Full Time: Sporting Gijon 2-3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid stretched their advantage at the top of La Liga to 6 points over Barcelona as they left it late to beat Sporting Gijon 3-2 away from home.
Both teams exchanged a few early blows but Madrid were dealt the first setback when Duje Cop bundled past Kiko Casilla in the 14th minute to give Sporting the lead. But the lead didn’t last for long as the Los Blancos restored parity 3 minutes later when Isco got past three Sporting defenders to finish with a curling left-footed effort. Madrid then had a goal rightly chalked off for offside, before Lucas Vazquez headed over from close range as half-time approached.
Soon after the restart, Madrid were hit once again as Mikel Vesga sent a loopy header past Casilla into the goal to put the home side ahead again. However, the visitors did not lose heart and came back on level terms through Alvaro Morata who headed home from a brilliant cross by Danilo from the right-side. They returned home with three points as that man Isco once again found the back of the net from 20-yards out in the dying stages of the game.
Real Madrid Player Ratings:
Kiko Casilla – 6/10
Failed to keep a third consecutive clean sheet, but wasn’t at fault for either of the Sporting goals.
Danilo – 7/10
One of his finest displays in the whites of Madrid as he got constantly forward and looked menacing. Set up Isco for the first goal.
Nacho – 5/10
Was caught out of position in the lead up to the opener. Lucky not to have been booked as it would have seen him miss the El Clasico. A nervy display.
Sergio Ramos – 6/10
Was fairly solid at the back for the length of the game. Threw everything he had in pursuit of a late winner, with Madrid chasing three points.
Fabio Coentrao – 6/10
Was handed a surprise first start of the season in La Liga. While he wasn’t poor, he did not impress either and was taken off after looking tired.
Mateo Kovacic – 7/10
Slotted in the deepest midfielder role. Not his favoured position, but held things together in the middle of the park, while picking out some decent passes from deep.
Isco – 9/10
Best player on the field by some distance. Scored a wonderful individual goal to bring Madrid level the first time, before sealing off the win in the 90th minute with a powerful hit.
James Rodriguez – 6/10
Failed to impose himself on the game greatly. But his set-piece delivery caused a lot of problems for the Sporting defence.
Lucas Vazquez – 6/10
Missed a great chance to send his team ahead in the first-half. Flitted in and out of the game and was hauled off, with Madrid chasing the game.
Alvaro Morata – 7/10
Proved his worth once again with another vital goal. Madrid must not let him leave in the summer. A quality striker. No doubts about it.
Marco Asensio – 6/10
Deserved a place in the line-up after his heroics against Bayern Munich, but was quite far away from his best.
Substitutes
Marcelo – 7/10
Replaced Fabio Coentrao in the 57th minute. Came close to scoring in the 73rd minute, with his effort going inches wide. Picked up an assist for Isco’s late winner.
Mariano Diaz – 5/10
Replaced Vazquez in the 70th minute. Had a decent chance late in the game, but headed it over.
Casemiro – NA
Came on for Kovacic in the dying stages.