Real Madrid 4 - 1 Betis (Spanish League Day 8)

Higuain left for Argentina after scoring a hat-trick against Espanyol. He tallied another against Chile and tonight did so again against Betis. The Argentinean striker is on a roll; his back problems are clearly in the past now.

Higuain scored a hat-trick against Betis

Pepe returned to the starting lineup today. Higuain was a starter again, flanked by Kaka, Ozil and Cristiano in attack. Betis proved not to be afraid of their hosts and put Casillas to the test in the opening 15 minutes. The keeper had to clear a dangerous shot by Ruben Castro (11'). Real gradually started to take control and chances on goal soon followed. Ronaldo narrowly missed a header following a cross from Higuain (21') and two minutes later keeper Casto managed to grab the ball when the Portuguese failed to control a pass by Alonso. Kaka shot on target from inside the box on the 43-minute mark, but the ball missed the top corner of the goal by inches.

The second half had a great start for the Whites. Marcelo served a long pass to Ronaldo, who overtook Chica and assisted Higuain in the team's first goal. Betis suffered a harsh blow and Real capitalised on it. Cristiano entered the box again and assisted Kaka, who scored from an amazing curved shot (56'). The Brazilian was substituted one minute later by Di Maria; he was congratulated by Mourinho and looked immensely happy.

Betis kept trying for a goal and Molina eventually found one in the 68th minute as he took advantage of a clearance. Real Madrid didn't shrink and kept attacking without experiencing much trouble. Di Maria eventually served a long pass to Higuain, who defeated Casto easily and tallied his second goal of the evening. The Whites' efficiency on goal forced Betis to simply give up.

Higuain was yet to score another strike from an amazing effort. Receiving a long pass again from Di Maria, the Argentine controlled the ball beautifully and netted a lobbed shot (72'). Mourinho then allowed Cristiano to rest, making him come off for Altintop. Real therefore impressively won the first of five games they are set to play in the next 15 days.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 83,000
Goals. 1-0, m. 46: Higuain. 2-0, m. 56: Kaká. 2-1, m. 68: Jorge Molina. 3-1, m. 70: Higuain. 4-1, m. 72: Higuain.

Espanyol 0 - 4 Real Madrid (Spanish League Day 7)

Higuain is back. The Argentinean went through a rough time after his back surgery last season, but tonight he proved to be in top form with a hat-trick against Espanyol. Real Madrid earned their third victory this week with an impressive 13 goal tally.

Higuain was the start of the game

Albiol, Lass and Higian made the starting lineup covering the absences of Pepe, Carvalho and Benzema. Ramos teamed up with Albiol in the centre of defence and Arbeloa was assigned right back duties. Cristiano Ronaldo had a chance to score two minutes into the game from outside the box, but goalkeeper Cristian cleared the ball with danger for his side, sending it to one of the posts. Espanyol looked to get rid of the Whites' pressure with long passes from Thievy, and Romaric nearly scored on the 15-minute mark with an attempt from midfield. Mourinho's men responded one minute later with a Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Higuain connection finished off by the Argentine in a one-on-one against keeper Cristian.

The game opened up for Real Madrid, who used this to make fast counterattacks and capitalise on the speed of their strikers. Espanyol decided to put pressure on the Madridistas closer to midfield and had more chances on goal that were all cleared by Casillas.

The locals pressurised hard after half-time; they posed no threat close ot goal, but forced many turnovers from Mourinho's side. Nevertheless, a long pass by Arbeloa in the 66th minute was picked up and pushed into the net by Higuain, who thus practically sealed the match. Mourinho made Khedira come on for Lass (70'), as the French midfielder had been booked and the coach wanted to avoid taking risks.

Callejon replaced Ozil six minutes later and was received with an ovation by his former crowd. Espanyol kept looking for a goal, which forced them to leave open spaces that Real Madrid used in counterattacks. Ronaldo had a chance to score a third for the team on the 78-minute mark, but his shot wasn't on target.

A great and very selfless assist inside the box from the Portuguese striker allowed Callejon to score the third (82'). Granero then came on for Kaka (83') and, when the game was practically over, a defensive mistake by the locals gave the ball to Higuain and the Argentine defeated Cristian again with a skilful soft touch on the ball.

Summary

Stadium: Cornella-El Prat
Attendance: 34,423
Goals: 0-1, min.15: Higuain; 0-2, min.66: Higuain; 0-3, min.82: Callejon; 0-4, min.89: Higuain.

