Real sense top-of-table return

A massive win over archrivals Barcelona has left Real Madrid’s stars confident they can shake their poor start to the domestic season and bring home another La Liga title to the Bernabeu.

Vicente del Bosque’s side had not been convincing in the role of Spanish champions thus far in the new season, sitting 15th in the Liga table as recently as two weeks ago, but a dramatic late win over Villarreal and the 2-0 triumph over Barcelona at the weekend have given the Madridistas a major boost in morale and momentum.

The two results have vaulted the Spanish champions into to seventh in the standings, and the Real players sense that more domestic success is in the offing.

"This is a victory for all Madrid fans, for them to enjoy it because they deserve it," goalkeeper Iker Casillas told the club’s official website. "These three points will give us the hope we need to get to the top as soon as possible."

Fernando Morientes agreed with his netminder.

"This is very important for positions on the table," explained the Real striker. "But the thing to do now is to climb step by step. This how we all want Real Madrid."

"We've won something else apart from three points," concurred defender Michel Salgado. "I feel very happy because beating Barcelona is the best thing that can happen to you playing in Real and the great last-minute goal gave the perfect touch to the victory. Now, our further up position on the table makes us calmer in order to face future matches."