Madrid pump half a dozen goals in comprehensive 6-2 la liga win over Villarreal
Madrid pump half a dozen goals in comprehensive 6-2 la liga win over Villarreal
A Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Real Madrid answered their critics following the midweek Champions League defeat at Lyon and eased some of the pressure on coach Manuel Pellegrini with a thumping 6-2 victory over Villarreal last night.
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Real Madrid stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka (right) celebrate a goal against Villarreal during their La Liga clash in Madrid yesterday. Real won 6-2. Pic/AFP |
Gonzalo Higuain and Kaka both netted braces but it was Ronaldo who caused all the damage with arguably his best display of the season to help Madrid bounce back from their poor showing in France and trim the gap to Primera Division leaders Barcelona back to two points.
The former Manchester United star netted a trademark free-kick with a Xabi Alonso penalty completing the rout.
Atletico Madrid were brought back down to earth as they were beaten 1-0 at struggling Almeria.
A week after outclassing Barcelona to inflict a first defeat of the season on the champions, Atletico could not find a way past Almeria keeper Diego Alves, who, along with opposite number Sergio Asenjo, kept the game scoreless in the first half.
Both sides hit the woodwork in the second period but the deadlock was finally broken three minutes from time by the industrious Pablo Piatti.
Malaga boosted their hopes of survival thanks to a narrow 2-1 win over Espanyol as the Catalans' miserable away form continued at La Rosaleda.
Fernando Fernandez gave the Andalusians the lead after 13 minutes, and although Victor Ruiz equalised shortly before half-time, the home side sealed a second consecutive victory thanks to Victor Obinna's winner a quarter of an hour from time.
Juan Ramon Lopez Muniz's side were reduced to 10 men late on, when Jesus Gamez was sent off for a nasty tackle on Raul Baena.
