Rafael's best match for Real so far?
Real Madrid who was without Kaka and Pepe did send a clear signal eastwards to the newly minted Fifa World Cup Winners FC Barcelona, saying that Los Merengues should be taken seriously in La Liga.
The evening belonged to Higuain, Ronaldo and especially the former Ajax and HSV star Rafael van der Vaart, who scored twice in the first part of the game. A game that was settled after 26 minutes, when Rafael scored his first goal after Marcelo chipped a through ball into his path, and he made no mistake, putting it behind the keeper. Only minutes later he doubled his effort as he found himself on the end of a cross from Sergio Ramos, and with a delicate touch he took it past Vallejo and into the goal for the third goal. Half an hour gone, and Zaragossa looked like a groggy boxer way past his prime. Higuian who before the season was named fourth-choice among the Madrid attackers made it 4-0 and secured his position as topscorer.
This night the goals were flying in, and the returning Ronaldo wanted a slice of the cake as he turned Javier Paredes twice, leaving him on the floor before safely putting in the ball past Vallejo. Real's fifth goal.
With twenty minutes remaining, Karim Benzema, who had replaced Higuain, added the sixth after a great assist by Rafael van der Vaart, and he beat Francisco Pavon before finishing with his left.
Madrid is now just two points behind Barca. Zaragoza, meanwhile, remain in the relegation zone.
Fobazo comment:
It is a big pleasure reading the various football sites throughout Europe this morning, where Rafael is celebrated as one of the best players on the pitch. We cannot see how Rafael can ever go back to the bench again after his great performances this fall/winter. He must be filled with confidence after being so comfortable on the ball all evening. The Fobazo staff happens to know that Van der Vaart senior (Ramon) was at the stadium, and we send him and the rest of the family our warmest X-mas greetings - what a way to start The holidays. Merry X-Mas!
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