Asensio helps Real to victory

Madrid : Marco Asensio struck an instant classic as Real Madrid returned to winning ways with a 3-0 victory over Las Palmas.

After back-to-back defeats at the hands of Girona and Tottenham, a much-needed success for Zinedine Zidane’s side was topped and tailed by efforts from Casemiro and Isco.

Asensio’s will linger longest in the memory, an inconceivably sweet half-volley which mixed rare precision with maximum power.

Three points still leaves Real eight points adrift of rivals and LaLiga leaders Barcelona but the mini-slump has at least been emphatically arrested.

Real came looking for an early goal and almost had one in the bank in the fourth minute. Ronaldo’s quick feet played Karim Benzema through on goal but he failed to get the ball fully out of his feet and his scuffed finish was safely smothered by Raul.

Kiko Casilla was forced into action at the other end after 11 minutes, Atletico Madrid loanee Vitolo skipping past Sergio Ramos before being denied at the near post, but from there it was all Real.

Ronaldo had a couple of presentable chances, lashing a thunderous effort into the side-netting having left Pedro Bigas on his backside and heading straight at Raul from eight yards from Marcelo’s cross.