Cristiano Ronaldo’s 10 league goals may be the focus of Real Madrid’s La Liga title challenge this season, but it’s Brazilian superstar Kaka who is the team’s lucky charm.
A rejuvenated Kaka has been a key player for Madrid in recent weeks, scoring in Wednesday’s 3-0 victory over Villarreal as Jose Mourinho’s team stretched their winning run to five league games.
Although Madrid trail surprise leaders Levante by one point, they are a point ahead of eternal rivals Barcelona and playing with plenty of confidence.
With four goals this season, Kaka now has 20 in total in 65 games for Madrid.
But what is remarkable is that in all 17 matches in which he has scored Madrid have been victorious.
“Things are turning out well for me. I hadn’t played 90 minutes for a long time. I feel well both physically and personally. I’m gradually growing more confident,” said Kaka, who has also been recalled to the Brazil squad.
“It was a special match for me (against Villarreal) and also for Real Madrid. We continue to take points in a championship that will prove to be very difficult. We constantly grow stronger.”
The Real Madrid side that travels to Real Sociedad on Saturday is packed full of players currently at the top of their game.
Ronaldo hit a hattrick last weekend at Malaga while forwards Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain are constantly hitting the target in their own private competition for a place in Mourinho’s starting line up.
The supply line provided by Argentine midfielder Angel Di Maria is another reason why Madrid have been so clinical of late.
Sociedad have failed to win in five league games but will be expected to raise their game for what is always a highly-charged fixture in San Sebastian.
FIXTURES
Saturday
Villarreal v Rayo Vallecano,
Valencia v Getafe,
Barcelona v Mallorca,
Real Sociedad v Real Madrid
Sunday
Sporting Gijon v Atletico Bilbao, Osasuna v Levante,
Racing Santander v Real Betis,
Atletico Madrid v Real Zaragoza, Malaga v Espanyol
Monday
Sevilla v Granada