Real Madrid 6 - 2 Rayo Vallecano (Spanish League Day 6)

Real Madrid overcame adversity. Despite conceding a goal in the opening 12 seconds of their match against Rayo Vallecano, and being down to ten men from the 35-minute mark onwards, the Whites turned the score around and earned an impressive victory thanks to a great performance from Ozil and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Expectations were high at the Bernabeu after the team failed to win its previous two away games in the league. Things didn't have an auspicious start when, only twelve seconds into the game, Tamudo shot on target from outside the box, forcing Iker Casillas to make a clearance, after which the ball landed at Michu's feet and the striker scored. It took Real a long time to get into the game after that and Mourinho decided to replace Lass with Ozil in the 28th minute. The German stepped up the team's game and helped it put pressure on Rayo by keeping possession. The Whites were constantly attacking and their first strike came from a counterattack: Kaka served the ball to Ronaldo and the Portuguese nutmegged keeper Gutierrez after a 30-minute run.

The Madridistas saw the game was wide open again and went for it. The visitors withstood their onslaughts as best they could and eventually tackled Kaka close to the box (44'). Xabi Alonso crossed the ball into the area from the free-kick, Sergio Ramos anticipated Gutierrez's exit and Higuain ended up with the ball before an empty goal. Thus, the Argentine gave the locals the lead by half-time.

The second half had a frantic start, with Real looking to seal the match. Kaka entered Rayo's area and Movilla challenged him late. Ronaldo took the ensuing penalty and scored a third for the Whites (50'). A few minutes later Rayo fought back and scored from a corner kick taken by Michu (54'). One minute later, Di Maria was sent off with a second booking.

Real Madrid pull rank in adverse situations and played their best when they were down to ten men. Mourinho reacted quickly and made Khedira and Benzema come on for Kaka and Higuain. Ozil served a corner kick on the 66-minute mark and Varane finished it off with a heel kick. Rayo kept trying to score a goal of their own, but they hardly had time to react to Madrid's latest when Benzema tallied yet another being assisted by Ozil right outside the box.

And there was more to come when Gimenez tackled Ronaldo inside the area and another penalty was awarded. Cristiano took it and scored his third goal of the evening. CR7 has already netted seven strikes this season and is on his way to earning last year's impressive numbers.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 67,500
Goals: 0-1, min.1, Michu; 1-1, min.37, Cristiano Ronaldo; 2-1, min.45, Higuaín; 3-1, min.50, Cristiano Ronaldo (p.); 3-2, min.55, Michu; 4-2, min.67, Varane; 5-2, min.73, Benzema 6-2; min.83, Cristiano Ronaldo (p.)

Mourinho: "We must return to normality by winning"

Jose Mourinho at press conference after draw against Racing

Jose Mourinho addressed the media in a press conference after the 0-0 draw with Racing. He was serious and somewhat discouraged but declined to evaluate in-depth the poor play made ​​by Real Madrid.

"We had complete control over the game, especially in the first half. We played in our opponent's half of the pitch after half-time and we didn't have that many chances on goal. This is due to Racing, who defended fiercely and played their game well looking to take one point".

"As a team we didn't do our best and some of our players performed under par, but we tried to win and ended the game the way we played it: with two defenders, with someone playing in the middle and with two forwards. Kaka was a free agent and Xabi Alonso worked very hard in midfield. We had complete control over the last 30 minutes of the match".

"We didn't have the necessary dynamics. They were always broken by the passiveness of those who can't affort the pace of the game to be altered. The pace was broken by simulation, by injuries, by the stretcher coming onto the pitch... We're responsible for this because we failed to put a stop to it".

"Our concentration was better tonight than it was on Sunday and I have a different overall feeling about the game. We dropped four points away from home last season in our first few games. Our main reference in terms of fighting for the title are Barcelona and if they win tonight they'll only have a 3-point cushion over us, not a 30-point lead".

"It's less worrysome to draw a match in which you're the only side that tries to play and win. We've dropped five points in two away games and that is worrysome. We will try to win and score goals on Saturday. We've scored one goal in our last three games and we must return to normality by scoring and winning on Saturday".

Racing 0 - 0 Real Madrid (Spanish League Day 5)

The bone injury caused by overuse is called stress fracture, but this is not the way we want to take. Here and now call stress fracture to the psychic collapse causing maximum stress situations. In the same way that the teams are passed of top phisycal conditions, the groups can be melted by excessive motivation. Real Madrid gives that impression, a team clogged by Mourinho. The Portuguese coach has sent so many times his players to the war that the players suffer the stress of the soldier, the huge collapse that produces the combination of anxiety and depression.

