Cristiano Ronaldo is winning the battle for the Golden Ball

There was a time when Cristiano had to endure the disgrace that he was hidden in the matches against FC Barcelona. In his first six games as Real Madrid he did not score in the Classics. Today the story is quite different after his goal in the Nou Camp, with which Real Madrid is almost the winner of the Spanish league. The Portuguese has three consecutive Classics scoring and Messi has accumulated four without trophy. Cristiano is ahead of Messi in the battle for the FIFA Golden Ball 2012. He claimed his figure in hostile territory on a world stage, with 400 million people watching him on television.

Cristiano Ronaldo: 42 goals in Spanish league

It was not a good night for the winner of the last three Golden Balls (Messi did not shot on target), and Cristiano already said it in his historic celebration: "Today, calm". The Portuguese star has reached 42 goals in La Liga and Messi is 41. Ronaldo entered at the Real Madrid players' club that have scored in three consecutive Classic with Gento, Puskas and Juanito. And he has scored 6 goals in 13 games against Barca. A year ago he scored another memorable goal against FC Barcelona team in the final of the Spanish Cup. The Flea, meanwhile, has 13 goals in 19 Classics.

Now lies ahead for both the semifinal round of the Champions. Their paths can cross again in Munchen in the final. But Barca has problems with the dependence on Messi, which has played two key games without scoring (Chelsea and Real Madrid). Real Madrid wins in 61.1% of the games when Cristiano does not score. With no goal by Messi, Barca wins only 40% of games. On the other hand, the battle for the Golden Boot will be decided in Spain again, as in the past three seasons (Cristiano, Messi and Forlan). This time, the Portuguese will want to beat, in the next four games, the scoring record in Europe, achieved by Georgescu in the 76-77 season with 47 goals.

Real Madrid wants to win the League with 100 points

"It was an important victory, but we have not won the league, we need six points. And we will try to win all four remaining games to become champions with 100 points". This was the phrase of a player just landed in Madrid-Barajas airport after winning the Classic. Mourinho's slogan in the locker room at the Camp Nou to his players had been clear: "It was an important step, but is not yet done". After the win and joy, moderation still prevailed in the locker room in the message of the Portuguese coach, who also wants to win the league title beating the record of points made ​​by FC Barcelona two seasons ago.

Real Madrid players after winning at Camp Nou

Barca team became champion in the 09-10 campaign with 99 points. With four days still to play (Sevilla, Athletic, Granada and Mallorca), Real Madrid has 88, so it is able to reach 100, even it is required not to leave any point along the way. In other way, the best points mark achieved by Real Madrid in a season also goes back to the 09-10 season. On that occasion, with Pellegrini on the bench, whites were able to add 96. This is the second best score in the history of the Spanish League.

Indeed, Barca won the league title with the same points last year, 96. At this point in the league, with four games remaining, only that Barcelona had been able to get as many points (88) as this Real Madrid. However, the difference is that whites have a balance in favor of 79 goals, while the Barca was 70.

Last season, the first of Mourinho in Madrid, the white club achieved 92 points. At present, team needs only win one game and tie another to match that record, but with that it would not be champion, if Barcelona earns 12 points left in play. Althought watching the path of Madrid, it seems unlikely to pass up the title. In fact, with his win at the Camp Nou, team completed a round undefeated. His last loss dating back to the last Classic (1-3) played at the Bernabeu stadium on December 10.

Real Madrid beat the record for goals in a league: 109

Real Madrid beat the record for goals in one season (Spanish League) after the 0-1 scored by Khedira at the Camp Nou in the Classic. It was the goal 108. Then Cristiano made ​​the 109, two more than white team got in the season 89-90, with John Benjamin Toshack on the bench and the Butragueño's gang on the field.

Record for goals in a Spanish League season: 109

In the last two seasons Real Madrid had threatened that record with 102 goals, but got over this season when there are still four games to go until the championship end. Keeping the progression, Madrid would reach to 123 goals, 3.2 per game. Jose Mourinho is also the first Real Madrid coach to reach the 100 goal mark in two different seasons at the helm of the team.

Real Madrid players have tallied 63 of their 109 goals at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, making this their third best run as locals in the 81 league championships they have played in. They have established a new personal best with 46 goals netted in away clashes.

Fourteen players on Mourinho's squad have helped tally goals this season. Cristiano Ronaldo (42), Higuain (21) and Benzema (18) are the team's top scorers. However, the man who broke the record was Khedira, who had only scored one before. The distribution of goals is as follows: Cristiano Ronaldo (42), Higuaín (21), Benzema (18), Di María (5), Kaká (5), Callejón (5), Marcelo (3), Ramos (3), Khedira (2), Özil (1), Xabi Alonso (1), Pepe (1), Varane (1) and Altintop (1).

Barcelona 1 - 2 Real Madrid (Spanish League Day 35)

Cristiano Ronaldo just after scoring the victory goal

Real Madrid wants this league, they knew it and at Barcelona already know it. ​​Guardiola's team left the Camp Nou feeling so defeated as champion Real Madrid, that will win the title in good style, winning the opponent on his land. No excuses this time to justify the defeat, beyond their own mistakes, not for ignoring the victory. Against yesterday's FC Barcelona, more predictable, slow and confusing that we remember, Real Madrid did not fear and was nervous, and not much, when its defense line went back to its penalty area, which is in its character, but this time knew how to handle with more consistency this situation.

