Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Real Madrid 3, Deportivo La Coruna 1

Just days after being publically reprimanded by the club for being unexcusedly tardy in his return to the squad, Robinho put on a galactic display at the Santiago Bernabeu, and Real Madrid posted a 3-1 victory over Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday.

It was a stunning first few minutes as Depor opened the scoring on a goal by Xisco in just the second minute. But ever the reliable goal-scorer, Ruud notched the equalizer just four minutes later on a penalty. The next 70 minutes were a mix of yellow cards and close chances for both sides, and it wasn't until Schuster had made enough substitutions to put out the 11 that beat Olympiacos last Wednesday that Los Merengues began to click. By the 70th minute, Madrid were dominating, Robinho having already rocketed a shot off the crossbar.

There were three yellow-cards in a span of four minutes before Raul was able to poke the ball across the line after a pass from the Dutchman Van Nistelrooy. And just 5 minutes later, Robinho put the game out of reach at 3-1 with a dazzling display of artistry in overtaking the keeper.

Madrid now look to Valencia on the weekend at the Mestalla, where they have not lost in 3 straight matches. Valencia are also coming off the recent firing of their manager, Quique Sanchez, so their performance could be negatively effected by the statement of the front office.

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