Real humble Deportivo, regain top-4 spot in La Liga
MADRID: Gareth Bale dragged Real Madrid away from the ignominy of a third straight home defeat in La Liga by netting a match-turning brace before Deportivo La Coruna collapsed to a 7-1 defeat. Cristiano Ronaldo and Nacho, also notched doubles to boost under-fire boss Zinedine Zidane.
Loses to Barcelona and Villarreal either side of the mid-season break contributed to leaving Madrid fourth and 19 points off the pace in the title race, and further woes awaited when Adrian Lopez capitalised on slack defending to net a 23rd-minute opener.
Amid palpable unrest from the stands, Madrid steadied themselves and centre-back Nacho levelled, before Bale took centre stage. The Wales star finished exquisitely to give Real the lead at the break and he converted Toni Kroos’ corner to make the points safe.
Ronaldo’s trials in front of goal were again evident until he followed Luka Modric onto the scoresheet 12 minutes from time and his diving header preceded Nacho completing a rout that leaves Deportivo slumped in the relegation zone.
ATLETICO MADRID AND VALENCIA SLIP
Antoine Griezmann’s first goal in six league games wasn’t enough for Atletico as they drew 1-1 with Girona and gave Barcelona a chance to extend their lead at the top.
Atletico stay second on 43 points, three points ahead of Valencia after their surprise defeat at Las Palmas, which saw Gabriel booked twice for dissent after giving away the winning penalty and then Ruben Vezo was sent off for elbowing spotkick scorer Jonathan Calleri. Valencia looked set for a win when Santi Mina headed the opener after just five minutes, but Jonathan Viera smashed home Jonathancalleri’s knockdown 15 minutes later. Calleri slotted home the penalty that sealed the three points.