It seems as though Real Madrid has recaptured its peak form with a 2-0 victory against Rayo Vallecano at the Estadio de Vallecas overnight.
The result still leaves the Los Blancos four points behind league leaders and rivals Barcelona, following their 4-0 thrashing of Almeria in the midweek fixtures.
However, it was not all smooth sailing for the visitors, whom were fortunate to remain level with their opposition at half-time. Rayo were dominant in the first-half, with Los Galacticos having goal keeper Iker Casillas to thank for the 0-0 score line.
Yet it was a rejuvenated Real squad that took the match to the home side and controlled proceedings after the restart.
Star Welshman Gareth Bale’s header narrowly missed the goal, while Portuguese superstar Ronaldo had a clear penalty overlooked. It was not long after that the 30-year-old forward put the visitors in the lead with a trademark header.
Columbian international James Rodriguez sealed the victory for Los Blancos via a beautifully curled ball.
Ronaldo once again
It would not be a Madrid victory without at least one record being broken or milestone being reached by the Portuguese star. Indeed, Ronaldo has once again stunned the world with his capabilities as he scored his 300th goal for the club.
They include 214 domestic goals, 60 in the UEFA Champions League and 21 in the Copa del Rey, as well as three in the Supercopa de España and two in the European Super cup. His strike against Rayo leaves the star only two goals away from a fifth consecutive 50 goal season.
Ronaldo is the third highest goal scorer in the club’s long history of success, with only Alfredo Di Stefano (308) and former captain Raul Gonzalez (323) topping the Portuguese’s goal tally. There can be no doubt that his awareness and goal scoring abilities has made the super star a household name and a figure whose finesse and skill is adored and applauded by fans the world over.
Despite his one match ban for diving, he will continue to improve and terrorise defences and goal keepers alike.
The Real talisman is not going anywhere any time soon.
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Can Real usurp their Catalan rivals?
Will the Los Blancos retain top position?
Such has been the question for several weeks considering the form of the two sides. Critics have been split on the answer as the business end of the season approaches.
However, former Juventus player and now director, Pavel Nedved, believes Barcelona is one of the best teams in Europe alongside Bundesliga side, Bayern Munich.
The Czech international is adamant the Los Blancos are a different team this season.
“Real Madrid are not at the level of last year,” he told Spanish publication El Mundo Deportivo.
“But everything can change very quickly.”
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While four points still separate the two sides, coach Carlo Ancelotti is adamant his team can has the skills to improve and reclaim the top position.
“I have an untouchable team and I am convinced that I have under me the best team in the world,” he told the press prior to the Rayo fixture.
“For this reason I am so confident that the end of the season is going to turn out well.”
Last season the league leaders were atop the table by the same margin which, was enough to maintain the distance from the other sides. However, time is running out for Real Madrid to make up the points needed to reclaim the La Liga title.
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