Real in fightback to win without Ronaldo

CRISTIANO Ronaldo was rested as Real Madrid came from behind to win 3-1 at Leganes on Wednesday and move back up to third place in La Liga.

Unai Bustinza had put Leganes in front at Butarque, raising hopes that the home side could record another famous victory just weeks after they ousted Real from the Copa del Rey.

However, the reigning European champions turned this Madrid derby around before half-time with Lucas Vazquez and Casemiro both on target.

Sergio Ramos (pictured, AFP) sealed the win with a late penalty, and Real have now taken 16 points from the last 18 available in La Liga.

“It’s another win, the fourth in a row and it’s important to get the points,” said Real coach Zinedine Zidane.

“We’re happy, we’re third in the table and that’s an important result for us. We want to continue like this, we have had hard times so we want to take advantage of this good spell.

“We are confident, we believe more and each player is giving more on the field.”

They are still a massive 14 points adrift of unbeaten league leaders Barcelona, but they are up to third above Valencia and within seven points of city rivals Atletico, who are second.

With the games piling up for his team, Zidane rested Ron- aldo for this is rescheduled fixture, initially lly postponed in December due to Real’s involvement nt in the Club World Cup.

With Toni i Kroos, Luka Modric and Marcelo all injured and nd in a ra c e a g a i nst time to be fit for the Chamampions League gue last 16, second econd leg against t Paris Saint-Germain main in a fortnight, this was another chance for r some of Real’s fringe e players to shine.

Theo Hernandez ernandez and Isco were re among the star ters, rs, but Gareth Bale was back on the bench as he struggl struggles to rediscover his b best form.

Kik Kiko Casilla was h handed a start in goal in place of regular No1 Keylor Navas, and Casilla was picking the ball out of his net inside s i x mi n u t e s , w with Bustinza br bravely stooping to score from alm almost on the lin line after his initia tial effort had be been blocked. H How e v e r, i t took Real just five minutes to draw level, Casemiro helping the ball into the path of Vazquez, who slotted home low.

Casemiro is a defensive midfielder by trade but he put Madrid in front just before the half-hour mark, scoring at the end of a lovely one-touch move also involving Karim Benzema and Vazquez.

It took Real until the 90th minute to make sure of the victory, though, with Ramos scoring from the penalty spot after Mateo Kovacic had been fouled.

Zidane’s side will bid to continue their improved form when they host Alaves at the weekend.