Gago: Result Was More Important Than Style

The Argentinian midfielder recognised that Bernd Schuster's side did not produce much attractive play, but was still pleased with the win.

Raúl opened the scoring in the two minutes after Robinho had edged past Pablo Ibañez and Ruud van Nistelrooy volleyed home a second before the break to put the result beyond doubt.

"This victory is important because it reasserts our leadership," Gago said.

"Atlético attacked a lot, but we defended solidly. That was key to our victory.

"The important thing in games like this is to win regardless of how well you play."

Gago thinks that concentration is now the key to Madrid maintaining their good form and he hopes that the team can play more entertainingly in the weeks to come.

"We must take things slowly and play better in each game. We must maintain our seven-point lead," he concluded.

Raul: We Were Deserving Winners

Real Madrid had to survive some serious pressure from Atletico Madrid, but did so in style to make sure two clinical finishes at the other end gave them yet another win.

"The team has proven its worth in an important day and won," Raul told the club's official website after the game. "We were just victors.

"Half of my goal was Robinho's because he fought for the ball and gave me the assist. That strike allowed us to be calmer.

"We knew Atletico were going to have a strong start, but that goal allowed us to dominate the encounter from then on.

"They had chances to draw the match, but just when they were about to score, Ruud netted our second strike. They had no chances in the second half and we could've scored more goals."

A lot of the credit goes to Iker Casillas once again, as the Spanish number one produced some more fine saves.

"We are happy with Iker because he hasn't conceded a goal in six matches," beamed Raul. "There is still a long way to go in the competition. We've won two consecutive away games.

"Our style makes it hard for our opponents to score and it makes us strong in attack. We've earned important victories at important stadiums such as this save for the matches against Sevilla and Espanyol. We've also won complicated fixtures at home. We must keep working.

"These games are beautiful, special and important. Every player wants to do well. I've played in many derbies; I haven't scored in some and in others I've played worse.

"Tonight's victory is important for the entire team. It makes us confident. We want to continue being strong at home, especially against strong rivals."

Casillas Remains As Modest As Ever

Casillas once again bailed Madrid out with a number of reflex saves, but was unwilling to take credit for the win.

"I don't like people talking about me so much," he said. "Everyone must notice that we are all in great shape.

"I may make saves here and there, but the defence also does a great job.

"Pople talk too much about things that aren't that important."

The Real Madrid and Spain number one admitted that the early goal set up the win.

"We scored our first goal before a minute had gone by; we couldn't ask for more, but we scored our second when we were at our worst," he opined.

"That made Atletico crumble. The entire second part of the season still lies ahead, so we must carry on working hard."

"Atletico Madrid are a great side," he continued. "They faced the leaders tonight and we happened to be more effective. We stood our ground at a complicated stadium."

Villa And City Look To Madrid's Baptista

English tabloid The News of the World reports that Real Madrid's renaissance man Julio Baptista could be on his way back to the Premiership.

The powerful Brazilian spent last season on loan at Arsenal, but was unable to secure a move away from the Bernabeu during the summer transfer window.

Since then, though, he has been a revelation in La Liga, earning an extended run in the blancos' first XI and even scoring the winner in the Clasico match against Barcelona.

Nonetheless, the News of the World contends that both big-spending City and resurgent Villa are quietly confident of being able to coax the 26-year-old back to England.

Real Madrid coax Bernd Schuster, though, seems to have placed his trust in the Brazilian international, while Baptista himself said as recently as last week that he has yet to show his best in the white jersey, and that he feels appreciated in Madrid.

Mijatovic: Madrid Will Beat Atletico 1-0 Or 2-0

Speaking to Spanish sports daily Marca, Bernabeu director of sports Pedja Mijatovic offered his thoughts on tonight's Madrid derby.

He remarked, "We've always done well in the major matches this season.

"And after five Liga matches without a goal, I don't expect us to concede too easily.

"I believe that we can maintain our clean sheet record, and our scoring ability will see us score one or two goals to win the match."

The former striker added, "We will go into this match calmer than them thanks to our ten-point advantage and because, over the last seven years, all derbis have gone our way.

"Atletico? I don't know if they're aiming for the title. I suppose so - they're a very big team, and of course they'll be in the Champions League.

"They have a tremendous squad and deserve to be among Europe's greats."

Pedja himself is no stranger to the Madrid derby, having played and scored against the rojiblancos for Real in the late 1990s.

Schuster: Derby Victory Worth More Than Three Points Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster believes that victory over Atlético Madrid in Sunday's derby wo

Schuster was victorious in his first Madrid derby in charge of Real when they beat Atlético 2-1 on the first day of the season and will be looking for a similar result as his side look to bounce back from their elimination from the Copa del Rey at the hands of Mallorca in mid-week.

If they are able to win on Sunday, Schuster believes it would not only be a vital result as far as maintaining their lead at the top of the table but that it would also be a huge psychological blow to their rivals for the La Liga crown.

"There is always more behind a victory in the derby at the Calderón or the Bernabéu, there is more on it, especially for the teams behind us who are hoping to close the gap," he told a press conference ahead of the derby clash.

"If we won tomorrow we would strike another blow to our rivals bigger than just the three points."

Schuster is confident of a victory and is calm knowing that his team are fully prepared for the match.

"I am fully content that my team is motivated. For us, perhaps the most important work is the psychological side; on motivation; on knowing that this is an important match.

"I am calmer because the players have arrived near their optimal level once more. And we must reach that and play a good game in general if we want to win."

Schuster looked back warmly to the first-day of the season, but believes that Atlético's home support will make this game a tougher test for Real, despite the gap in points between the teams in the league table.

"In August the Atlético were the favorite, but in derbies the one that plays at home has a small advantage, mainly in the Calderón because their supporters push the team on. To play well is difficult there.

"Now we are more favored than in August, because we have the ten points between us, but I believe that it is not necessary to discredit Atlético, who after many years have returned with a team able to compete for the league, and I applaud that."

Raúl seems to have enjoyed a new lease of life under Schuster and the German coach could not be happier with the attitude of the Real captain.

"He is one of the few players who does not have motivation problems. He knows how to motivate himself and needs little to get himself animated.

"The fact that he comes into the game in good shape is excellent for us, but sometimes in these games we pay more attention to his sort of player and in the end it is others that decide the game."

Finally, the discussion turned to Schuster's relationship with Real Mallorca coach Gregorio Manzano, who suggested that Real received favourable decisions from referees against the smaller clubs.

"I have the same respect for Gregorio that I had before... we have played the cup game, and Mallorca beat us. It will not change our relationship; we have the same respect," he concluded.

Hugo Sanchez Backs Real In Madrid Derby Former Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid player Hugo Sanchez has declared himself a greater fan of the blancos

Mexico coach Hugo Sanchez has a closer perspective than most on Sunday's Madrid derby, having spent four seasons with the rojiblancos before crossing the city divide to spend seven years at Real Madrid.

Now, the former Rayo Vallecano man has admitted that his heart is slightly balanced more towards the latter than the former.

"I was with Atletico at the start and I owe a lot to that team," he began.

"But I was there for only four years, compared to seven with Madrid, having the best seasons of my career. That makes me more a Madridista than a rojiblanco."

However, he wouldn't commit to an away win for the blancos at the Vicente Calderon on Sunday.

"The fact that I've played for both teams leads me to predict a tie," he smiled.

"I made good friends at Atletico, too."

'Hugol' took over as Mexican national team boss in 1986.

Raul Wary Ahead Of Madrid Derby Speaking to As, Raul touched on the impending Madrid derby, his goalscoring exploits so far, and his prospects of pla

Los Blancos may have won the first Madrid derby of the season, but Raul is not counting his chickens ahead of the return fixture at the Vicente Calderon.

""This is the best Atletico side in the last decade - it's reflected in their Liga standing and in their play", warned the veteran forward.

"So it will be dangerous, and we'll need to give 100% on Sunday in order to avoid surprises. They have a great squad."

Looking at the changes to the forward line in Madrid, Raul added, "[Fernando] Torres took a decision [to leave], and it's going very well. In England he's under less pressure, because here he was responsible for everything, good and bad. But this Atletico squad now has great players and made some good signings.

"They have a good atmosphere, a great coach, and play with ambition. They're back to being a big team and therefore are near the top of the table.

"Kun Aguero is a player of different class, with tremendous quality. Plus, the wings are very dangerous, and their central mdifielders come in from the back to score goals."

However, he is just as complimentary about his own team, brushing aside the recent Copa del Rey defeat to Mallorca.

"The Copa was a mere accident, because we lost on a day that we played great football," he insisted.

