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La Liga
Apr 12, 2014 at 9pm UK
 
Almeria

4-0

di Maria (28'), Bale (53'), Isco (56'), Morata (84')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Live Commentary: Real Madrid 4-0 Almeria - as it happened

Relive Sports Mole's commentary of the La Liga clash at the Bernabeu where Real Madrid beat Almeria 4-0.
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Real Madrid welcomed Almeria to the Bernabeu on Saturday knowing that three points would move them into second in La Liga.

Los Blancos dominated events in the first period, but led by just the one goal - an Angel di Maria strike - at the interval.

It was a comfortable second half, however, with goals Gareth Bale, Isco and Alvaro Morata securing a 4-0 home victory.

Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.


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Evening all! Our final live La Liga commentary of the evening comes from Madrid as Real Madrid host Almeria. The home side have won their last two in the league to keep their title challenge alive and they would move into second spot in the table with victory this evening following Barcelona's defeat at Granada.

In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Madrid have won four of the last five matches, with the further clash ending in a draw. The last time the pair met in this stadium was in May 2011, when Madrid were 8-1 winners. Madrid also picked up a 5-0 victory when the pair met in the reverse clash earlier this season. Not the best omens for Almeria it must be said!

The visitors have won just one of their last five in the league, with last week's defeat to Osasuna leaving them in 19th spot in the table. They have won just three times on their travels in La Liga this season and lost 12 – which is the highest number in the entire division. That said, victory this evening would move them out of the drop zone with just five games remaining. Can they secure a famous three points?

TEAMS:

MADRID: Lopez; Nacho, Pepe, Varane, Coentrao; Modric, Isco, Illarra; Di Maria, Benzema, Bale

ALMERIA: Esteban; Nelson, Torsiglieri, Martinez, Mane; Verza, Corona, Tebar, Barbosa; Jonathan, Rodri


So there we have it. Los Blancos are down to the bare bones in terms of team selection with Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo among those on the sidelines. Isco and Asier Illarramendi both start, while there is also a place in defence for Nacho. Almeria, meanwhile, are as expected with Rodri alongside Jonathan Zongo in attack. Right, the home side get the action underway.

In case you have just joined us, Barcelona have just been beaten 1-0 at Granada. That means that Los Blancos would move into second with three points this evening. As expected, Los Blancos have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes as Almeria settle into a defensive shape at the Bernabeu.

Half-chance for Almeria as Zongo finds himself unmarked inside the Madrid box, but his header is high and wide of the crossbar. Madrid break down the other end with Isco moments later, but Nelson is across to clear. Bale comes close to meeting a cross from Nacho in the next attack, but once more Nelson intervenes.

CROSSBAR! Madrid come within a couple of inches of taking the lead as Di Maria finds some space outside the box before striking towards goal, but his powerful effort rattles the crossbar.

Madrid continue to force the issue as Di Maria finds space on the edge of the box once more, but Esteban is on hand to make a really smart save down to his left. The pressure continues from a corner, but Mane is on hand to clear the danger. Almeria just cannot get out of their own half as Madrid dominate possession.

Di Maria continues his personal battle with Esteban with another long-range effort, but the Almeria stopper is equal to the danger once more. The away side attempt to launch a rare counter attack with Verza, but Isco fells the midfielder. Still goalless with nine minutes on the clock, but plenty happening in Madrid.

Bright work from Zongo as the Almeria forward breaks down the right before attempting to deliver a low cross into the box, but Coentrao is on hand to make the block. The pressure continues as Zongo strikes one from just inside the Madrid box, but the forward had moved into an offside position. Better from Almeria.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments as Almeria continue to close the space in the final third of the pitch. Not too much of an atmosphere, meanwhile, which is a surprise after the supporters learned of Barcelona's defeat. Benzema has a cross driven into his body from the right, but Martinez is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Still goalless in the Spanish capital.

Coentrao threatens for the home side after breaking into the Almeria box, but the left-back just loses control at the vital moment and Almeria have a goal kick. Madrid find themselves back with possession moments later, however, with Isco and Bale both combining outside the box, but Verza is across to clear the danger.

Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few moments as another through pass from Isco fails to find Benzema. There is space for Madrid between the lines, but Almeria are comfortable. Just a reminder that victory for Los Blancos would move them into second - level on points with leaders Atletico.

Half-chance for Bale as the Welshman finds some space on the edge of the box before striking towards goal, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Bale turns provider for Di Maria moments later, but Mane just does enough to ease the Argentine off the ball. Good spell of pressure from Los Blancos in Madrid.

