Real Madrid vs Zürich 1-0 Score Result Goals 25/11/2009 Champions League - Group C

The Spanish Liga leaders began the evening level with AC Milan on seven points at the top of Group C, but struggled to create chances against a disciplined Zürich side who had conceded five goals against Madrid on Matchday 1 but were breached just once in Spain

Real Madrid vs Zürich 1-0 Score Result Goals 25/11/2009 Champions League - Group C

Real Madrid vs Zürich Full Time Score - Real Madrid 1 Zürich 0 - Real Madrid CF took a step closer towards the UEFA Champions League first knockout round with a narrow victory against FC Zürich thanks to Gonzalo Higuaín's first-half effort.

Higuaín decisive
The Spanish Liga leaders began the evening level with AC Milan on seven points at the top of Group C, but struggled to create chances against a disciplined Zürich side who had conceded five goals against Madrid on Matchday 1 but were breached just once in Spain, Higuaín scoring the only goal 21 minutes in. Madrid were further boosted by the return from injury of Cristiano Ronaldo while despite their valiant efforts, the defeat marked the end of the Swiss champions' European season as the draw between Milan and Olympique de Marseille ensured they cannot now even claim a UEFA Europa League place.

Swiss defence
Facing a packed defence in the early stages, Madrid were forced to patiently probe for an opening and when space was afforded to Kaká just outside the visitors' area, the Brazilian fired a goalbound shot that brought a flying save from Johnny Leoni. Milan Gajić swiftly countered for the Swiss titleholders but his weak effort was easily fielded by Iker Casillas and play swung straight back down the other end, Xabi Alonso thundering an effort wide of the upright.

Real pressure
Prior to the game, Zürich coach Bernard Challandes had spoken of his desire to spring a surprise, yet just when it seemed his team's supporters were beginning to believe it might happen Madrid took a 21st-minute lead. Slipping away from central midfielder Alain Rochat, Kaká quickly spotted Higuaín's forward run and delivered a through pass which the Argentinian collected and slid low past Leoni. The hosts then almost doubled their lead when Higuaín's right-wing corner drifted all the way across to Marcelo whose volley looked goalbound only to strike an upright and bounce away to safety.

Ronaldo cheer
Manuel Pellegrini's side continued to pressurise with little in the way of penetration after the restart and it was activity from the touchline that brought the loudest cheer from the home fans with Ronaldo emerging to begin warming up. The Portuguese forward had not appeared in a white shirt since suffering an ankle injury against Marseille on 30 September.

Leoni saves
With Ronaldo taking much of the attention, fellow substitute Rafael van der Vaart did his best to double Madrid's lead when he connected with Marcelo's cross, Leoni making a solid save. Following Ronaldo's 70th minute introduction in place of Raúl González, the Portuguese international produced gasps of expectation from the home fans each time he touched the ball and almost released Van Der Vaart through on goal after combining well with Kaká in a central position.

Late chances
Zürich's Silvan Aegerter could do no more than blast over the crossbar as the game headed towards a close while Madrid might have extended their lead on two occasions had Ronaldo managed to direct his effort on target or Van der Vaart kept his shot down. Higuaín had already done enough, however, leaving Madrid needing just a point in Marseille on Matchday 6 to make sure of progress.




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