Zamalek could not match the pace of Atletico Madrid at Cairo Stadium, losing 4-1 in a festive atmosphere at Cairo Stadium during their centennial celebrations.
Argentinean 21-year-old forward Eduardo Salvio and Brazilian playmaker Diego notched a brace each either side of the interval as Atletico claimed an easy win over Zamalek, who grabbed a consolation through a controversial penalty from striker Ahmed Hossam “Mido”.
Atletico needed nine minutes to open the scoring when Salvio beat his marker, Zamalek’s Ghanaian debutant Karimu Alhassan, at the near post to superbly flick a cross from Portuguese forward Pizzi into the net.
Another defensive blunder from Alhassan allowed Pizzi to whip in a cross which eluded keeper Abdel-Wahed El-Sayed and fell to Salvio for an easy tap in five minutes later.
Atletico wasted a couple of goal-scoring opportunities to add to their tally before Zamalek pulled one back in the 24th minute after they were awarded a bizarre penalty.
The referee pointed to the spot after Shikabala, who earlier capitalized on a defensive mistake from Brazilian defender Miranda, was brought down on the edge of the area. Television replays showed that the contact occurred outside the area.
Mido, who still looks over-weight, coolly dispatched the penalty in the 25th minute and winger Shikabala squandered a golden opportunity to equalize few minutes later when his low shot hit the side netting with the goal gaping after he rounded Atletico keeper Sergio Asenjo.
Atletico put the result beyond doubt in an almost one-sided second half.
Diego added the third with a fine curling free kick seven minutes after the restart before completing the rout in the 74th minute when he netted home on the rebound after an initial shot struck the bar.
Watch the goals and highlight here:
Watch the goals: 4-1
[youtube]J0YE3El_Wj0[/youtube]Interview with Hassan Shehata after the match
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