MADRID (AFP) - Karim Benzema shot Real Madrid to within two points of La Liga leaders Barcelona with the winner in a scrappy 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, while countryman Antoine Griezmann fired a brace in a 3-2 win over Real Valladolid to take Atletico Madrid level with Barca.
Benzema's 13th-minute strike was enough for Real to move up to third on 29 points, two behind Barca, who travel to Levante on Sunday evening (Dec 16), and second-placed Atleti. Sevilla have the chance to move back above Real and level with the leading pair when they host mid-table Girona early on Sunday.
However, they were made to sweat for the three points by plucky Rayo, who are second-from-bottom but would have snatched a point in stoppage time had Sergio Ramos not cleared the second of Thibaut Courtois' double saves, from Alex Alegria and Emiliano Velazquez, off the line.
Little was seen from Real stars like Luka Modric, who was presented with his Ballon d'Or ahead of the match at the Santiago Bernabeu, and fans showed their displeasure at the end of an uninspiring contest.
Earlier, Griezmann struck the winner for Diego Simeone's Atleti 10 minutes from the end after Valladolid had fought back from a two goal half-time deficit.
The Frenchman had played a key role in building the early lead. The World Cup winner laid on Nikola Kalinic's second goal of the season in the 26th minute with a superb through ball, then put his side two up on the stroke of half-time.
After Kiko Olivas handled Griezmann's long-range shot, and referee Undiano Mallenco pointed to the spot after a video review, the Frenchman slotted home a neat penalty .
The hosts came roaring back in the second half, twice forcing fine saves from Jan Oblak before Fernando Calero scored for the hosts from a 56th-minute corner.
Saul Niguez then inadvertently pushed Enes Unal's header into his own net nine minutes later, and Valladolid pushed for victory.
However Griezmann stole the three points in a frantic finale, cooly steering home the winner after a scramble in the box following a corner.
Barcelona would have won the title with a win and Dani Alves went close with a fierce drive, but Atletico held on. the Barcelona-Real Madrid duopoly in Spanish football. The draw meant
LIVE Transfer Talk: Real Madrid close in on €50m Mendy
Real Madrid, Atletico close in on Barcelona | football
Karim Benzema shot Real Madrid to within two points of La Liga leaders Barcelona with the winner in a scrappy 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, while countryman Antoine Griezmann fired a brace in a 3-2 win over Real Valladolid to take Atletico Madrid level with Barca.
Football Real Madrid, Atletico close in on Barcelona - Pulse
Real Madrid, Atletico close in on Barcelona Description: The hosts came roaring back in the second half, twice forcing fine saves from Jan Oblak before Fernando Calero scored for the hosts from a 56th-minute corner.
Real Madrid, Atletico close in on Barcelona
Karim Benzema shot Real Madrid to within two points of La Liga leaders Barcelona with the winner in a scrappy 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, while countryman Antoine Griezmann fired a brace in a 3-2
Real Madrid, Atletico close in on Barcelona | Football News
Antoine Griezmann's mooted move to Barcelona remains in doubt after Atlético Madrid's president claimed to have had no contact from the LaLiga champions.. No Barcelona contact for Griezmann
Atletico Madrid vs. Valencia - Football Match Report - April
Atletico Madrid beat Valencia, delaying Barcelona's eight La Liga title in 11 years. David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images Alvaro Morata put Atletico ahead on a rain-swept evening in the ninth minute by knocking a cross in from close range on the volley but Valencia equalised in the 36th through former Atletico forward Kevin Gameiro .
Barcelona 1-1 Atletico Madrid - BBC Sport
There's still one round of matches remaining to be played in Spain's La Liga but already big changes are happening with the division's top teams. Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid
Real Madrid Barcelona Sold Direct on eBay | Fantastic Prices on Real Madrid Barcelona
AD
Madrid, Dec 16 (AFP) Karim Benzema shot Real Madrid to within two points of La Liga leaders Barcelona with the winner in a scrappy 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, while countryman Antoine Griezmann
Griezmann: No Barcelona contact for the departing Atlético
Real Madrid are reportedly closing in on Lyon's Ferland Mendy, who could become their second signing of the summer. Real Madrid close in on €50m Mendy All the talk around Atletico Madrid
La Liga transfer news: all change at Barcelona, Atletico
Report Ad
Check Out Real Madrid Barcelona on eBay. Fill Your Cart With Color Today!
Real Madrid, Atletico close in on Barcelona Benzema's 13th-minute strike was enough for Real Madrid to move up to third on 29 points, two behind Barcelona, who travel to Levante on Sunday
Real Madrid, Atletico Close in on Barcelona - News18
0 comments:
Post a Comment