28/03/2004
Real overpower Sevilla to stay above Valencia

The victory enabled the reigning champions to retain their narrow one-point lead over Valencia, who claimed a no less impressive 3-0 win over Racing Santander earlier on Sunday.

Goals from Real's Santiago Solari and Ronaldo, both coming after top quality passes from a rejuvenated David Beckham, gave the leaders a comfortable 2-0 cushion at the break.

But they moved up a gear in the second half, completing an authoritative win with a classy strike from midfielder Zinedine Zidane, a powerful shot from defender Michel Salgado and a mesmerising solo effort from striker Ronaldo.

Deportivo Coruna are a distant third, eight points behind Real Madrid, after a last-gasp own goal gifted them a 2-1 win at Real Sociedad on Saturday.

Fourth-placed Barcelona were frustrated in their hope of extending a winning run of 10 league matches after their game at Real Betis was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

Valencia midfielder Vicente produced a virtuoso performance, scoring twice and making another goal as he steered his side to victory over Racing.

The Spain international saw his angled cross ricochet off Racing defender Ayoze's knee into the net in the ninth minute and extended their lead on the stroke of halftime by drilling home after a lofted pass from midfielder David Albelda.

MASTERCLASS

Vicente completed his masterclass 14 minutes from time when he picked up a long pass from goalkeeper Santiago Canizares, cut inside two defenders and fired in low at the near post.

Real Madrid made light of the pressure from Valencia at the top, though, as they got off to a flying start against Sevilla.

Solari, in the team for the suspended Luis Figo, gave his side the lead on six minutes with a firm strike after Beckham had threaded a pinpoint pass through the Sevilla defence.

The England captain, playing his best game for Real since the turn of the year, also set up his side's second goal on the stroke of halftime.

His trademark swirling cross from the right was perfectly placed for Ronaldo to nod home with a fine glancing header at the near post.

Sevilla pulled one back 14 minutes into the second half when Brazilian striker Julio Baptista scored from the penalty spot after Maranon had been pushed in the back by Solari.

But the visitors barely had time to scent a comeback before Real had restored a two-goal lead, Zidane dinking the ball over Sevilla keeper Esteban after latching on to a great through-ball from Guti.

Defender Salgado made it 4-1 when he smashed high into the net after Esteban had palmed a Ronaldo shot into his path on 75 minutes.

However, it was left to the outstanding Brazilian to close the show with a cheeky fifth as he mesmerised Esteban with the merest hint of a shimmy and then slotted the ball past him into the net to score his 24th league goal of the season.

By Simon Baskett