Football News: With Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo rested, Real Madrid won against Malaga on Sunday with Isco being at the heart of most of the attacks.
Real Madrid latest news: Madrid moves to 3rd spot with a win against Malaga, thanks to a goal and assist from Isco.
The 25-year-old Spanish midfielder has had some tough times this season, but on Sunday he was involved in most of the moves as Los Blancos’ play was based on technique and passing, rather than speed and physicality.
Madrid won the fixture 2-1, the same result they had achieved on the last day of the previous season which gave them the domestic title. But this year things are different as Barcelona is already running away with the league, but the win moved Madrid back to third place with six rounds remaining.
Isco opened the scoring with a fantastic free-kick which curled up an over the wall and went into the bottom corner. Being a former Malaga player, he did not celebrate. Rather he lifted his arms to apologise to the club’s fans who had idolised him not so long ago.
Later his assist was converted by Casemiro, which was a brilliant team move that the Brazilian had himself started from the midfield. The second goal set Madrid on the course of a 100th win under Zidane in all competitions.
Malaga grabbed a consolation through Diego Rolan in the dying moments, but with the loss and 17 points, they are unlikely to avoid relegation now.
While the future of Bale looks bleak and Ronaldo’s best scoring form will not go on forever, it is Isco who can lead Madrid’s midfield for a generation.
As Casemiro said afterwards, "Isco is making history at Real Madrid. I hope he will stay here for many years so that we can continue enjoying his magic."