Eibar vs. Real Madrid: Score, Grades and Reaction from La Liga Game
Cristiano Ronaldo can't stop scoring, and Real Madrid can't stop winning.
Ronaldo netted two more goals and assisted another as Real Madrid won their ninth straight La Liga match 4-0 at Eibar on Saturday.
Ronaldo netted in the 43rd and 83rd minutes to bring his tally to 20 in the league this season. Madrid's record is just as impressive, with Carlo Ancelotti's side now unbeaten since a 2-1 defeat at home to Atletico Madrid on Sept. 13. During the run, the Blancos have only once failed to score three goals or more—in a 2-0 win at Villarreal on Sept. 27.
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James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema scored the other goals for Real Madrid, who top the Liga table with 30 points through 12 matches. Up next for Madrid is a trip to Malaga next Saturday, when Ancelotti's side will aim to stretch its winning run to 10 matches in the league and 15 in all competitions.
Eibar will hope to rebound at Celta Vigo next Saturday.
An even start to the match saw both sides create chances. In the fourth minute, Eibar's Manu del Moral tried to beat Iker Casillas with a volley, but the Real Madrid goalkeeper saved. Three minutes later, Ander Capa shot just wide as the hosts attacked again.
At the other end, Gareth Bale hit a dipping free-kick on target in the 16th minute, but Eibar goalkeeper Xabi Irureta made a fine save to deny the Welshman.
Real Madrid went ahead in the 23rd minute, though Eibar will feel the goal should not have stood. Ronaldo started the move on the right, crossing to Benzema in the middle. Benzema appeared offside, but the referee allowed play to continue when the Frenchman mishit the ball back to Ronaldo. With another chance, Ronaldo chipped to the back post, where James headed in for the opening goal.
The score remained the same until the 43rd minute, when Real Madrid doubled their advantage. After assisting the first, Ronaldo turned scorer this time, turning in his shot at the near post from a Dani Carvajal pass.
Leading 2-0 at half-time, Madrid nearly had a third in the 54th minute. Irureta saved a Sergio Ramos header but palmed the ball into the path of Benzema, who fired over the bar from close range. Benzema's blushes were saved by the offside flag, although replays suggested he was onside.
Madrid's third goal came in the 69th minute. Marcelo kept the ball from going out of play along the byline, giving James a chance to cut back into the middle. An unmarked Benzema was waiting, and the Frenchman rifled into the net for 3-0.
Real won a penalty in the 82nd minute after a Ronaldo free-kick struck the arm of Albentosa in the Eibar wall. Ronaldo converted the spot-kick himself, depositing a well-taken shot into the side netting for a 4-0 lead.
The match was finished as a contest, but Eibar still had a chance to make a mark on the scoresheet. In the 88th minute, Capa picked out an unmarked Dejan Lekic at the back post. Lekic made good contact with his volley, but his shot flew well over the bar.
Grades
| Iker Casillas | 7.2 |
| Dani Carvajal | 8.8 |
| Pepe | 8.1 |
| Sergio Ramos | 8.1 |
| Marcelo | 8.0 |
| Isco | 7.6 |
| Toni Kroos | 7.2 |
| James Rodriguez | 8.6 |
| Gareth Bale | 7.4 |
| Karim Benzema | 7.7 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 9.9 |
| Raphael Varane (for Ramos, 73') | 6.2 |
| Fabio Coentrao (for Rodriguez, 78') | 6.3 |
| Alvaro Arbeloa (for Ronaldo, 84') | 6.2 |
Reaction
Real Madrid attacker James Rodriguez (via Football Espana):
"We knew it was going to be difficult, but we had a lot of faith in winning and earning a good result. I'm happy because we won.
By scoring early, we knew the match would end well for us. The goal was given to us by fate and the game ended 0-4. Next up are two tough games that we have to win.
"
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti (via Football Espana):
"We played well and showed great concentration for the entire match. I appreciate the good work and quality from all my players.
…
The defeat will come, of course. Our objective is to continue this streak. The team is well and all the players are motivated and doing a fantastic job.
The season is long, and we must press ahead with this attitude.
"
