Real Madrid skipper Raul celebrated breaking the club's all-time appearance record in style, scoring twice to help them claim a 4-2 home victory over Real Valladolid in the Primera Liga on Saturday. The 32-year-old striker made his 711th appearance to overtake the record of former defender Manolo Sanchis. He led Real, who suffered a 2-1 defeat to Sevilla in their previous league game before the international break, to their sixth league victory that helped them close the gap on leaders Barcelona to just one point. Barcelona dropped points for the first time this season after being held to a goalless draw by Valencia. Raul gave the hosts the lead after 14 minutes with a delicate finish after a low cross from Esteban Granero. The former Spain international scored his second of the night four minutes later to double Real's advantage, firing in a right-footed shot from inside the area after being fed by Marcelo's cross. Los Merengues, who were without injured and inspirational winger Cristiano Ronaldo, appeared to be heading for an easy win but Valladolid's Nauzet Aleman reduced the arrears with a superb curling free-kick in the 29th minute. Marcelo restored Real's two-goal cushion just before the break when he drilled a right-footed shot from the edge of the area that left the keeper with no chance. A recurring defensive lapse from central pair Pepe and Raul Albiol allowed Valladolid to narrow the gap once again as Diego Costa was found unmarked by a through pass to break clear of them and beat keeper Iker Casillas. Argentinean forward Gonzalo Higuain, who came on as a second-half substitute, killed off the visitors' hopes 11 minutes from time with a sublime lob. Watch the match's goals
