MADRID: An Isco double plus a Cristiano Ronaldo strike ensured focus returned to matters on the pitch for Real Madrid following a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao.
Gareth Bale’s impending move to Madrid has stolen the headlines in recent days but Isco put in another outstanding performance to capture the headlines.
The former Malaga man broke the deadlock midway through the first half, with Ronaldo, who appeared deflated as talks over a new contract rumble on, heading home his first of the season just before the break.
Isco netted again in the second half, although Ibai Gomez grabbed a deserved consolation goal for Athletic.
The home side was in the ascendancy early on and carved out the game’s first real chance 15 minutes in as Karim Benzema latched onto Sergio Ramos’ lofted pass, but saw his weak chipped effort fall straight into Iago Herrerin’s arms.
The team did not have to wait long to break the deadlock, however, as just two minutes later Benzema chipped a masterful ball over Athletic’s defence and into Isco 15 yards out, where he took a touch and tucked home.
Ronaldo doubled the advantage, stealing in unmarked to get on the end of Angel Di Maria’s whipped free kick and plant a firm header to the helpless Herrerin’s left.
The home side’s pressure once again paid off after 72 minutes as Benzema took the ball into the penalty area, before chipping back to Isco on the edge of the box.
The Spain international lashed a right-footed effort across goal, which deflected off an Athletic defender and looped into the opposite corner.
Ibai put Athletic on the score sheet with 10 minutes to play, smashing home after Andoni Iraola had burst down the right flank and cut the ball back to Markel Susaeta, who miscued his effort into the halftime substitute’s path.
In other results on Sunday, Espanyol drew 0-0 at home with Real Betis. Barcelona were scheduled to face Valencia away in the late match.
Villareal defeated Osasuna 3-0 on Saturday, while Valladolid got past Getafe 1-0.
Granada secured one point after drawing at Celta de Vigo 1-1. (Reuters)