Ronaldo Misses Penalty As Real Snatch Late Win At Home

A long-range Ronaldo free kick missed the Valencia crossbar in the 22nd minute, but the Portugal captain sent Real Madrid ahead with his 20th La Liga goal of the 2016-17 campaign five minutes later when he headed a brilliant Carvajal cross into the back of the net from close range. “I’m happy with the three points in a hard game”, he told beIN SPORTS.

He could have added another to his tally today had he not seen his second-half penalty saved by Valencia keeper Diego Alves.

“The fans got behind us again after we conceded the goal and helped to drive the players on and there was a different feel to it”.

Chalk up the W. In a game where Real Madrid governed possession, slung the ball around in the final third, and looked the better side overall, the three points stood out above all against an opponent that typically throws up its gloves and fights Real Madrid till the death.

“The only thing we can do is win our games and keep putting a little pressure on”, Suarez told Spanish TV station Movistar.

The Barcelona breakthrough came early in the second half, and the hosts were the architects of their own downfall as a horribly misplaced pass from Jurado allowed Suarez to run clean through on goal, and the striker showed no lack of confidence despite his recent dry spell as he converted a crisp low finish. Ivan Rakitic’s calm finish after Lionel Messi’s mazy run made it 2-0, before another terrible slip – this time by left-back Aaron Martin – allowed Suarez in for his second to finalise a 3-0 score that was harsh on the home side.

“We know about this [the ability to win games late on], but I can not explain why it happens”.

Espanyol’s physical approach to the game stopped the visitors in their tracks, preventing them from creating many chances. “[Madrid] have a very tough calendar and a lot of physical demands”.

Atletico Madrid strengthened their position in their head-to head with Sevilla for third place as they breezed past Las Palmas 5-0 away from home.

“I’d like to secure the result earlier but we know we can score at any time and with any player”, he said.

Germany: With only the Bundesliga left to play for after losing to Real Madrid in the Champions League and Borussia Dortmund in the German Cup, Bayern Munich hopes to wrap up a record fifth straight title as soon as possible.

Sporting Gijon, 18th with 24 points, have a mathematical chance of survival although they are six points behind 17th-placed Leganes, who have a game in hand.