Real Madrid's Top 7 Key Moments of 2011

2011 should be remembered as a vital year for Real Madrid. Yes, the club failed to win the La Liga title or the Champions League, and there was nothing spectacular to note about any signings the club made in the calendar year. But what has been the goal for the club since arch-rivals Barcelona dominated world football is the speedy recovery from the 5-0 thrashing at the Nou Camp and the bridging of the canyon-sized gap between the two clubs.

While Barcelona have taken the first big victory this season in the 3-1 victory at the Bernabeu a few weeks ago, it will be Real Madrid's ability to win the smaller victories along the way, as well as their key players coming to the fore, that will prove just why this year has been so instrumental in the club's immediate successes over Barcelona.

Performances in the Spanish Super Cup

Real Madrid won't be remembered for their performances in the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona because they did not win the trophy. The real victory, however, came with knowledge that the team were on the right course to catch up with the Catalans.

In contrast to the losses they suffered in the many Clasicos over the course of the 2010/11 season, Real Madrid were better prepared; they were hungrier, looked capable of going toe-to-toe, and, in the end, it was individual brilliance that favoured Barcelona.

But while Barcelona were considerably under-prepared for the match, allowing for a more stern test against Madrid, Jose Mourinho's men should take heart from the fact that regardless of Barcelona's preparations, his side had begun the league campaign in the right frame of mind that had eluded them on many occasions last season.

The Victory Away to Valencia

This has arguably been the most thrilling match thus far in the 2011/12 campaign. Valencia—with the problems at the other top four contenders in Spain—seemed the most likely to challenge Barcelona and Madrid; not necessarily for the title, but rather to let them know that certain teams would not be so willing to accept a drumming.

The 3-2 victory at the Mestalla was capped by the late winner by Ronaldo, to which Jose Mourinho jumped on the back of Jose Callejon in celebration.

The Madrid manager would later explain that his actions should not be seen as offensive or lacking in respect to Unai Emery's side, but rather be taken as a compliment as to just how hard Madrid had to fight to pick up all three points where Barcelona had previously failed to do so.

The Return to Form of Angel Di Maria

Angel Di Maria's form was often criticised for much of the 2010/11 campaign. The player was not seen to be as productive as Mesut Ozil, and his play-acting was becoming a headache for those who saw so much potential.

This season, however, will perhaps be Di Maria's breakout year in a Madrid shirt; he is hailed as the best player on the pitch on a number of occasions and playing an instrumental part in his side's lethal scoring form.

His performance last week against Sevilla was a fantastic showcase as to what the Argentine brought to Real Madrid's attack this year, setting up Ronaldo's first goal with a wonderfully played through-ball and capping his brilliant performance with an exquisite finish, akin to that of a veteran centre-forward.

Karim Benzema

The French striker's troubles since arriving at Real Madrid appear to be forgotten. He's the key striker for Jose Mourinho's side, and team-mates—including Cristiano Ronaldo—have expressed their joy at having him in the starting line-up.

A return of 14 goals in 24 appearances so far this season are testament to just how well Benzema has settled and, of course, laid to rest the notion of him leaving the Bernabeu.

Clearly the favoured striker over Gonzalo Higuain, Benzema's continued good form and industry in attack will play a big part in Madrid's successes over the coming years.

Victory in the Copa Del Rey

The 1-0 victory over Barcelona in the Copa del Rey did a lot to prove that Real Madrid could get the better of their arch-rivals. Whether it was over the course of two legs or simply in extra time, Madrid knew there were ways of beating Barcelona.

Perhaps not even their greatest performance out of the many, many Clasicos of 2011, it was still a small battle won in a bid towards overall victory of supremacy in Spain.

Sergio Ramos’ Introduction into the Centre of Defence

How key would it prove to be to simply reshuffle your defensive line? Clearly, Sergio Ramos has brought a new dimension to an aging, lethargic central defensive partnership. More importantly, he's allowed Real Madrid to successfully play with a high defensive line: containing the opposition in their half and adding a quick centre-back who likes to play the ball out of defensive.

As I've alluded to in the past, the key might be in convincing Ramos that his places is rightfully in the heart of defence, rather than on the flanks. He has all the attributes of a strong centre-half: good in the tackle, strong in the air (which is highly beneficial against Barcelona), and a sense of assured composure and leadership.

His moments of recklessness are hopefully behind him, but Ramos' move into central defence has been a shrewd move by Jose Mourinho.

Victory over Sevilla

Despite the impressive 6-2 score against Sevilla, it is the psychological victory that will matter most to Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid.

Not only were they able to convincingly beat a team who Barcelona struggled against, they also head into the winter break as league leaders. That may do little in the bigger picture come the end of the season, but regardless, Barcelona know there is added pressure on themselves to pick up all three points in the game in hand.

Again, a small victory for Real Madrid, but one which could prove to be vitally important in their hopes of league glory.