Real Madrid News ®: Real Madrid 4-0 Racing Satander

Benzema (2), Ronaldo and Di Maria score in Whites' 20th league victory

Fernando Porrero / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Real Madrid earned an efficient 4-0 win over Racing Santander at the Bernabeu that keeps them comfortably in the lead on the league table. Di Maria played his first game following his injury, gave a brilliant performance and netted one goal. Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema (2) also scored.

Varane, Marcelo and Kaka made the lineup. The team looked to resolve the match quickly and Ronaldo had the first chance only four minutes into the game. Kaka shot on target two minutes later, forcing goalkeeper Toño to clear the ball towards him again. The midfielder then headed it towards Ronaldo, who sent it into the net with a hedaer of his own. Real slowed down after the goal, but Racing continued to wait for them close to their box.

Benzema had a double shot in the 26th minute that Toño managed to clear on both counts. A few minutes later, Cisma was sent off with a double booking (38'), which inspired Madrid to speed things up. Marcelo and Benzema came close to scoring goals, but Toño saved the day again. The French striker tallied the second for his team in injury time with a subtle shot.

Real Madrid dominated the game completely after half-time. Kaka nearly netted a third from a shot that was marginally off target (47') and Racing started to attack more through Acosta and Babacar without posing much of a threat. Mourinho made Di Maria come on for Ozil amidst a standing ovation (62') and the change was soon followed by Khedira coming on for Granero (70').

The match lacked thrills for a while until Di Maria scored an amazing goal from a distance on the 72-minute mark. The Bernabeu roared in celebration and Mourinho decided to make Carvalho come on for Pepe, who also received a standing ovation.

Ronaldo nearly scored from a beautiful combined effort with Benzema, who eventually tallied the fourth from inside the box after the ball was deflected by Bernardo.

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