Zinedine Zidane’s side are three-points clear of their bitter rivals – Barcelona after they secured a 1-0 win over Real Valladolid during their LaLiga game at the Estadio Municipal José Zorrilla on Sunday evening.
Though they weren’t at their attacking best, Real Madrid come away with the three points, beating Real Valladolid by a narrow 1-0 margin.
The visitors absolutely dominated possession, they were wholly ineffective in breaking down the opposing midfield, which did well to hold and protect the backline for much of the game.
The hosts offered precious little going forward which allowed increased numbers to get forward and attack as the game wore on.
Kroos’ corner was beaten away by a Valladolid head, but was delivered back to the midfielder, whose second effort finds the head of his right-back – Nacho Fernandez at the edge of the six-yard box.
It was a nifty finish into the back post – evading centre-back and goalkeeper in the process.
Guardiola managed to put the ball past Courtois with three minutes remaining, but it would be wiped off for offside – just as Casemiro’s had been in the first half.
The loss sees Valladolid slip to 16th, while Zidane’s side jump Barcelona and take sole possession of first.
Madrid has gone 12 matches unbeaten domestically.