Madrid: Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid remain four points behind the leaders in third thanks to Luka Modric’s stunning strike five minutes from time to snatch a 2-1 win at Granada at the Spanish league.
Real were also very fortunate to remain in the title hunt as they were dominated in large spells by Granada and were rescued by Modric’s fantastic late strike into the top corner from 20 yards.
Karim Benzema continued his fine form since Zidane took charge last month as he converted Dani Carvajal’s cross for his seventh goal in five games after half an hour.
Granada’s fine build-up play lacked a cutting edge before half-time, but they got a break to level on the hour mark as Modric crashed into the referee, sparking a counter-attack which ended with Youssef El Arabi slotting home the equaliser.
Real looked jaded and off-form throughout, with Cristiano Ronaldo particularly anonymous, but their best player on the night, Modric, salvaged the three points.
Valencia go down to betis
Meanwhile, the pressure continues to build on Valencia boss Gary Neville after his winless La Liga streak stretched to nine games with a 0-1 defeat at fellow strugglers Real Betis.
Valencia remain just four points above the relegation zone as Neville failed to produce the reaction he hoped for following a 0-7 thrashing at the hands of Barcelona in the Copa del Rey in midweek.
