A second-half goal from Brazil's Robson da Souza, better known as Robinho, on Sunday sealed a 2-0 victory for Spanish soccer giant Real Madrid and gave it a seven-point league lead.

 

 

Real Madrid's Robinho celebrates a goal against Real Zaragoza during their Spanish First Division soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid January 6, 2008.

 

Playing at its home Santiago Bernabeu Stadium against Zaragoza, Real Madrid did not look impressive until Ruud Van Nistelrooy's 66th minute goal, but held its unbeaten record at home.

 

During the first 18 minutes, Real Madrid had more control of the ball, but appeared timid. When Argentina's Gabriel Heinze suffered a thigh strain and was swapped for Miguel Torres, that control disappeared. Heinze could reportedly be sidelined for 6-8 weeks.

 

Diego Milito, back after being sent off in the last Cup game, teamed up in the attack with Oliveira and stifled Van Nistelrooy and Baptista's early bids for ball control.

 

Their own bids for goal were also squashed however. In minute 22, a spectacular Milito goal was ruled offside and Real Madrid's Sergio Garcia kicked clear a second attempt at around minute 30.

 

 

After half time Zaragoza remained in control with Zapater threatening the Madrid goal only to be frustrated by Real Madrid's goalkeeper Iker Castillas in minute 53 and Oliveira hitting the post in minute 60.

 

Real Madrid took the lead in goals, if not on the ball, thanks to Van Nistelrooy's ninth of the season, benefiting from a Robinho pass that cheated Zaragoza's left back Juanfran Torres.

 

Robinho then scored on his own, with the sixth of the season, after a memorable escape from the rival defense.

 

With the pressure off, Madrid's attackers opened things up for other players. Raul had an open goal with 10 minutes to go on the clock, but passed to Van Nistelrooy on the left, who was squashed by the Zaragoza goalkeeper.

 

Zaragoza, which dominated Madrid for much of the game, extended its winless streak in the league to eight matches and dropped to 10th place.

 

Also on Sunday Valencia drew 0-0 with Levante, registering its seventh game with only one win to show for its efforts.

 

After 18 rounds, Real Madrid leads the league with 44 points. FC Barcelona has 37, Espanyol 36 and Atletico Madrid 34.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 7, 2008)