Antonio Valencia has lost some of that great pace he once had, and it is more difficult for him to get past players when his starting position is so deep.
Madrid easily knocked out Tottenham Hotspur, and was even given a helping hand when Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes allowed a long shot of no great pace or power from Cristiano Ronaldo to slip through both his hands and drop across his line.
"A young team with a lot of ambition, with great pace, good technique and they definitely put us under pressure".
As a result, the hosts' chances of making best use of a benign pitch showing no great pace look to rest on the shoulders of Dhoni, a skipper under pressure after the thrashing in Mumbai and the pre-match controversy surrounding the pitch at Eden Gardens.
"The regeneration of North Glasgow is continuing at great pace and with that in mind I have some exciting news," began a single page on council headed paper signed by Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council.
Even then, his great pace got him out of trouble.
From a technical point of view, there isn't much aggression, great pace or pressing.
It has a good story, lots of familiar tunes, and moves along at a great pace.
Great energy, great pace and a create crosser of the ball with good skill.
That meant he was on the faster 'medium' tyre for the last part of the race, taking advantage of their greater pace and extra freshness to rapidly haul in the Ferraris of Alonso and Massa.