"Moreover, we're in a good position elsewhere. The first half of the Liga season has been good, with consistency helping us to a commanding lead.

"But there have been lots of matches of great quality, such as Villarreal, [Valencia at the] Mestalla, [Athletic Bilbao] at San Mames, and [Barcelona's] Camp Nou.

"The important thing is that the squad knows they can give a lot more, and people will enjoy our football. The wins and points say that we're the best team, but we need to be able to say the same in five month's time.

"Do we play conservative football? No. We always go out intending to win and to play well. What happens is that the opponents know that, and close down our attack.

"But at Levante, for example, we were able to win a game that in the past we may not have done. We have belief and self-esteem, and faith in our ability. We'll know that sooner or later we'll score even without playing at our best, as at Levante. But in the Bernabeu, we know what we can do for the fans, and they're happy. So we're on the right track."

On his own prospects, Raul was asked if he was going to finish the season in strong fashion.

"I prefer to think of the squad," he shrugged.

"I hope to continue scoring, but the most important thing is to keep on playing with joy. We've had an interesting six months, especially in that we've recovered the values lost in previous seasons.

"But now we face a tough five months, starting at the Calderon. That's why we cannot fail on Sunday.

"My target of twenty goals? Just nine left to go! I always said that I'd do well playing in my natural position up front. The coach has put me there and that's improved my performance, but I can't lower my guard as there is competition. Plus, I'd trade in all my goals to help Madrid win titles and matches. Never think in the first person.

"Ronaldinho's treatment? I'm not bothered by what happens at Barcelona. Dinho is a great player and it's clear that it is injury that's kept him from performing to his best. But once again he'll be a great player. When Barca get Eto'o and Messi back they'll fight for all the titles."

In closing... what would Raul do if he was left out of Euro 2008?

"All I want is to concentrate on my club, Real Madrid, and not talk about this," sighed the forward.

"That's best for everyone. I won't speak on this matter again until the end of the season. Everyone knows what I think, and to talk about it again is detrimental to all. I just want to remain calm and think of Madrid."

Ramos: I Never Asked Madrid For A Raise Sergio Ramos has denied that he has ever asked Real Madrid to increase his salary and stated that he would li

Recent reports suggested that talks over a new contract were held up after Los Merengues refused to meet the defenders wage demands and he was linked with a switch to Serie A.

That was not true though, the defender has now claimed as he explained that everything that he has seen or read has not come from him.

"Those who know me know that I have a long-term contract with Madrid, and I plan on seeing it through. I'd like to retire while playing here," Ramos said.

"It was said that I asked for a raise, but I'd like to make clear that I never did. The club knows when it will have to take another look. I have never thought about leaving Madrid or talking to the president about a raise.

"I just think about working hard every day and winning a lot of trophies.

"Nothing ever came from me. I have a six-year contract with this club and there's nothing more to say. I only think about football. I have to do my talking on the pitch, which is where it's done best."

Turning to matters on the pitch, Ramos is looking forward to Sunday's local derby against Atlético and stated that Los Colchoneros forward line will have to be stopped.

"Madrid has a lot at stake with the fans. We have to win no matter what," he continued. "We need to maintain our lead over Barcelona and to make sure our fans stick by our side just like they did during the first half of the season.

Atlético are a good team that brought in some great players this year. They're going through a great patch right now. (Diego) Forlán, Kun (Agüero), and Simão are all great players."

Raúl Unhappy As Cup Eludes Him Again Raúl González was clearly unhappy about Real Madrid's unexpected exit from the Copa del Rey at the hands of Real

Los Merengues' captain was keen to show that going out of any competition was not something to be brushed off and maintained a stony silence at training on Thursday, according to Marca.

One key reason why the striker, along with Iker Casillas, Guti and Michel Salgado, are not impressed with the manner of their defeat is that they have never won the cup.

In 14 seasons, Raúl has claimed five league titles, three European Cups, the European Super Cup once, the Intercontinental Cup twice and the Spanish Super Cup on three occasions.

But he has never won the Copa del Rey and is reported to have had high hopes that this could finally be the year when he completes his set of medals.

While Predrag Mijatovic, some of the coaching staff and several players stated that it was not a disaster and the club could now focus on the league and Europe, Raúl was left fuming.

Without saying much, Raúl cursed his luck on the sidelines in a casual chat with assistant coach Manolo Ruiz, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robinho.

