Ronaldo double steers Madrid past Getafe
Monday, January 3, 2011
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Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid CF held off Getafe CF to reduce FC Barcelona's advantage at the top of the Liga to two points, while Villarreal CF cemented third spot.
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Real Madrid CF moved back within two points of Liga leaders FC Barcelona as Cristiano Ronaldo inspired them to a 3-2 success at Getafe CF.
José Mourinho's side were quickly into their stride, taking a two-goal lead inside the opening 19 minutes. Ronaldo scored the first from the penalty spot after Ángel Di María was felled and the Argentina forward also played his part in the second, slipping in Mesut Özil before the midfielder rounded Jordi Codina and finished.
Daniel Parejo pulled one back for the visitors on 29 minutes with a wonderful solo effort but Ronaldo (57) latched on to a Karim Benzema pass and swept in his 19th goal in 17 league games to make it 3-1. Álvaro Arbeloa was dismissed for the visitors and Albín fired in five minutes from time but Madrid hung on for their 11th win in 12 Liga contests.
Villarreal CF are ten points off the pace in third after their 2-0 triumph at home to UD Almería, courtesy of goals from José Catalá (22) and Borja Valero (58), with Club Atlético de Madrid sixth after a goalless draw against Real Racing Club. RCD Mallorca rose to ninth by beating Hércules CF 3-0 while Real Zaragoza moved off the bottom with a last-gasp 2-1 win against Real Sociedad de Fútbol.
