Asensio's perfect storm enough to keep Real Madrid title hopes alive

The city of Madrid hasn't seen a storm like that for years. It rained heavily that at one point, it seemed almost impossible to run on the pitch. Except for that one guy, almost forgotten Marco Asensio, whose perfect storm pushed Real Madrid to a vital 2-0 home victory against Eibar that keeps their title hopes still alive.

Real hit immensely, with Karim Benzema coming one-on-one with Eibar's keeper after only three minutes into the game. Still, a perfect Dmitrovic's reaction prevented him from breaking the deadlock. The same protagonists were under the spotlight a few minutes later; the French even netted thanks to a lovely header, but it was disallowed due to an obvious offside. Once more, the home team was near on opener when Asensio's free-kick from the left ended on a far post.

The same player soon scored smoothly with a backheel. the ball even went through the keeper's legs, but the referee was there to deny the hosts' lead once again.

However, even he couldn't stop unplayable Asensio, who strolled through Eibar's defence four minutes before the break, like a knife slicing butter. It was a much-deserved lead for the favourites and the first time he’s scored in back-to-back league games since January 2015 with Mallorca in Segunda.

Nothing changed in the second half, with the visitors struggling to strike back, as resurrected Isco and Asensio had a true attacking masterclass. Dmitrovic managed to save one of Asensio's sensational long-range efforts before Benzema killed the game. Vinicius Jr. did all the work on the left flank, launched the cross, and the French striker was left completely alone on the edge of the six-yard box. As easy as it gets for a player of Benzema's ilk, 2-0.

Zinedine Zidane's side is now one point above their archrival Barcelona, whose match against Valladolid is scheduled for tomorrow night. The table-toppers Atletico Madrid are facing maybe the toughest challenge so far as they go to Seville, to try clinching the crucial three points against the fourth team on the table. Guess who's going to be Seville's biggest fans tomorrow? Zidane and Koeman, of course.

LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 29

Saturday

Real Madrid - Eibar 2-0 (1-0)

/Asensio 41, Benzema 73/

Osasuna-Getafe 0-0

Sunday

15.00: Deportivo Alavés - Celta Vigo

17.15: Elche CF - Real Betis

19.30: Cadiz - Valencia

23.00: Sevilla - Atletico Madrid

23.00: Barcelona - Real Valladolid

23.00: Real Sociedad - Athletic Bilbao