Real shift past Zaragoza

Iker Casillas put in an outstanding performance to help Real Madrid ease past Real Zaragoza in La Liga 2-0. Robinho and Ruud van Nistelrooy scored the two goals.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy broke the deadlock after 65 minutes before Robinho could secure the full points of the game 11 minutes later stretching the Merengues' lead to 7 points on top of the table.

Real had strong start and dominated the game in terms of possession but couldn't break through the visitors' defense.

Gabriel Heinze had to quit the game in the 17th minute leaving a big hole in defense that couldn't be fulfilled by Miguel Torres. The hosts' back four failed to keep up with Real Zaragoza's striking department as Gabriel Millito, Ricardo Oliveira and Sergio Garcia went very close from opening the score.

Casillas produced a wonderful display making some heroic stretches to keep his clean sheet denying close range chances from Millito, Sergio and Oliveira.

Coach Bernd Schuster brought in Guti to replace Wesley Sneijder and it helped in sharpening Real's offensive efforts.

20 minutes after the break the Ruud connected with Robinho's cross to put his team ahead before the Brazilian could secure the victory after an impressive individual effort.

It wasn't a brilliant display by the defending champions but efficient as they had now 44 points seven ahead of second-placed Barcelona.