Kaka takes the plaudits
Real Madrid assistant manager Aitor Karanka believes Kaka is on his way back after "a really bad time" during his first two years at the club.
Kaka, 29, signed from AC Milan 2009 for a then world record fee, but he has suffered with a string of injuries and been unable to recover the form that saw him named the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2007.
However, there have been signs this season that he is on his way back and, after his starring role in Tuesday's 3-0 win over Ajax, Karanka told the post-match press conference: "He has had a really bad time.
"For those of us who have kept faith in him, seeing the look of happiness he has had on his face for a while now is very satisfying. A great player like him, and considering what he has been through, deserves to be happy again."
A poll on Marca.com saw 77% vote in favour of Kaka retaining his place in the starting line-up, but goalkeeper Iker Casillas has warned he needs to maintain his form if he is to avoid coming under fire from the press once more.
He said: "We know what a class player and person he is and we have faith in him. He is committed to himself, to his team-mates and to the team. We want him to be what he was before but we know what the press is like. If he has a less brilliant match, he'll be criticised again."
Meanwhile, Karanka dismissed suggestions Karim Benzema had suffered a serious injury during the defeat of Ajax. "We have to see how it progresses, but it doesn't look like anything to worry about," he said.