With seven points ahead and only twelve to play, it seems that what remains now is to choose a calendar date to be proclaimed champion. Guardiola gave the final push towards the title with a change in the Barcelona schema that led them to play with defense of three and impede clear ball moves in midfield with excessive accumulation of men. At this point, only the necessary mathematics and prudence seem to separate Real Madrid of the title.

Guardiola wanted to win the game on the board and lost it on the field. He was neglected in defense, strengthened the midfield and Barça not only changed the face, got down a gear speed in its game and the movements were confusing, less dynamic, ultimately, more predictable. Puyol, Mascherano and Adriano formed the line of three in defense. Busquets and Thiago shared the double pivot, with Xavi on the right and Iniesta on the left. And in front Alves, Messi and Tello. Far from confusing Real Madrid, this drawing slowed its movements and Barca seemed confused and dazed. The ball was for them, as usual, but was moved with less joy and they lost it with unusual frequency. In that game of mistakes with fifteen minutes on game, Busquets had two ball losses that endangered his team and earned a yellow card.

In Real Madrid, the lineup was the same that started against Bayern Munchen. Mourinho's men pressurised in attack looking for quick steals to counterattack through Di Maria and Ronaldo. They had their first chance four minutes into the game when the Portuguese striker tried to head in an Ozil corner-kick, but Valdes saved the day for the locals. Two minutes later, Alves faced Casillas alone, but the keeper snatched the ball from him with a clean sweep.

Valdes cleared a good Benzema shot on the 10-minute mark and Barcelona started to have more possession but did not have any clear chances. An Ozil corner-kick in the 17th minute resulted in the Whites' first goal: Ronaldo tried to head it in and Valdes failed to clear the ball, which landed at Puyol's feet, but the defender did not manage to clear it either and Khedira snatched it from him to tally the first strike in the match.

Barcelona upped the pace to the game and Real defended more, Xabi Alonso in particular, who gave a solid performance in defence to help Coentrao. Barcelona's best chance came when Messi passed the ball to Xavi, whose shot was slightly, but sufficiently, deflected by Casillas. Guardiola's men began to play a hasty game while still posing little threat thanks to Madrid's good defending.

There were no changes on either side after half-time. Barcelona knew failing to win would practically hand the title over to Real Madrid, who started to relax a little. The locals played touch football in search of a goal and Tello missed the target with a shot on the 57-minute mark. A messy effort in Madrid's box ended with Alexis pushing the ball in the goal and therefore netting the equaliser. The crowd roared, but Real Madrid failed to tremble and Cristiano Ronaldo dribbled past Valdes to net the winner after a spectacular effort just two minutes later.

Ronaldo's strike was a harsh blow to the locals, who failed to react. Mourinho made Granero come on for Di Maria, which helped the team keep possession and move the ball around as they pleased. As the minutes went by Real Madrid looked increasingly confident and became the masters at Camp Nou to the crowd's astonishment.

Summary

Stadium: Camp Nou
Attendance: 99,500
Goals: 0-1, m.17: Khedira. 1-1, m.70: Alexis. 1-2, m.73: Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano and Messi play tomorrow their own Classic

The canyon Cristiano Ronaldo has in his right leg against the devilish dribbling of Messi. Real Madrid and Barcelona will play tomorrow the most important match to win the Spanish League but the world will also attend the particular fight between the two biggest stars on the planet. With over 400 million of estimated audience, what the Portuguese and the Argentinian are going to do, will have weight in the votes for the Golden Ball and also for the Golden Boot, for which they are tied with 41 goals in 'La Liga'.

Cristiano Ronaldo shows his right left after score a goal

Cristiano and Messi are making history. The Real Madrid player collects 53 goals (all competitions) in 49 games. He scored one every 81 minutes. The FC Barcelona player has got 63 goals in 53 games (he also played the European Super Cup and World Club) and scored every 72 minutes. Two pathways of science fiction.

The statistics make it clear that Barcelona's reliance on Messi is superior to White's dependence on Cristiano Ronaldo. Especially in the league. Without the goals of 'The Flea', Barcelona would have 19 points less. Without Cristiano, we would have to subtract to Real Madrid 13 points. Therefore, if we 'eliminate' the two giants, Real Madrid would go to the 10-point lead.

Also, if Cristiano misses the goal, Real Madrid does not suffer as much as FC Barcelona when Messi does not score. The Madrid wins in 61.1% of the games when you his star does not score. If Messi is 'dry', Barca won only 40%. It happened in key games when Messi's team suffered a drain of points: ties against Real Sociedad, Valencia, Sevilla, Villarreal and Espanyol, with defeats against Getafe and Osasuna.

Cristiano Ronaldo offers a good omen for tomorrow because he is almost so reliable out and in the Bernabeu Stadium. Of his 53 goals, 26 were playing away (49%). Messi is less predator as visitor with 20 goals, six fewer than Cristiano. 'The Flea' overwhelms at the Camp Nou, with 66.2% of his targets. FC Barcelona's dependence on Messi is not just goals. Also with 25 assists (the most of the team). Cristiano, very supportive, also has 14 assists.

