Real Madrid 3-2 Villarreal

'If Villarreal can't cause Real Madrid problems, nobody can,' wrote many observers in the build up to this match. In the end not even the third best team in La Liga could challenge the Blancos dominance in the Spanish league. "We are our only enemies (in the race for the title)" declared Schuster after a thrilling match that saw his team extend their lead at the head of the table to nine points. Barcelona had dropped two points at San Mames just minutes before Real Madrid against Villarreal kicked off. "It's too early to talk about winning the league, there is a long way to go," claimed the German coach after the game. We may not yet be in February, but on this showing Real Madrid will lift the league trophy several weeks before the end of the season.
There was a nervous air at the Bernabeu, with too many proud records vulnerable for attack from one of Spain's true success stories. Villarreal may now be an established side in Primera but it is just ten years since the 'Yellow Submarine' made its debut in top flight. With pace up front, talented midfielders and strong defender they expect to go the distance in the race for a Champions League spot, but even one of the best sides in Spain right now could not deal with Real Madrid, who delivered one of their finest performances of the season.
Robinho once again produced a display of class, precision, magic and goals. He continues to grow under the guidance of Bernd Schuster. Starting on the left, Robinho is essentially playing a free role in which he revels. Another brace took his tally for the season to 12, matching Raul, but looking at his contribution to the team nobody doubts who is more important for the team right now. It was Robinho's insistence in taking a quick throw-in, while Miguel Torres wanted to trundle up to take it, that found Gago in space to lob a pass for Sneijder to finish with his first touch of the game for 3-2.
Guti was just as inspirational in midfield. Schuster ordered the number 14 played in an advanced role, keeping Senna and Bruno busy in taking care of the whites playmaker and taking pressure off Gago in midfield. No doubt Guti will be awful next week, such is his infuriating inconsistency, but he made a stunning pass for Robinho's first and was instrumental in the team's dominance of the match.
Villarreal were pinned deep in their own half for the majority of the encounter. Nihat was anonymous, and without Pires - a last minute casualty - the onus fell on the shoulders of Cazorla and Cani in midfield. Neither managed to get into the game. Rossi destroyed Casillas' record of six games without conceding a goal, cancelling out Robinho's first goal. Capdevila also equalised after woeful marking from a corner with just a quarter of an hour to go, but Sneijder's goal came just moments later.
It may be too soon to seriously talk about the league title if you are a player. But for onlookers, journalists and supporters there seems little doubt. Real Madrid are marching on to a back-to-back La Liga triumph.