Raul struck home in the second-half to lead Real Madrid to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Valencia in the Primera Liga at the Mestalla on Sunday. The Spanish international scored what proved to be the winner seven minutes after re-start to hand Los Meringues a precious victory. The win placed Real Madrid in second place of the league table with 26 points, three behind leaders Barcelona while Valencia lie eighth on 18 points. Real had the first chance of the game in the 20th minute through Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who fired powerful shot from a tight angle that was blocked by Valencia keeper Santiago Canizares. The ball then was included totally in midfield and both sides failed to create clear opportunities. Real were ahead in the 52nd minute when Roberto Carlos was released by Jose Reyes in the left-flank before cutting back inside the area to Raul, who received the cross with a low drive into the back of the net. Valencia forward Miguel Angulo should have leveled the score in stoppage time when he was picked out unmarked in the six yards box by David Silva's header but he fired poorly wide with the goal at his mercy.
