REPORT | 29/04/2015 | Alberto Navarro
A stunner from James, an own goal from Dos Santos and a strike from Arbeloa gave the Whites their sixth straight league win.- Liga BBVA
- Matchday 34
- Wed, 29 Apr
3
0As the minutes passed, Madrid continued to look for a way to open the scoring. Despite getting themselves into good positions in their opponents' area, each of the hosts' attempts was stifled by the Almería defence, and it appeared that the affair would reach half-time with the scores goalless. However, on 44' James popped up to produce a masterful strike, the Colombian taking advantage of an unsuccessful headed clearance from Trujillo and, without thinking twice, conjuring up a powerful volley from the edge of the area that gave Rubén no chance.
JAMES SCORED MADRID'S 100TH LA LIGA GOAL THIS SEASON.
The second half could not have got off to a better start as, with just four minutes gone, Real Madrid extended their lead. Jesé threaded through a terrific pass for Kroos, who crossed towards Cristiano Ronaldo and Dos Santos, in his efforts to clear, turned into his own net with the Portuguese waiting to prod the ball in. The home side were in the driving seat.
Second straight clean sheet at home
Ancelotti opted to introduce Isco and Lucas Silva for James and Illarra on 64'. Four minutes later the Whites could have got their third, but Varane's header from Kroos' corner missed by only a small margin. Chicharito came just as close to scoring after 74'. From Cristiano Ronaldo's excellent pass, his shot inside the six-yard box also could not find the net.
Although aware that on Saturday they have to play at the Sánchez Pizjuán, the European champions were in no mood to ease up. They continued to seek out Rubén's goal, and hit the mark for the third time on 84', Chicharito assisting for Arbeloa to finish from point-blank range. Real Madrid offer no let-up in the race for the title.
