Real Madrid Break Several Records in Win Over Villarreal
By Ben Sundock
While the comeback win over Villarreal was impressive in itself, there were several underlying feats made by Real Madrid players in what may be the called the biggest win of the 2016/2017 season thus far. Ben Sundock tells you more.
Gareth Bale’s Goal Breaks 73 Year Record
While many Madrid fans saw Gareth Bale’s second half goal against Villarreal as only one of two goals the team needed to get back in the game, it was actually a goal breaking a significant record that has stood for nearly 100 years.
On Bale’s goal, he put Real Madrid on the scoreboard at least once in now 44 straight game. The streak has carried over since April 24th of last year when Real drew 0-0 with Manchester United in the Champions League semifinal tie.
The record has stood at 43 games since between 1942/1943 and 1943/1944 when there was no Champions League competition, only league play and the Copa Del Rey.
Ronaldo Has Now Scored the Most Penalties in La Liga History
It was a dream like 2016 for Cristiano Ronaldo winning his second Champions League title with Real Madrid and his first international title with Portugal in the Euro 2016 competition in France. Now, Ronaldo can add another title to his long list of accomplishments as he now holds the record for most penalties in La Liga history.
Sunday’s game typing penalty gave CR7 his 57th goal from the spot in league play, putting him one ahead of fellow Real Madrid legend, Hugo Sanchez. Ronaldo has a substantial lead on his arch rival, Lionel Messi, who is fifth all time in penalties in Spanish league soccer with 43 made.
Ronaldo has now made five penalties in league play this season, with his last coming January 15th in a 2-1 loss to Sevilla. Ronaldo has scored 16 goals in total now on the season as he continues to try and push his team to their first league title since 2012.
Two Meetings, Two Rallies
Real Madrid trailed Villarreal 1-0 in the second half at home in the Santiago Bernabéu back in September and needed a Sergio Ramos header goal to come away with just a point. Today, Real trailed 2-0 in the second half to the Yellow Submarine and needed goals from Bale, Ronaldo, and the substitute, Alvaro Morata, to salvage the full 3 points.
Los Blancos have become notorious for late minute goals to tie games or win them, and this game was no different, as Morata scored with less than 10 minutes remaining. Los Blancos have had the Submarine’s number the last few games out and that was evident again as the team from the Spanish capital pulled three points out of the depths of despair.
Next: Villarreal 2 – 3 Real Madrid: Three Takeaways From Madrid’s Win
Side Note: Happy Birthday Pepe!
It was a great way to celebrate his 34th birthday. The Portuguese center back will be a staple in the Real Madrid starting lineup now with Raphael Varane out for a few weeks, and it was a good start for Pepe in his second start in 2017.
The center back was great in the first half making several key stops and big plays while holding Villarreal to no goals. Pepe played all 90 minutes in today’s comeback win and was a brick wall following the hour mark. The 34 year old is reportedly in his last season with Real Madrid as a move to China is already lined up.