Out six weeks with a groin problem, Brazilian playmaker Kaka returned to action for Real Madrid, entering its game against Real Zaragoza on Saturday with 15 minutes left. Kaka scored the gamewinner on an assist from Cristiano Ronaldo, in the 2-1 victory over Real Zaragoza that keeps Real Madrid on the heels of leader Barcelona.

Kaka, who joined Real Madrid last summer from AC Milan on a $90 million, had been criticized by some for a lack of commitment to his new club because of the prolonged action. "The best thing I can do is answer (my critics) on the field," Kaka said in a post-match TV interview. "I ask the Real Madrid fans to believe in my injury. I am not hurt (by the criticism), I know that things are like that in soccer."

With four games left, Real Madrid is one point behind Barcelona and 24 ahead of third-placed Valencia.