Real Madrid

Real Madrid made a major statement on Saturday with an impressive win against Valencia. Higuain  scored a brace and Garay knocked in his first since joining Real Madrid. Even without Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, the Whites proved that teamwork pays off even on pitches as difficult as Mestalla.

The Madridistas game out were the game faces on. After taking care of business in defense with misses by Mathieu and Pablo Hernandez, Real took control of the ball and dictated the pace of the match. Xabi Alonso and Van der Vaart combined well in the midfield and in attack Benzema and Higuain made it clear they were more than ready for big game appearances. The visitors had plenty of chances on goal in the early going but were stymied by the goalkeeper or the post.

Higuain’s three opportunities began on 15’ but his cross never found a finisher. Later Cesar got a hand on two of the Argentine’s shots. Benzema also had numerous chances, all of which took place before Garay replaced Pepe, who abandoned the pitch with a knee injury.

Benzema and Higuain didn’t need much time to put the Whites up once the ball was put back into play. The Frenchman escaped from Mathieu and curled in a cross that Higuan redirected into the back of the net.

Valencia continued pushing forward and managed to equalize six minutes later. Mathieu found Villa in the box and the Spanish international headered past Casillas. The Whites wouldn’t settle for anything less than a win and Marcelo silenced the crowd by blowing by three defenders to find Higuian, who blasted the ball past Cesar.

Raul replaced Van der Vaart and Joaquin came in for David Navarro. Valencia pressed on and Joaquin fired a shot that deflected off Casillas’ knee and into the back of the net. But Real Madrid weren’t finished and Garay scored the winner following a Xabi Alonso free kick. The Whites responded to every Valencia offensive until the final whistle to make a major statement in one of the most challenging La Liga venues.

Lineups

Valencia
César
Bruno
Dealbert
Marchena
Navarro
Joaquín 78'	Goal 82'
Mathieu
Miguel 90'
Albelda
Pablo H.
Banega
Mata
Villa	Goal 62'

Real Madrid
Casillas
Sergio Ramos
Albiol
Arbeloa
Marcelo
Pepe
Garay 46'	Goal 85'
Lass
Xabi Alonso
Van der Vaart
Raúl 77'
Higuaín	Goal 56' 68'
Benzema
Granero 88'