Nov 04, 2012 at 1:35pm

Michael Essien scored his first goal for Real Madrid in the 4-0 win over Real Zaragoza on Saturday.

The Ghana international stormed his way into the Zaragoza penalty area to coolly slot home a pass from striker Karim Benzema in the 89th minute.

The 29-year-old was restored to the Real Madrid midfield following the return of defender Alvaro Arbeloa.

Essien who arrived at the Santiago Bernbeu on loan from Chelsea at the beginning of the season has been playing in a make-shift defensive role in recent matches. This was due to injuries to Marcelo, Fabio Contrao and Alvaro Arbeloa.

Manager Jose Mourinho however decided to play his ex Chelsea protégé in his normal central midfield position for the visit of Zaragoza. And Essien repaid the faith not only by putting in an assured performance but capping it with a well deserved goal.

The midfield powerhouse bulldozed his way through to collect a pass from Benzema who had Cristiano Ronaldo wide open on the other side but decided rather to take the Essien option.

The Ghanaian then controlled, picked his spot, and finished neatly with a sublime touch to register Madrid’s third goal.

Higuain and Angel Di Maria had earlier in the first half given the hosts a commanding 2-0 lead. Luka Modric then popped up in injury time to also score his debut goal for Los Blancos to wrap up the victory.

Source: Ghanasoccernet