Ronaldo inspires Madrid to Espanyol victory
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
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Real Madrid CF climbed to the top of the Liga after defeating RCD Espanyol 3-0 at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, while there were also triumphs for Athletic Club and CA Osasuna.
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Cristiano Ronaldo scored one and set up another as Real Madrid CF went top of the Liga courtesy of a 3-0 home win against RCD Espanyol.
Ronaldo converted a penalty on 28 minutes after Luis García handled a shot while stood in the wall defending a free-kick. Madrid were reduced to ten men when Pepe was dismissed on the hour for his second booking in quick succession, though Espanyol's numerical advantage lasted all of two minutes as Ernesto Galán was shown a straight red for a challenge on Ronaldo.
The Portuguese then played in Gonzalo Higuaín (78) before substitute Karim Benzema swivelled and fired in a third three minutes from time. The visitors ended with nine men after Juan Forlín was sent off in the immediate aftermath of Benzema's strike.
Elsewhere, Athletic Club climbed to fourth thanks to a 3-0 home win against RCD Mallorca and CA Osasuna recorded their first victory of the campaign, recovering from a goal down to beat visitors Real Sociedad de Fútbol 3-1. Four games take place on Wednesday, including Sporting de Gijón's visit to FC Barcelona and Valencia CF – the only Liga club with a 100% record – against Club Atlético de Madrid.
