Real Madrid go seven points clear
MADRID, Spain — Ruud van Nistelrooy’s 54th minute strike sent Real Madrid seven points clear of closest rivals Barcelona at the top of the Spanish Primera Liga.
Valencia’s grim 0-0 draw at Osasuna did not provide new coach Ronald Koeman with the boost he needed. They have picked up a solitary point in three games and gone out of the Champions League.
Bilbao made a bright start against Real and were gifted a great chance after six minutes when Andoni Iraola seized upon a careless headed back pass by Fabio Cannavaro. Goalkeeper Iker Casillas managed to dash out and block.
The opening period was played at a hectic pace but neither side could break through.
In the 54th minute Aitor Ocio gave the ball away and Van Nistelroot gratefully fired a right-footed shot high into the net past Aranzubia.
In the 71st minute Real amost increased their lead when Robinho hammered a shot against the inside of a post and the ball flew across the goal and went behind for a goal kick.
Eight minutes from time Van Nistelrooy had to go off with a leg injury
In midweek Valencia coach Koeman said his players lacked courage and claimed their weak mentality was behind poor results.
He professed to be a little more pleased after Saturday’s draw at Osasuna.
Neither team created many chances but one positive is that we were much more solid at the back, he said.
We have to improve going forward but I saw a well-organized team that fought very hard. This is the path we have to follow.
Valencia started with one forward in Spanish international striker David Villa and Koeman packed the midfield to try and give his side some much-needed steel.
Osasuna made the early running with Javier Portillo going close after five minutes and Javi Garcia wasting a good opportunity.
Koeman has reportedly urged the Valencia board to change their rigid wage structure to bring in top quality players. E-mail to a friend