Teams that want to get rid of their coaches, play like Real Madrid did yesterday. I do not think there was a deliberate plan to force such a thing. I bet most players still believe in their coach, but I do not konw if blindly or the eyes begin to open. However, the subconscious is whimsical and subversive. And yesterday there was a collective subconscious reaction, almost a sit-down strike, a fact that now we can only guess. Maybe it was the response to Mourinho's purges or favoritism towards the clan (of the Portugueses). Or maybe it happens that the players have become deaf after the heavy noise around the team, the club and Mourinho.

Bad day for Real Madrid

It must be stressed. What is more surprising is the general collapse. A shot to the Racing Santander goal in the first half, an innocent header by Callejon. Then in the second half, slightly more heart than football. To Toño, Racing goalkeeper, sometimes suffered acrobat, was enough to dominate the air to look like Yashin. Racing, which had conceded eight goals in three games, weathered the storm with amazing ease. Against Sporting will suffer more in the next day.

Because Racing, with the respect and recognition of his heroism, is a very limited team. At this date is waiting for the miracle of Cuper, which this time will be enough with the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. It has little and yesterday was even less. Without Kennedy, Colsa, Arana and Acosta. Five debutants in the starting lineup, including a boy of 18 years, Jairo, who won several rounds against Marcelo. To draw in these circumstances is like winning the game and it would have been win the heaven if Casillas had not saved a shot by Serrano that smelled strongly to goal.

In Real Madrid, nobody. Sad officials, people working. You can only play so bad if the head is somewhere else, if problems are around, missing illusion. It also influences the lack of joy, of course. Mourinho has transformed the game in a vindictive twist: you have to win to take revenge, to close mouths and destroy hypocrisy.

It is increasingly clear that the glow of the Spanish Super Cup was scheduled to sprint without much travel. With that momentum the team won in Zaragoza and without it, team sinks against the cinderellas of the tournament. Neither Cristiano, even. A little of Varane and a lot of nothing. This has only just begun, say the optimists. But it has started bad.

Summary

Stadium: El Sardinero
Attendance: 12,000

Preview: Racing vs Real Madrid (League Day 5)

Racing Santander vs Real Madrid

Mourinho, once again, devoured the hours before the match of Real Madrid. In his press conference rejected any discussion on sport and insisted on looking enemies and renewing outrage. Somebody can say it is a strategy to release pressure to the players. The problem is that the resulting pressure is no longer on him, but that falls on a club that has not enough time to fight against so many ghosts.

The contradiction is permanent. Mourinho regrets the provocations of the enemy, but invokes them. Following the example of the Levante and the proclamations of the Portuguese coach, will be difficult for the Racing resist the temptation to entangle the game today. Perhaps the fair play remains intact by the youth of many of Racing Santander players.

Real Madrid want to prove their defeat against Levante at the Ciudad de Valencia was only an accident. Until Sunday, the Whites had comfortably won their eight previous away matches in the championship. Last season Real Madrid gave an impressive performance at El Sardinero despite the absences of Higuain, Khedira, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lass. They look to do the same tonight despite missing Pepe, Coentrao, Khedira, Sahin and Altintop.

Pepe and Coentrao both suffer from fibrilar tears and will miss the match alongside Sahin and Altintop. Khedira is suspended for the match. Despite these important absences, the team will look to give an impressive performance like last season's, which coincided with the club's 109 anniversary and gave them a 3-1 win despite missing Higuain, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lass and Khedira. Jose Mourinho has taken all his men with him to Santander and also academy goalkeeper Tomas Mejias. French striker Karim Benzema hopes to net a brace against Racing at El Sardinero, just like he did last season.

Racing are currently in the relegation zone and have only taken one point in the last three league encounters, but they are still a tough team to beat, as they proved in Mestalla where they managed to lead 3-1 at one point. Coach Cuper has kept the core of last season's side and strengthened it with the signings of Tziolis, Stuani with Sevilla academy players Bernardo, Acosta and the promising Jairo. The right end of Racing B (three goals in Third Division) has chances to come into the starting lineup, led by his talent, but favored by injuries.

This is Hector Cuper's first season at Racing and his third stint as coach in Spain. The Argentine will miss the injured Arana, Colsa, Torrejon, Acosta and Kennedy, but he'll be able to count on Diop, who was suspended for last week's match. Former Real Madrid player Munitis (36 years) is a key figure on the team and will be able to face his former side becuase recently recovered from a sprained left ankle.