Kaka and Özil could play together at the Camp Nou

Kaka and Özil together in a match at Santiago Bernabeu

Mourinho looks to surprise at the Camp Nou with Kaka's return to the starting lineup. So the Portuguese would raise the penalty to the Brazilian, who did not play a minute neither against Bayern nor against Sporting. Real Madrid coach did not like the defensive stance of Kaka during the derby against Atletico. Kaka started the game but was replaced in half time.

Mourinho is considering the possibility of starting with Özil and Kaka, a tandem that does not know defeat when they played as starters. The two midfielders have played 12 games together this season with a record of ten wins and two draws. In addition, the formula worked on 25 January in the Spanish Cup semifinal when Real Madrid tied (2-2) and offered an image of superiority against the Barca team. Also, Kaka played one of his best games as Real Madrid player at the Camp Nou with Pellegrini on the bench (1-0).

"We do not lose when Kaka and I are in the starting lineup", said Özil in Kicker. Barcelona is obligated to win three points in this classic to continue putting pressure on Real Madrid in the league. Meanwhile, Guardiola will have to think in the second leg of the Champions League semifinal against Chelsea next Tuesday.

Di Maria will be the victim in this scheme. Mourinho could reserve him for the second half and take advantage of his speed when the fatigue factor goes into the scenary. Coach poses use him as a plunger, as did against Valencia or Sporting, when the white team went into halftime with a tie on the scoreboard.

The Argentine reappeared on March 31 against Osasuna after overcoming his hamstring injury in the proximal portion of the right rectus femoris. Since then he has played 260 minutes, divided in five games (two starts).

Real Madrid 3 - 1 Sporting Gijon (Spanish League Day 34)

Real Madrid suffered to win against Sporting Gijon at the Bernabeu. The visitors defended fiercely, but Ronaldo pulled rank to break the 1-1 draw and help give the team a victory before this week's games with Bayern Munchen and Barcelona.

Many records, poor football

Sahin replaced the suspended Xabi Alonso, and Callejon, Ozil and Marcelo also made the starting lineup. The game lacked pace in the opening minutes and Sporting's heavy defence thwarted Madrid's flow. The visitors even had the first chance through Trejo, who forced Casillas to concede a corner kick by taking advantage of hesitation in defence.

Sporting were awarded a penalty in a counterattack and Cuevas used it to net the opener, forcing Real to make a comeback. The locals dominated and kept possession, but weren't able to have chances on goal until Higuain headed in a phenomenal Ramos cross on the 37-minute mark. Sahin nearly scored a second strike six minutes later, but sendt the ball to the crossbar.

Benzema and Di Maria came on for Callejon and Sahin after half-time looking to speed things up in attack, but Sporting kept up their fierce defending. The necessity of another strike somewhat affected Real Madrid players. Ronaldo missed a free-kick 60 minutes in, and four minutes later hit a post from another shot. Higuain nearly scored from inside the box, but also missed by inches with everything going for him.

The crowd and the players were becoming anxious because a victory was a must, but Ronaldo, yet again, pulled rank by heading in a Di Maria cross on the 73-minute mark. The crowd and players were thrilled with the goal and the Portuguese striker celebrated by kissing the crest on his shirt.

The goal relaxed the locals and broke Sporting's strategy. Canella was sent off with a second booking in the 78th minute and Real continued to dominate. Benzema tallied a third for the team with a crossed shot (37') and the goal also allowed served to equal Real's 1989/90 107 goal record in the championship.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 70,000
Goals: 0-1, min.30, De las Cuevas (pen). 1-1, min.35, Higuaín. 2-1, min.73, Cristiano Ronaldo. 3-1, min.82, Benzema.

Atletico Madrid 1 - 4 Real Madrid (Spanish League Day 33)

Real Madrid had a one point cushion over the runners-up at the start of the derby and enlarged it to four by the end thanks to a stellar performance from Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored a hat-trick and increased his tally in the championship to 40.

Cristiano Ronaldo's league

Coentrao played as left back and Kaka also made the starting lineup in midfield. Ramos was positioned in the centre of defence again after last week's suspension and the match had a tense start worthy of a derby. Atletico pressurised in attack and looked for fast transitions, while Real Madrid tried to have long possessions. Di Maria shot from a distance two minutes in forcing Courtois to make a stretch, and a Falcao shot inside the box hit Coentrao and was sent out by Casillas (9').

Possession became even until Atletico conceded a free-kick and Ronaldo converted it in spectacular fashion (24'). Real became calmer and Atletico continued to pressurise in search of an equaliser.

The Whites used the space the locals left in their half of the pitch to look for more strikes and Benzema missed a header by inches (32'). Courtois conceded a corner kick five minutes later from a Ronaldo shot in the area just before half-time.

Ozil came on for Kaka in the second half and the Madridistas set their own pace to the match but weren't able to seal it. They eventually paid for this with a Falcao header (55') that only spurred them to put a siege on Courtois' goal while the locals tried to pull off counterattacks.

