Real Madrid moved five points clear at the top of the La Liga table with a 4-1 win over Almeria this evening.
The visitors took the lead after 34 minutes through Isco, but Verza levelled for Almeria just five minutes later.
That was not the end of the scoring in the first half, however, with Gareth Bale regaining the lead for Real Madrid after 42 minutes.
Verza had the chance to score his second from the penalty spot just past the hour, but his effort was saved by Iker Casillas. Real Madrid made sure of the points late on with Cristiano Ronaldo's 24th and 25th league goals of the season.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two teams.
Match statistics
ALMERIA
Shots: 16
On target: 3
Possession: 40%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 14
REAL MADRID
Shots: 15
On target: 8
Possession: 60%
Corners: 8
Fouls: 8
Was the result fair?
The comfortable nature of the scoreline suggests that this was a routine win for Real Madrid, but that was not the case. Almeria matched the league leaders for long spells of the contest, but the score is somewhat lopsided following a late double from Ronaldo. Almeria deserved to enter the half-time interval on terms following a spirited first-half performance, but that was snatched away from them after 42 minutes. The second period was also even for long spells, with both sides threatening to add to their tally. The penalty miss from Verza proved to be a turning point, however, with Real Madrid growing in confidence as the match progressed. Real Madrid did deserve to pick up all the points, but the final scoreline is harsh on Almeria, who caused Carlo Ancelotti's side problems for large chunks of the entertaining and enthralling contest.
Almeria's performance
After Francisco was relieved of his managerial duties during the week, caretaker boss Miguel Rivera selected Friday's XI. It was a surprise that the likes of Jonathan Zongo and Thievy Bifouma had not been included, with the Spaniard going for more experience in the shape of Verza and Fernando Soriano. The team selection raised some eyebrows, but the home side matched Real Madrid for long spells of the contest. Isco opened the scoring for the visitors, but a wonderful strike from Verza levelled the match at 1-1.
Verza went from hero to villain in the second period, however, with the experienced midfielder missing a penalty just past the hour. Had the Spaniard converted, the scores would have been level and Almeria would have had the momentum. Real Madrid grew into the latter stages, however, and made the result more comfortable after a series of dangerous counter-attacks. The final score is obviously disappointing for the home side, while the result keeps the club in the relegation zone, but new boss Juan Ignacio Martinez, who will officially take control on Monday, will have seen plenty of positives from his new side.
Real Madrid's performance
The fact that Real Madrid did not play particularly well and still won 4-1 is a scary thought for their rivals. Los Blancos were without key players in the shape of Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric and James Rodriguez, but their replacements certainly stepped up. Isco had a brilliant match in midfield, while Raphael Varane was solid at the back. Ronaldo struggled to make his mark for long spells of the contest, but the Portuguese still managed to grab two late goals, which is a demonstration of his attitude. Even when Real Madrid are not at their best, they are still capable of blowing teams away, which is the reason they have been so dominant this season.
Indeed, it is now 20 successive wins in all competitions and they currently sit five points clear at the top of the La Liga table. Despite the positives, Ancelotti will have had some concerns with his side's performance. Defensively, they looked a little shaky, with Almeria threatening time and time again in wide positions, while Asier Illarramendi did not have his best game in midfield. Eight attempts on target is also a low tally for Real Madrid, especially when they scored four times. However, it is difficult to be too critical of a side that has won 4-1 on the road despite failing to hit top gear.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Isco: The Spanish midfielder did not start the season in the team, but it is now almost impossible for Ancelotti to leave him on the sidelines. Luckily, an injury to James has taken that decision away from the head coach and Isco was again excellent in Almeria. The former Malaga playmaker opened the scoring with a curling effort, while he radiated class each time he had possession of the ball. The 22-year-old is getting better and better with each passing match.
Biggest gaffe
It is difficult to be too harsh on Almeria, but their defending in the latter stages was really poor. After Ronaldo had scored his first of the match, it was almost as if the home side stopped defending and in truth, Real Madrid could have had another two or three in the latter stages but for some good goalkeeping. The hosts put so much into the match, but let themselves down late on.
Referee performance
It was a busy evening for referee Alfonso Alvarez. The Spaniard's decision to award Almeria a penalty was a touch harsh on Real Madrid, with Marcelo making little contact on Edgar Mendez inside the box. That said, if Alvarez was certain that it was a penalty, he should have handed Marcelo a second yellow card. Real Madrid also had a couple of penalty calls, but the official remained unmoved despite the best efforts of Ronaldo. Eight bookings were awarded in total in what was a slightly feisty contest.
What next?
Almeria: Almeria face Real Betis in the second leg of their Copa del Rey clash on Tuesday – holding a 4-3 lead from the first leg. They return to league action away to Celta Vigo next Friday.
Real Madrid: Los Blancos are off to Morocco for the Club World Cup. In the semi-finals of the prestigious competition, they will face either Cruz Azul or Western Sydney Wanderers on December 16.
Matt Law
