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The Beast Julio Baptista - unwanted by both Arsenal and Real Madrid last season - fired Real Madrid to a massive win and three crucial points as they defeated Barcelona at the Nou Camp this evening.
It just goes to show you what a bit of hard work can achieve. Baptista last season was unwanted, this season he claimed that new boss Bernd Schuster is getting the best out of him. Today, he was a hero in Madrid.
Following a frenetic opening 10 minutes, the first chance fell to Real Madrid, but Pepe's shot was easily saved by Victor Valdes after Wesley Sneijder's free-kick.
Barcelona had to wait until the 33rd minute for their first real opportunity on goal. Andres Iniesta crossed for Ronaldinho, but the Brazilian saw his far-post effort saved at full-stretch by Iker Casillas.
Real went ahead on 35 minutes, as Baptista played a fantastic one-two with Ruud van Nistelrooy and when the Dutchman returned the ball to him just inside the area, the Brazilian angled an exquisite half-volley past Valdes and into the top corner to put the visitors ahead.
Barcelona sought to hit back after the break, but Iniesta saw his shot easily gathered by Casillas on 53 minutes.
Real dominated for periods, whilst Barcelona could easily have scored through Bojan Krkic or similarly through Samuel Et'oo.
Madrid hung on through three minutes of added time to claim a vital win and move seven points clear of their bitter rivals after 17 rounds of the Primera Liga.
Written by majicka
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