Cristiano Ronaldo pulled rank again and tallied another strike from a powerful shot from outside the box that silenced the stands (68'). This hit Atletico hard and they hardly created danger from then on, but Real did not trust them and continued their search for more goals and found a third through a penalty on Higuain that was converted by Ronaldo. Callejon replaced Di Maria on the 83-minute mark and netted a fourth for his side by finishing off a Ronaldo counterattack.

Summary

Stadium: Vicente Calderon
Attendance: 54,000
Goals: 0-1, m. 24: Cristiano Ronaldo. 1-1, m. 55: Falcao. 1-2, m. 68: Cristiano Ronaldo. 1-3, m. 81: Cristiano Ronaldo (pen). 1-4, m. 87: Callejón.

Real Madrid 0 - 0 Valencia (Spanish League Day 32)

Despite doing their best throughout the encounter Real Madrid were unable to defeat Valencia, partly due to an excellent performance by Guaita and a bad performance from the referee, who failed two award to penalties in favour of the locals. Casillas also made some excellent saves in solid Valencia chances, but the Madridistas were superior overall and, despite the draw, remain leaders in the league.

Cristiano Ronaldo upset after the match

Albiol and Khedira made the starting eleven, the former replacing the suspended Sergio Ramos. Ronaldo, Higuain and Benzema played together once more and created danger for the visitors early on with a turned shot from the Portuguese that missed the mark by inches (3'). Ronaldo forced Guaita to clear a shot four minutes later and Valencia started to react and create danger for Casillas. Ronaldo had the best chance of the first half with a shot inside the box that Guaita saved again (18').

Emery's men could have taken the lead when Ricardo headed the ball to one of the posts (24'), and nine minutes later Casillas miraculously cleared a Piatti shot from inside the area. The match became a tight affair just before half-time.

Di Maria came on for Higuain in the second half and made his mark with an impressive assist in the 46th minute that Cristiano used to pull off a crossed shot inside the box that Guaita cleared with the tip of his fingers. Di Maria deepended the Whites' attack and helped create faster transitions, but Valencia were solid in defence and had dangerous counterattacks that resulted in a spectacular shot by Tino Costa that bounced off the top left corner of Casillas' goal (25').

Real Madrid knew they couldn't afford to drop points at their stadium and went all out for a goal. Di Maria had a double chance in the 60th minute that was thwarted again by Guaita. Four minutes later, Benzema controlled the ball and Victor Ruiz grabbed him and brought him down in the area, but the referee failed to award a penalty. With no goals scored yet, Mourinho decided to replace Khedira with Kaka (71').

Guaita made the most amazing save in the match on the 76-minute mark by clearing an impressive Di Maria strike from outside the box. The crowd, who roared in every local effort, had even started to celebrate a strike. The goalkeeper again frustrated a Benzema double chance a couple of minutes later. Valencia started to take advantage of spaces left by Real Madrid in their search of a goal and forced Casillas to make an impressive save on the goal-line.

Madrid tried to the end and the referee again failed to award a penalty when Ronaldo was clearly grabbed and brought down by Victor Ruiz during a set piece. Di Maria had the last chance in the game, but his weak shot was easily grabbed by Guaita.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 79,000

Osasuna 1 - 5 Real Madrid (Spanish League Day 31)

Real Madrid showed just why they're the leaders in La Liga with an impressive 5-1 victory against Osasuna in Pamplona. Goals were scored by Cristiano Ronaldo (2), Gonzalo HIguain (2) and Karim Benzema, and the team overall gave a fearsome impression.

Benzema scored one of the best goals of Real Madrid this season

Albiol and Granero made the starting lineup and Benzema, Higuain and Ronaldo played together in attack. Real scored their first goal through a Benzema volley through the top corner of the goal seven minutes in. The Frenchman was assisted by Cristiano Ronaldo. Osasuna didn't seem to know how to react to this and hardly approached Casillas' goal, while the Whites continued to dominate and look for a counterattack with which to seal the match.

Cristiano Ronaldo controlled the ball on the 36-minute mark and scored from an impressive 30 meter shot that silenced the stands. It was his 36th strike in La Liga and it helped the Whites control the rest of the match thanks to the locals' weakness. Three minutes later, Granero served a long pass to Higuain and the Argentine easily defeated Andres (39').

With nothing left to lose, Osasuna went all out for a goal after half-time, and found it with a Nino header following a cross by Roversio (47'). Despite newfound confidence, Real Madrid continued playing a solid game and eventually scored again when a Ronaldo free-kick was deflected by Lekic (70').

There was more to come. Cristiano Ronaldo served a great ball to Higuain, who headed it in on the 77-minute mark to tally the team's 100th goal in the championship this season. Coentrao, Varane and Di Maria came on, the latter making his first appearance after a near two month injury.

Summary

Stadium: Reyno de Navarra
Attendance: 18,161
Goals: 0-1, m.7: Benzema. 0-2, m.36: Cristiano Ronaldo. 0-3, m.39: Higuaín. 1-3, m.47: Nino. 1-4, m.70: Cristiano Ronaldo. 1-5, m.77: Higuaín.

