Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano: Why Victory Will Springboard Real

Cristiano Ronaldo came up large in a 6-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano with his second hat trick of the season. This decisive victory will be the game that springboards Real to the top of the standings.

They need a game like this to do that. They can’t afford to fall behind Barcelona too far because they will never be able to catch them.

Barcelona is the best team in the world. They have the best player in the world in Lionel Messi. They are going to continue to put up points at an incredible rate.

If Real Madrid is serious about contending in La Liga this season it must start now. This victory is just a start of a great run that will be coming.

They still need to address their defense which did concede two goals. If they can do that, they will be in good shape.

Madrid plays Espanyol, Real Betis, Malaga and Villarreal in the next four games of the season. It will be a tough stretch of games, but Real Madrid will need to win those types of games.

It is the highest level of importance not to fall behind Barcelona too much. They are currently one point behind Barcelona and two points behind Betis.

Ronaldo leads the team with seven goals, Karim Benzema is second with three goals and Gonzalo Higuain has two.

Kaka may be the biggest difference maker on the team. His health issues have always been a concern and they will continue to be just that for as long as he is around. He has two assists in 2011 so far, playing in all five games.

If he can return to form, Real Madrid may have what it takes to compete with Barcelona.

Real Madrid’s 6-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano is a confidence-rich outcome. If they can maintain a solid defense, they should be right where they expect to be at the end of the La Liga season.