CHANCE! Incredible chance for Bale as the Madrid forward drives into the Almeria box before striking towards the bottom corner, but Esteban is across to make a stunning save. Wonderful goalkeeping.

It is more good work from Bale as he drives down the left before firing a cross towards the near post, but once more Esteban makes a smart block. Almeria just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as wave after wave of Madrid pressure continues. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining.

CHANCE! Another chance for the home side as Di Maria finds the head of Benzema inside the Almeria box, but his effort is high of the crossbar. It appears that a goal will soon arrive for Los Blancos.

Another half-chance for the home side as Bale finds himself in a one-on-one situation with Esteban, but the Almeria stopper just does enough to narrow the angle and suddenly the chance is gone. It has been a seriously impressive performance from Esteban in the opening 29 minutes. Still it remains goalless.

GOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Almeria (Di Maria)

Di Maria scores his 10th goal of the season as the Argentine dances into the Almeria box before curling one into the far corner. Brilliant from the Madrid forward once more.

Another half-chance for the home side as Di Maria drives down the left before delivering towards Isco, but the Spaniard had moved into an offside position. Almeria just cannot keep hold of the possession at the moment and you just get the feeling that another goal for Madrid would make it game over in the capital.

Penalty shout for the home side as Zongo appears to bundle Coentrao to the ground inside the Almeria box, but the referee is not interested. I have seen them given that is for certain. Madrid continue to dominate the ball and build from midfield through Isco, but his cross is straight into the arms of the Almeria stopper.

Opportunity for Madrid to threaten from a free kick as Corona fells Di Maria outside the box. Bale stands over the set piece, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. It is still travelling that one!

SAVE! Bale is again involved as the Welshman drives into the Almeria box before attempting to deliver a low cross towards Benzema, but Martinez is on hand to clear at the vital moment. The resulting corner from Di Maria comes close to finding the top corner, but Esteban makes a wonderful save.

Another half-chance for Bale, who drives into the Granada box before striking towards goal, but his effort is just wide of the post. The Welshman has tried almost everything this evening, but has had no luck thus far. Little under five minutes of football remaining in the first period. Still Madrid lead 1-0.

Torsiglieri takes matters into his own hands for Almeria after finding some space outside the Madrid box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Madrid are down the other end with Nacho moments later, but his cross is poor and Almeria have a goal kick. It has been a very one-sided first period at the Bernabeu.

Half-chance for Benzema in the latter stages of the half as the Frenchman finds some space inside the Almeria box, but he drags his effort wide of the post. One additional minute will be played at the end of the half.

HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 1-0 Almeria

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Los Blancos leading 1-0 courtesy of a curling effort from Di Maria. It has been one-way traffic thus far, with Almeria stopper Esteban forced into a number of smart saves in the opening 45 minutes. However, at 1-0, Almeria are still very much in the game.

STATISTICS: Madrid have dominated the possession with 68%, while they have had 14 attempts - six of which have been on target. Almeria, meanwhile, have failed to hit the target with either of their two attempts. It has been a fiesty half in terms of challenges, meanwhile, but there have been no cards thus far.

BENCH WATCH: It is a very youthful-looking bench for Madrid this evening, with Brazilian midfielder Casemiro the most experienced outfield player in reserve. Alvaro Morata is also available for Madrid this evening. Almeria, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Diaz, Soriano, Suso and Vidal.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. You just get the feeling that Almeria need to score the next goal if they are to take something from the match. Right, the away side get the second period underway at the Bernabeu. Let's hope for goals in the Spanish capital.

No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will consider making alterations if the score remains 1-0 for the next 20 minutes or so. Early half-chance for Madrid, but Di Maria's low cross is cleared by Nelson.

CHANCE! Brilliant work from Isco as the Madrid midfielder dances past two challenges before striking one towards the bottom corner, but it just deflects wide of the post. The resulting corner is met by Illarra, but Pepe cannot control at the vital moment. Good pressure from Los Blancos once more.

Barbosa is down the other end for Almeria moments later, but his effort is deflected high and wide of the crossbar by Nacho. The resulting corner is delivered towards Martinez, but Pepe rises to clear. Verza delivers in the Madrid box moments later, but it is straight into the arms of Madrid stopper Diego Lopez.

Half-chance for Madrid once more as Modric strikes one from the edge of the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Still not too much from Almeria, meanwhile, as the home side continue to dominate the ball. You just get the feeling that another Los Blancos goal would end this match as a contest.

GOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Almeria (Bale)

And there is the second. Bale gets in on the act as the Welshman collects a pass from Benzema before finding the back of the net from close range. It is difficult to see Almeria responding from this position.

The Bernabeu is now in fine voice, with Los Blancos heading for second position in the table. Almeria do manage to break forward with Zongo, but his cross is straight into the arms of Lopez. Little over 30 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining. Madrid are in an extremely comfortable position as it stands.

GOAL! Real Madrid 3-0 Almeria (Isco)

Goal number three for the home side as Isco finds some space in a crowded box before finding the bottom corner. It is poor goalkeeping from Esteban, however, who really should have made the save.

SUB! Almeria make their first change of the match as Vidal enters the field in place of Rodri, who has struggled for service this evening. Damage limitation for Almeria from this position.

Just a reminder that Madrid face Barcelona in the final of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday. It would not be a surprise to see Carlo Ancelotti make changes in the next five minutes or so as he prepares for that match. Los Blancos come once more through Isco, but Nelson manages to clear under pressure from Bale.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Madrid as Coentrao finds himself inside the Almeria box following a through pass from Benzema, but the left-back's effort is straight at Esteban, who makes the save.

Bale wants a penalty as Nelson appears to handle inside the Almeria box, but the referee is not interested. The away side break down the other end with Vidal moments later, but Modric is across to make the challenge. Little over 25 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining and Madrid still lead by three goals.

Half-chance for Almeria this time as Barbosa strikes a free kick from a wide position, but Lopez gets down well to make the save. End-to-end football in the last few moments, which is leaving more space for the home side in the final third. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals this evening.

Half-chance for Benzema this time as the Madrid forward is found by teammate Nacho inside the box, but his clipped effort is high of the crossbar. The chances continue to arrive, but it has not happened for Benzema thus far this evening. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining at the Bernabeu.

Half-chance for Illarra this time as the Spaniard finds some space inside the Almeria box, but his effort is straight at the Almeria stopper from close range. Madrid appear to have made a change on the sly, meanwhile, with Casemiro replacing Di Maria, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings.

SUBS! Changes for both sides as Zongo is replaced by Diaz for Almeria and Morata replaces Bale for Madrid. Another change for Morata to impress from the bench.

SUB! Almeria make their third and final change of the match as skipper Corona is replaced by Soriano, who takes the armband. Los Blancos are also preparing another change.

SUB! Madrid do indeed make their third and final change of the evening as Coentrao is replaced by youngster Diego Llorente, who is highly-rated at the Bernabeu that is for certain.

Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few minutes, but Madrid remain in control of the ball. Modric forces the issue with a driving run into the box, but Nelson clears at the vital moment. Little under 15 minutes of football remaining at the Bernabeu. Madrid are heading for second spot in the table.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Benzema from a Morata cross, but once more the Frenchman clips his effort wide of the post. It has not happened for Benzema this evening.

Another chance for Benzema as the Frenchman drives into the box before releasing one towards the bottom corner, but Esteban is across to save once more. Almeria break down the other end with Vidal, but Pepe is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.

Madrid want a penalty as Morata goes down in the box under pressure from Mane, but the referee is not interested. I have seen them given that is for certain. Wonderful noise inside the stadium at the moment as the home supporters make their voices heard. There is certainly enough time for more goals in Madrid.

CHANCE! Really bright work from Llorente as the Madrid youngster drives to the edge of the box before winning a free kick from Mane. The resulting set piece is taken by Modric, but his effort is straight into the wall. It falls to Benzema moments later, but his effort is high and wide once more.

GOAL! Real Madrid 4-0 Almeria (Morata)

Madrid have their fourth of the match and Morata has his seventh of the season as the Spaniard collects a through pass from Illarra before finishing into the top corner. Brilliant from the youngster.

It has not been vintage from Madrid this evening, but they have scored four times without conceding, which is bad news for their rivals. Tonight has also shown the strength of the Madrid squad, which is vast. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining at the Bernabeu.

Half-chance for Isco as the Madrid forward collects a through pass from Modric before attempting to strike towards goal, but Mane is across to block at the vital moment. It remains 4-0 Madrid in stoppage time.

FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 4-0 Almeria

So there we have it. Extremely comfortable for Real Madrid, who move into second with a 4-0 win over Almeria. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. From me, it is good evening!

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Real Madrid's midfielder Asier Illarramendi celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid CF at the Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian on April 5, 2014
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Atletico MadridAtletico148512181329
3Real Madrid1283125111427
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis145541616020
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves144191524-913
17Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol123181122-1110
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179


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