During the training session the experienced skipper rarely raised his head and did not smile once as he reflected on another season without a sniff of hte trophy.

The Copa del Rey may be third on Madrid's list of priorities at the start of every campaign, but for the veteran squad members it is beginning to mean more and more.

Manzano Outburst Just A Tactic - Schuster

The German coach admitted that he understood the viewpoint on occasion, but believes that it is just a tactic to put pressure on the mtach day officials.

Manzano claimed that Mallorca had never had one big decision go in their favour in Madrid and expects no different when the teams meet in the Copa del Rey tie.

"I just hope that's the case," Schuster joked. "I couldn't ask for more. I hope he's right and that there are penalties and disallowed goals in our favor.

"I'm joking of course. I hope we make it to the next round, but not because of the referee's actions.

"I understand what he said. I don't take part because it hasn't been done with other small teams. When speaking about Real Madrid, the referees are always brought up. It's a kind of tactic.

"Of course I don't like it when a claim like that is made. We all have to be equal. I do worry about Mallorca because they already proved that they can beat us without Güiza.

"They have the chance to eliminate Real Madrid and make it to the next round. They're a good team and a dangerous opponent."

Schuster was not happy as journalists asked him about his team looking to be more entertaining in the second half of the season as well as continuing to win.

I'm shocked to hear you talk about playing well. Looking only at our lineup, we're a more offensive team, the highest scorer, and the second-least scored upon. I disagree with you. There have been matches this year that you didn't see in any of the last three seasons," he continued.

"I feel like sticking up for my team. We had a lot of chances in Levante. Last place teams don't make it very easy. We were the better team and we had two shots hit the post and balls cleared off the line. Let's not get into it. You also have to be objective with Real Madrid.

"I want the same in the second part of the season as we had in the first half, effectiveness. We have to try to reach the end in first place while also maintaining a distance. We need to make it look like everything is under control and we can't concede any goals.

"We're coming up on important stages. In the Champions League a spot in the final is at stake. We have to do well in League and Cup play in January, and it's just what we're doing."

Pepe Injured Ahead Of Mallorca Clash Pepe has rejoined the injury list at Real Madrid, all but being ruled out of his side's Copa del Rey meeting wit

Pepe's appearance at the second leg of Real Madrid's Copa del Rey tie with Mallorca has been thrown into real jeopardy.

The Bernabeu men carry a 2-1 deficit as they head into the home leg, but they will most likely half to make do without the centre-back, who becomes the latest casualty in what is looking like a depleted squad.

Gabriel Heinze, Christoph Metzelder and Arjen Robben will all miss the game, while fringe players Javier Balboa and Soldado are also set to miss out.

Coach Schuster rotated his side significantly for the first leg at the ONO Estadi, but knows that his side must win by at least a goal to nil if they're to keep their dreams of an historic Treble alive.

The final squad has yet to be announced, but at this point the Madrid club doctors are confident that Pepe will not recover in time to make it.

Madrid's training today was quiet in the aftermath of that hard-fought 2-0 win at Levante last night, with only those who played no or little part in the fixture - Michel Salgado, Sergio Ramos, Royston Drenthe, Guti, Higuain and Saviola - working on the turf.

Higuain Believes Good Football Will Return Gonzalo Higuain thinks it is only a matter of time before Real Madrid return to the stunning form they sho

Real once again struggled to get their rhythm going against Levante at the weekend despite recording a 2-0 victory, but Higuain believes that the good football will return in the coming weeks.

"The team is always happy after a victory like the one against Levante as we took advantage of our opportunities despite not playing well. But we know that the continuity and the good play will return," he told Marca.

"Before breaking for Christmas we were doing well. We had one week off and it is difficult to return at the same pace, but we are all calm as the most important thing is to win games. Now we will try to recover the form."

Despite making a record breaking start in the first-half of the La Liga campaign, Higuain still feels that Madrid cannot become complacent in the second half of the season.

"Since the victories are worth three points in this league, there have not been numbers like ours. We are breaking records but we cannot relax because difficult matches come and we only can think about continuing working to win the league."

Real's own seemingly impossible comeback in last season's title race means that the players are fully aware that the title race is not over, but Higuain thinks there is a great togetherness in the squad that will see them through.

"We are on the way to the title, but we know that last season it was us that overcame a seven-points deficit... to continue winning is the important thing. The group is in high-spirits; it is a great atmosphere but we have difficult months ahead."

