Madrid: Isco scored twice as Real Madrid reduced the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona to seven points courtesy of a 2-0 win over Espanyol on a day where football was dragged into violent political clashes in Catalonia.
Barca had earlier extended their perfect start in La Liga to seven games in extraordinary circumstances Sunday as they beat Las Palmas 3-0 behind closed doors at the 99,000 capacity Camp Nou in protest against the police crackdown over an independence vote deemed illegal by the Spanish government.
At least 91 people were injured as Spanish riot police fired rubber bullets and forced their way into activist-held polling stations. Following La Liga’s refusal to abandon the match, Barca decided to play behind closed doors, something which Gerard Pique termed ‘worst moment in my prpfessional career’.
The political tension also bubbled over at the Santiago Bernabeu where Real fans waved Spanish flags and sang ‘Viva Espana’ (long live Spain).
On the field there was far less conflict as Real eased to an 11th consecutive win over Barcelona-based Espanyol for their first home league win of the season.
“We have to be happy. The important thing was the three points after three games without winning here,” said Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane. “Each and every point from now onwards will be important,” he added.
Isco was denied the opening goal inside 30 seconds by Espanyol goalkeeper Pau Lopez. But the Spanish international made no mistake when he prodded home Cristiano Ronaldo’s pass for the opener on 30 minutes. Ronaldo also in the first half, volleyed over and then fired straight at Lopez when clean through.
However, Espanyol had a slew of chances themselves to level. Gerard Moreno hit the post just before the break, whilst Keylor Navas denied Marc Navarro.
Espanyol’s profligacy was finally punished 19 minutes from time when Isco curled home his second of the evening at the end of a rapid counter-attack.
“He is a player that plays like he’s on the street,” Zidane added on Isco’s impressive form. “I like that. He doesn’t worry when things don’t go his way.”
Victory lifted Madrid up to fifth behind Barca, Sevilla, Valencia and Atletico Madrid.
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