Real Madrid 1-0 Granada: LaLiga leaders go six points clear

Marco Asensio sent Real Madrid six points clear at the top of La Liga with a stunning winner from the edge of the area to beat Granada 1-0.

The midfielder has struggled for starts at times this season but he has now scored six times and his trademark left-footed curler, having drifted in from the right, did for Granada keeper Luis Maximiano who had until then kept his team’s head above water.

Time after time Real Madrid threatened but without the duel threat of the injured Karim Benzema and the suspended Vinicius – who have scored 29 goals between them this season – they were struggling to break the visitors down.

The closest they came to scoring in the first half came from Carlos Neva who almost put past his own keeper but saw his clearance come back off the crossbar.

Toni Kroos, Rodrygo, Isco and Asensio all came close in the first half as Carlo Ancelotti opted to play without a recognized centre-forward in Benzema’s absence.

That changed in the second period as Luka Jovic came on. Eden Hazard also got minutes as Madrid tried to move up through the gears. Hazard thought he had won a penalty after Asensio’s goal but the foul on him was just outside the area.

Madrid deserved the points and did not suffer late on as Granada failed to muster any injury time chances.

Antonio Puertas had drawn a fine save from Thibuat Courtois early on but that was as good as it got for a team who have not won at the Bernabeu for 48 years and are now on a run of five without a victory.

Madrid can enjoy the added breathing space at the top but will celebrate the return of Vinicius and Benzema when it happens. Life is easier with them in the side.

‘There are no decisive wins. We just have to keep going until the end of the season,’ said