Real Madrid 5 - 0 Real Sociedad (Spanish League Day 30)

Real Madrid showered Real Sociedad with goals and cemented their leadership in La Liga with strikes from Cristiano Ronaldo (who's tally with the team ascends to 101), Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain.

Higuain showed the way to a therapeutic victory

Varane and Kaka took the places of the suspended Pepe and Ozil in the starting lineup, and Mourinho opted to use Higuain and Benzema together in attack. Real Sociedad were wary and hardly attacked, while the Madridistas continuously looked to finish them off. Higuain scored a first-touch goal in the opening minutes after receiving a pass from Benzema (6').

Cristiano Ronaldo nearly tallied the second on the 28-minute mark and also two minutes after that, but his finishing touch was only slightly off on both counts. The Portuguese player eventually netted it in the 32nd minute by nutmegging Bravo.

Real Sociedad did what they could to keep the Whites at bay, but a third soon came when a ball cleared by Ramos was masterfully controlled by Benzema and sent to the net with a lobbed shot (40'). The visitors nevertheless managed to net a strike through a Xabi Prieto shot on the box line that went in after hitting Ramos in the head.

Khedira sent the ball to the box in the opening minutes of the second half and Benzema scored over Bravo (49'). Ronaldo netted a fifth a few minutes later when Higuain managed to serve him a ball on the goal-line (56').

The team relaxed a bit from then on and Real Sociedad managed to enter Casillas' box on occasion without posing much of a threat. A Griezmann shot was easily grabbed by the goalkeeper and Mourinho decided to make Sahin and Coentrao come on for Khedira and Benzema. The Portuguese player came close to tallying a sixth for the team, missing the target only by inches.

Youth teamer Jese replaced Ronaldo on the 80-minute mark and a couple of minutes later Varane's chance to score was cleared between the posts by a defender. The match started to die down in the final minutes with the Whites starting to concentrate on Tuesday's UCL match against APOEL.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance:
Goals: 1-0, m.6: Higuaín. 2-0, m.32: Cristiano. 3-0, m.40: Benzema; 3-1, m.41: Xabi Prieto; 4-1, m.49: Benzema; 5-1, m.56: Cristiano.

Villarreal 1 - 1 Real Madrid (Spanish League Day 29)

Real Madrid were only able to take one point from the match against Villarreal, during which referee Paradas Romero sent off Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, fitness trainer Rui Faria and players Sergio Ramos and Mesut Ozil. The Whites took the lead with an amazing goal from Cristiano Ronaldo and conceded an equaliser in the final minutes of the encounter in a set piece that followed a dubious foul. Real Madrid are nevertheless leaders in La Liga with a six point lead.

The referee unsettled Real Madrid and Villarreal got the tie

Arbeloa played as right back and Lass in the centre of defence, leaving Kaka off the starting lineup. Villarreal pressurised at the start looking to net the opener, which was nonetheless nearly scored by Pepe from a header cleared by Zapata on the goal-line (9'). Nilmar had the clearest chance for the locals nine minutes later and forced Casillas to save the day with a stretch.

Real weren't dominating the encounter but created danger from set pieces and Pepe nearly netted a header on the 34-minute mark. Mourinho replaced Lass with Callejon in the 28th minute because he had a booking. Benzema took a shot with hardly an angle just before half-time and hit the outside of the net (42').

Altintop came on for Callejon in the second half due to the latter's injury following a late challenge by Bruno that the referee failed to see. Real Madrid started to dominate the encounter and looked for a goal, while the referee seemed more focused on their coaching area and eventually sent off fitness trainer Rui Faria (49'). Khedira missed the goal with a shot from outside the box in the 53rd minute that was followed by a Xabi Alonso free-kick that grazed the crossbar.

The Whites tallied their strike a few minutes later when Cristiano Ronaldo dribbled past goalkeeper Diego Lopez inside the box after receiving a spectacular heel pass from Ozil (61'). Villarreal suffered a blow and hardly entered Casillas' goal, and Khedira had a chance to seal the match with a shot that was cleared by Bruno between the posts (63').

Higuain came on for Benzema in the 76th minute and Villarreal looked for a goal of their own spurred by their fans. Altintop made a dubious foul outside Madrid's box on the 83-minute mark and the referee called it following his linesman's advice, even though he was just two meters away from the effort. Senna netted the equaliser from the ensuing free-kick and the referee, who always kept an eye on Real Madrid's bench area, then sent off Jose Mourinho.

Sergio Ramos saw a second yellow card in the 84th minute and Ozil was also sent off because, according to the referee in his report, he "scoffed the previous decision by applauding." Real madrid were down to nine men and didn't have time to react. Referee Paradas Romero was the unfortunate star of the encounter and made the players livid with his behaviour.

This match is over now and the Whites are still leaders with a six point cushion; they must now start preparing for Saturday's clash with Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Summary

Stadium: El Madrigal
Attendance: 20,000
Goals: 0-1, m.61: Cristiano Ronaldo. 1-1, m.83: Marcos Senna.

