Angel Di Maria leads from the front as Real Madrid thrash Atletico Madrid – La Liga News
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Argentina-c2841 international, Angel di Maria, returned for first team duty after an injury lay-off and was instrumental in unsettling Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid thrashed their cross town rivals 4-1 at Santiago Bernabéu to open a six-point lead at the top of
La Liga standings.
Mourinho utilised the fragile winger in this crunch domestic fixture, and Di Maria returned the faith of his coach in exuberant style. The former Benfica man unbalanced the game with his breakneck speed and array of tricks to put the visitors in pressure.
El Fideo was injured in the La Liga clash against Osasuna, and returned in style against Atletico. He was taken off with 62 minutes on the board, which was more than enough to show he has recovered.
Di Maria’s inclusion in the squad was a bonus for Real Madrid team that relies on speed, intensity and rhythm to win their matches. The Argentine was the provider of the final pass that saw http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Karim-Benzema-c20350 hacked to the ground and a penalty awarded to Real.
In the first half, Madrid went a goal down thanks to the brilliant play between http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Diego-c11058 Ribas. However, it was the rejuvenated Di Maria who led the comeback and was phenomenal as he put his attacking skills on display.
He was among the few if not the only one who revolutionized Los Blancos attack with his overall team play.
One of the keys for Real Madrid was the first yellow card awarded to Diego. A desperate push on an attacking Di Maria in midfield meant the Brazilian playmaker getting an early caution.
It became an important feature of the match as Thibaut Courtois was given his marching orders in Ronaldo’s opener. Gregorio Manzano took off the former Juventus man as he brought on http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sergio-c33030 Asengo for Courtois: a move that left Los Rojiblancos midfield bereft
of a creative player.
In the second half, di Maria continue to wreak havoc down the right flank, moving up and down the lane with industry. He was duly rewarded for his efforts as he took advantage of a pass from Cristiano Ronaldo to give Real Madrid the much wanted lead.
With the score at 2-1, the derby was pretty much sealed as Atletico found it difficult to match Real with a one man disadvantage.
Di Maria’s industry proved to be useful in the heated encounter that saw http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cristiano-Ronaldo-c9629 man handled by Luis Armanto Perea. The winger is Real’s leading assist provider this season, racking up 10 assists and 2 goals in 11 La Liga fixtures.
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