Real Madrid Defeat Deportivo La Coruña 3-1 in Spanish La Liga Matchday 9

Real Madrid's Team Captain Raul Gonzalez started the Spanish La Liga match against Deportivo La Coruña on the bench as part of Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster's rotation strategy. Real Madrid's Raul was brought in by Schuster on the 65th minute to replace Real Madrid striker Javier Saviola, and it was Raul who broke the 1-1 deadlock within minutes of his entry into the game to help Real Madrid claim a 3-1 win against Deportivo La Coruña to keep their hopes of a second consecutive Spanish La Liga Championship by leading the Primera Liga standings.

However, it was Deportivo who were the first to make a goal in the match at the Santiago Bernabeu to stun the home crowd. Deportivo's Xisco picked up a cut-back from team mate Joan Verdu and avoided the challenge of Real Madrid centre-back Christoph Metzelder before firing through the legs of Iker Casillas to make the score 1-0.

Bernd Schuster's side did not have to wait long for an equaliser when last season's Spanish La Liga top goalscorer Ruud van Nistelrooy made the score 1-1 six minutes later with a kick from the penalty spot.

Despite that blow, Deportivo continued to bring the fight to Real Madrid with Deportivo's Joan Verdu testing Real Madrid keeper Iker Casillas. Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos had two efforts thwarted by Deportivo goalkeeper Dudu Aouate, and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy also had his attempts blocked. Real Madrid Brazilian superstar Robinho then almost gave Real the lead with a shot from outside the area that hit the Deportivo crossbar.

The deadlock wasbroken by Real Madrid team captain Raul in the 79th minute when Real Madrid's Ruud vanNistelrooy combined with Raul to beat Deportivo keeper Dudu Aouate to make the score 2-1. Deportivo were then reduced to 10 men following the ejection of Sergio from the match, and Real Madrid were able to take advantage of the extra player. In the 89th minute, Real Madrid were awarded another goal when Real Madrid's Robinho played an amazing one-two with Guti.

Real Madrid's win improves their first-place standing in the Spanish Primera Liga to 22 points. Following them at 2nd place is Barcelona who has a total of 20 points following a 2-0 home victory at the Nou Camp against Almeria.

Real Madrid's next La Liga match will be any away-match against Valencia. To bet on Real Madrd vs. Valencia and other Spanish La Liga matches, click here.