Real Madrid won their previous four league clashes at El Sardinero and will look to add to this impressive run tonight. Six months ago, Real Madrid won by 1-3 at the Sardinero Stadium. Highlighted the midfield formed by Xabi Alonso and Granero, the joy of Özil and rapport between Adebayor and Benzema, authors of the goals. Those were different times: Cristiano was out and Canales (former Racing player) was part of the team.

Levante 1 - 0 Real Madrid (Spanish League Day 4)

The same place and a crime even worse. The Real Madrid of Khedira and Kaka drew back in Valencia and suffered miserably in one of those slaps whose pain does not subside until the end. In a match to forget, the German midfielder was sent-off and the referee Turienzo Alvarez did not mark a clamorous penalty increasing the malaise. A commendable Levante, laborious and rogue, took advantage and Real rolled down the slope from the regular to the horrible and tactically misplaced, with Cristiano Ronaldo and without him, returning to stay behind Barcelona.

Levante defeated Real Madrid (1-0)

As in the best movies of action, style that Real Madrid cultivates, the plot and the fight were full of guilts and a single nerd: Khedira. Turienzo Alvarez did not want to mark a foul on Di Maria, he answered with a bad action on Juanlu, Iborra touched the face of the Argentine, who collapsed as killed by a shot, Ballesteros rebuked him and Khedira stepped into the role of the absurd avenging, which cost him his second yellow. It was the 40th minute. This mess killed Real Madrid on a visit full of thorns by the experience of rival on the grass in bad conditions, by the substitution of Cristiano and by the push of a crowd that swelled up to Levante like a blowfish.

Mourinho put Khedira to meet the orthodoxy of a pure midfielder alongside Xabi Alonso without any scientific proof that the Spanish midfielder plays worse alone than with company. Nor is clear that the German mix well with him. In games like this, Xabi can with words and with music, with the cut and creation, without being overwhelmed by work. That measure, plus the forced substitution Cristiano, stole to Real Madrid the energetic and crazy football that gives Coentrao in the center. With the flat style that prints Khedira (without who Madrid had won the previous three games) team was slightly but attacked a lot less. And in games like this team pays interest on late payments. It stretches the score 0-0 and then there is no time for the KO. Neither was successful the management of Kaka. Real Madrid needs him because is a very expensive asset and because Özil must be tightened, variable yield footballer with too many minutes valley, more of which are assumed even for artists. But Kaka is not now a playmaker player but, at best, a good accompaniment. He was not the guilty but neither the solution.

Just talking football, Real Madrid went for a victory from the get-go and Kaka shone having two chances on goal: the first ended in a corner kick (11') and the second was saved by keeper Munua (12'). Possession was 86% for the Whites by the 19th minute. Benzema nearly scored from a goalie clearance in the 33rd minute, but the ball went over the crossbar. Real continued to dominate until Khedira was sent off with the second booking (40') already commented.

After half-time, Mourinho replaced Benzema with Cristiano, moved Coentrao back to the centre midfielder position, and left Kaka and Di Maria in attack with Ronaldo. Real kept looking for a goal, but the match was stained by continuous theatricalities and fouls that kept bringing the game to a halt. The referee failed to award a penalty on the 63-minute mark for a handball by Iborra inside the box, that would have also been a second booking for the player and would have therefore left Levante with ten men.

The locals then used a counterattack to score the only strike of the evening: Javi Venta reached the box after a run down the right wing and assisted Kone, who defeated Casillas with a powerful shot. Higuain came on for Kaka and a few minutes later Marcelo was replaced by Ozil. Madrid gave their all looking for an equaliser and knowing their efforts in attack could very well result in another strike against them. Levante continued to defend fiercely and won the day. A step back in title race

Summary

Stadium: City of Valencia
Attendance: 17,676
Goals: 1-0 Min.67 Kone.

Preview: Levante vs Real Madrid (League Day 4)

Real Madrid will face Levante at 8.00 pm (CET) today Sunday in their second away La Liga match this season. The Whites won their previous two clashes in the championship by tallying a whopping 10 goals. Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema are performing at an incredibly high level and will look to keep their goal scoring streak at a stadium in which the Madridistas have never lost in the league championship, having won five and drawn one of their six away meetings with Levante.

