Real Madrid beats Villareal 2-0 in La Liga – Recap and Video Highlights – Wednesday, September 23, 2009
There were a full slate of Spanish Primera Division (La Liga) matches in the midweek with the marquee one being Villareal v Real Madrid. Both teams finished near the top of the table last season and this season doesn’t appear to be any different. However, Real Madrid has added several superstars and is aiming to knock off defending La Liga champions FC Barcelona. Here’s a recap of the math from Wednesday, September 23, 2009 along with video highlights.
Real Madrid beats Villareal 2-0 – Video Highlights
Real Madrid took the early lead on a 2nd minute goal from Cristiano Ronaldo. It was a low shot from just outside the box by Ronaldo that beat the keeper. It was a fairly even match and while Madrid get the better chances, they weren’t dominating like Barcelona have been in La Liga. The match would turn in the 35th minute of the first half as Gonzalo picked up his 2nd yellow for a bad challenge and was ejected. Villareal would play the last 55 minutes a man down. The first half would end at 1-0 on the early goal.
The second half was a bit more open as both teams got chances. Even though Villareal was down a man, they were able to get some decent chances and the Real Madrid defense was up and down. As the second half wore on, Madrid looked to wear down the Villareal defense. The home team (Villareal) showed signs of fatigue as the midfield of Real Madrid began to take control.
The match would turn in Real Madrid’s direction in the 73rd minute as Kaka converted a penalty kick for a 2-0 lead. The penalty was awarded after a handball called on Villareal. In the attack a cross was sent into the box and a sliding Villareal defender had his hands up as the ball struck them. It was a good break for Real Madrid as it could have gone either way. Ronaldo nearly score off a free kick around the 75th minute as it was just saved by the Villareal goalkeeper.
The last 10-15 minutes saw Real Madrid continue to have the advantage as Villareal continues to struggle early in the season. There would be no more goals as Real Madrid would win 2-0 and remain perfect with a 4-0-0 start. It may not have been a great win or impressive performance but Madrid got the 3 points and thats all that matters.
| SCORING SUMMARY | |
| Villarreal | Real Madrid |
| Cristiano Ronaldo (2) | |
| Kaká (pen 73) | |
| MATCH STATS | ||
| Villarreal | Real Madrid | |
| Shots (on Goal) | 8(4) | 13(4) |
| Fouls | 18 | 14 |
| Corner Kicks | 3 | 4 |
| Offsides | 0 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 46% | 54% |
| Yellow Cards | 0 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 1 | 0 |
| Saves | 3 | 4 |
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