Real Madrid Minus Ronaldo and Kaka Still Real Deal After Valencia Win

Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Valencia yesterday was arguably the club’s best win this season, and it came without the services of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka.

Needing a win to keep pace with rivals FC Barcelona, Madrid’s bid to attain a victory at the Mestalla took a turn for the worse when influential playmaker Kaka withdrew because of injury hours before kick off.

Having already lost Ronaldo due to suspension, Madrid’s clash with Valencia provided the footballing world with a maiden insight on how they would perform without two of the world game’s big guns.

The result—a very convincing 3-2 victory against a Valencia side which has established itself as a dangerous contender this season.

Prior to their loss to Madrid, Valencia’s last two months in La Liga have been outstanding, winning six games and drawing three to find themselves currently sitting in third position on the table.

Influential forward David Villa is once again playing a pivotal role for Valencia this season, leading the goal scoring charts in La Liga with twelve goals so far this year.

Whilst the Spain striker found himself on the scoresheet against Madrid with a great header in the first half, it failed to mend the confidence of opposition which was desperate to keep league leaders Barcelona in their sights.

Despite making do without both Ronaldo and Kaka, Real were still able to conjure enough class against Valencia to attain arguably their most valuable win of the season.

Crucial off season signing Karim Benzema played his best match for Madrid, assisting in Gonzalo Higuain’s first goal and keeping Valencia defender Bruno very busy at right back.

The Frenchman has lived in the shadows of both Kaka and Ronaldo for the majority of the season, but their absence yesterday seemed to bring out the best in the former Lyon player.

Madrid forward Higuain also continues to go from strength to strength, scoring a brace against Valencia thus adding to an impressive goal scoring tally which has seen the 21 year old score nine goals in his past nine games for Manuel Pelligrini’s men.

Even though Madrid’s apparent worries in attack were put to rest thanks to Benzema’s and Higuain’s match winning performances, question marks over their defence were also raised due to a serious injury to key man Pepe.

The Portuguese defender was combining well with Sergio Ramos before twisting his knee and being stretchered off just before halftime.

Pepe’s injury was the last setback Madrid needed in a game where goal scoring opportunities were presenting themselves on a regular basis.

Replacement defender Ezequiel Garay however performed well under pressure, culminating in his match winning header late in the game to give Madrid a very valuable three competition points.

Whilst Garay’s communication with fellow Real defender Albiol is still a work in progress, the young Argentine no doubt has a chance to stake a claim for a permanent position in Madrid’s back four following Pepe’s serious injury.

His crucial goal against Valencia has certainly injected the confidence necessary that could see Madrid wrestle league supremacy away from rivals FC Barcelona—with or without star signings Ronaldo and Kaka.