Levante VS. Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho has recovered Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka for the match. The forward had to receive three stitches on one of his ankles after the match in Zagreb, which the Brazilian missed due to a muscle strain. The facts are that Cristiano, handsome, rich and good, does not want to miss the game, despite the three stitches, and Mourinho completes the best list possible, including Kaka but without Albiol and Granero whose importance on the team falls. It smells to the usual starting line up with Coentrao as co-pilot of Xabi Alonso and at the center of the debate. Mourinho likes his compatriot because offers hyperactivity, speed and power. Others suspect that he is obliged to play by his price and that the only vacancy is there.

Ronaldo has scored four goals so far in the league and will no doubt be a key player against Levante. Benzema is also proving to be decisive by scoring goals, serving assists and actively participating in all of the team's efforts. The Frenchman netted two strikes against Getafe last week.

Levante drew their first two matches in the championship (1-1 against Getafe; 0-0 against Racing), in which they were the visiting side. They will look to earn their first home victory in the campaign against Real. Coach Juan Ignacio Martinez was signed this summer. This is his first season in the First Division, having previously coached Cartagena and many Second Division and Second Division B sides. The team strengthened its attack with the signings of Aranda, Kone and El Zhar, who will look to fill the great void left by Caicedo.

Cristiano Ronaldo costs more than the entire Levante

The Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo, costs more than the entire squad of Levante, a team to which will face Sunday in the City of Valencia Stadium in a duel of disparate figure. At a time when people analyze the economic and sports differences between clubs, it is clear that Levante and Real Madrid are one example of that distance.

Ten differences between Levante and Real Madrid:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo, the most important player of the white team costs to his club between 12 and 13 million euros per season, what represents 50% more than the 8 million euros for the entire workforce of Levante.
2. Real Madrid's budget, estimated at slightly more than 500 million euros, is more than 20 times that Levante's, which faces this season with 23 million budgeted.
3. Real Madrid has 96,000 members (70,000 have pass to see the matches at the stadium), while Levante, that last week celebrated its first 102 years of existence, reached the 10,000 subscribers for the year 2011-2012.
4. The Madrid club accumulates 73 national and international titles, including nine European Cups, while Levante has its success in its promotions to First Division and claims a Cup title earned during the Spanish Civil War.
5. The distribution of television rights places both clubs at the edges of the First Spanish Division, as compared with 140 million euros with which Real Madrid is paid, Levante has a guaranteed income of 12 million.
6. Although these amounts, as noted by the President of Levante, Quico Catalan, have a different weight in each club. For Levante are close to 60% of their income, while for Real are around 30%.
7. While Levante has few international players, the latter has been the attacker Valdo, player of Cape Verde, Real Madrid faced their last league match against Getafe, with the thirteen international players of the fourteen that played in the match. Only Esteban Granero, who played a minute, has not played for a national team (Spain).
8. Nevertheless, Real Madrid visited twice City of Valencia stadium last season and failed to score in 180 minutes. In the League (0-0) and in Copa del Rey lost (2-0) after beating shortly before in the first leg in Madrid by 7-0.
9. In the six League visits to Valencia, Real Madrid has always won except last year with the goalless draw. In these matches Real Madrid has scored ten goals and has only received one. Interestingly, the only victory of Levante against Real Madrid occurred in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in the season 2006-2007.
10. Participation in European tournaments, marketing revenues, the advertising contracts of their players, the number of fans in Spain, Europe and the world, are some other differences between two clubs that will face on Sunday at 8:00 pm (local time) in a League match at the City of Valencia Stadium.

Cristiano Ronaldo does not train and is doubtful for the match against Levante

Real Madrid has already begun to prepare for the league match this weekend against Levante. The morning training session, open to the press for fifteen minutes, had two principal players: Cristiano Ronaldo and Altintop. The Portuguese, after the three stitches that had to recieve at the ankle, has not trained on the grass of Valdebebas Sports City.

Meanwhile, the good news was starred by Hamit Altintop, who trained in the Real Madrid's facilities. The Turkish player trained at the same pace as the group of substitutes of the European match against Dynamo Zagreb. Along with Altintop were Higuain, Khedira, Granero, Lass, Varane, Kaka, Arbeloa and Callejon, plus a few players of the youth squad. Meanwhile, the starters made​​-up work in the field three.

Kaka, who in previous sessions to match against Dinamo Zagreb was unable to work because of a blow he received in his left heel during the match against Getafe, trained as normal. Sahin and Albiol, with Cristiano, were the only ones who did not jump into training camp.

Altintop at Valdebebas Sports City with Mourinho

Real Madrid 4 - 2 Getafe (Spanish League Day 3)

Real Madrid scored four goals against Getafe and remain leaders on the league table. Fans packed the stadium and were satisfied with the team's performance. Karim Benzema netted a brace against the Blues.

