James Rodriguez, Real Madrid’s Colombian international, started for the first time this season in the league. The Colombian was one of the goals scorers when Real Madrid defeated Espanyol and maintained its lead at the top of La Liga.
Madrid made it four wins out of four as they equalled a club record 16 successive wins, set back in the 1960-61 season. Zidane who has managed the team to a Champions League trophy has dismissed the record and instead insists on focussing on repeating the same results.
The Colombian was in the news all summer over a possible transfer away from the Bernabeu. Given the opportunity to play from the start, he scored the opener in a 2-0 victory. In a goal which was reflective of individual skill, the playmaker received the ball from Toni Kross, evaded challenges from two Espanyol defenders before firing a shot from outside the area.
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Speaking to the press after the game, James vowed to stay at Madrid and fight for his place, and called Zidane his idol. "Zidane is my idol. Real Madrid is my dream. I hope it lasts much more time”, Rodriguez said after the game. "My family and I are very happy in Madrid and in the team. I will fight to stay here forever.”
He further went on to say that he has a good relationship with his coach and acknowledged the coach’s decision to start him. The Colombian also praised the way the team had rallied around him to get him his first goal.
The Colombian who moved from Monaco in the summer of 2014 for a sum of €80 Million, has struggled to hold down a place in the starting line up with reports of a possible €85m transfer mooted in the summer. His performances on Sunday are sure to quell any further rumours as Zidane reposed his faith in the play maker.
After the game, Zidane appreciated the efforts of Benzema and James, who he believes are an essential part of the squad and expressed his happiness at James’s performance. He went on to appreciate the Colombian’s overall contribution along with the goal which had helped put the side ahead.
The only worry for Real Madrid was the injury sustained by holding midfielder Casemiro who departed in the first half with a calf problem and is now in doubt for the mid-week clash against Villareal.
Marcos Asensio and Lucas Vazquez put in impressive shifts to prevent Espanyol from causing any damage.
