Real Madrid continued their perfect home record and provisionally
moved three points clear at the top of Primera Division tonight,
but they were given a scare by Sporting Gijon.
Madrid produced little of note during a disappointing first half
against a determined Sporting, and a shock looked on the cards when
the mid-table visitors took a 53rd-minute lead through David Barral.
However, that goal served to spark Madrid into life and within
four minutes they were 2-1 ahead thanks to strikes from Rafael van
der Vaart and Xabi Alonso.
Gonzalo Higuain then slotted home his 20th goal of the season in
the 68th minute as Madrid made it 14 league wins out of 14 at the
Bernabeu this term.
It was also Madrid's ninth successive victory in the league and
saw the Whites edge clear of second-placed Barcelona, who face a
testing trip to Real Zaragoza tomorrow night.
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