The next week sees Los Merengues host Real Mallorca in the second leg of their Copa del Rey tie and then face Atlético in the Madrid derby. Higuain believes they are capable of achieving victories in both matches.

"It is possible to win both games, we have the squad. Wednesday will be complicated since we are down from the first game, but we have ninety minutes at home to obtain it and we are secure at the Bernabéu. We will starting thinking about the Atlético game on Thursday."

Finally, speaking further on the Mallorca tie, which sees Madrid trial 2-1 from the first leg, Higuain believes that keeping a clean sheet - and thus avoiding conceding an away goal - is vital to their progression in the competition.

"We suffered a defeat in Mallorca but it should not be too difficult to reverse it. In the Bernabéu it is possible to be obtained. Mallorca is a great team, they will come to play and to punish us in the attacking quarter, but if we keep their score to zero we will have a great chance," he concluded.

Pepe And Cannavaro Cause Schuster Concern Bernd Schuster is set for a worrying few days as Pepe and Fabio Cannavaro look to overcome injury problems

With Christoph Metzelder and Gabriel Heinze already sidelined, the German trainer is said to be very concerned as he prepares his side for the Copa del Rey encounter with Real Mallorca.

Pepe suffered an ankle injury in the warm-up before the Levante game and Schuster admitted that he did not think that the Portuguese defender would finish the game.

But after playing for the entire 90 minutes, the 24-year-old was suffering from a lot of pain in his ankle and was set to undergo a series of tests on Monday morning.

Cannavaro is also causing concern as he was seen clutching his knee during the match in the Ciutat de Valencia on Sunday night.

The Italian veteran has had to be careful of his right knee throughout his time at Real Madrid as he has had continuous problems with it.

Schuster is expected to rest Cannavaro for the second leg of the cup tie against Mallorca on Wednesday and save him for the league game against Atlético de Madrid next Sunday.

If both players are unable to play in midweek, then Madrid will have to field a makeshift defence with Sergio Ramos moving into the centre with Miguel Torres.

Schuster Hails Luck, Resilience And Levante Real Madrid boss Bernd Schuster expressed his satisfaction after his team’s 2-0 victory over Levante at t

A Tough One

Real Madrid were under the cosh for large parts of the game, and distinctly second best in the first half, but managed to do what they do best these days - show resolve, hang in there, and hit back through some clinical attacking.

It was once again Van Nistelrooy who did the business with a brace, first from the spot, and then with a typically 'Ruud' finish.

Schuster was very happy with his team’s victory, although he admitted that luck was on their side, and that was much of the reason why they picked up the three points.

But then again, you make your own luck, and Madrid did by hanging in there.

“We knew that it wouldn’t be easy, Levante made things difficult for us," he said.

"Things got more complicated for us as the match went on, and we were unable to go ahead. However, we managed to stay in it."

Mentally Prepared

According to the German coach the most complicated part about getting his troops ready for the match was to get “the players prepared mentally, as it is difficult to do when the rivals are, initially, inferior.”

Real Madrid have yet to find their top form after the Christmas break, but Schuster defended his side by joking: “It has also been difficult for me to lose the kilos I have gained.”

Praise For His Former Club

The German also congratulated the good work of the players of Levante, a club he coached in the 2004/05 season.

“We have to congratulate the players of Levante, because given the situation they are in, it is not normal for them to fight in the way they did.

“During the break we spoke about the fact that we were lacking the final pass. We couldn’t finish things off like we would have liked to, and that in part is because of the good defensive work of Levante.

“You have to believe in miracles, in the same way as Real Madrid did last season when they won the league; we are involved in a very even competition

“Levante have to begin to win matches no matter what, it would have been nice for them to beat the league leaders, it would have been like a good impulse. I don’t think Levante are as inferior as their position on the table suggests.”

'Van Gol' Strikes Twice To Crush Heartbroken Levante Levante 0 - 2 Real Madrid After bravely battling for three quarters of the match, Levante suc

With basement boys Levante in disarray off the pitch and having lost 3-0 midweek, a match against the league leaders seemed to be a foregone conclusion.

Watching the first half, it was: one team was superior, largely outfighting their opponents, who looked devoid of ideas for much of the encounter. The only strange thing was that Levante were the ones doing the dominating in that first period.

