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Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to hit 30 La Liga goals in six consecutive seasons as he inspired Real Madrid to a 4-0 thrashing of Eibar. The Portugal forward netted in the 19th minute and also provided passes for Lucas Vázquez and Jesé to score as the hosts stormed into a 4-0 half-time lead. James Rodríguez had opened Real’s account with a curling free-kick in the fifth minute.
Atlético Madrid fight back to beat Espanyol and keep pressure on Barcelona | Football | The Guardian
Atlético Madrid fought back to win 3-1 at Espanyol on Saturday, closing to within three points of the leaders Barcelona, with Real another point behind. Barcelona lost 1-0 at Real Sociedad in a later kick-off. Diego Simeone held nothing back at Espanyol despite Atlético’s Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona on Wednesday, when the Catalan club visit with a 2-1 advantage.
When Atletico Madrid's Tiago broke his leg against Espanyol in December, those present feared the worst and wondered what the loss of their playmaker would have on the rest of their season. It was a challenge that the Rojiblancos reacted to in style with 13 victories, two draws and three losses, collecting a total of 41 points out of 54 along the way.
Real Betis moved further above the relegation zone thanks to a 1-0 win over Levante in La Liga. A late header from Ruben Castro gave Real Betis a vital victory over fellow relegation-threatened side Levante in La Liga on Saturday. The game appeared headed for a scoreless stalemate but a 17th goal of the season from Castro inspired Betis to a home victory at Estadio Benito Villamarin.
Madrid have 23 goals in nine European matches this season and 31 home goals in the seven Bernabeu Liga matches since Zidane took over from Rafa Benitez. So the remontada is within their powers. But what usually marked this club’s glory nights after a defeat was keeping a clean sheet. Can this side do that? Can Zidane coach a defensive performance out of his midfield and back four.
Celta Vigo boss Eduardo Berizzo has confirmed ahead of Sunday’s early trip to Sporting Gijon that he is on the verge of extending his contract. Former Celta defender Berizzo replaced Luis Enrique in the summer of 2014 and guided the Galicians to an eighth-place finish in La Liga last season – one better than his predecessor – and has since taken the club to within just seven points of a Champions League spot in 2015-16.