POST-MATCH: Real Madrid stay top despite Granada fightback

Real Madrid extended their lead at the top of La Liga with a 4-2 win at home to second place Granada.

Diego Martinez's side have impressed so far this season, but the Andalucians were behind inside the first two minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

The returning Gareth Bale did well to create space on the right and deliver in a cross, with Karim Benzema arriving on cue at the back post to net his sixth goal of the 2019-20 season.

The visitors stayed compact as they looked to get back in the game, but they looked to be finished right on half time, as Eden Hazard netted his first goal for the club.

Federico Valverde's workrate in midfield created the opportunity for the Belgian, and the former Chelsea kept his cool to chip over Rui Silva from 18 yards.

Martinez looked to change his tactics in the second half, as they chased a way back in the game, but again Real Madrid showed their quality at the key time.

Substitute Luka Modric netted a spectacular third goal on the hour mark, seemingly ending any chance of a Granada comeback.

However the resilience of the away side paid off on 70 minutes, as Alphonse Areola fouled substitute Carlos Fernandez for a penalty – which Darwin Machis dispatched.

Granada grabbed a second, and set up a grandstand finish, as Domingos Duarte turned home a corner with 12 minutes to go in the Spanish capital.

However Zinedine Zidane's side eased any nerves in added tine, as James Rodriguez netted his first goal for the club since April 2017 – ironically against Granada.

Tags Eden Hazard James Rodriguez Karim Benzema
La Liga - Club News