Real Madrid and Barcelona returned to their winning ways on Sunday after a torrid week which saw them both exist the Champions League. Real Madrid were 3-0 winners over Sevilla at the Bernabeu while Barca thrashed Rayo Vallecano 7-0 to keep their slim title hopes alive.
Madrid’s win keeps them only one game away from their first League title in 5 years! However, as is becoming the norm, Madrid coach Jose Mourinho once again failed left all the talking to his assistant.
“It was an important win and the team deserves to be champions as the players have shown their mentality and character,” Aitor Karanka said.
“The players went into the game tired and down but they responded well, even though winning the league will not cure anything. “We will go out looking to win games even when we are the champions, if that happens, as we only have one plan. It will be fantastic to win the league and it is the most important objective at the moment.”
Madrid went ahead in the 19th minute through Ronaldo but had Benzema to thank as his brace helped them onto a comfortable win. Barcelona on the other hand scored 7 past a hapless Rayo Vallecano to send a clear message that Guardiola’s exist though untimely, will not affect how they function as a team.
Messi scored the first on 16 minutes to open the floodgates as Barca went on the rampage with Pedro, Keita and Alcantara all getting on the score sheet. Both Messi and Pedro scored two goals apiece.
Unlike Madrid who had Karanka do all the talking, Barcelona have remain silent even in their victory. Of course, following the happenings at the club these past few days, no celebrations were expected even in the event of a win.
Madrid next perepare to face high flyers Athletic Bilbao knowing that a win will hand them the trophy. Barca on the other hand host Malaga at the Nou Camp this Saturday.
