Higuaín Gives Real Madrid Crucial Valencia Victory
Real Madrid's recovery under Juande Ramos continued on Saturday evening as they edged out ten-man Valencia in an enthralling encounter in the Bernabéu that was won by a goal from Gonzalo Higuaín
After improving against Barcelona last weekend, Los Merengues showed that the new boss has instilled more intensity and confidence and they dominated the game for long periods.
Raúl was left on the bench for the start of the encounter in a bold move by Ramos, while Rafael Van der Vaart was given a chance to impress after stating in the week that he has not seen enough action this season.
Valencia have impressed on their travels and were confident of taking something from the game, but their breakaway play did not create enough chances, and when they did find a way through, Iker Casillas was on form.
Their cause was not helped when Carlos Marchena was sent off midway through the second half after seeing two yellow cards - and he was, arguably, lucky to have been on that long.
The only goal of the game came after just four minutes and it was a scintillating move that showed the renewed spirit that the players have under the coach, who has reintroduced the more basic 4-4-2 formation.
Arjen Robben cut in from the right and instead of going for goal himself he rolled the ball back for Higuaín and the Argentinian steered it into the far top corner of the net, beyond the dive of Renan.
Asier del Horno looked uncomfortable on the left of the visitors' defence as Valencia came under pressure in the opening half-an-hour, but Madrid could not find a second way through.
Robben was full of running, while Rafael Van der Vaart was keen to make an impression and would have earned some headlines had his left-footed effort crept in rather than cannon back off the post in 15th minute.
As the interval approached Valencia did press, and Villa saw Casillas palm a shot over the bar before the striker himself was off-target from a chance that looked more difficult to miss from.
Marchena had already been booked when he went forward for a corner and stiff-armed Michel Salgado with a move that would have earned him red if the referee had seen it.
The visitors started brightly in the second period with Villa again going close, and Casillas produced another superb stop to deny Rubén Baraja, but their chances of winning the game then took a knock.
Robben again tried to pass Marchena and was checked by the defender, leaving the matchday official with no option but to produce a second yellow card and then a red.
David Silva's reappearance for Valencia was a bright note towards the end, but by then Madrid should have ensured victory as Guti had broken clear and was tackled trying to turn back.
Soon after Higuaín saw his shot from close range turned expertly round the post by Renan and there was more drama when Raúl Albiol caught young Palanca to leave the Madrid player covered in blood from a head wound.
Madrid did show that Ramos still has more to do to push them back to their best, but his was a more exciting and more determined display that will encourage them going into the festive break.