Real Madrid

The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium was packed to see the Real Madrid-Valencia match tonight that ended in a 2-0 victory for the Whites. The crowd was with the team 100%, never admonishing it for last week's defeat in the Clasico.

Lass made the starting lineup while Benzema stayed on the bench. Cristiano Ronaldo was the team's main striker, supported by Ozil and Di Maria. On the other hand, Valencia relied on the talents of Mata, Joaquin and Jordi Alba in their search for goals.

Khedira and Cristiano came close to scoring just before half-time, but the German's shot hit goalkeeper Guaita's body and a wonderful heel-shot by Ronaldo ricocheted off one of the posts.

Cristiano had another chance to score as soon as the second half began, but the goalie cleared the ball and a corner-kick was awarded. One minute later, Di Maria tried to lob the ball over Guaita inside the box, but the keeper guessed his intentions.

Benzema came on for Khedira on the 53-minute mark. The change moved Ronaldo to the wings and Karim became the main striker. The Frenchman had a spectacular shot on target that was cleared yet again by Guaita.

Albelda was sent off with a second booking in the 64th minute for controlling the ball with his shoulder. The moment of truth had arrived for the Madridistas; Ozil controlled the ball on the 72-minute mark, served it to Ronaldo and the Portuguese star scored the opener very close to the goal-line. One minute later, Ozil was replaced by Granero.

Soldado and Joaquin came close to scoring strikes each, but Casillas saved the day on both counts. Referee Perez Lasa failed to award a penalty to Real Madrid when Di Maria was tackled inside the box (76'). With ten minutes left in the game, the Argentine was substituted by Diarra; Mourinho looked for greater control of the game and to avoid last minute surprises.

On the 86-minute mark, Ronaldo scored an incredible goal after dribbling the ball for 20 metres and defeatting both Ricardo Costa and Guaita. This tremendous effort sealed an efficient and serious performance by Real Madrid.

Lineups

Real Madrid
Casillas
Arbeloa
Pepe
Albiol
Marcelo
Lassana Diarra
Xabi Alonso
Khedira
Benzema 56'
Özil
Granero 78'
Cristiano Ronaldo	Goal 75' 89'
Di María
Mahamadou Diarra 85'

Valencia
Guaita
Bruno
Stankevicius
Ricardo Costa
Tino Costa
Maduro
Jordi Alba
Miguel 63'
Joaquín
Aduriz 83'
Mata
Banega 70'
Albelda
Soldado