Reyes spares Real blushes
Monday, January 22, 2007

A BRILLIANT Jose Antonio Reyes free kick pushed all talk of crisis into the background as Real Madrid joined Barcelona and Sevilla at the top of Spain's Primera Liga today.

The 1-0 win at Real Mallorca was workmanlike at best, but Reyes' superb strike, 13 minutes from time from a free kick awarded after Fernando Navarro had fouled the former Arsenal player, deserved to win any match.

The three points hauled Real on to 38 points from 19 games - the midway point of the season, although Barcelona has a game in hand and a superior goal difference having swamped Gimnastic Tarragona 3-0 at the Nou Camp.

Sevilla drew 0-0 at Villarreal on Saturday to make it three games without a win for the southerner, even if it still shares the leadership.

Real achieved the win in the continued absence of unwanted stars David Beckham and Ronaldo - the former having agreed to join Los Angeles Galaxy in the (northern) summer, if not before, and the latter believed to be on his way to AC Milan.

Striker Raul, one of a dwindling band of pre-Beckham era stars, missed the game with injury but, despite several minor scares, Real came through relatively untroubled.

"Today was a massive win," said Real's sporting director, Pedja Mijatovic.

"I think we can play better but I'm happy."

Pressed on the future of the club's discarded "galacticos", he told local television: "Now is not the time to speak about such things."

Ruud Van Nistelrooy and newcomer Higuain missed early chances for Real and Sergio Ramos then headed against the woodwork, although Mallorca gave as good as it got with Maxi Lopez forcing Iker Casillas into two smart saves.

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