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Isco steals the show as last minute goal gives Real Madrid win in Gijon

Xinhua, April 16, 2017 Adjust font size:

Francisco Roman Alarcon 'Isco' capped a magnificent individual performance with a last minute goal to give Real Madrid a narrow 3-2 win against relegation threated Sporting Gijon.

Isco led Madrid from the front all game in a stunning individual performance and sealed the win which gave Madrid the points with a low drive when a draw was just seconds away.

Real Madrid made nine changes to the side that defeated Bayern Munich 2-1 on Wednesday night with Sergio Ramos and Nacho Fernandez the only two players to retain their place in the side.

The visitors dominated possession for most of the first half and should have opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Lucas Vazquez headed over Danilo's cross when well placed.

Sporting then took the lead as Duje Cop was able to wrap his foot around Mikel Vesga's ball over the Madrid defense to beat Kiko Casilla, who was making a rare appearance in the Madrid goal.

The home side's joy lasted only two minutes before Isco equalized with a piece of individual magic. He collected the ball in space and twisted past two defenders before curling a shot into the far corner of the net.

The midfielder was at the heart of all of Madrid's best moves following the goal, but despite applying pressure, they were unable to create many clear cut chances, with their best chance a Fabio Coentrao ball across the Sporting area which nobody was able to get a touch on.

The second period began with Pichu Cuellar making a fine save to block a Nacho header, before Vesga restored Sporting's lead.

The home side had a free kick in the Madrid half and poor marking allowed Babin to nod the ball into the Madrid area for Vesga to loop the ball over Casilla.

This time the lead lasted 10 minutes before Morata equalized with a powerful header following a pinpoint cross from right back Danilo, who had an excellent game on the right flank.

The astonishing Isco almost put Madrid in front following an incredible run through the Sporting defense which ended with Marcelo firing just wide.

It looked as if the home side would hold on for a draw, but with the clock ticking down, Isco was in the right place to score a goal that was decisive in the game and which could also be key in the title race. Endit