Real hit the front as Barca stumble

REAL Madrid moved back to the top of La Liga after Sergio Ramos’ late winner earned them a 2-1 comeback victory against 10-man Real Betis at the Bernabeu last night.

Madrid, who are now two points clear of Barcelona after Luis Enrique’s side slumped to a 2-1 defeat at lowly Deportivo La Coruna earlier yesterday, had trailed Betis following a howler by goalkeeper Keylor Navas in the first half.

But Cristiano Ronaldo equalised in the 41st minute before Ramos scored a bullet header from a corner nine minutes from time – moments after Betis defender Cristiano Piccini was shown a second yellow card for his foul on Lucas Vazquez.

Zinedine Zidane’s side are now back ahead of Barcelona having played one fewer game than their rivals.

Barca were brought back to earth after their remarkable Champions League victory over Paris St Germain as they lost at Deportivo.

Joselu, on loan from Premier League side Stoke, opened the scoring for the hosts with just five minutes remaining of the first half at the Riazor.

Luis Suarez drew the defending champions level moments after the interval with his 21st league strike of the campaign, but Alex Bergantinos headed home Depor’s winner with 17 minutes to go.

Barcelona’s defeat was only their third in La Liga this season and brought to an end a six-match winning streak in the division, a run which had seen them replace Real Madrid at the top of the table.

Elsewhere, Athletic Bilbao won 2-0 at Real Sociedad to strengthen their hold on seventh place.

Raul Garcia opened the scoring with a penalty midway through the first half and Inaki Williams then doubled Bilbao’s lead after 56 minutes.

Bilbao’s second win in as many games moves them to within four points of sixth-placed Sociedad who dropped behind Villarreal in the table.

Villarreal moved up to fifth with a 1-0 win at Celta Vigo.