Real Madrid celebrates a goal against Getafe

The first half started with Real Madrid putting on a siege over Moya's goal. Di Maria lost a one-on-one to the keeper on the 3-minute mark and Ozil's shot in the 8th minute was also cleared by the goalie. Ronaldo nearly netted the opener, but his header went high. A great combination effort between Ozil, Ronaldo and Benzema ended in the French striker's first goal of the night (13'), after which Mourinho's team lowered the pace of its game, allowing Getafe to keep possession. Despite this, Coentrao came close to netting a second for his team after a great triangulation with Benzema, but the ball missed the target by inches. Getafe had a lucky streak five minutes later when the ball landed at Miku's feet inside the local area and the striker scored.

A spectacular bicycle-kick from Cristiano right after half-time hit one of the posts and Coentrao attempted to score from the deflection but sent the ball over the crossbar. An offside goal by the latter was disallowed by the ref on the 54-minute mark and Real Madrid kept trying to score to no avail.

Cristiano Ronaldo forced a penalty in the 59th minute and converted it himself. The goal was a harsh blow to the visitors, who didn't react to it at first. They focused on attacking full-on, which is dangerous against Madrid, who eventually scored through Benzema in a counterattack - the French striker was brilliantly assisted by Ronaldo (68').

With a 3-1 lead, Mourinho made Kaka come on for Di Maria, but Getafe netted another strike through Miku following three clearances inside the box (73'). Marcelo came close to scoring a fourth for his side and an ensuing shot by Ronaldo was cleared by Moya.

Higuain came on for Ozil in the 85th minute. Two minutes later, Kaka served him a spectacular heel pass and the Argentine scored his team's fourth and final goal. Benzema came off in the final minutes amidst a standing ovation to be replaced by Granero.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 76,000
Goals: 1-0 Benzema min.13, 1-1 Miku min. 39, 2-1 Cristiano Ronaldo min. 61, 3-1 Benzema min.71, 3-2 Miku min.75, 4-2 Higuain min.89.

Preview: Real Madrid vs Getafe (League Day 3)

Real Madrid Vs. Getafe

La Liga returns to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Real Madrid are set to face Getafe at 20:00 (GMT+1) this Saturday and look to earn another victory after their impressive 6-0 win in Zaragoza, in which Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick. The Portuguese star always scores at least a brace every time he faces Getafe and he currently leads the championship's top scorer ranking with Valencia's Soldado. Real Madrid defeated Getafe in their previous five meetings.

Granero has made Jose Mourinho's cut for the match. Many of the manager's players proved to be in optimum form with their national teams in the last couple of weeks: Ozil scored three goals for Germany; Higuain netted a brace against Nigeria with Argentina; and Di Maria, Benzema and Ronaldo scored one goal each for their national teams. But the FIFA virus strain is milder than in the past. Fifteen players went out, but Carvalho saved efforts with Paulo Bento and the rest of Portuguese and Özil, played only on Friday. Only Higuain and Di Maria endured the beating of traveling to India and Bangladesh. And yet,it seems that the second will start (there is an option to Callejon) and Mourinho will insist on the starting line-up of Zaragoza. Then, if the result comes good, there will be coffee for everyone: Kaka, Higuain (six goals against Getafe) For all except for Lass, soul in purgatory.

When the FIFA virus attacked Real Madrid, disease of the rich, Getafe was walking in worse conditions. So it will be difficult to find the equality lost around La Liga, major question that divides to Spanish football. Luis Garcia, who debuts on the bench for Getafe (due to suspension he had to stay in the stands against Levante on Day 2), walks on the wire. His team has not left the assembly line, with thirteen new players, and three defenders out due to injury, Lopo, Mane and Rafa, and without its three best midfielders players, Gavilan, Diego Castro and Pedro Leon, the latter disqualified on prohibitory clause of fear (two million) revealed by Mourinho. He is not Zidane and Maradona but neither is legit. Michel and Ustari complete the list of absentees. But the team is nevertheless a tough nut to crack. The Blues rely on the vision of former Real Madrid academy player Pablo Sarabia, who has taken the spot left by former Madridista Parejo. Other former Real Madrid youth teamers on the squad are Codina, Miguel Torres, Casquero and Mosquera.

Getafe knows what to expect, but found plenty of variety at the Santiago Bernabeu the last years. Seven times visited the stadium and each time found a different coach in Real Madrid: Garcia Remon, Luxembourg, Capello, Schuster, Juande, Pellegrini and Mourinho. The Portuguese will repeat today, a sign that slows down the unbearable instability in the club.

