24 September,2009 07:12 AM IST | | AFP
Real Madrid kept pace with champions Barcelona at the top of the Spanish First Division defeating 10-man Villarreal 2-0 at El Madrigal late last night with Cristiano Ronaldo continuing his goal-a-game record while Brazilian Kaka scored his first goal from the penalty spot.
Ronaldo scored a great solo goal in the very first minute to make it five goals in four games and Kaka converted a controversial penalty for his first goal in Real's colours.
"It was important to start (the season) winning games," said Ronaldo. "I am really happy to win here and also to continue scoring goals.
"Villarreal are strong at home but we managed to get the three points."
It was a fourth straight win for Real and a very special one for coach Manuel Pellegrini who spent five successful seasons at Villarreal and also captain Raul who came on as a substitute to equal Manolo Sanchis's league appearance record of 504 games.u00a0 Real are now on top of the table with Barcelona with 12 points each.u00a0
