Real Madrid took a seven-point lead at the top of LaLiga following a 1-0 victory over Athletic Club with Barcelona still to play its game in hand later Sunday. With only four matches remaining for Los Blancos, a 34th league title — and first in three years — beckons for Zinedine Zidane’s men.
Today’s victory wasn’t without controversy in the eyes of Blaugrana supporters as Real earned a second-straight 1-0 victory courtesy of a Sergio Ramos penalty.
In the 69th minute, Dani García appeared to be getting to the ball in his own area ahead of Marcelo, but his defending was an overelaborate piece of play fitting for a midfielder. In one motion, García attempted to sweep the ball away from Marcelo while executing a Roulette, but he unwittingly stepped on the foot of Real’s left back when a simple clearance would’ve sufficed.
The VAR intervened, the referee took a look and eventually pointed to the spot.
Ramos converted his 22nd straight penalty to put Real up 1-0. It was also the defender’s 10th league goal of the season.
SERGIO RAMOS ON TARGET!@realmadriden's captain holds his nerve from the spot to tip the balance in Los Blancos' favor. 1-0. #AthleticRealMadrid - LIVE
beIN SPORTS
CONNECT https://t.co/LRYa03w6yI pic.twitter.com/ZGZrfLIz1H— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) July 5, 2020
“It’s a massive win,” said Ramos. “We knew today was going to be one of the biggest games that we have left. It’s always a difficult game away at Bilbao and we saw it like that. We’re happy with another crucial three points that put more pressure on Barcelona.”
Minutes after the penalty, Ramos was involved in an off-the-ball coming together with Raúl García that wasn’t reviewed.
75’: Raúl García down in the box, stepped on by Sergio Ramos. Was it worth reviewing? What do you think? @InsideAthletic @northwarrior_ @bzarrabeitia pic.twitter.com/9G2B6AUGgB
— Peña Athletic Club California #StayHome (@AthleticClubCal) July 5, 2020
Athletic players were less than thrilled with both decisions, including club captain Iker Muniain.
Muniain: “we’ve seen how things have gone in recent weeks....depending which team it is, some penalties are given. Let everyone reach their own conclusions.”
— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) July 5, 2020
That’s now seven wins from seven matches since the restart for Real, and the remaining schedule reads: 15th-place Alavés (Friday, 7/10), 10th-place Granada (Monday, 7/13), 5th-place Villarreal (Wednesday, 7/15) and 19th-place Leganés (Sunday, 7/19).
Real Madrid vs. Athletic Club (Full Highlights)
