Cristiano Ronaldo came to the rescue again as Real Madrid followed up their thumping win over Paris Saint-Germain with a narrow victory against Eibar.
Ronaldo scored twice, his second six minutes from the end, as Real won 2-1 and avoided another slip-up in La Liga. Ivan Ramis had equalised for Eibar shortly after half-time.
His double means Ronaldo has now scored in seven consecutive games and has a remarkable 13 goals overall in that period.
Real move four points behind second-placed Atletico Madrid, who will restore that gap to seven with a win over Celta Vigo on Sunday. Eibar stay eighth.
Here, we look at how Los Blancos players fared at the Ipurua Municipal Stadium.
Keylor Navas – 6: A strong presence between the sticks, did well to stop a cross-goal Kike effort and was generally under heavy pressure from hosts, particularly in first-half. Could do nothing about the goal but did he have to tip over Gonzalo Escalante’s centre that led to corner? Probably not.
Dani Carvajal – 6: Had trouble dealing with the threat of Japan star Takashi Inui and often felt isolated on the right. Lacked protection from Real’s overworked middle but came up trumps for the winner, putting the ball on a sixpence for Ronaldo to head home.
Sergio Ramos – 4: The skipper was at sea for Eibar’s equaliser, losing veteran Ivan Ramis who then headed home from close range. Big lapse could have really cost Madrid and also guilty of overplaying the ball in areas where he should have cleared danger.
Raphael Varane – 5: Felt the effects of first-half head collision with Dani Garcia and it was a nasty one at that. Taken off for Nacho after 27 minutes.
Marcelo 7 – Capa gave Brazilian plenty of early problems down the left but left-back was still a roving force going forward and always provided the Whites with an outlet.
Toni Kroos – 6: Stepped up full return from knee injury with 70 odd minutes. Lacked some composure with first-touch but wholehearted commitment was there. Ran out of legs in second period.
Casemiro – 6: Involved in a possible handball penalty appeal in first-half and was lucky to escape but generally went about his business with typical gusto. Very much the mainstay and man Zidane relies on in central midfield.
Luka Modric – 8: Making his first appearance since the Champions League first leg win over PSG, the veteran playmaker’s finesse and vision was crucial in a Madrid side devoid of creativity. Laid ball on a plate for Ronaldo and should have scored after mazy run on 55 minutes. Real’s best player.
Isco – 5: Form woes continue as the Spaniard’s touch and passing was off. Still searching to get back to his 2017 form, with substitution on 71 minutes summing it up.
Gareth Bale – 6: Booked early on and involved in some good forward runs but struggled for any real kind of cutting edge. Lacked sharpness.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 8: Frustrated figure early on but scored sublime opener following first-class chest control and finish. Constant bright spark despite being victim of heavy Joan Jordan challenge. Twice denied by Marko Dmitrovic in second period before eventually having his say and scoring a headed winner with six minutes to go.
SUBSTITUTES
Nacho – 6: Slotted in to usual centre-half berth but looked shaky alongside Ramos as Real dallied all too often with possession around their penalty area.
Lucas Vazquez – 6: Gave Madrid some fresh legs as the away side saw off a late Eibar onslaught.
Karim Benzema – 5: Offered very little during his 25-minute stay on the pitch.
