Van Nistelrooy and Higuaín keep the Whites undefeated and sole leaders of the League
Real Madrid 2-0 Recreativo
October 07, 2007 - Real Madrid tallied yet another victory to remain undefeated on the season. Raúl neary found the back of the net on several occasions and provided the assist that Van Nistelrooy struck home to open the scoring. Higuaín capped of the evening with the Whites' second as Madrid knocked off Recreativo Huelva. The Madridistas are still the top team in the League heading into the stoppage.
The football-filled afternoon kicked off at 17:00 CET in Madrid. Five years had passed since Madridista fans had entered the confines of the Santiago Bernabéu so early in the day, and they showed up in droves for Matchday 7 of the League. The main objective for Bernd Schuster and company, to finish the day just as they had started it: undefeated and leaders of the table. Meanwhile, last year's revelation of the year Recreativo Huelva landed in the Spanish capital wanting to prove they belong among the heavy hitters by pulling of a stunning upset.
Bernd Schuster lined up the same eleven that took the pitch in Rome four days ago. Cannavaro and Heinze teamed up in the centre of the backfield, with Marcelo and Ramos taking position on each flank; a steadfast defence that also gives Real Madrid two more options in attack, as the two wingers relentlessly sought the opponent's box.
The first passes of the match hinted at a wide open match, and both both Recre and Real Madrid were determined to open the scoresheet. Raúl had the first chance after striking a cross by Robben, Real Madrid's main threat throughout the entire first half. The duo had a repeat performance minutes later, but Sorrentino again kept the ball from sneaking by. The minutes ticked off the clock and Real Madrid got better and better looks on Recre's goal. Van Nistelrooy had the first in his pocket after Diarra's shot ricocheted off the keeper, but Sorrentino made a near-impossible save to keep the match level.
Recre were also intent on beating Iker Casillas, who made a sensational double save to avoid the visitors from taking the lead. Robben created the most danger on Real Madrid's behalf as he and Raúl gave the Recre defence all it could handle. The Madridista captain again found an open lane and provided a brilliant assist that Sneijder struck off the post of an empty net.
Real Madrid dominated the second half, were a constant threat in attack, and were solid in defence. Seventy-two minutes of persistance finally paid off when Raúl perfectly read Van Nistelrooy's positioning and served the Dutchman a fantastic pass which he finished off for his second League goal of the season.
Real Madrid felt much more comfortable with the lead in hand, and on more than one occasion had the Recre defence on its heels. The deadly duo -Van Nistelrooy and Raúl- were unwavering in the opponent's box, but Real Madrid have plenty of players capable of scoring. With mere seconds left before the final whistle, Higuaín, who had replaced Robben, put the finishing touch on the Madridista's supremacy. The Argentine received Guti's pass, beat the last defender, and sat Sorrentino on the turf before striking gold.
Real Madrid remain undefeated and are sole leaders of the League heading into the stoppage.
MATCH REPORT:
2 - Real Madrid: Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Heinze, Marcelo; Robben (Higuaín, 67’), Guti, Diarra (Gago, 67’), Sneijder (Baptista, 84’); Raúl and Van Nistelrooy.
0 - Recreativo Huelva: Sorrentino; E. Moya, Beto, Caceres, Bautista; Vázquez, Camuñas (Marquitos, 75’); Pampa Calvo (Sinama, 59’), Zahinós (Gerard, 75’), Aitor; Javi Guerrero.
GOALS:
1-0, min 72 Van Nistelrooy (pass by Raúl)
2-0, min 90 Higuaín (pass by Guti)
Referee: Arturo Daudén Ibáñez. Booked Sneijder (16’), Beto (18’), Cáceres (26’), Vázquez (29’), Calvo (50’), Gerard (80’), and Sinama (87’).
NOTES: Matchday 7 of La Liga at the Santiago Bernabéu. Attendance: 75,000.
Match report by Arancha Díaz
Photos by David R. Aranchuelo and Fernando Comeche
Translation by Matthew Goltz
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