Real Madrid 1 - 1 Malaga (Spanish League Day 28)

Football was unfair with Real Madrid. Jose Mourinho's team deserved a victory against Malaga, who drew the score in injury time. Nevertheless, an eight point lead over the runners-up this far in the season is very solid.

Benzema's goal was not enough

Lass played as right back and Benzema started as centre forward. Malaga played brave tactics at the Bernabeu, moving the ball well and preventing Real Madrid from showcasing their full potential. They had the first chance through Rondon, but Casillas saved the day. Isco missed the target with a crossed shot on the 14-minute mark and from then on Mourinho's men started to dominate the match, with Benzema coming close to netting the opener in the 27th minute.

The French striker scored a few minutes later by heading in a Ronaldo cross (35'). Malaga continued to keep possession, but were less of a threat on the local goal.

The visitors lost speed after half-time and Madrid played a more solid game. They had more chances to score and Caballero made an impressive save of a curved Ronaldo shot a few minutes into the half.

Callejon came on for Kaka on the 66-minute mark and nearly scored a header two minutes later. Then, Ozil pulled off a spectacular effort that Benzema failed to finish off with everything going for him. Real Madrid were not able to kill the beast and gave Malaga wings to make a comeback.

Controversy took centre stage close to the end when the referee failed to award a penalty when Marcelo was clearly challenged inside the box (85'). Mourinho made Granero and Higuain come on and Mathijsen was then forced to clear a Callejon chance (89'). Cazorla managed to score the equaliser with a solid shot in injury time (91'), making Madrid drop two points in the game.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 75,000
Goals: 1-0, m.35: Benzema. 1-1, m.91: Cazorla

Betis 2 - 3 Real Madrid (Spanish League Day 27)

Real Madrid earned a record tenth straight victory on the road in La Liga by defeating Betis 3-2 tonight with goals by Ronaldo (2) and Higuain. The Whites suffered and were forced to turn the score around.

Ramos hugs Mourinho after a very difficult match

Pepe made the lineup after being suspended in last week's match. Ozil, Kaka, Ronaldo and Higuain led the attack, but the locals put pressure up front and soon scored the opener through Jorge Molina.

Both teams played an offensive game and reached each other's boxes frequently , with Higuain netting the equaliser after receiving a fantastic long pass from Ozil (24’). Betis started to play a more defensive game and the Whites begand to dominate the encounter. Higuain and Ronaldo had two great chances to take the lead but the score was still drawn by half-time.

Referee Iturralde Gonzalez injured himself in the first half and was replaced by his fourth assistant after half-time. Both teams tried hard for a goal and Madrid took the lead through Ronaldo, whose shot following a Marcelo pass bounced off the ground and defeated the keeper (52'). Betis reacted quickly and Jefferson Montero netted an equaliser two minutes later, forcing Mourinho's men to make a comeback.

Marcelo nearly scored the winner on the 60-minute mark, but his shot was cleared by the keeper. The match became very intense with both sides looking to score a third, and a Ramos header from a corner-kick was saved by the goalie only to land at Ronaldo's feet, who netted the winner for the Whites (72').

Real had more possession from then on, but both sides kind of deflated due to the great effort they had made throughout the encounter. Granero and Callejon came on for Kaka and Higuain, and Cristiano had another chance to score but Fabricio cleared the shot once again. Benzema came on for Ozil in the final minutes and nothing much followed.

Summary

Stadium: Benito Villamarin
Attendance: 37,500
Goals: 1-0, M.10: Jorge Molina. 1-1, M.24: Higuaín. 1-2, M.52: Cristiano Ronaldo. 2-2, M.54: Jefferson Montero. 2-3, M.72: Cristiano Ronaldo.

Real Madrid 5 - 0 Espanyol (Spanish League Day 26)

Real Madrid have scored 85 goals in 24 league games thanks to the five netted against Espanyol tonight, which also gave them a tenth straight victory in the championship. The Whites were superior throughout the encounter and thrilled their fans with an electrifying shower of goals at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid have scored 85 goals in 24 League games

Carvalho came on for the suspended Pepe and Real Madrid didn't have such an intense start to the match as usual, but Espanyol seemed weary and hardly managed to give two consecutive passes. Mourinho's men completely controlled the match and soon started to have chances. The first was a Ronaldo shot that grazed one of the posts (11'), followed by one by Kaka inside the box that was cleared by goalkeeper Casilla (19').

Real scored the opener two minutes later when Ozil stole the ball as Espanyol's defence had made a mess of a clearance, passed it to Higuain and the Argentine then left it for Ronaldo to nutmeg Casilla (21').

The goal spurred Real Madrid and an excellent combination between Ozil and Khedira ended in a strike by the latter that gave the locals a comfortable lead (38'). Higuain and Ronaldo nearly scored some more before half-time but were unlucky.

The second half couldn't have had a better start: Kaka entered the box after a long run and served a perfect assist for Higuain to tally the third. Espanyol completely deflated and Mourinho benched Carvalho, who already had one booking. Varane came on and Real continued to dominate the match. Casilla cleared another Ronaldo shot and the Portuguese striker later crossed the ball into the box, where it was picked up by Kaka and sent into the goal when the defence made a mess of its attempt to clear it (65').

