MADRID: Mesut Ozil grabbed two goals as Real Madrid twice came from behind to defeat Valladolid 3-2 late on Saturday to go eight points behind Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
The German international’s brace included an exquisitely-curled, left-footed winner from a free-kick on 71 minutes to keep Madrid on the tails of Barca and second placed Atletico Madrid.
Former Manchester United striker Manucho twice gave Valladolid first-half leads that Karim Benzema and Ozil levelled.
Real boss Jose Mourinho handed Nacho Fernandez his first start in the league.
Madrid began well with Cristiano Ronaldo hitting a dipping drive just over the bar before Callejon tested Dani Hernandez in the home goal. But on seven minutes Valladolid went ahead through Manucho in their first real attack.
When Pepe cleared a dangerous cross into the area, the resulting corner was not dealt with by the Madrid defence and the big Angolan striker was the quickest to react to hit his first of the evening.
Within five minutes Benzema had equalised with an easy finish.
German winger Patrick Ebert again whipped in a vicious inswinger that was met by Manucho’s head without a challenge.
Ozil, who had been quiet until that moment, headed towards the area on a mazy run the German stabbed past Hernandez for the leveller.
The home side also contributed to what was an open and competitive game throughout.
An Oscar Gonzalez shot that forced Iker Casillas into a stop was the closest they came to winning it.
However, Ozil’s class was again the difference and his perfectly hit winner ensured the points went back to the Mourinho’s Madrid. AFP
