Real Madrid have been showing a lot of flair in recent weeks to overcome their opponents. This has led to the Spanish club scoring goals for fun with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the goal scoring charts with an astonishing 28 league goals.

Madrid, though, got the taste of a different kind of match during the weekend when they had to battle for a 2-1 narrow victory over Cordoba. Superstar Ronaldo received a card in the match much to surprise of many around the globe. His red card came at a time when Madrid where still searching for a victory in the match.

The Spanish table leaders conceded a goal after just three minutes with Ghilas scoring from the penalty spot. Even though French striker Karim Benzema managed to get the equaliser not long after this goal, Cordoba managed to hang on for much of the encounter. Tensions began to mount in the match with 10 minutes remaining on the clock.

Ronaldo received straight red card in the 82nd minute and it appeared to deflate the away team. However, the numerical advantage was pegged back after Cordoba also had a man sent off in a few minutes later. Gareth Bale’s penalty with just one minute of normal time remaining gave Madrid all three points.

Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas said that it was important that Madrid took all three points from a very difficult match. They had to get these points especially considering that Barcelona won their match in hand quite comfortably. “These are the types of victories that win you leagues. It was difficult and we didn’t play at our best. It came more as a result of effort than anything else,” said Iker Casillas. This victory sees Madrid retaining the one-point advantage over Barcelona, and they have a game in hand over the Catalan club.