Real Madrid Takes Advantage Of Barcelona’s Slip
Real Madrid has stretched lead to 4 points ahead of fierce rivals Barcelona after a commanding performance away to Elche. Real’s number 7, Cristiano Ronaldo, once again broke another record becoming the joint third highest scorer in Real Madrid’s history on Sunday night with his 290th goal for the club in a 2-0 win over Elche.
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Karim Benzema also scored to ensure that Real Madrid assert their dominance in La Liga. Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti, celebrated his 100th game in charge of Real was impressed with his players attitude throughout his landmark game.
“It was an important game because of what happened to Barça; we had the chance to open up a good lead, and we did it very well, with a lot of concentration both in attack and defence, real quality football. We played very, very well, and with this attitude we’ll win lots of games. The team understood perfectly that it was a very important match. We are getting better bit by bit, our fitness levels are improving and we have to keep going.”
5 – Cristiano has scored more headed goals in La Liga this season than any other player. Ram pic.twitter.com/WousEx45up
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 22, 2015
However, the Madrid boss is still not convinced that his team has wrapped up the league just yet.
“Obviously we were very surprised as Barcelona had been having a very good run, playing especially well. We have the advantage, but the league title will be decided in the very last match”.
The win comes after Barcelona disappointing lost to Malaga at the Nou Camp. Barcelona had put together an impressive string of results to reel Real Madrid back within grasp however, this weekend’s result means that champions Real will go into the gameweek on top of the league table regardless of the result.
0 – For the fifth in La Liga this term Messi has not made any shot on target (two of them vs Malaga). Unable pic.twitter.com/b8x29g53Sn
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 21, 2015
Barcelona will hoping to return to form against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday at the Etihad Stadium. Barcelona will be wary of the English champion after their comprehensive victory against Newcastle however, Barcelona can look back to last season’s result at the Etihad for inspiration.
Real Madrid will welcome Barcelona’s commitment in Europe as the Spanish champions will be hosting Man City just four days before the next installation of El Clasico. Regardless, Real Madrid will be contented with the return to form especially for Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
(Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
