MX23RW : Tuesday, May 14 10:30:39| >> :60:3542:3542:
[monks data]
Almeria
La Liga
Dec 12, 2014 at 7.45pm UK
 
Real Madrid logo

1-4

Verza (39')
FT(HT: 1-2)
Isco (34'), Bale (42'), Ronaldo (81', 88')

Real Madrid see off plucky Almeria

Real Madrid are made to work hard for their win over Almeria as they extend their Spanish-record winning streak to 20 games.

Real Madrid have been made to work hard for their 4-1 win over a plucky Almeria this evening as they extended their Spanish-record winning streak to 20 games at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos.

Goals from Isco, Gareth Bale and a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo won the game for Los Blancos but Almeria, now nine league games without a win, might have earned themselves a point had Iker Casillas not saved Verza's penalty.

Real Madrid's forward Isco (R) celebrates with Brazilian defender Marcelo after scoring during the Spanish league football match UD Almeria vs Real Madrid CF on December 12, 2014© Getty Images

Despite Madrid's impressive recent form it was Almeria who made the brighter start and Sebastian Dubarbier met a loose ball inside the box before firing in an effort which was blocked by Dani Carvajal.

The visitors were then subjected to a few uncomfortable moments as Almeria continued to force the issue in wide areas. A dangerous cross from Edgar Mendez was missed by Raphael Varane, but Carvajal was there on the cover to clear.

After getting through the opening exchanges unscathed, Madrid began to assert themselves in their final league game before travelling to Morocco for the Club World Cup next week and Toni Kroos hit the crossbar with a deflected volley.

Bale then found himself in space inside the Almeria box, but his low cross was too strong for Karim Benzema.

Madrid eventually got themselves in front through Isco, who took a cross down on his chest before curling the ball into the bottom corner.

Carlo Ancelotti's men looked to be in control of the game, but just five minutes later Verza equalised for Almeria with a powerful drive from 30 yards.

An entertaining half then saw Bale put Madrid back in front with a flicked header into the bottom corner.

Gareth Bale (L) of Real Madrid CF competes for the ball with Joaquin Navarro JImenez (R) of Almeria UD during the La Liga match on December 12, 2014© Getty Images

The Welshman continued to threaten the Almeria defence during the second half and used his pace to break away before coming close with a low effort that moved just wide of the post.

Almeria looked dangerous on the counter, however, and won themselves a penalty after Marcelo brought down Mendez inside the box. Verza stepped up to take the spot kick, but Casillas denied the striker after getting across to save.

Despite the missed opportunity Almeria grew in confidence as the half wore on and were unlucky not to find a goal following some well-worked chances.

They could not find a second equaliser, meaning that Ronaldo sealed the points with a pair of slick finishes late on.

ID:193299: cacheID:193299:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5907:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Real Madrid's French forward Karim Benzema celebrates with Welsh forward Gareth Bale after scoring during the Spanish league football match Malaga CF vs Real Madrid CF at the Rosaleda stadium in Malaga on November 29, 2014
Read Next:
Half-Time Report: Madrid take lead into half time
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid35286178225690
2Barcelona35237572432976
3GironaGirona35236675443175
4Atletico MadridAtletico35224964392570
5Athletic Bilbao351711757352262
6Real BetisBetis35141384641555
7Real Sociedad351412948371154
8Valencia35139133739-248
9Villarreal35139135960-148
10Getafe351013124148-743
11AlavesAlaves35119153440-642
12Sevilla351011144749-241
13Osasuna35117173953-1440
14Las PalmasLas Palmas35107183044-1437
15Mallorca35714142840-1235
16Rayo Vallecano35714142743-1635
17Celta Vigo35810174053-1334
18CadizCadiz35514162449-2529
RGranada3549223668-3221
RAlmeria35211223570-3517


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!