van Nistelrooy Makes a Ruud Return

By Zain Alvi | 21st September 2009

van Nistelrooy Makes a Ruud Return | read this item

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Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy returned after a long spell on the sidelines to provide an assist and score another in his side’s emphatic 5-0 victory over La Liga minnows Xerez. While the focus of the game initially remained on another former Manchester United star, Cristiano Ronaldo – who scored twice to make it six goals in his four appearances – it was his Dutch teammate who eventually created most of the headlines.

Given Ruud’s reputation for being one of the most prolific natural goal-scorers in the continent, there was no newsflash generated by his return to scoring. Unfortunately, the reason why the veteran striker created such a buzz was his failure to resist another thigh sprain in the process of scoring the goal in question. As a result, Los Blancos will lose the services of van Nistelrooy for another six weeks.

Despite the news of Ruud’s extended absence, however, it seems that the Madrid giants should be well on course to compete toe to toe with arch-rivals FC Barcelona. After all, skipper Raul is firing on all cylinders at the most important of times while getting ample support from Real’s massive summer recruit, Karim Benzema (who also made the score sheet in Sunday’s huge home win). As a result, Manuel Pellegrini’s side tops La Liga on goal difference, keeping Barca at bay for now.

In the midweek, Real will make the tricky trip to El Madrigal to square off against Villarreal, who have uncharacteristically struggled to pick up even a single victory thus far. Barcelona, meanwhile, will be away to Racing Santander. The much-awaited El Clasico, as a reminder, will be first hosted by Pep Guardiola’s defending champions at the Camp Nou on November 29th, when Real’s title credentials are poised to be tested all the way till the final whistle. At least Ruud van Nistelrooy can look forward to making his come back well in time to feature in that mouthwatering clash.

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