Real Madrid did enough to beat Granada 2-0 in LaLiga on Saturday, a game that will not live long in the memory of an unimpressed Santiago Bernabeu Stadium crowd on a chilly evening in the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid now leads LaLiga with 38 points, one more than Girona, which defeated Valencia 2-1 earlier in the day.
On 31 points, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, who face on Sunday, are third and fourth.
Granada, who are second from bottom on seven points with one win in 15 games, provided no threat to a Real that showed no signs of weakness despite missing numerous regular starts due to injuries.
The hosts dominated proceedings from the start, with 71% ball possession, while Granada failed to register a single shot on goal.
Brahim Diaz performed a nice one-two with Toni Kroos in the 26th minute, receiving the German’s smart pass to evade the offside trap before happily shooting past custodian Raul Fernandez.
With Real displaying no energy, the game all but died until Diaz reappeared in the 57th minute to fight for a pass on the left side of the box, winning the challenge to cross for Jude Bellingham, whose point-blank effort was well saved by Fernandez.
However, Rodrygo was well-positioned at the far post to pounce on the goalkeeper’s rebound and unleash a bullet strike to extend the locals’ lead. The Brazilian has now scored in five consecutive games in all competitions, totaling seven goals and four assists.
“It was almost a perfect game.” We dominated, and they produced little chances. If I recall properly, they did not shoot on goal. “We were very focused, and that was the work of the entire team,” Diaz told DAZN.
“My goal was a true striker finish, and I’m pleased, but credit goes to Toni, who sees the pass that no one else does.” Just look at him on the pitch, how he looks for a teammate – it’s incredible. We saw him in training, and I’d best shine his boots today.”