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Routine win for Real Madrid at home to Eibar

Xinhua, April 12, 2015 Adjust font size:

Real Madrid enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Eibar on Saturday afternoon to keep the pressure on La Liga leaders FC Bacelona.

Carlo Ancelotti could not have written a better script for the game in which he was able to rest key players while others who have struggled for game time got their names on the scoresheet.H With a vital Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti made sweeping changes to his side.

With Gareth Bale injured and James Rodriguez and Tony Kroos suspended, he also rested Karim Benzema and Dani Carvajal with Jese Rodriguez, Chicharito Hernandez and Alvaro Arbeloa coming into the side and Keylor Navas getting a chance in goal.

The game began with Real Madrid in control and it took a reflex save from Xabi Irureta to deny Sergio Ramos in a double occasion which saw Isco's shot hit the post, rool along the goal line and then bounce out.

Hernandez put the rebound into the back of the net, but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside.

Irureta was to make a string of saves in the first half, but football can be cruel and his game will be remembered from the dreadful error from Cristiano Ronaldos free kick which allowed Madrid to open the score after 21 minutes. Ronaldo's free kick was softly hit into the middle of the goal, but Irureta made a dreadful mess of his save and Madrid were ahead.

Hernandez doubled their lead after 31 minutes with an excellent header after Alvaro Arbeloa had found space down the right wing and with Isco ruling the midfield, they cared out several more shooting chances which Irureta was equal to.

Hernandez had a chance to double his total early in the second half, but headed wide when well placed and the game settled into a rhythm with Eibar controlled Real's attacks as the home side were comfortable on the ball and limited any opportunity the visitors had to pressure Navas, who was a virtual spectator.

Jese scored Madrid's third goal of the game with just six minutes remaining he took the ball wide and scored with a diagonal shot to bring his side momentarily to within two point of the top of the table. Endi