BARCELONA, (Reuters) – Cristiano Ronaldo fired Real Madrid ahead before going off injured as they cruised to a 5-0 win at Almeria to remain six points adrift of leaders Barcelona who defeated Granada 4-0 earlier yesterday.
Ronaldo struck after three minutes but the game was still in the balance when he limped off early in the second half.
Karim Benzema settled Real’s nerves by curling home the second on 61 minutes before Gareth Bale, Isco and Alvaro Morata sent Almeria to a resounding defeat.
The main concern was the extent of the leg strain for Ronaldo who has bagged 14 goals in seven games including four for Portugal in their triumphant two-legged World Cup playoff win over Sweden.
“I don’t think it is important,” Real coach Carlo Ancelotti told a news conference.
“He had a problem with his thigh but I don’t think it will be anything as there was no pain. He will be back soon.”
Injury-plagued Barca continued to set the pace after first-half penalties by Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas set them up for victory.
Visiting Granada had Manuel Iturra dismissed after 66 minutes before Alexis Sanchez and Pedro completed the rout for the champions who were missing a string of players including Lionel Messi, Xavi and keeper Victor Valdes.
Barcelona have 40 points from 14 games and a six-point lead over Real and Atletico Madrid, who play Getafe in Saturday’s late match.
QUICK START
Real pressed Almeria in a storming start and it did not take long for them to go in front as Isco sent Ronaldo through with a searching ball from the right.
Almeria set out to defend deeply with five at the back, a system that has brought them success in recent games, but Real’s quality in attack proved too much.
The home side were dangerous on the break with Suso curling a shot just round the post while Benzema headed wide at the other end before a fine run from Ronaldo ended with his shot being saved by Esteban Suarez.
Following the restart Ronaldo went off holding his leg after battling for the ball with Alex Vidal.
The game had turned scrappy but Benzema produced a fine goal and from there Almeria’s heads dropped.
Bale robbed Sebastian Dubarbier to get on the scoresheet before Isco and Morata completed the drubbing.
“It was a good game as we didn’t concede,” Ancelotti added. “We played well together and we need to continue this way.”
