Real defy crisis talk as Barca extend lead
REAL MADRID moved back into the top four of La Liga by thumping lowly Deportivo La Coruna 7-1 yesterday, with Cristiano Ronaldo ending a miserable run of league form with a late double.
But Barcelona still extended their lead to 11 points – and 19 ahead of Real – as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both hit a brace in a 5-0 romp at Real Betis.
Ronaldo had only scored four league goals before yesterday’s clash with thirdfrom-bottom Deportivo, but the Portuguese added Real’s fifth and sixth with a smart volley and a diving header as they moved back above Villarreal and into the Champions League places.
Villarreal had temporarily taken fourth with a 2-1 win over Levante on Saturday after beating Real at the Bernabeu for the first time ever last week.
Gareth Bale and Nacho also bagged braces each side of halftime and Luka Modric curled home a 68th-minute beauty as Real came back from a shock early deficit, a 23rd- minute tap-in from Adrian, to romp to an emphatic victory and ease the pressure on coach Zinedine Zidane.
“We needed that. In any case, it’s what we were missing in the sense that scoring seven goals at home this season, it’s hugely satisfying, and a relief,” said Zidane.
Second-placed Atletico Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Girona on Saturday meant Barca extended their lead with victory, leaving coach Ernesto Valverde waxing lyrical about Messi.
“You have to enjoy what Messi does – I’ve suffered against him as an opposing player and I know what it is,” he said.
“What we saw tonight was spectacular. He’s the best player ever.”
In an earlier match, Joseba Zaldua scored a last-minute equaliser as Leganes came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Alaves. – AFP