Cristiano Ronaldo was again on the scoresheet as Real Madrid beat Eibar 3-0 in La Liga on Saturday afternoon.
The Portuguese opened the scoring with a free kick after 21 minutes, before Javier Hernandez and then Jese Rodriguez registered for a comfortable Los Blancos.
Eibar improved in the second period, but could not respond as the hosts ran out comfortable winners.
The result initially moved Real Madrid one point behind league leaders Barcelona, but the Catalan outfit's 2-2 draw at Sevilla later in the night has left the gap at two points.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two teams.
Match statistics
REAL MADRID
Shots: 24
On target: 13
Possession: 63%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 10
EIBAR
Shots: 4
On target: 2
Possession: 37%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 18
Was the result fair?
In truth, anything other than a comfortable Real Madrid win would have been extremely unjust. As expected, it took the home side a little while to get going in terms of creation, but they led after 21 minutes when Ronaldo finally scored a free kick. Eibar needed to settle in the minutes that followed, but they were 2-0 down just past the 30-minute mark when Hernandez capped a rare start with a smart goal. In fairness to Eibar, they improved in the second period and carried more of a threat, but a third Real Madrid goal was likely due to the space that was available on the counter attack. It was an entertaining match and both teams certainly played their part, but a comfortable Real Madrid victory was, without question, the right result.
Real Madrid's performance
Los Blancos were without the likes of Toni Kroos, James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale in Madrid, while Carlo Ancelotti decided to rest the likes of Karim Benzema and Dani Carvajal. Hernandez and Jese both came in for rare starts and the pair both got their names on the scoresheet, which will have delighted Ancelotti ahead of a vital couple of months. Los Blancos did have the ball in the back of the net moments before Ronaldo's opener, but Hernandez's strike was ruled offside. It was only a matter of time before the home side made the breakthrough, however, and in truth, they were always comfortable moving forward. It was a patched-up team due to injuries and suspensions, but it was one that was just too strong for a struggling outfit.
Both teams had bits and pieces in the second period, but it was a half that lacked tempo as both managers made changes for the weeks ahead. Eibar had a couple of opportunities to make it nervy ending to the match, but the points were secured when Jese, who really needed a goal, showed excellent skill before finishing into the bottom corner. Ancelotti would have wanted a comfortable home win and he was able to do so while resting key players, which is just vital at this stage of the season. The statistics demonstrate that Real Madrid were in complete control and the fact that they had 20 more attempts than their opponents is clear evidence. It is all coming together for the capital outfit as they go in search of two major trophies.
Eibar's performance
At this stage of the season, managers do tend to prioritise matches and that seemed the case here as Eibar boss Gaizka Garitano left out the likes of Mikel Arruabarrena and Federico Piovaccari - two players that have been in decent form over the last few weeks. The likes of Manu del Moral and Saul Berjon came into the attack, but the forward pair were both subbed in the second period after struggling to make their mark. Piovaccari, who was introduced after the break, had his side's clearest chance of the match, but the Italian slipped inside the box and Pepe was back to make the clearance. It is difficult to be too critical of Eibar due to the task that they faced, but they only managed two attempts on goal throughout the contest.
That said, whether the strugglers remain in the league this season is not going to depend on their results at places such as the Bernabeu. After falling 2-0 behind in the first period, there was a worry that they would take a bit of a hiding, which would have been much more damaging than just a defeat, but they did well to stem the flow in the latter stages of the first half and as mentioned, carried a threat in the second 45 minutes. Eibar have come a long way in a short space of time, but they are just not at this level and struggled to make their mark in the Spanish capital. That said, Garitano can take some positives.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Cristiano Ronaldo: It was not really a game where any one player particularly stood out, but Ronaldo was again the most dangerous player on the field. After months of trying, the Portuguese finally scored directly from a free kick, with that strike taking his tally to 38 league goals for the season. The attacker's body language has been much better in recent weeks and he will be at the forefront of Real Madrid's challenge in both La Liga and the Champions League.
Biggest gaffe
Eibar goalkeeper Xabi Irureta actually made some excellent saves at the Bernabeu, especially in the first period under constant pressure from Real Madrid. However, the Spaniard will be disappointed with his part in the home side's first. Ronaldo's free kick from distance had plenty of power and dip, but it was virtually straight at Irureta and he allowed it to slip through his fingers. Ultimately, it will have to go down as a goalkeeping error.
Referee performance
In truth, it was not a particularly difficult match for Alejandro Hernandez to referee. The Spaniard issued just three yellow cards, all of which were awarded to the away side, but they were all fairly routine decisions. There was one penalty shout for Real Madrid in the second period, but it would have been harsh and Hernandez was right to shake his head. For long spells, the referee was not seen.
What next?
Real Madrid: Los Blancos will travel to Atletico Madrid for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday. Their next league game is at home to Malaga next Saturday.
Eibar: Eibar, meanwhile, host Celta Vigo in the league next Sunday.
Matt Law
