Cristiano Ronaldo Leads Real Madrid Past Real Valladolid

Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals to power Real Madrid past Real Valladolid 4-3 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

Kaka scored as well as Madrid also benefited from a Marc Valiente own goal to down the pesky visitors.

Things did not get off to a good start for the hosts though as Oscar capitalized on some sloppy play and slid the ball under Diego Lopez to give Valladolid a shock lead.

Eight minutes in and Jose Mourinho’s men were already 1-0 down but they eventually settled down.

Angel Di Maria ran at his defender before cutting inside and unleashing a shot that was redirected by Valiente past his own goalkeeper Jaime in the 26th minute.

The home side then took a 2-1 lead six minutes later when Ronaldo met Di Maria’s cross and headed the ball beyond the reach of Jaime.

Madrid’s advantage did not last too long as Javi Guerra tapped in from close range to level matters once more.

Real Madrid almost took a 3-2 lead into the half-time interval but Ronaldo’s wicked drive came back off the crossbar.

Madrid refused to let up at the start of the second half and was rewarded for its determination when a loose ball fell nicely in the box for Kaka who was able to power his effort past Jaime.

The visitors were now on the back foot and soon enough Real Madrid made it 4-2 as Ronaldo rose up to meet Ozil’s corner kick and headed home.

Valladolid looked dead and buried but refused to wilt away and set up a nervy finish for the Bernabeu faithful when Lluis Sastre volleyed in spectacularly from 30 yards away.

Valladolid had a new spring in its step now but could not penetrate the Madrid back line in the final five minutes.

Cristiano Ronaldo led the way once again for Real Madrid in what was a spectacular game in the Spanish capital.