Madrid rely on Raúl again
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Article summary
New signing Robinho impressed on his Real Madrid CF debut, but it was old favourite Raúl González who struck his side's late winner at Cádiz CF.
Article body
A late goal from captain Raúl González ensured Real Madrid CF got their season off to a winning start on Sunday against a determined Cádiz CF, while RC Celta de Vigo marked their return to the top flight by defeating Málaga CF.
Early lead
At Cádiz's Ramón de Carranza stadium, Madrid took an early lead when Zinedine Zidane found Ronaldo on the edge of the box on four minutes. The Brazilian brushed past his marker then beat Armando Riveiro with a low shot curled inside the post. Rather than press home their advantage, Madrid were forced back after that as Cádiz took control of the game.
Cádiz draw level
The home side were particularly threatening in the air, using their strength from dead ball situations with Oliverio Álvarez 'Oli' testing Iker Casillas on a couple of occasions. The equaliser came just after the hour when Oli flicked on a corner to Matias Pavoni who, with his back to goal, volleyed superbly inside the post.
Robinho on
Madrid coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo reacted by introducing new signing Robinho for a much anticipated first appearance. The Brazilian ace complied by showing off an array of skills and his presence lifted the visiting side. They pinched a winner on the counterattack, Ronaldo selflessly laying the ball off for an otherwise subdued Raúl to score with six minutes remaining.
Baiano winner
Promoted RC Celta de Vigo defeated Málaga CF 2-0 at home. Gustavo López put the Galician side ahead on nine minutes, firing past Francesc Arnau, before new signing Fernando Baino piled on the misery for his former club, hitting the winner early in the second half.
Espanyol defeat
Getafe CF recorded a 2-0 win against RCD Espanyol, loan starlet Jaime Gavilán putting the visiting Madrileños in front on 54 minutes, beating Carlos Kameni with a superb long-range effort before Riki secured the win seven minutes later. CA Osasuna were surpise 2-1 winners at home to Villarreal FC, Bernardo Romero scoring twice within an hour to cancel out Diego Forlán's 51st-minute equaliser.
Other results
Elsewhere on Sunday, Juanma scored his first goal for RC Deportivo La Coruña, who won 1-0 at RCD Mallorca while Kepa Blanco handed Sevilla FC a win with his first top-flight goal against Real Racing Club Santander. Champions FC Barcelona drew 0-0 with Deportivo Alavés on Saturday.