Zaragoza 0 - 6 Real Madrid (Spanish League Day 2)

The difference between the two best and the rest of the teams in the Spanish League is bigger every season, and will bring many scores of tennis like yesterday. A better Real Madrid, as promised by Mourinho for his second year, acquired the hurricane condition when passed through Zaragoza. Aguirre's team was under construction and eventually reduced to rubble after spending a horrible time, chasing ghosts. His consolation is that the rest of teams, will probably suffer the same punishing (except Barcelona). Real Madrid showed its new convictions that seem stronger than those of a year ago.

Marcelo celebrates his goal

The crisis has thinned professional templates and have filled with young, inexperienced and low-cost, fact that will multiply the imbalance between Madrid and Barcelona and the rest of the Spanish teams. Because the difference between the Mourinho's team and Zaragoza was shocking and alarming. It looked like two teams in different leagues, in different galaxy.

Real Madrid has taken a decisive step towards prosperity. It is still the energetic team that built the first Mourinho, but has increased several steps in authority, courage, possession and even camaraderie. Even Cristiano Ronaldo works for the team and has good results for him: Scored three one-touch goals, unequivocal proof that pack hunting is better. He was top scorer scorer in May and back in August.

About football and on the field, Fabio Coentrao was positioned as central midfielder at the start of the match. Mourinho's men looked to score from the start, putting Roberto's reflexes to the test; the goalkeeper was by far the best local player. Ozil nearly scored the opener on the 9-minute mark, but the keeper saved it. Roberto again cleared a Real Madrid shot five minutes later. Aguirre's men stayed in their half of the pitch trying to get the ball out any way they could, but eventually Ozil pulled off a sensational effort and assisted Cristiano Ronaldo in the first goal (23').

Five minutes later, Ramos crossed the ball into the box and Ronaldo missed it attempting a bicycle-kick, but it landed at Marcelo's feet and he defeated Roberto with a phenomenal crossed shot. Real Madrid had 11 chances on goal in only 30 minutes, while the first threat for Casillas took 37 minutes to arrive. Cristiano could've scored a third on the 38-minute mark, but Roberto again saved the day albeit with difficulties.

Zaragoza focused on defending after half-time. A shot by Di Maria unbelievably missed the target (51') and the Whites kept having chance after chance on Roberto's goal. In the 53rd minute, Benzema took advantage of a huge mistake by Da Silva and faced Roberto in a one-on-one that was unfortunately won by the keeper. It was only a matter of time for the Madridistas to net another strike and Xabi Alonso scored it from a powerful 25-metre shot that hit Meira before entering the goal.

Ronaldo scored again seven minutes later following a pass on the goal-line from Di Maria. Mourinho then decided to make changes and made Callejon come on for the Argentinean and, later, with 15 minutes left to the end, replaced Benzema with Higuain. Kaka also came on for Ozil and Callejon nearly scored in the 78th minute, but his shot was cleared by the defence.

The fifth was scored by Kaka just five minutes after he came on. The Brazilian dribbled past a defender inside the box and defeated Roberto with a great shot that went through one of the top corners of the goal. But the icing on the cake was still to come, and it again starred the Brazilian, who after a great individual effort assisted Ronaldo to score the sixth and final goal of the evening just before the end of the clash.

Summary

Stadium: La Romareda
Attendance: 28,000
Goals: 0-1, min. 24: Cristiano Ronaldo. 0-2, min. 29: Marcelo. 0-3, min. 65: Xabi Alonso. 0-4, min. 71: Cristiano Ronaldo. 0-5, min. 82: Kaká; 0-6, min. 87. Cristiano Ronaldo.

Preview: Zaragoza vs Real Madrid (League Day 2)

Real Madrid make their debut in the 2011/12 edition of the Spanish League against Zaragoza at La Romareda tonight at 20:00 (Local Time -GMT +1-). The Whites haven't lost a single game in the championship at Zaragoza's stadium in the past ten years. The Whites will look to keep up the good work they did throughout the summer, which gave them their best preseason in 24 years.

Zaaragoza vs Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho has always won the league title in his second year at the helm of all his teams. The coach called-up 20 men for the match, including Fabio Coentrao, who will return to the stadium in which he made his debut in La Liga as a loaned out player to Zaragoza in the 2008/09 campaign. Granero will miss the match due to coaching decisions, as well as Altintop, Sahin and Khedira, who are all out because of injuries. Youth teamer Mandi made the coach's cut.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema form the top scoring attacking duo in the First Division this summer. The Portuguese player will try to at least equal last season's 40 goal tally, which made him the most effective striker in the top five European leagues of the last 40 years. Benzema scored in his team's last two matches and currently averages one goal per match and holds a total tally of 10.

