Real close in on La Liga title

MADRID, April 15, (AFP): Isco struck at the death to send Real Madrid six points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga after twice coming from behind to beat Sporting Gijon 3-2 on Saturday.

Madrid can all but secure a first league title in five years with victory when they host Barca next weekend.

But not for the first time this season they needed a late show after Duje Cop and Mikel Vesga put Sporting in front early in both halves.

Isco’s fine individual effort and a towering header from Alvaro Morata ensured neither lead lasted more than a few minutes.

And Isco sealed the comeback when he drilled home from the edge of the box.

“I am happy for him. He has the character to do what he did today,” said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.

The Spanish international is yet to agree a new contract with his current deal expiring at the end of next season.

And Zidane insists he wants Isco to stay despite his lack of starts and interest from Barcelona.

“You know what I think of Isco, he is player I like a lot and his place is here.”

Zidane made nine changes from the side that beat Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal in midweek.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema were left out of the squad entirely alongside the injured Gareth Bale, while Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Marcelo had to settle for a place on the bench.

“I feel like I am unfair with those that don’t play, but it is always going to happen,” added Zidane.

“There are 24 players that can play in all positions. It is the difficult part of this job.”

Cop missed a late penalty with the chance to snatch a draw when the sides last met in November.

However, the Croatian made amends when he finished off a lovely Sporting move by volleying home Vesga’s scooped pass to put Sporting in front after 14 minutes.

See Also Pages 41 & 42