Real Madrid came from behind to take all three points against Deportivo thanks to a spirited performance by Brazilian International Kaka. The midfielder got a rare place in the starting line-up because Mourinho was resting some of his key players ahead of their clash with Barcelona.
Kaka used this opportunity to get the maximum out of it as the number 8 scored his first league goal of the season and was also involved in the second goal as his wonderful reverse pass to Cristiano Ronaldo allowed the number 9 to cross to Higuain for an easy finish to seal the victory. It was a typical Kaka goal – a beautiful strike from outside the box demonstrating finesse and technique.
Let’s look at the stat comparison of Kaka with an attacker from Deportiva (Via whoscored)
The 91% accuracy proves how effective Kaka was last night and it was certainly not the first time he has been impressive. In the last three of four games he has been involved, the midfielder is showing signs of a mini revival and given more playing time Kaka could come back to his previous best.
Following the game Kaka was quoted as saying:
“The team is playing well and things are getting better for me too,” Kaka was quoted as saying on the club’s official website. In football everything changes quickly and I am happy to help the team win. In the first half we were a little anxious and we made a few mistakes. In the second half we improved and we won three points that are important for us and for what is to come over the next weeks.”
The match saw another late drama as Di Maria was shown a second yellow in the matter of minutes for not maintaining the correct distance in a barrier during a free kick. Is it over-zealous refereeing or has Real Madrid’s discipline been questionable of late? Di Maria’s sending off was Real Madrid’s 8th in 14 games in 2013.
There was some confusion as to which game Di Maria would miss after he received a second yellow. However, it is confirmed that the Argentine will be available for Tuesday’s Copa del Rey second leg semi final clash with Barca but will not be available for their league clash at the Santiago Bernabeu next Saturday.
And Higuain’s winner at Riazor last night was his 100th League goal for Madrid becoming the 13th player to achieve the feat.