Callejon came on for Ozil one minute later amidst exultant celebration in the stands. In the final minutes, Cristiano Ronaldo passed the ball to Morata looking to help him score, but Casilla sent the youth teamer's shot to corner (87').

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 77,000
Goals: 1-0, min. 23: Cristiano Ronaldo; 2-0, min. 38: Khedira. 3-0, min. 47: Higuaín. 4-0, min. 66: Kaká. 5-0, min. 78: Higuaín.

Rayo Vallecano 0 - 1 Real Madrid (Spanish League Day 25)

Real Madrid suffered to take three points in Vallecas against Rayo, who always fought hard and proved to be a worthy opponent. A brilliant heel shot goal by Cristiano Ronaldo gave the team a victory that could very well prove to be key in the outcome of the championship.

Cristiano Ronaldo beat Rayo Vallecano with a superb goal

Kaka, Marcelo and Higuain made Mourinho's starting lineup and the game had an intense start, with both sides looking for their strikers with long passes. Rayo were very motivated and complicated things for Real in set pieces. Mourinho's men didn't have possession as much as they're used to and weren't able to play their usual football, but they had the first chance to score nonetheless through Higuain, who was unable to dribble past Joel (17'). Ronaldo also tried seven minutes later with a distance shot that missed the mark, while Diego Costa proved threatening and a pain for Real's centre backs, and Piti sent the ball to one of the posts close to half-time (38').

Both sides continued to use long passes in the second half and the Whites soon scored from an Ozil corner-kick that was amazingly finished off by Ronaldo with a heel shot with his back to goal (54'). The locals suffered from this and the Madridistas started to dominate the encounter, with Mourinho looking to dominate more in midfield by replacing Kaka with Coentrao (60').

Rayo brought their lines further forward in pursuit of a goal, leaving spaces for Real Madrid to counterattack in. Higuain nearly tallied another strike in a one-on-one with Joel, but the keeper won the day. Michu sent the ball off target as he faced Casillas alone (72'), and the goalie was forced to make an amazing save a couple of minutes later to clear a spectacular distance shot by Casado (74'). Callejon came on for Higuian one minute later.

The locals put more pressure on the Madridistas, who suffered and kept counterattacking on occasion. Callejon missed the goal on the 81-minute mark and the final minutes became crazy, with either looking the winning part. The locals had an amazing chance in the 90th minute when Armenteros found himself alone facing Real's goal, but he missed the ball. Ronaldo nearly finished the match in the ensuing counterattack, but the ball went over the crossbar. Moments later, when Rayo were besieging Real's goal, the ref ended the match.

Summary

Stadium: Estadio de Vallecas
Attendance: 12,400
Goals: 0-1, m.54: Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid 4 - 0 Racing (Spanish League Day 24)

Real Madrid earned an efficient 4-0 win over Racing Santander at the Bernabeu that keeps them comfortably in the lead on the league table. Di Maria played his first game following his injury, gave a brilliant performance and netted one goal. Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema (2) also scored.

Di Maria played his first game following his injury

Varane, Marcelo and Kaka made the lineup. The team looked to resolve the match quickly and Ronaldo had the first chance only four minutes into the game. Kaka shot on target two minutes later, forcing goalkeeper Toño to clear the ball towards him again. The midfielder then headed it towards Ronaldo, who sent it into the net with a hedaer of his own. Real slowed down after the goal, but Racing continued to wait for them close to their box.

Benzema had a double shot in the 26th minute that Toño managed to clear on both counts. A few minutes later, Cisma was sent off with a double booking (38'), which inspired Madrid to speed things up. Marcelo and Benzema came close to scoring goals, but Toño saved the day again. The French striker tallied the second for his team in injury time with a subtle shot.

Real Madrid dominated the game completely after half-time. Kaka nearly netted a third from a shot that was marginally off target (47') and Racing started to attack more through Acosta and Babacar without posing much of a threat. Mourinho made Di Maria come on for Ozil amidst a standing ovation (62') and the change was soon followed by Khedira coming on for Granero (70').

The match lacked thrills for a while until Di Maria scored an amazing goal from a distance on the 72-minute mark. The Bernabeu roared in celebration and Mourinho decided to make Carvalho come on for Pepe, who also received a standing ovation.

Ronaldo nearly scored from a beautiful combined effort with Benzema, who eventually tallied the fourth from inside the box after the ball was deflected by Bernardo.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 76,000
Goals: 1-0 m.6: Ronaldo; 2-0 m.45: Benzema; 3-0 m.72: Di María; 4-0 m.90: Benzema.

Real Madrid 4 - 2 Levante (Spanish League Day 23)

Cristiano Ronaldo used all his weaponry tonight against Levante, tallying a hat-trick that, with another Benzema strike, gave Real Madrid a victory that keeps them ten points ahead from Barcelona on the league table.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored six hat-tricks this season

Granero and Higuain made the starting lineup, but the Whites conceded a Cabral header following a free-kick by Farinos on the 4-minute mark. Mourinho's men had to try to turn the score around and Higuain ended up hitting a post just a few minutes later (11'). Munua was forced to make a solid save by a spectacular Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick and Real Madrid continued having many opportunities to score. Levante's goalkeeper kept them at bay, making impressive saves again in the 25th and 37th minutes.

