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Real Madrid lead La Liga thanks to VAR

Published:Saturday | September 22, 2018 | 12:00 AM
AP
Real midfielder Marco Asensio (centre), celebrates with Luka Modric (left) and Dani Ceballos after scoring his side's first goal during a La Liga match between Real Madrid and Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid yesterday.

MADRID (AP):

Video review helped Real Madrid beat Espanyol 1-0 and go to the top of the Spanish league yesterday.

Marco Asensio's first-half goal was initially waived off for offside, but was confirmed by the video assistant referee.

Madrid are one point ahead of Barcelona, who play today against Girona at Camp Nou Stadium.

Madrid rested regulars such as Gareth Bale and Marcelo following their opening win against Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Thibaut Courtois, playing in goal after Keylor Navas started in the Champions League, saved Madrid in the first half, and Borja Iglesias almost equalised but struck the crossbar in the second half after a mistake by Sergio Ramos.

BACK TO WINNING

Thomas Lemar's first goal for Atletico Madrid helped to end their winless run in the league.

Lemar set up the other goal in Atletico's 2-0 win at 10-man Getafe.

After a loss and draw, Atletico moved within five points of Barcelona.

Lemar, part of France's World Cup-winning squad, contributed to the opening score when his long-range shot bounced off the crossbar and rebounded into the net off the back of goalkeeper David Soria, who was credited with an own-goal.

In the second half, Jorge "Koke" Resurreccion set up Lemar, who dribbled past Soria and scored.

Getafe who had not lost since the opening round, played a man down from the 67th minute after Ivan Alejo was sent off for a hard foul.

TOP FORM

Alaves routed promoted Valladolid 5-1 to earn their third straight win.

Ibai Gomez scored in each half at Rayo's Vallecas Stadium, which reopened after about a month of renovation work.

GOALS AT LAST

Promoted club Valladolid, owned by former Brazil striker Ronaldo, ended their scoreless streak in a 3-3 draw at Celta Vigo.

Leo Suarez earned the point for Valladolid by scoring four minutes into second-half stoppage time.

Valladolid had not scored in their previous four leagues matches.

Celta, which got two goals from Spain forward Iago Aspas, had a two-goal lead until the 65th minute at Balaidos Stadium.

CONTRASTING STREAK

Mid-table Eibar defeated Leganes 1-0 at home with a second-half goal by Kike Garcia.

Leganes' third straight loss, and fourth in five matches, left them with only one point and in last place in the 20-team standings.