Have that: Kaka was offended by fans who thought he was putting Brazil and the World Cup ahead of Real Madrid

Kaka returned from a six-week injury lay-off for the trip to La Romareda and ended up being his side's hero as he climbed off the bench to fire home the clinching goal in a 2-1 win with eight minutes to go.

The Brazil international has found himself under fire in some sections this season for his performances since joining for £56million last summer and also during his recovery from injury, with accusations his sights may have been set more on the World Cup 2010 than on Madrid's title bid.

However, Kaka said following the Zaragoza victory: "I'm very happy, it's been a very special night for me after many criticisms. The best answer is on the pitch.

"I've spent many years in the world of football, but the worst is that they doubt my injury. I only ask that the fans don't doubt my injury.

"I've felt very sad recently for the things that have been said about me. It's not true that I refused to take medication, delaying my recovery, because I've taken medication to play in this game.

"Also, it's not true I was thinking of Brazil and the World Cup Right now I'm focused on Madrid."

Kaka's appearance against Zaragoza was his first since Madrid's Champions League exit to Lyon on March 10, but the capital club will now be hoping he is available for the final four games of the season against Osasuna, Real Mallorca, Athletic Bilbao and Malaga.

Kaka added: "I'm much better, but I still have to continue working. I had 15 or 20 minutes (against Zaragoza) and little by little I'm improving my fitness. The most important thing of all though was the victory."

Madrid's win over Zaragoza saw them remain a point behind Barcelona in the race for the title after the Catalan side had beaten Xerez 3-1 earlier in the evening.

Manuel Pellegrini's men are still needing a slip-up from their arch rivals but they insist they will keep pushing until the end.

Club captain Raul, who took his tally to 228 in the league with Madrid's opener against Zaragoza before limping off injured, said: "I got hurt before I scored, but all that matters is that this team remains competitive and are still in the title hunt.

"We are very pleased with this win. Winning to stay in the title chase was all that mattered."

Defender Sergio Ramos added on his club's website: "I'm very happy with the team's performance in what was a very difficult match.

"We aren't concerned about what Barcelona do. We know we need to win the last four matches and that we don't control our own destiny. Barcelona are currently in first place, so all we can do is continue winning."