From Sixth to Second

Real Madrid have taken another firm step in their comeback. They played brilliantly in Mallorca and again conceded no goals. Robben, Raúl and Sergio Ramos scored the team's three goals.

It only took Robben two minutes to prove that he is the fittest player in Spain. It happened in a counterattack kick-started by Casillas right after grabbing a header. Higuaín controlled the ball in midfield and, seeing that Robben was unmarked, served him a brilliant assist from which the Dutchman scored by defeating Aouate in a one-on-one.

This early goal seemed to somewhat thwart coach Gregorio Manzano's plans given that Mallorca were playing with five defenders. Every single one of Mallorca's ventures in attack was met by an amazing Lass and a very solid defensive line. The Whites kept possession in midfield and came close to scoring a second strike in an elaborate play that consisted on ten different passes.

500 Appearances !
The second goal was scored in no time. Higuaín dribbled past Mallorca defenders by passing the ball to himself and then passed it to Raúl, who scored his seventh strike in the league this season (16'). Real Madrid wanted more and Higuaín came close to scoring a third from a pass on the goal-line by Arjen Robben, but Aouate's providential hands saved the day (25'). The Whites continued to dominate until half-time.

Jurado took the reins of Mallorca at the start of the second half and Arango failed to finish off a missed header by Webó right on the goal-line (54'). This made the Madridistas react and, soon after Van der Vaart came on for Higuaín, Robben hit the post after defeating Aouate in another one-on-one. The ball later landed at Gago's feet and he passed the ball to Sergio Ramos, who was running towards the goal on his own. The defender scored by volleying the ball into the back of the net between the keeper's legs.

Palanca and Huntelaar came on for Robben and Raúl, respectively. Real Madrid's dominace in attack continued to be overwhelming and Sneijder came close to scoring from a free-kick on the 77-minute mark. No more goals were scored, but the Whites snatched their third consecutive victory and took another firm step in their comeback.

Man of the match:
Raúl: The captain played his 500th league match and scored the second goal with his heel.