Arjen Robben was Real Madrid's hero as the reigning Primera Liga
champions started 2009 on a winning note with a hard-fought 1-0 victory
over Villarreal at the Bernabeu.
Robben's first-half wonder strike proved the only goal of the game
as Madrid moved back into the Champions League spots and ensured the
gap to leaders Barcelona - victors over Real Mallorca last night -
remained at 12 points.
Madrid, for whom new signings Lassana Diarra and Klaas Jan Huntelaar
were handed their debuts, did not have it easy though and they were
indebted to some fine saves by Iker Casillas for keeping Villarreal
at bay after the break.
In the end it was a moment of magic from Robben in the 33rd minute
that separated the two sides, who were the top two in La Liga last
season but started this match level on 29 points and well adrift
of pacesetters Barca.
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