MADRID: Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane hailed his side’s character to hold off an Athletic Bilbao onslaught as Casemiro proved their unlikely hero in a vital 2-1 win on Saturday (Sunday in Manila). The Brazilian midfielder slotted home from close range 22 minutes from time to move Madrid five points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga. Barcelona can cut the gap back to two points when they face Valencia at the Camp Nou on Sunday. Defeat ends Athletic’s 19-game unbeaten run at home as they remain four points off the European places in seventh. Kroos’s delivery was flicked on by Ronaldo and midfielder Casemiro was completely alone inside the six-yard box to slot home from close range.

Source: Manila Times March 19, 2017 10:18 UTC