Winning more important than style, says Real boss

Sunday, April 12, 2009 at 9:23 PM Posted by Beijing News


Real Madrid coach Juande Ramos confessed Barcelona were playing better than his side, but said he didn't care after the champions stayed in the title race with a 2-0 home win over Valladolid on Sunday.

Real were unconvincing winners as goals from Raul and Arjen Robben helped the capital side close back to within six points of leaders Barcelona.

"It is easier to win playing well than playing badly," said Ramos. "However, sometimes you can't play well and that was the case today.

"The priority was getting the points. If we compare ourselves with Barcelona they are playing better. But there is only one Barcelona.

"I would prefer to be in their shoes because we could drop a point or two. In our position there is no room for error."

Real have won 14 out of their 16 league matches under Ramos and are unbeaten in 2009.

Barcelona had defeated Recreativo Huelva 2-0 on Saturday to open up a nine-point gap, but Real continued their dogged pursuit of a third successive league crown.

Valladolid had beaten Real 1-0 earlier in the season, when Bernd Schuster was at the helm, but under Ramos Real are much-improved.

England international David Beckham, now on loan at AC Milan, was one of the spectators at the Santiago Bernabeu cheering his old club on from the stands.

Beckham, 33, won the 2007 league title with Real before leaving to join Los Angeles Galaxy.

Sergio Ramos was suspended so Miguel Torres deputised at right back but apart from that Real were at full strength and fresh after no midweek Champions League distraction.

However, Real were flat in the opening 25 minutes and only a great piece of skill from Gonzalo Higuain - a drag back and turn - earned applause from the home fans.

Along with French midfielder Lass Diarra, Higuain was Real's standout performer and made the opening goal close to half-time chipping the ball between two defenders and crossing for Raul to tap in.

Robben showed great control to score the second nine minutes from time although Valladolid were furious as they felt they should have been awarded a penalty seconds before following a foul by Pepe.

"It was a penalty," said Valladolid coach Jose Luis Mendilibar. "The people who saw it on the television told us it was a penalty and I have no doubt it was."

Elsewhere, third-placed Sevilla fell to a surprise 1-0 home defeat against Getafe on Sunday.

Jaime Gavilan's 82nd-minute strike won the game for Getafe, who move four points clear of the drop zone.

"If we don't get in the Champions League we will all be really sad as we have so much quality in this team," said Aguero.



A Palestinian youth rides his horse at sunset. AP Photo/Adel Hana

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