James Rodriguez scores to help Real Madrid keep perfect
James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema lift Real Madrid against Espanyol to remain perfect
With Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale both given a rest on Sunday’s match against Espanyol, the resurging James Rodriguez impressed in his first start of the 2016-17 campaign, helping Zinedine Zidane’s squad win their 16th straight La Liga matches.
Although Los Blancos weren’t at their very best, the former Monaco man took matters into his own hands when he nutmegged an Espanyol defender before unleashing a fire cracker right before halftime. Madrid controlled the tempo throughout the match and iced the game when Karim Benzema netted his first goal of the season.
after the match James addressed the media and rebuffed rumors about leaving the Spanish Capital. The Colombian international was signed in 2014 for a hefty fee of €80 million, and managed a successful first season at the Bernabeu before falling out of favor under both Rafa Benitez and Zinedine Zidane.
“I never thought about leaving Real Madrid and have always strived to be here,” Rodriguez told the Spanish media after Madrid’s 2-0 win.
“It’s not been a bad time. “I have the support of everyone, including the coach. It’s not about what people talk about outside. I have a good relationship with Zidane and the rest of my teammates and you can see that. We are a united team and we want to keep winning and setting records, as we did today.”
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The Real Madrid Galactico started against Espanyol but was hauled off after 61 minutes.
“I understand the change,” James said. “I am just one more member of the squad. I want to help out.”
The Frenchman was pleased the way his No. 10 performed and told Diario Sport: “We know his talent and he has done a great job.”
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Real Madrid equaled rival Barcelona’s record of 16 consecutive’s La Liga victory on Sunday, Zidane added: “It is an anecdote but it shows the work all of the boys, who are doing great.”
Blancos were uneasy and sluggish early as captain Sergio Ramos earned a yellow 3 minutes into the match.
Zidane said: “Today we had a tough opponent and in the first half we found it difficult. In the second period we won more of the duels, we looked more joined-up in our play and got the second goal.”
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