Cristiano made himself wait in Almería

Almería, yet another link in Real Madrid’s chain of victories. It was a curious match in which the locals gave a very good account of themselves, while Real Madrid not so much, based on their abilities. You can note the absence of Modric, and that of James. Yesterday you may also have noted a certain desire to reserve themselves, a sort of inclination to the sense of comfort that only appeared at the end. Verza, scorer of the home side’s goal, had the chance to make it 2-2 with a penalty kick but failed with it. Casillas made a great save and from there Real Madrid woke up and went up a gear. Then what had been missing arrived - Cristiano’s goals. Two this time.

Cristiano has 25 goals in this Liga campaign. We will have to insist that many in the past won the Pichichi with this tally of goals or less, and that we are still in the first half of the season. Yesterday he was particularly cagey, as if he was saving his strength for what comes next, the Club World Cup. It's a good tournament for Real Madrid because it looks like a lot but in fact is less demanding than other competitions, or so it might be hoped. They only face a short trip, without jet lag, and opponents from parts of the world excluding Europe, which is where you find the best. The prize, which could be two matches away, is a world title.

But even with that incentive so close, Ancelotti did not rest any of his starters that were available (Sergio Ramos was suspended), and I guess not so much for the record, which is set further each day, but based on how things stand in La Liga. Despite such a win, Barça aren’t distanced too far away. And Barça can only get better, because Messi and Neymar are playing very well, while the rest are still yet to materialise. With their first-team regulars and while playing on medium gas until the end, Real Madrid won 1-4, more due to pure power than their game-plan, and they be happy as they launch themselves toward the Club World Cup.

from Últimas noticias | Diario AS http://ift.tt/1BFI2az

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