On other hand, Coentrao already knows La Romareda. The Portuguese was on loan at Zaragoza in 2008-09 (Second Division). He came from the Camacho's Benfica as part of Aimar's transfer. And in his first adventure in Spain, only played seven minutes in a game that was already finished against Alaves (4-2). He was disgusted with his situation and in December, three months after his arrival, he returned to Benfica. Today, with Khedira injured, he will return to Zaragoza in the midfield alongside Xabi Alonso.

Javier Aguirre was instrumental in getting Zaragoza out of the relegation zone last season. The Mexican coach's chief objective this campaign will be to avoid such an agonising end to the year. Despite the absence of Ander Herrera, Zaragoza have strengthened themselves with ten new signings, including Real Madrid academy players David Mateos and Juan Carlos, neither of whom will play tonight.

Goalkeeper Roberto returned to the team this summer. They also count on the talents of young midfielder Zaculini and on the experience of Fernando Meira, who played for Mourinho in the 2000/01 season. Zaragoza won none of their five encounters in the preseason, but they are nevertheless a dangerous opponent, which they proved by winning at the Bernabeu last season.

Real Madrid: Spanish League 2011-2012 Schedule

Emilio Butragueño, Real Madrid's Director of Institutional Relations, shared his view on the 2011/12 La Liga draw. During the General Assembly, he was presented with the Pedro Zaballa Fair Play award as acknowledgement of Real Madrid's charitable gesture towards victims of the May 11 Lorca earthquake (the team played a benefit match in Murcia whose proceeds were invested in aid for the victims).

"Our calendar is difficult from day one because we will face great opponents. We have a fantastic squad and our reinforcements improve on it even more. It's important to meet the fans' expectations and achieve our targets".

In reference to the possibility of rescheduling the December 11 match Real Madrid vs Barcelona due to the FIFA Club World Cup, he commented: "December is a long way away and we will see what happens. A rescheduling would not be a problem. I do believe that playing the first Classic of the League at the Bernabeu is something new in recent years".

REAL MADRID: LA LIGA 2011/12 SCHEDULE

1st ROUND

1. Real Madrid - Athletic Bilbao (08/21/11)

2. Zaragoza - Real Madrid (08/28/11)

3. Real Madrid - Getafe (09/11/11)

4. Levante - Real Madrid (09/18/11)

5. Racing Santander - Real Madrid (09/21/11)

6. Real Madrid - Rayo Vallecano (09/25/11)

7. Espanyol - Real Madrid (10/02/11)

8. Real Madrid - Betis (10/16/11)

9. Malaga - Real Madrid (10/23/11)

10. Real Madrid - Villarreal (10/26/11)

11. Real Sociedad - Real Madrid (10/30/11)

12. Real Madrid - Osasuna (11/06/11)

13. Valencia - Real Madrid (11/20/11)

14. Real Madrid - Atletico Madrid (11/27/11)

15. Sporting Gijon - Real Madrid (12/04/11)

16. Real Madrid - Barcelona (12/11/11)

17. Sevilla - Real Madrid (12/18/11)

18. Real Madrid - Granada (01/08/12)

19. Mallorca - Real Madrid (01/15/12)

2nd ROUND

20. Athletic Bilbao - Real Madrid (01/22/12)

21. Real Madrid - Zaragoza (01/29/12)

22. Getafe - Real Madrid (02/05/12)

23. Real Madrid - Levante (02/12/12)

24. Real Madrid - Racing Santander (02/19/12)

25. Rayo Vallecano - Real Madrid (02/26/12)

26. Real Madrid - Espanyol (03/04/12)

27. Betis - Real Madrid (03/11/12)

28. Real Madrid - Malaga (03/18/12)

29. Villarreal - Real Madrid (03/21/12)

30. Real Madrid - Real Sociedad (03/25/12)

31. Osasuna - Real Madrid (04/01/12)

32. Real Madrid - Valencia (04/08/12)

33. Atletico Madrid - Real Madrid (04/11/12)

34. Real Madrid - Sporting Gijon (04/15/12)

35. Barcelona - Real Madrid (04/22/12)

36. Real Madrid - Sevilla (04/29/12)

37. Granada - Real Madrid (05/06/12)

38. Real Madrid - Mallorca (05/13/12)