Real Madrid vs. Eibar: Score, Grades, Reaction from Liga Game

An unfamiliar Real Madrid warmed up for the Champions League quarter-final first leg with a comfortable 3-0 win over Eibar to maintain the pressure on Liga leaders Barcelona.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Javier Hernandez scored first-half goals for Los Blancos before Jese added a third seven minutes before the end to seal the points in preparation for the tie against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

But Real head coach Carlo Ancelotti made a number of changes to his team as he rested several star names ahead of the game against their neighbours.

Ancelotti gave Hernandez a starting berth with Karim Benzema on the bench. Asier Illarramendi and Jese were handed starting spots, while Keylor Navas was named ahead of Iker Casillas in goal. Pepe started on the bench after injury.

The best news of the day for Real supporters had come 24 hours earlier when Ronaldo's yellow card for diving at Rayo Vallecano in midweek was overturned, leaving him free to face Eibar.

It was a historic day for Eibar, though, as they made their first-ever Liga trip to the Bernabeu.

Raphael Varane was on the end of a corner for a potential early chance, but the ball was travelling too fast for the France international to control.

There was some concern in the fifth minute for Real as Ronaldo appeared to pull up with a possible knee problem, but the Portugal international carried on.

Eibar seemed to have scored a surprise opener in the ninth minute when Raul Navas headed on a corner for Saul Berjon to slot home, but he was adjudged to have fouled Varane in the buildup.

The multiple changes Ancelotti made were taking a toll on the home side, though, with Real unable to find a natural rhythm to their game.

Ronaldo almost produced a spectacular opener in the 15th minute, but he missed his attempted bicycle kick from a Luka Modric ball.

There was then a remarkable sequence in the Eibar box as Sergio Ramos and Isco both hit the woodwork before a Hernandez tap-in was ruled out.

But in the 21st minute, Ronaldo did hit the target. The Real star struck a free-kick at goal from outside of the area and, with the help of a slight bobble, his effort beat Eibar goalkeeper Xabi Irureta, who really should have done better.

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GOAL RONALDO! Real Madrid 1-0 Eibar http://t.co/M1YJSw5mkH

— Football Live Goals (@FootyLiveVines) April 11, 2015"

Ten minutes later, Hernandez put his name on the scoresheet as Real's dominance threatened to overwhelm Gaizka Garitano's team.

Alvaro Arbeloa sent over a cross for the on-loan Manchester United forward, who weighed his options at the near post before sending a perfectly glanced header beyond Irureta.

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"@UtdReport: Vine: Javier Hernandez goal vs Eibar #LoanWatch: https://t.co/e82crBUviY" but we still go sell you

— Kyere. (@KKT___) April 11, 2015"

Ronaldo set up Modric early in the second half, but the Croatia international's drive was straight at Irureta.

Eibar were a different proposition as the second half progressed, but the home side appeared to have taken their foot off the gas, perhaps in preparation for the Champions League tie on Tuesday.

Ancelotti withdrew Modric for Lucas Silva in the 61st minute, with the points effectively won. Further changes followed with Marcelo and Ramos stepping out of the action for Pepe and Nacho.

Varane then showed an incredible turn of pace to deny Eibar forward Manu del Moral pulling a goal back in the 66th minute.

There was some concern for the home team in the 70th minute as Real goalkeeper Navas collided with Pepe, but both players were soon back on their feet.

Hernandez could have added his second of the day in the 76th minute when he connected with a great Pepe ball, but he fired over the crossbar.

Jese had had a relatively quiet afternoon on his return to the team, but he produced a superb individual strike in the 83rd minute to make it 3-0.

The midfielder powered forward before using his strength to evade a challenge inside the area and placed the ball home beyond Irureta.

There might have been little for Atletico to learn from Real's performance in the three-goal win, but Ancelotti will measure the strength of his squad from the victory.

Selected Player Ratings

Javier Hernandez: A

The on-loan striker might not have seen much action this season, but he took his chance of a rare Real Madrid start with both hands. Excellent opener in a tremendous display.

Cristiano Ronaldo: A

There are few superlatives remaining for the Portugal international, but breaking his year-long duck from free-kicks was another bonus ahead of the Champions League quarter-final against Atletico.

Isco: A+

The Real Madrid midfielder enjoyed a superb game at the Bernabeu, always looking for space and unfortunate to strike the woodwork in the first half.

Post-Match Reaction