Baptista the Real hero
Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Real Madrid’s Julio Baptista has gone from zero to hero after getting the only goal in the Spanish giants 1-0 win over bitter rivals Barcelona yesterday.

The victory gives Real a seven point lead over second-placed Barca at the top of the Spanish first division and makes them overwhelming favourites to retain their La Liga crown.

The headlines in the coming days will doubtless be about the 26-year-old Brazilian international striker - nicknamed The Beast because of his stocky physique - and his superbly taken goal in Barca’s intimidating Nou Camp.

However, barely a month ago Baptista could hardly pick up one of Spain’s four national sports dailies or watch the television without hearing or reading about how he was going to be sold during the winter transfer window.

"Real plan major winter transfer clear out," read the headline in Spanish’s biggest selling paper Marca on November 27, with a prominent picture of Baptista.

Atletico Madrid and Roma were among the clubs apparently being lined up for at least a six-month loan deal.

It is a process Baptista is familiar with after spending last season at English Premiership side Arsenal.

He is still unhappy that Real’s former coach Fabio Capello - now at the helm of England - deemed him surplus to requirements and he missed out on getting a Spanish league winner’s medal with the club.

However, Real president Ramon Calderon knows that he now can’t get rid of Baptista quite so easily.

"This was a great game, an indelible memory. I felt great. There is no denying that this is one of the most important goals of my life and I know that I will not ever forget it," reflected an inevitably delighted Baptista.

"My goal was important but this is not a personal victory, it’s a victory of the whole team. Thanks to the solidarity of all the players and the team’s effort, we have managed to win a match as important as this.

"The collective effort has been extraordinary and at a personal level, what can I say?

"It might be bad to say this, but it must be remembered that this is a moment of euphoria and we have not won anything yet,"

"We are still in three competitions and there is still a lot to play for by everyone," added Baptista.

However, in a game when his better-known Brazilian compatriots Ronaldinho and Robinho failed to shine, the plaudits fell to Baptista.

Despite his modesty about what lies ahead, thanks to his goal, he also now looks to have a good chance to pick up his first honour since moving to Europe in 2003.