Two goals from Gonzalo Higuain and a header from substitute Eziquiel Garay gave Real Madrid a hard-fought win in Valencia's Mestalla Stadium. Real Madrid's triumph has all the more value as it was achieved without either of their summer signings Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka. Ronaldo was suspended, while Kaka is struggling with a groin injury.
Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain (L) shoots to score past Valencia's David Albelda during their Spanish first division soccer match at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia December 12, 2009.
The first half began as a tense affair with both sides taking precautions in defense and midfield, but began to open up as the half progressed. Madrid was close to opening the scoring in the 44th minute when Sergio Ramos headed against the post and Higuain failed to make contact with the rebound.
In the following move Pepe had to be carried off the pitch after a bad collision with Valencia striker David Villa. The Madrid defender looked to have damaged his knee and was replaced by Eziquiel Garay.
Madrid opened the scoring after 54 minutes after a brilliant piece of work from Karim Benzema. The Frenchman beat Valencia right back Bruno and crossed for Higuain to head home.
The provoked an immediate response from Valencia and David Navarro should have scored from a corner, but the defender headed over from close range.
Villa didn't miss however, after 60 minutes. The top scorer in Spain headed home a cross for the left to net his 12th goal of the season.
Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain celebrates after he scored against Valencia during their Spanish first division soccer match at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia December 12, 2009.
Higuain scored his second following a magnificent pass from Marcelo after 65 minutes. That goal caused Valencia coach Unai Emery to bring on Joaquin and Nicola Zigic as substitutes and with 10 minutes remaining Joaquin repaid his coach's faith.
Once again the ball came over from the left and Joaquin smashed the ball home from just inside the Madrid area.
Just a minute later Garay got his head to a diagonal free kick taken by Xabi Alonso and somehow directed it into the corner of the Valencia net to put Madrid back in front in what was turning into a fascinating second half.
The win keeps Madrid five points behind league leaders FC Barcelona with a game in hand.
体坛英语资讯:Inzaghi treble fires Milan to joint second
体坛英语资讯:Nadal to meet Murray in semifinals at Monte Carlo
体坛英语资讯:S Africas Wolmarans reaches quarterfinals at ATP Soweto Open
体坛英语资讯:Nadal meets Djokovic in Monte Carlo final
体坛英语资讯:Jiao Liuyang sweeps 3 butterfly titles with 2 Asian records
体坛英语资讯:Higuain believes Barcelona can win treble
体坛英语资讯:American cyclist Zwizanskiy wins Tour of Uruguay
体坛英语资讯:Spains Nadal wins fifth consecutive Monte Carlo tennis Cup
体坛英语资讯:Robinho cleared of rape charges
体坛英语资讯:Jordon heads Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of fame, 2009
体坛英语资讯:Robles plans 110m hurdles record at Czech Golden Spike again
体坛英语资讯:Barcelona, Real Madrid both win again in Spains Primera Liga
体坛英语资讯:Chelsea overcome Arsenal to reach FA Cup final
体坛英语资讯:Barcelona hammers Sevilla to hand perfect repost to Real Madrid
体坛英语资讯:Chinese player tries luck in Argentine soccer club
体坛英语资讯:Hertha, Hamburg edge rivals to stay in Bundesliga title race
体坛英语资讯:Brazilian beach volleyball star Pires ends career on high note
体坛英语资讯:Ecuadorian footballer tests positive for marijuana
体坛英语资讯:Higgins down Murphy to win snooker worlds
体坛英语资讯:Australias rugby player Mackay succumbs in hospital
体坛英语资讯:Spaniard Blanco beats 50m butterfly world record
体坛英语资讯:Bayern out of Champions League
体坛英语资讯:Real Madrid win controversial epic against Getafe
体坛英语资讯:Los Angeles Angles pitcher killed in car crash
体坛英语资讯:Hamburg suffers setback in title competition
体坛英语资讯:Haan resigns as Albania coach
体坛英语资讯:Ding wins thriller in snooker worlds
体坛英语资讯:S. Williams upset in opening round of Andalucia Tennis Championships
体坛英语资讯:Serena Williams out of Rome Masters
体坛英语资讯:AC Milan wins friendly match against Hungarys league selection