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Cristiano Ronaldo fired Real Madrid ahead before going off injured as they cruised to a 5-0 win at Almeria to remain six points adrift of leaders Barcelona who defeated Granada 4-0 earlier on Saturday. |
Atletico Madrid then played their part in a day of big wins for the teams at the top of the table when Raul Garcia and David Villa scored two goals apiece to help Atletico Madrid retain a strong hold on second spot with a 7-0 win over 10-man Getafe.
Ronaldo struck after three minutes but the game was still in the balance when he limped off early in the second half.
Karim Benzema settled Real’s nerves by curling home the second on 61 minutes before Gareth Bale, Isco and Alvaro Morata consigned Almeria to a resounding defeat. The main concern was the extent of the leg strain for Ronaldo, who has bagged 14 goals in seven games including four for Portugal in their triumphant two-legged World Cup playoff win over Sweden.
“I don’t think it is important,” Real coach Carlo Ancelotti said. “He had a problem with his thigh but I don’t think it will be anything as there was no pain. He will be back soon.”
Barcelona have 40 points from 14 games and a three-point lead over Atletico Madrid, with city rivals Real a further three points adrift after Saturday’s action.
Real pressed Almeria in a storming start and it did not take long for them to go in front as Isco sent Ronaldo through with a searching ball from the right.
Almeria set out to defend deeply with five at the back, a system that has brought them success in recent games, but Real’s quality in attack proved too much.
The home side were dangerous on the break with Suso curling a shot just round the post while Benzema headed wide at the other end before a fine run from Ronaldo ended with his shot being saved by Esteban Suarez.
Following the restart, Ronaldo went off holding his leg after battling for the ball with Alex Vidal. The game had turned scrappy but Benzema produced a fine goal and from there Almeria’s heads dropped.
Bale robbed Sebastian Dubarbier to get on the scoresheet before Isco and Morata completed the rout. “It was a good game as we didn’t concede,” Ancelotti added. “We played well together and we need to continue this way.”
Atletico’s success this season has been built on solidity but they tore apart a sorry Getafe in the late game through their attacking play, despite leaving a less-than-fully fit leading scorer Diego Costa on the bench. Kiko and Arda Turan tormented the full backs as Getafe were pushed back and Raul Garcia headed the opening goal from a corner midway through the first half.
Luck was also against the visitors as Albert Lopo diverted a Koke effort past his keeper and then shortly before the break, Juan Valera was dismissed for a second yellow card.