A late winner from Isco helped Real Madrid register a 3-2 win over Sporting Gijon to keep their La Liga hopes right on track. Real manager Zinedine Zidane made a lot of changes from their win over Bayern Munich in their encounter against Sporting. Sporting took the lead in the 14th minute thanks to a brilliant goal by Duje Cop before Isco equalised three minutes later.
However, Mikel Vesga put Sporting back into the driver’s seat by scoring in the 50th minute only for Alvaro Morata to level in the 59th minute. Isco then scored his second goal of the match by which proved to be the winner in the 90th minute to win the match for Los Blancos.
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The victory helped Real Madrid move three points above Barcelona in the standings while Sporting are still in the relegation zone, five pointss away from safety. Here are the player ratings from the match.
Real Madrid
Kiko Casilla- 6.5/10
Played ahead of Keylor Navas who was rested for the forthcoming fixtures against Bayern Munich and Barcelona. He couldn’t do anything regarding the two goals he conceded as the defence was not well positioned on both occasions. However, was alert when required.
Danilo- 7.5/10
The Brazilian was sensational tonight as he contributed both at the back as well as going forward. He generated attacks from the back and was often a threat when he went up front. Provided a brilliant cross for Alvaro Morata’s equaliser.
Nacho Fernandez- 6/10
A back-pass from the defender nearly led to a Sporting goal but he compensated for his errors later on through some crucial tackles and interceptions throughout the match. Nearly scored with a header only for goalie Ivan Cuellar to save it; was lucky to escape a booking which would have seen him miss the El Classico.
Sergio Ramos- 7
The Real Madrid skipper could not prevent Sporting from scoring two goals against his defence but made some crucial defensive contributions throughout the match. He was brilliant in the air and also went up front in pursuit of a winner.
Fabio Coentrao- 6.5/10
The Portuguese was handed his first league start of the season and had a pretty decent outing. He was brilliant throughout the first half, covering his flank well. He initiated attacks from his flank in addition to being involved in some attacks as well. He was subbed off for Marcelo in the second half because Real needed to play a more attacking game.
Mateo Kovacic- 6.5
The Croat was very useful in the middle of the park as he shielded his backline and initiated several attacks. His passing was sensational throughout the match, topping the pass completion rate for Real Madrid alongside Isco.
James Rodriguez- 7/10
The Colombian had a pretty decent night as he was involved in several attacks, setting up Nacho well for a golden opportunity only for his shot to be blocked by Ivan Cuellar. He set his teammates up well but they couldn’t give the finishing touch.
Isco- 9.5/10
The star of the match without a shadow of a doubt. Isco was unstoppable throughout the match as he was constantly toying with the Sporting defence. Scored a brilliant volley to level the scores after Duje Cop’s equaliser and followed it with a late goal to win the match for Real Madrid.
Lucas Vazquez- 7/10
He was brilliant throughout the first half, having a shot on goal and setting up a few only for his team to waste the opportunity. However, he slowed down a little after the break.
Alvaro Morata- 8/10
One of the finest players of the night indeed. Morata scored a brilliant header to equalise for Real in the second half and went close to scoring a second from Marcelo’s beautiful cross. Nevertheless, was sensational throughout most of the match.
Marco Asensio- 6
Asensio was not given much room by the Sporting defenders during the first half but once Lucas Vazquez was substituted, he switched to the right and began to get more involved in the match.
Substitutes
Marcelo- 7/10
Replaced Coentrao in the 57th minute and played a more attacking role as he kept on providing crucial deliveries for his teammates; assisted Isco’s winner.
Mariano- 6/10
Came on for Lucas Vazquez in the 71st minute and had a headed shot on goal which went over the crossbar.
Casemiro- NA
Came on as a late substitute for Mateo Kovacic
Sporting Gijon
Ivan Cuellar- 7/10
Made a couple of decent saves throughout the match and was decent between the sticks during the first half. However, he was outwitted by the Madrid players in the second half.
Lillo - 6/10
The right-back was decent during the first half but as the game wore on, he could not match up against the intensity of the Real Madrid attack.
Jorge Mere- 6/10
The Chelsea target did not have the best of outings throughout the match but was decent in central defence. However, was helpless against the Real Madrid attack in the second half.
Fernando Amorebieta- 6.5/10
Made a couple of good tackles and interceptions in the first half and was able to block the Madrid attackers. However, he couldn’t show the same performances in the second half.
Jean-Sylvain Babin- 7/10
The centre back worked really hard at the back to prevent the likes of James, Morata, and Isco from inflicting much damage. However, as the match wore on, Madrid’s attack became more intense and in the end, it took its toll on Babin.
Isma Lopez- 6.5/10
The left-back covered his flank well during the first half and also initiated a few attacks from the back. However, he was helpless during the final moments of the match. Received a booking in the 79th minute
Sergio Alvarez- 6/10
Alvarez did not have a very memorable night as he could not shield the defenders well when Real Madrid was unleashing one relentless attack after another. He was booked in the 34th minute and was replaced during injury time.
Mikel Vesga- 8/10
Undoubtedly, Sporting’s best player of the night. He provided the assist for Duje Cop’s sensational opening goal before scoring Sporting’s second goal in the 50th minute.
Moi Gomez- 6/10
The 22-year old set up a few attacks for his teammates but they could not cash on them. He was eventually substituted in the 69th minute for Nacho Cases.
Carlos Carmona- 5.5/10
The winger played up front alongside Duje Cop and had a few shots on goal but lacked the end-product.
Duje Cop- 7/10
Played brilliantly as long as he was in the field. Scored a fabulous opening goal from Vesga’s pass and made a few more attempts on goal. He was substituted in the 79th minute.
Substitutes
Nacho Cases- 5/10
Came on for Moi Gomez in the 69th minute but did nothing of real note.
Daniel N’Di- N/A
Replaced goal scorer Duje Cop in the 79th minute.
Akram Afif- N/A
Came on for Sergio Alvarez during stoppage time
