.

It didn’t do much to help his side, as they went on to ship another two goals.

 

Adams also predicted the result. Kind of.

The 50-year-old, former Portsmouth manager, said his side would win if Madrid didn’t pick Cristiano Ronaldo for the game.

“I can see it in the stars, 1-0, but only if Ronaldo plays,” Adams said ahead of the game. Ronaldo didn’t play, and Granada lost, so at least Tony got that right.

There was an inevitable reaction to the result, and Adams’ attire.