MATCH REPORT
3 - Real Madrid: Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Heinze, Marcelo; Sneijder (Drenthe, 86’), Gago, Guti, Robinho (Robben, 72’); Saviola & Raúl (Higuaín, 72’).
0 - Athletic: Armando; Iraola, Amorrebieta, Gurpegui, Koikili; Garmendia, Javi Martínez, Susaeta (Murillo, 79’), Gabilondo (Aduriz, 77’); Llorente & Etxeberría.
Goals:
1-0, 13'': Saviola.
2-0, 73': Robben.
3-0, 78': Higuaín.

Last night's match was probably the most entertaining one that we've seen in recent weeks. Bernd Schuster's men played impressively well and smashed Bilbao with three goals from Saviola, Robben & Higuain.

The German trainer started with Ramos on the right, Pepe & Heinze in central defense and Marcelo on the left. However, in midfield and upfront it was quite unusual as he played Gago, Guti, Sneijder & Robinho and surprisingly Saviola who played very well considering the fact that he was back from injury and hadn't been playing for sometime.

From the beginning, I knew that Real were really into winning but not by scoring three goals. Apoc's prediction was correct and I said that Bilbao would be tough and they relatively were, but they couldn't do anything to stop Los Blancos.

Here is a good and comprehensive recap from the official site:

Real Madrid wanted a victory and to thrill the fans with a good show. Sneijder had the first chance from a long shot on the 10-minute mark. The keeper later deflected a strike by Raúl onto Sneijder's boots. The Dutchman shot, the ball was cleared again by the keeper and Saviola picked it up and scored his third goal of the season (13'). A mere victory wasn't enough for the Whites tonight and they kept putting a siege on Bilbao's goal, especially through Robinho and Saviola; the Brazilian missed a clear chance in the 18th minute and the Argentine tested the goalie's reflexes on many a time.

Athletic also tried to surprise Iker Casillas, who saved the day by impressively clearing Extebarría's powerful shot from outside the box on the 29-minute mark. Both sides had one chance after the other, proving to be extremely focused on the game. At one point, Gabriel Heinze tackled Llorente late inside the box and a penalty was awarded to Bilbao, but Iker Casillas yet again pulled rank and saved Garmendia's shot.

The second half was very similar to the first. Both sides looked for a goal and put on a great show. Gurpegui had a great chance in the 52nd minute, while Real Madrid's most dangerous play was finished with a shot by Sneijder that was cleared for a corner kick (60').

Six minutes later, Guti's shot was cleared by Armando. Schuster then decided to replace Raúl and Robinho with Robben and Higuaín and the move simply couldn't have been better; soon after taking the pitch, the Argentine crossed the ball into the centre of Bilbao's box for Robben to slam it into the back of the net (77'). The crowd went wild and sang the victory chant, only to see how Higuaín netted the team's third strike one minute later, buy controlling the ball beautifully and shooting it right past the near post (78').

Now here is my take:
Iker was awesome and saved the penalty that had been awarded to Bilbao and saved other dangerous ones, but I think if there was a man of the match then it is Saviola, for two reasons:
1- The guy had been injured for a long time and frustrated by the fact that Schuster was neglecting him.
2- When he was given the chance, he took it and could've scored at least another goal which is something promising. I'm sure that we'll see him in our next match and (possibly against Barcelona, you know why ;) ---)

Schuster made the right decision by sending in Robben & Higuain. The Argentinian, once again, was impressive and did a lot of work. Also, Robben for the first time, showed some good signs of improving.

Guti was impressive as well.... and also Sneijder. Everybody did their best and hey! We just need two points to clinch the title. Way to go, guys!

It's your turn now, what did you think of the match, the lineup and the overall performance? The comments are open ;)

Hala Madrid!

Match Videos: thanks to our forum member ReaMad
First Goal for Real Madrid by Saviola 13
Second Goal for Real Madrid by Robben 78
Third Goal for Real Madrid by Higuain 81

More videos here.