Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Ajax last night was expected however, the headlines making the news was Kaka’s amazing performance. The first goal was a masterpiece which am sure reminded many of the golden era where the names of Zidane, Figo and Ronaldo were somehow synonymous with the success the club enjoyed.
In what is probably his best performance ever for Les Merengues Kaka reminded all his doubters just why he was at one time the best player in the world. With his usual sublime attacking nature, the Brazilian scored the second goal of the night and turned provider for the third to set up team mate Karim Benzema.
After an injury plagued career at the Santiago Bernabeu that saw him miss lengthy spells of regular season play, Kaka believes that lsat night was the turning point in his career.
“I feel physically well and am eager to keep playing. I am determined to succeed here and I think I will. My team-mates are helping me a lot and we achieved a great victory in an important game tonight.”
It’s still too early too tell whehter Kaka is back to his old self and whether Madrid will win the title, however, last night’s performance is only a glimpse of the club’s determination and ambition.
It might be early days in both competitions, but there are already a few top contenders for the titles. Having played a full game alongside fellow midfielder Mesut Oezil, Kaka has proved that their conflict of styles is not a disadvantage but rather an advantage.
So Madrid next face Lyon – a team that has consistently ended their dreams of European success more than 3 times since they last won the competition in 2002. This time the French side will be very cautious in the way they approach match as they know that the Spanish outfit will match them equally in mental strength.
Hopefully, after last night’s performance, Mourinho has sensed the need to continually build up Kaka by giving him more playing time. Kaka is a star and needs to be treated like one if he is to get back to his old form.
“I think that I am enjoying my best spell with Real Madrid, above all because I feel I am in good shape. There were times here when I was playing 45 minutes and feeling spent. Now I feel comfortable after playing a full game.”
Photo credit © MattyV53