Chronicle Editor
MADRID. — Cristiano Ronaldo’s first Spanish La Liga goal for over a month ensured Real Madrid closed the gap on leaders Barcelona to seven points by squeezing past struggling Malaga 3-2 on Saturday. Ronaldo’s relief was clear to see when he fired home the rebound after seeing his penalty saved by Roberto 15 minutes from time.
Atletico Madrid remain tied with Real in third after they shrugged off a season of goalscoring woes by thrashing Levante 5-0 thanks to doubles from Antoine Griezmann and Kevin Gameiro.
Both Madrid sides were now hoping Barca slip up when they travelled to Valencia for a top-of-the-table clash yesterday. However, the Catalans will be buoyed by Lionel Messi ending speculation over his future by finally signing a contract extension to 2021 earlier on Saturday. “We are pleased with the result because the team showed character with time running out to score the third,” said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane. — AFP
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