Pluckin' Feathers: Real Madrid 3-0 Espanyol

Real Madrid cruise to another 3-0 victory despite key absences once again (cough Ronaldo cough Garay). I wasn't sure certain players would make the squad list like Guti and Arbeloa because of their fitness difficulties in training this week. I was delighted to see them both in the XI. It was a very one sided match. Los blancos looked comfortable and in demand the entire time. It's beginning to become routine that Real Madrid are missing players. At this point in time it seems like nothing can stop los blancos. The home record is unscratched and unlike the last match at fortress Bernabeu against Malaga, this was quite a performance. We jumped on the opposition right from the start with the Ramos goal and we coasted throughout the rest of the affair. The score could have easily been much greater but Kameni was inspired between the posts. I've seen him play before and his ability to read shots, partnered with his quickness makes him a top class goal keeper. I'm surprised a bigger club hasn't picked him up. Easily Espanyol's best player.

There isn't a lot to pick apart. I usually start with the negatives but where do I even look for them? I suppose I could say that after Benzema's two goal game at the Riazor, I expected him to find the net again. He looked a little selfish especially on one or two numbers-up counter attacks but other than that, he didn't play badly. I mean all strikers have to a little selfish. Marcelo was again not his best defensively but we all know he makes a much better left winger. Hopefully with the contract extension in mind, Madrid have decided that the midfielder Marcelo is far more useful than the defender Marcelo. I didn't think Lass raised the level of play when he arrived as a second half sub. He was disappointing. I've seen much better days from him.

I called for a performance from Raul and by my standards I think I got it. Okay, he didn't score. But he sure as hell had chances that he created for himself. His troubling header forced a diving save out of Kameni which ultimately lead to Kaka's goal. I can say without remorse that he was better of our two starting forwards yesterday. I wish he would have scored, it would have been a testament to the way he played, especially first half. Also Kaka looked great. That's the Kaka that we've been looking for. Hernia problem? Didn't look like it against los periquitos. He was very lively. He deserved his goal. He is a true poacher and I hope Pellegrini is now convinced that he is better in behind the strikers than he is a winger. Granero? Another assist. It seems like he always delivers. Him and Ramos teamed up for the first goal and again almost for another piece of cheese off a corner. It will be a shame if he isn't in the starting line up next week. Impressive once again.

People have always questioned Madrid's defensive capabilities, but we're really starting to silence critics. I never really felt threatened by Espanyol. Albiol and Ramos we're rock solid. Ramos is such a good center back, I can't make up my mind where I like him better. But if Garay is healthy I still think he needs to play centrally, moving Ramos to right back once again where he stampedes up the flank and a more solid Arbeloa to left back.

Ronaldo 80 million, Kaka 59 million, Benzema 35 million, Pipita... Priceless. He's back ladies and gentlemen! He inadvertently showed Benzema up by doing in 15 minutes what the Frenchman couldn't do in 75. Just a fabulous goal. The touch the Argentine took to bring down that ball bamboozled the defender. It even fooled me at first, but by the time I realized what he had just done, my jaw had already hit the floor. Then he went on to dribble around the agile Kameni and tuck the ball into a gaping goal. He really is a marvel. I just can't wait to see him action again. Welcome back my friend, welcome back.

Barcelona as many know, won their match against Getafe 2-1 at the Camp Nou so Madrid's win meant nothing more than keeping pace with their rivals who sit 5 points prettier than us at the moment. What fascinates me about the Barca match is that they had two central defenders in Pique and Marquez (who was sent off with a minute or two to spare. So it's not like they were playing with 9 men all match) sent off. That will surely put a dent in their back line as they travel to the capital city to take on our cross town rivals next week. You can never depend on Atletico for anything but if they can at least make a draw out of the meeting, it will be appreciated without a thank you. Whereas we will have to take on relegation struggles, Xerez away. That should be an unquestionable 3 points, but we might look to rest players with Lyon away looming that Tuesday afterwards.

So Espanyol was successful battle. Fun to watch. Even at the end of the game it looked like some of our technically gifted players were trying to put on a little circus act for the fans. Three points, well earned. No bad performances but there is always room for improvement. Well done. Hala Madrid.

Bobby