Real Madrid have returned to their winning ways with a 2-0 victory against Eibar at the Municipal de Ipurua on Sunday night.
The pressure has most certainly eased on coach Rafael Benitez and it was his two heavyweights that ensured momentum continued. It was Welshman Gareth Bale who broke the deadlock prior to the half time break after he headed in a Luka Modric cross.
The hosts did threaten the visitors whom were noticeably weaker given the absence of defender Sergio Ramos due to injury. However in the 82nd minute the victory was sealed as Cristiano Ronaldo converted from the spot after Lucas Vasquez was brought down. The result leaves Los Blancos six points behind league leaders Barcelona.
Eibar
Asier Riesgo – 6.5: Was fully concentrated but could little in terms of the goals conceded.
Mauro Dos Santos – 5: Defended consistently yet could not keep up with Bale.
Junca – 6.5: Closed down James well when he cut in from the right and made important crosses.
Aleksandar Pantic – 5: Focused on Bale and Ronaldo with his attempted side offside trap.
Dani Garcia – 6: Screened the defence well but conceded the penalty in the second term.
Adrian – 5.5: Sat deep to aid defence yet did not provide a strong transition from the midfield into attack.
Takashi Inui – 7: Had a few strikes on goal but was at home on the left-wing where he made several crosses into the box.
Saul Berjon – 6: Spent a lot of time tracking Danilo and did not contribute to the attack on the right.
Gonzalo Escalante – 5.5: His eagerness was a threat for the Madridistas however poor passing and choices negated this.
Ander Capa – 5.5: Another Eibar forward who showed eagerness but attempted to do too much with the small openings he had.
Sergi Enrich – 5.5: Continually played on the shoulder of the last defender but was a constant annoyance for the visitors.
Substitutes
Izet Hajrovic – N/A: Could make little impact.
Simoni Verdi – N/A: Met the same fate as substitute partner Hajrovic.
Mikel Arrabarrena – N/A – Not enough time to affect proceedings.
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