"1-2:Ronaldo Hero over Valencia"



Ronaldo became the heroe of the evening on Valencia’s ground. His two targets made it possible for Real to clinch to the top of the table. The Brazilian striker has scored 26 goals so far this season, fulfilling his promise from last September. Del Bosque’s boys showed all their authority during the second half of the game. Hierro was a last-minute absence and Pavón had to take over from him. Guti was cautioned so he will be out of the next match against Celta, which tonight beat Deportivo dragging them away from the top positions. Real Madrid is temporarily at the top of the standings pending Real Sociedad’s result in Málaga.



The first half did not leave either side a second to breathe. Both of them played with the highest intensity, especially in the midfield, which provoked many turnovers and counterattacks. This is how Ronaldo’s first chance was brought about. Valencia faced up to the challenge trying hard to get past Flavio and Guti. Aimar stepped up with the support from his teammates Vicente and Fabio Aurelio. The Argentinean player made some dangerous moves between lines, especially when he got a link to Baraja.

The home crowd was not happy about the visitor’s clear authority on the pitch. The lethal stroke could happen any moment. The local side went a bit flat after all the effort they had made in the first half. Figo sent a long-range pass to Figo, who got around Cañizares to make it 1-2 (65’).

Guti, Zidane, Figo and Raúl took control of the game making it hard for the home side to get hold of the ball. Roberto Carlos had the chance to secure the win, but his shot went wide ten minutes from time. The local coach replaced Pellegrino with Mista and Cambiasso came on for Figo. The three points have put Real at the top of the standings pending Real Sociedad’s result. Celta will be the next meeting for the Whites.

THE MATCH
1 – VALENCIA: Cañizares; Pellegrino (Mista 83´), Djukic, Ayala, Carboni (Kily González 68´); Fabio Aurelio, Baraja, Marchena, Vicente (Rufete 59´); Aimar and Carew.
2 – REAL MADRID: Casillas; Míchel Salgado, Roberto Carlos, Pavón, Helguera; Flavio, Guti, Figo (Cambiasso 83´) y Zidane; Raúl (Solari 90´) and Ronaldo (Morientes 87´).
GOALS:
0-1, min. 25: Ronaldo, heads into the net from a centre shot by Figo.
1-1, min. 32: Fabio Aurelio, receives from Aimar and beats Casillas with a cross shot.
1-2, min. 65: Ronaldo gets Figo’s pass under control in an amazing way, dribbles Cañizares and scores nice and easy.
REFEREE: Pino Zamorano, Castilla-La Macha Referees Association. He cautioned Marchena (41´), Carboni (44´), Guti (62´), Ayala (80´)
OTHER FACTS: Liga Matchday 35. Mestalla Stadium, full. Real Madrid worn its third kit (purple) for a second time this season.

Photos: Ángel Martínez