Real Madrid celebrate Toni Kroos' early goal against Eibar as LaLiga returned
Real Madrid celebrate Toni Kroos' early goal against Eibar as LaLiga returned

LaLiga: Real Madrid close on Barcelona after 3-1 win over Eibar


Real Madrid moved to within two points of LaLiga leaders Barcelona after marking their return to action with a routine 3-1 win over Eibar.

Toni Kroos, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo scored in the first half as Zinedine Zidane's side made light work of their first game for three months on Sunday.

Pedro Bigas made it 3-1 after the break with Eibar remaining two points above the relegation zone.

Real responded to Barca's 4-0 win at Mallorca on Saturday to keep the heat on their title rivals.

Madrid are playing at their training base, the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, after renovation work at the Bernabeu was stepped up during lockdown.

Sergio Ramos: Real Madrid defender celebrates his goal against Eibar as LaLiga returned
Sergio Ramos: Real Madrid defender celebrates his goal against Eibar as LaLiga returned

Kroos opened the scoring after four minutes when his first-time finish from 18 yards found the top corner following good work from Karim Benzema.

It was 2-0 after 30 minutes when Ramos started and finished a quick break, marauding forward before tapping in after an unselfish lay-off by Eden Hazard.

Seven minutes later Marcelo made the game safe when he drilled in from just inside the box after Hazard's shot had been saved. The defender then took a knee to celebrate in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Thibaut Courtois denied Sergio Enrich but the visitors pulled a goal back on the hour when Bigas' deflected effort found a way in.

Wales international Gareth Bale was a second-half substitute while Hazard came off and had an ice pack put on the ankle he injured in February.


Elsewhere...

Atletico Madrid celebrate Diego Costa's strike against Athletic Bilbao in LaLiga
Atletico Madrid celebrate Diego Costa's strike against Athletic Bilbao in LaLiga

Diego Costa paid tribute to Atletico Madrid women’s star Virginia Torrecilla in Atletico's 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilbao.

The striker scored his first goal of the year and celebrated with Torrecilla’s shirt after the midfielder had successful surgery for a brain tumour in May.

The draw saw Atletico, who are sixth, miss the chance to move into LaLiga’s top four after they came from behind on Sunday.

Bilbao captain Iker Muniain opened the scoring eight minutes before the break when he steered in Yuri Berchiche’s cross with the outside of his foot.

Costa levelled two minutes later when he latched onto Koke’s through-ball and prodded in his first goal since October.

Real Sociedad drew 1-1 with Osasuna as they remain fourth. Adrian Lopez gave the visitors a first-half lead from the spot but Mikel Oyarzabal levelled just after the hour.


Follow Sporting Life on social - find us on Facebook here or tweet @SportingLifeFC

Related football content

Responsible gambling

We are committed in our support of responsible gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

Sky Bet's responsible gambling tools are detailed here and if you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, or visit begambleaware.org.

Further support and information can be found at GamCare and gamblingtherapy.org.

Like what you've read?

MOST READ FOOTBALL

Sporting Life
Join for free!
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Race Replays
My stable horse tracker
giftOffers and prize draws
newsExclusive content

FOOTBALL TIPS

We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo