Real Madrid won their 20th match in a row with a 4-1 win over Almeria – although the scoreline doesn’t suggest how far the hosts pushed the Champions League holders.
Isco and Gareth Bale has scored in the first half, along with Verza for the hosts to give Los Blancos a 2-1 lead at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos. Verza then had the chance to equalise from the spot, but Iker Casilas saved it before Cristiano Ronaldo added two goals late on to add some gloss.
With the Club World Cup on their minds, Real can be forgiven for not being at the best. They initially struggled to assert themselves in the game, before Toni Kroos fired in an effort that bounced back off the bar via a deflection.
Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both showed glimpses of what they could do with some good chnces before the visitors finally took the lead on the 34th minute. The French striker crossed from the right hand side and picked out Isco. The playmaker dummied an effort and cut inside Michel before sending his effort past Ruben in goal.
The host’s didn’t let their heads drop though and we level just five minutes later. Verza had already caused the defence problems with his movement, but this time he sent in a 30-yard rocket that flew past Casillas in goal.
The flurry of goals at the end of the first half didn’t stop there, and three minutes fore the break the visitors were ahead once more. Gareth Bale rose highest to meet Toni Kroos’ cross and planted a powerful header in the bottom corner.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men could have put themselves out of sight in the second half, with Ronaldo and Bale being particularly wasteful. The hosts were then awarded a penalty when Marcelo hauled down Edgar Mendez in the area. Verza hit a good effort to the left but Casillas pulled off a magnificent save.
Ronaldo, who had not enjoyed his best night, suddenly spring into life in the final 10 minutes. He grabbed his first in the 81st minute, prodding into an empty net after a neat one-two with Benzema. In the final minute of normal time he drilled in his second after meeting a Dani Carvajal cross. It was his 25th league goal in just 15 games.
Madrid now turn their attention to the Club World Cup in Morocco and will attempt to win their fourth trophy of the calendar year.
