Real Madrid: Kaka's Re-Emergence Gives Los Blancos Reason to Be Optimistic

Real Madrid started this season with a lot to be excited about.

But in mid-September they dropped a surprising 0-1 decision to Levante and drew with Racing Santander before notching their third win of La Liga campaign against Rayo Vallecano.

They then earned their second win in the UEFA Champions League with a 3-0 victory against Ajax. While the victory was certainly something to be excited about, it was the rare Kaka sighting that should have Jose Mourinho and the rest of the club excited.

The 29-year old Brazilian and former FIFA player of the year has not lived up to expectations since joining Los Blancos in the summer of 2009.

He has failed to notch a permanent first-team spot, and the younger Mesut Ozil has become the focal point in the midfield at Santiago Bernabeu.

But in their win over Ajax, it was Kaka's goal and assists that helped propel the team to victory in their second Group D match. And not only did Kaka play well on his own, but he linked up well with Ozil and helped find the squad's other two playmakers, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

Unfortunately, they also lost Benzema to injury in that match and now, more than ever, will this club benefit from a player of Kaka's talents.

The Brazilian should feature in the lineup today for Los Blancos when they take on Espanyol in La Liga play.

If he continues to perform, he'll continue to get chances in Mourinho's side.

They'll get a much-needed 13-day break after today's match and will then take the pitch again against Real Betis on October 15th. They finish the month with five matches altogether, including a battle with current La Liga leaders Malaga on October 23rd.

This squad, with aspirations of chasing down Barcelona in both La Liga play and UEFA Champions League play, will have a better chance of doing just that if they can keep Kaka on the pitch.

In order do that, he needs to keep playing good football. If he keeps earning opportunities, and keeps delivering, they'll certainly give Barcelona something to think about.