Real Madrid back on top, but briefly
Real Madrid produced their most accomplished display since Fabio Capello took over as the coach of the Spanish giants to run out 1-0 winners at Real Betis.
Real Madrid produced their most accomplished display since Fabio Capello took over as the coach of the Spanish giants to run out 1-0 winners at Real Betis.
The victory puts Madrid on top of the Spanish first division for the first time in 11 months but they will slip back within 24 hours as the rest of the Spanish first division fixtures are being played on Sunday.
However, Capello is unlikely to mind.
After two wins and a draw against poor opposition and a demoralising 2-0 defeat by Lyon in the Champions League two weeks ago, Real Madrid finally showed what that they should be capable of after their summer signing spree.
Mohammed Diarra scored the only goal of the game, and his first for Real, since moving in the summer from Lyon, after just six minutes.
The Malian midfielder sneaked in at the far post to put away a cross from fellow new boy Jose Antonio Reyes, as the Betis defence stood and watched.
Betis keeper Toni Doblas, who had to take some of the blame for the goal after failing to come out to Diarra, redeemed himself by stopping Real going further ahead only moments after half time.
Doblas bravely took the ball away from the feet of Ruud Van Nistelrooy when the Dutch striker was free and bearing down on goal.
The game was Roberto Carlos's 500th official game for Real Madrid since joining them in 1996, one of coach Fabio Capello's first signings during his first stint at the club.
One worry for Capello ahead of the Champions League match against Dinamo Kiev on Tuesday will be the fitness of his Brazilian right back Cicinho, who was reported to have ruptured his right knee anterior cruciate ligament after falling awkwardly on the wet turf and was replaced by Raul Bravo after 30 minutes.
Betis had their moments and pressed hard for an equaliser in the final 15 minutes but their best chance came from a header by Spanish international defender Juanito Gutierrez after 35 minutes and Real keeper Iker Casillas had to work hard to keep the ball out of the net.
The game ended on an unsavoury note with Betis defender Nano Rivas being justifiably sent off after head butting Diarra in injury time.
Former England captain David Beckham was once again on the bench, the first time he has been among the substitutes for two consecutive games since joining Real Madrid in 2003, although he did get on the field after 67 minutes.
Real Betis's neighbours Sevilla will be looking to retain the leadership of the Spanish first division at Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
One of only three teams with a 100 per cent record, the UEFA Cup winners are travelling to the Spanish capital full of optimism.
"It should be three golden points. They haven't won at home since April and we are determined to carry on our great streak," commented Sevilla's highly rated wing back Daniel Alves.
Barcelona and Valencia, second and third respectively, are the two other teams with three wins out of three to start the season and meet in Barca's Nou Camp stadium on Sunday.
"This is a test of fire for us. Valencia are a very difficult team to overcome especially, it seems, on our own pitch. That fact alone should be motivation for us," said Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard on Saturday.
Rijkaard is well aware that Barcelona have not beaten Valencia in their own Nou Camp for five seasons although the encounter between the two teams has produced some classic battles.