Real Madrid close gap on Barcelona with win over Eibar

Real Madrid lifted themselves to third place in La Liga and closed the gap on Barcelona to five points with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Eibar.

Zinedine Zidane’s side have struggled for form at the Santiago Bernabeu so far this season, but there was no sign of that in this performance, with the champions putting down a marker with a comprehensive display.

It took them just 19 minutes to open the scoring, with Paulo Oliveira heading into his own net from a dangerous Marco Asensio cross into the box. And it was 2-0 just before the half hour mark when Asensio himself swept home a first time finish following a Theo Hernandez cross from the left wing.

Zidane made a number of changes to his side, rotating his squad, but it did little to affect the rhythm of Real Madrid’s performance, with Marcelo coming off the bench in the second half to complete the scoring, finding the far corner of the Eibar net with a guided finish on the turn.

After a difficult few weeks, and the midweek draw against Spurs in the Champions League, this was a demonstration of just how dangerous Real Madrid can be at the Bernabeu. Granted, Eibar are hardly the highest calibre of opposition that will visit the Spanish capital this season, but with four successive Liga wins to their name it would seem that Zidane’s side have recovered from their wobbles earlier on in the season.

Creativity has been an issue for Real Madrid in recent weeks, particularly at the Bernabeu, but with Asensio in such form that wasn’t a problem against Eibar. The youngster, along with Isco, was the spark that lit the champions’ fire, with Zidane’s side turning in their most complete home performance of the season so far. Much of that was down to the display of Asensio.

Real Madrid - Casilla 6, Nacho 6, Ramos 5, Varane 6, Theo 7, Modric 7, Casemiro 6, Ceballos 6, Isco 7, Ronaldo 5, Asensio 7. Subs - Benzema 7, Marcelo 6, Vazquez 5.

Eibar - Dmitrovic 7, Escalante 6, Rivera 5, Capa 5, Inui 6, Paulo 5, Cote 5, Arbilla 5, Charles 6, Lomban 5, Jordan 6. Subs - Pena 5, Garcia 5, Enrich 4.

19’ GOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Eibar: The champions have the lead and they have claimed it through an own goal! The cross was played into the box by Asensio and Oliveira got up to head into his own net. Dmitrovic was left standing. Nothing he could do

29’ GOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Eibar: There's the second goal and Real Madrid have given themselves a cushion! Asensio takes the shot on the half-volley first time and finds the net with an exceptional finish. Great goal.

68’ RONALDO IS DENIED! Modric's through pass releases Ronaldo on goal, but he goes too close to Dmitrovic, who smothers the shot. Benzema then picks up the rebound and blasts well over!

82’ GOAL! Real Madrid 3-0 Eibar: And that should be that! Theo breaks down the left side and slots through Marcelo, who turns and finds the far corner of the net with a slow strike. Excellent move and finish from the Brazilian left back.

89’ RONALDO THWARTED AGAIN! This time the Portuguese takes aim from a tight angle down the right channel, but once against Dmitrovic is on hand to prevent him from finding the net.

Isco has scored more goals (10) and made more assists (8) than any other midfielder in La Liga in 2017.

Marco Asensio has scored four goals in the five games he has played against Eibar in La Liga.