Match Highlights
Zinedine Zidane in his second match as the new Los Blancos manager enrolled a second straight win, again with his side smashing five goals to their opponents. Led by a superb BBC trio, Real Madrid celebrated a 5-1 home win against Sporting Gijon. Gareth Bale opened the scoring already in the 7th minute while Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema scored their double before the first half. Isma Lopez scored an only goal for the guests and the only goal in the second half, sealing a final 5-1 defeat for his team.
Real Madrid put pressure on Atletico Madrid and Barcelona at the top of the league after a comprehensive 5-1 win over lowly Sporting Gijon in the Spanish Primera Division. The damage was done in the first half as Ronaldo and Benzema both got two after Bale had opened the scoring with the header. The second period was a different story as the visitors clawed a goal back through Isma, with Benzema and Bale also going off injured for Los Blancos, which will certainly be a worry for Zinedine Zidane
Pre Match Video
Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid coach:
“I do not fear Sporting, that’s not the right word, but a rival is always important, no matter if they’re above or below us in the table. Besides, they have very good players and we have to be aware of the threat they pose.”
Zidane, Real Madrid coach:
(on the Golden Ball won by Lionel Messi)
“In terms of the Ballon D’Or, I have the best players, I have Cristiano (Ronaldo). He’s the best, that’s it. Of course there’s rivalry between him and Messi. They’re both very good and are always fighting to see who is better than who. We won´t change that for a long time.”
“It’s unfortunate that we’re out of the Copa (del Rey), but at the same time we have the chance to work. That’s very important for what’s ahead of us, we have the Champions League and La Liga to focus on.”
On Paul Pogba and rumours about Real Madrid signing him:;
“In terms of the rumours that Real area going to sign Paul Pogba – he is an extraordinary player, but I’m very happy with my squad, my group, my players, and I’m only focused on what am I going to do today.”
Team Lineups
Sporting (4-2-3-1): Cuellar; Lora, Luis, Mere, Isma; Sergio, Cases; Jony, Halilovic, Menendez; Guerrero.
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Pepe, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric, Isco; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo.
