Staff Reporter.
Real Madrid moved top of La Liga on goal difference with a narrow victory at Elche.
Vinicius Junior opened the scoring after 22 minutes when he latched onto to Mariano’s pass to finish past former Madrid goalkeeper Kiko Cassila.
Madrid were fortunate to be ahead at the break after Thibault Courtios produced a number of fine saves to keep the score at 1-0.
Elche’s Raul Guti was sent off for a rash challenge on Toni Kroos before Vinicius doubled Real’s lead with a cool finish from Luka Modric’s pass.
Pere Milla scored late on to give Elche hope, but Real held on.
It was an important win for Madrid after they followed up their Clasico win with a goalless draw against Osasuna.
The hosts matched Carlo Ancelotti’s side for large spells of the first half and could have opened the scoring through Lucas Boye, but the Argentine’s shot was superbly saved by Courtois.
Lucas Perez should have restored parity after Vinicius’ opener but turned Javier Pastore’s flick well wide of Courtois’ goal.
Real Sociedad can reclaim top spot on Sunday evening when they host Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao.