After emerging (2-0) victorious over Deportivo Alaves, Real Madrid moved a significant step closer to a 34th LaLiga title.
The gap between leaders Real and second-placed Barcelona is back to four points.
So, it would take a mighty collapse from this position for the teams to swap positions. In other words, Real’s race for the title is almost over.
Karim Benzema set Real on the way to a 2-0 win with an early penalty.
After Benzema’s penalty, Marco Asensio grabbed Madrid’s second goal.
But lowly Alaves has contributed a lot to an entertaining game, enough to suggest they can survive under their new coach Juan Muniz in the top flight.
Indeed, Zinedine Zidane’s side could have stretched their lead as a string of chances came their way. But Alaves defended themselves well enough.
Real Madrid – Alaves (2:0):
Goals: Benzema 11-11m, Asensio 50
Real Madrid: Courtois – Vazquez, Militao, Varane, Mendy – Kroos, Casemiro (90′ Diaz), Modric (70′ Valverde) – Rodrygo (82′ Isco), Benzema (82′ Hazard), Asensio (70′ Asensio)
Alaves: Jimenez – Navarro (23′ Aguirregabiria), Laguardia, Ely, Marin – Burke, Camarasa, Fejsa (55′ Mahmoud), Mendez (68′ Sainz) – Perez (55′ Rioja), Rodriguez (69′ Joselu)
Yellow cards: / – Mahmoud