But Madrid did come back into the game towards the end and, just as when they faced Zaragoza in the Liga last week, there was a fairytale ending from 'Van Gol'. Levante had simply run out of puff, and Madrid were waiting to strike via the penalty spot and then a moment of attacking class.

In a sense, it was just. Their second half performance perhaps merited a goal, but the hosts will still feel hard done by after their earlier action.

The Valencians' hierarchy would have watched the considerable crowd assemble through gritted teeth - the courts have seized the gate receipts in order to settle the issue of unpaid creditors and players. But on the pitch, they were the better side early on, and although they almost conceded during the first period, coach De Biasi would have been proud with how they played.

Levante's side, weakened by free transfers and squad disputes, lined up in a sort of 4-5-1, with Tomassi and Berson playing just behind Pedro Leon in a central trio, he in turn supporting lone striker Riga. Juanma and Courtois were kept busy throughout on the flanks, while

Madrid were without Sergio Ramos and Mamadou Diarra, but elsewhere, they had their usual wealth of talent. Baptista joined stand-in Gago in midfield while Sneijder had a tough game out on the right: up front, Van Nistelrooy and Raul watched and waited.

But they were left cooling their heels for some time as the game's early moments focused on the other end of the pitch. Within three minutes, Alvaro had brought out the best in Casillas with a powerful header, and although any "goal" would have been ruled out for a foul on Cannavaro, it was a worrying moment for the visitors.

Emboldened by that early chance, Levante settled into a bustling, defensive game, closing down Madrid before any moves could take place in midfield while maintaining a strong back line behind.

It took fifteen minutes for Madrid to even have a sniff of goal, and that was when the unimpressive Wesley Sneijder fired straight at Kujovic. Levante immediately hit on the break and won a corner, as seemed to be their gameplan. Soon afterwards, Pedro Leon had a great effort cleared by Cannavaro, and it was game on.

In pressing forward, Levante sought to use the flanks. Courtois and Juanma were kept busy throughout going forward, but the former's best contribution came at the back.

For all Levante's pressure, Madrid had the best chance of the first period, Baptista and Raul both seeing chances cleared off the line by Courtois during a goalmouth scramble.

Juanma came down the right a few more times in that first period, but with Riga increasingly isolated in the centre-forward position, there were relatively few clear-cut chances. Madrid had run out of ideas themselves, and coach Schuster would have been pleased to hear the half-time whistle go.

Soon after the restart, Pedro Leon was given time and space to drive a shot goalwards, but his twenty-yarder flew just wide. Baptista then hit the post during yet another goalmouth scramble - his last action before being taken off for Guti.

While Levante's bench mostly comprised fresh-faced youngsters, Schuster had the likes of Guti and Saviola in reserve. By bringing on the playmaker, he clearly showed that this was a game he intended to win.

However, while the pace of the game did not drop, Madrid's newfound impetus to press forward once again resulted in relatively few chances.

Raul's long-range effort was about the best of the bunch, but frustration grew as chances were found to be hard to come by.

With twenty minutes to go, though, the mood of the game changes considerably. Higuain came on for the hapless Sneijder, with the young Argentine keen to impress after his midweek exploits. Then, Robinho smashed a one-on-one effort off the post.

Levante were clearly spooked, with the midfield beginning to panic rather than controlling play, and eventually their fears came to fruition.

For Gonzalo Higuain, who had just come on, played the ball off Jose Serrano's arm to win a penalty seventy-five minutes in. Up stepped Ruud Van Nistelrooy to strike home his tenth Liga goal of the season.

What a blow for Levante. But, to their credit, forward they came, with Pepe needing to recover well to prevent Riga from going one-on-one.

Iker Casillas, who recovered from illness in time to play, then threw the ball out of play due to an apaprent injury, and Robinho went off for Drenthe in order to run down the clock further.

Levante had already brought on newbies Iborra and Saul by this time in order to look for a midfield miracle, but none was forthcoming. Instead, Van Nistelrooy was on hand again to make it 2-0, this time via a trundler from just outside the area.

Once again, it was a bitter moment for Levante, who moments before had another chance of their own through Riga. But Madrid showed the Granota side just how counterattacking was done: truly, it was Zaragoza all over again.

And that's another three points for Madrid on what is increasingly looking like a rocky, yet straightroad towards the title.

For Levante, a single-digit points tally is still all they have to show for their travails. They did well here in midfield, and held their own for much of the game, but had little attacking class, and are almost certainly going down.