Cristiano Ronaldo fired a stunning free kick to notch his 17th league goal of the season as a Real Madrid display of attacking execution saw them run-out unassailable winners at Real Zaragoza.
German star Mesut Ozil and returning winger from injury, Angel di Maria scored either side of Ronaldo’s effort in a 3-1 victory which keeps Jose Mourinho’s men hot on the heels of their Catalan rivals Barcelona who themselves sauntered to a 5-0 home hammering prolonging their two point lead at the top of La Liga. Portuguese star Ronaldo scored his fourth goal in three matches, as the Whites number seven has quickly made amends for his non-existent Nou Camp showing two weeks ago. Los Blancos’ prolific marksman who has had to share a greater burden of goal scoring responsibility since Gonzalo Higuain’s spell on the sidelines through injury turned provider for Madrid’s opening goal showcasing his importance to Mourinho’s side.
The Real Madrid Coach redeployed absentees from last Wednesday’s Champions League crushing of French side Auxerre and Madrid looked assured and clinical in possession, despite having to rally to stifle Zaragoza’s early inroads forward. After Ozil delicately collected an inch perfect through pass to then expertly steer the ball home past the advancing ex-Atletico goal keeper Leo Franco there only looked liked being one team on their way to maximum points. A trademark Ronaldo dead ball effort struck exquisitely with the prized laces on his boot to all but finish the contest on the stroke of half time was just rewards for Madrid in a match which for the neutral had started promisingly.
Argentine wide man di Maria ended Madrid’s goal scoring for the evening with a delightful run and lobbed finish over the advancing Blanquillos shot stopper stamping the World Cup players authority on the Santiago Bernabeu club once again following a frustrating bout out of injuries. A sloppy defensive mix-up meant Ricardo Carvalho bought down Bertolo prising the home side with an opportunity to retrieve a late consolation before young Real Madrid Castilla forward Morata almost added a touch of gloss to proceedings with his first goal for the club, but it was not to be for the substitute.
Before taking the short flight south home Ronaldo spoke to the assembled media after the game, mentioning his goal in the game as one as his best: “My goal is a sign that the team is working hard. It was one of the best goals of my career. We are playing well. I wouldn’t have been able to score had my teammates not provoked the foul. I am pleased and we want to extend this winning streak as long as we can.” Los Blancos now start a week of preparation ahead of next week’s potentially difficult home encounter against Sevilla in what is the final game of 2010 for Madrid. Mourinho, who has to contend with a number of injury and suspension worries ahead of the match said: “People might think that we will drop points against Sevilla because we have so many players out but we shall see. We will put XI players on the pitch and the crowd will support them. We want to head into the Christmas break with a win.”
