La Liga: Real Madrid, Barcelona continue title chase with impressive wins
Moments of magic from Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos earned Real Madrid all three points against Athletic Club at San Mames.
The home side started on the front foot, pressing Real Madrid with high energy and intensity. It was an open and even first half, with both sides getting forward and looking to create chances.
Real Madrid broke the deadlock after 25 minutes thanks to a superb volley from Karim Benzema on his weak foot. A moment of pure genius from the Madrid forward to swivel in the box before unleashing a fantastic effort. It was Benzema’s 228th La Liga goal, putting him level with Raul in second place for La Liga goals in Real Madrid’s history behind Cristiano Ronaldo.
From that moment on, Los Blancos dominated proceedings, keeping the ball well and frustrating Athletic.
Athletic came out for the second half in the same manner as they started the first, with lots of intensity and pressure as they pushed for an equaliser.
The game got more and more stretched as it went on, with lots of space appearing in behind for either side to exploit when they got on the ball. Athletic looked to use the width to their advantage in the latter stages, firing cross after cross into the box which the Real Madrid defenders dealt with superbly.
Ernesto Valverde’s side had their best chance of the game on 70 minutes, the ball fell to Nico Williams around eight yards from goal but he could only fire his effort agonisingly wide of the post.
Athletic did manage to put the ball in the back of the net late in the game courtesy of Nico Williams, but it was ruled out for offside following a touch on the way through.
The home side continued to knock on the door before Real Madrid killed the game off in stoppage time. Substitute Rodrigo smartly pulled the ball back for Toni Kroos who struck it superbly first time into the bottom corner. It was an excellent strike especially considering the ball was just behind Kroos, another real moment of magic for Madrid.
Overall it was a thoroughly professional performance for Carlo Ancelotti’s side who move to three points behind La Liga leaders FC Barcelona.
Pedri’s first half strike earned a labouring Barcelona a 1-0 win over Getafe as they extended their lead at the top of La Liga to six points.
Xavi’s outfit were far from their best in the final third as they struggled to test opposition goalkeeper David Soria, but they did enough to pick up a seventh home league win in nine attempts.
The visitors showed little intent to get forward early on, instead sitting deep with a back five and sucking up any pressure. They did have a goal ruled out after four minutes though, with Borja Mayoral tucking home, only for Enes Unal to have been offside earlier in the move.
At the other end, Barca were generally reduced to shots from distance, as Soria comfortably denied Ousmane Dembele and Gavi. He was eventually beaten on 34-minutes though, with Raphinha capitalising on a defensive error and crossing to Pedri, who slid home.
Getafe should have equalised before the break though, gifted a glorious chance when Pedri passed straight to Mayoral, who charged through on goal before shooting straight at Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The second half played out in a similar vein, with Quique Sánchez Flores’ refusing to change his gameplan, despite being a goal in arrears. In fairness, the defence were well drilled, frustrating a Barcelona side who lacked a touch of fluency in attack.
In truth, it was a bit of a damp squib after the break as the hosts had only a handful of chances, while Mayoral’s header, which went harmlessly wide, was the best opening for Getafe at the other end.
