Real Madrid justified its offseason moves after going seven points clear of second-place FC Barcelona ahead of the Spanish league's two-week winter break.

 

 

Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos (L) fights for the ball with Barcelona's Ronaldinho during their Spanish first division soccer match at Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona December 23, 2007.Julio Baptista scored to give Real Madrid a 1-0 win over Barcelona on Sunday and a seven-point edge at midseason in the Spanish La Liga.

 

Julio Baptista, underused and cast away by Fabio Capello last season, continued to repay Madrid coach Bernd Schuster's confidence on Sunday. The Brazil midfielder scored the 36th-minute winner with a half-volley as Madrid beat bitter rival Barcelona 1-0 in the classic derby.

 

"It's one of the most important goals of my life and I'll never forget it," Baptista said.

 

Real has won five straight games in all competitions since Baptista found himself in Schuster's starting 11, which is playing the type of football Schuster was hired to bring to the Santiago Bernabeu. "I think he simply worked hard and had faith in what he could do," Schuster said of Baptista. "He waited for his chances and has used them very well. He's earned them."

 

The former Sevilla striker spent a forgettable season at Madrid before being loaned out to Arsenal. Baptista's back now and another standout goal leaves Madrid in a commanding position at the top of the league over Christmas.

 

The title is Real's to lose at this point, with inconsistent Valencia and Sevilla having to make up deficits of 15 and 18 points, respectively.

 

Real president Ramon Calderon dismissed Capello last year - only weeks after the now-England manager guided the club to its record 30th league title. Calderon spent 120 million euros (US$172 million) to bring in players such as Wesley Sneijder (27 million euros) and Arjen Robben (36 million euros) in a bid for exciting - and winning - football.

 

(Agencies via Shanghai Daily December 26, 2007)