An aerial play that initially seemed inconsequential became decisive when Iborra concentrated more on pushing Higuain than on clearing the ball and ended up hitting it with his hands in the box. The penalty was taken and converted by Ronaldo just before half-time.

Real looked to finish things off quickly in the second half and Ronaldo scored again by heading in a great Higuain assist. The Portuguese striker wanted more and ended up tallying another with an amazing 23 metre shot, one of his best since he arrived in Spain. This spectacular goal made the crowd go wild and sing his name, while the player went straight to the coaching area to hug Mourinho and celebrate it with the rest of the bench.

Levante never gave up and, despite being down to ten men, tallied a second strike through a Kone header. Benzema pulled rank and enlarged the cushion with an impressive crossed shot from inside the box.

Callejon, Khedira and Kaka came on for Higuain, Granero and Ozil, and Real continued looking for more goals: Ozil hit the post in the 69th minute and Ronaldo came close to netting a free-kick in the final minutes.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 67,000
Goals: 0-1, m.4: Cabral. 1-1, m.44: Cristiano Ronaldo (pen). 2-1, m.50: Cristiano Ronaldo. 3-1, m.57: Cristiano Ronaldo. 3-2, m.63: Koné. 4-2, m.66: Benzema.

Getafe 0 - 1 Real Madrid (Spanish League Day 22)

Real Madrid took three very important points at Getafe's Coliseum thanks to giving an efficient performance in which Sergio Ramos scored a header. The match was marked by an intense cold that marred spectacle, but Real had chances to score more goals, while Getafe hardly ventured close to Casillas' goal.

Real Madrid don't stop

Sergio Ramos made the starting lineup after being suspended in last week's match. Lass also made the cut taking Granero's spot in midfield. Mourinho's men controlled the match from the start with Getafe waiting in their half of the pitch. The Whites didn't have too many chances to score in the opening minutes, but they netted their only strike through Ramos, who heahed in an Ozil corner-kick on the 17-minute mark.

Getafe stayed back and didn't change their game one bit, while the Madridistas controlled the match without much effort. Kaka nearly scored a few minutes later, but his shot on the penalty spot went over the crossbar (26'). Moya cleared a Ronaldo free-kick in the 37th minute, while Getafe's only dengerous effort came from a set piece header from Miku (37').

The locals still didn't create much danger after half-time. Moya made another save of a Benzema shot on the 61-minute mark and was proving to be his team's best player. Mourinho then made Callejon and Higuain come on for Kaka and Benzema, and the Argentine had a good chance but Moya saved the day yet again. Getafe started attacking more and left spaces Real used to counterattack. Casillas nevertheless had nothing to do because the locals still lacked danger in attack and Masilela was injured in the 72nd minute, when they had already used all their substitutions.

Granero came on for Ozil in the final minutes and Real kept attacking. A Ronaldo goal was justly disallowed for being offside in the 89th minute and nothing much happened in the game after that.

Summary

Stadium: Alfonso Perez
Attendance: 18,000
Goal:0-1, m.18: Sergio Ramos.

Real Madrid 3 - 1 Zaragoza (Spanish League Day 21)

Real Madrid began their run in the return leg of La Liga after their brilliant performance against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey. Zaragoza visited the Bernabeu and netted the opener due to mild relaxation from the Whites, but Cristiano Ronaldo and company made the team turn the score around with their excellent goal scoring skills.

Özil and Granero managed the comeback

Altintop, Benzema, Marcelo, Granero and Carvalho made the starting lineup. Zaragoza waited in their half of the pitch for a chance to counterattack while Real Madrid played a slower game than they are accustomed to. Benzema had a chance to score the first strike of the evening from a header that was off target (6') and the visitors netted the opener four minutes later through Lafita, who scored inside the box after being assisted by Aranda.

Kaka became the most active local player in the first half and scored the equaliser from his third chance after receiving a pass from Carvalho (31'). Zaragoza never reached Casillas' goal again in the remainder of the first 45 minutes.

Real upped their pace after half-time and Ronaldo tallied a second inside the box after receiving a formidable assist by Ozil (49'). Looking for a third, the German midfielder surprised Roberto with an amazing shot in the area and gave his team a comfortable lead (56').

Lass came on for Alonso on the 60-minute mark and Kaka received a standing ovation when he was replaced by Callejon six minutes later. Zaragoza had one more chance when Postiga had a clear shot, but Casillas saved the day (71').

Higuain came on for Benzema one minute after that and Real started playing a less intense game, which allowed Zaragoza to have more possesion though without posing much of a threat. Mourinho's men looked for a counterattack to seal the match and Marcelo ended up injuring himself. With no substitutions left, the coach positioned him in midfield and used Callejon as a left back.

The Whites were basically one man down in the final minutes of the match, but they didn't suffer and kept their lead to remain table toppers in La Liga.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 67,000
Goals: 0-1, m.10: Lafita. 1-1, m.31: Kaká. 2-1, m.49: Cristiano Ronaldo. 3-1, m.56: Özil.