Real Madrid win eight-goal thriller, Atletico keep up Barca chase

Ramos, whose Sevilla past always ensures a hot reception from the Betis fans, levelled with a bullet header from a Lucas Vazquez corner.

Dani Carvajal then set up Asensio for his second and Real’s third as the hour approached, and Ronaldo smashed in their fourth goal in the 65th minute.

The Portuguese, supposedly in decline, has now scored 10 times in six games between league and Champions League.

Betis may lack the consistency to properly contest a European place, but they do provide entertainment, and Cristian Tello set up fellow substitute Sergio Leon to make it 4-3 late on.

3⃣ Three points
❓ @MarceloM12‘s injury
⚽ @Cristiano‘s performance
✌ @marcoasensio10‘s double

Read what Zidane had to say in his post-match press conference!

? https://t.co/KSwk5twGjj pic.twitter.com/Ky39k29sd0

— Real Madrid C.F.???? (@realmadriden) February 18, 2018

Benzema, on from the bench, completed the scoring at the death with a goal that will boost his confidence.

– Super-sub Gameiro –

Earlier, Kevin Gameiro came off the bench in the second half to score one goal and make another for Diego Costa as second-placed Atletico Madrid beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0.

It was another clinical performance from Diego Simeone’s side, who have now recorded four consecutive league victories, all without conceding a goal.

They remain second, seven points behind unbeaten leaders Barcelona, who won 2-0 at Eibar on Saturday ahead of their Champions League trip to Chelsea.

“We are not stopping, we are playing well at the moment, and we are enjoying ourselves,” said Gameiro when asked about his team’s pursuit of Barcelona.

Atletico, who have conceded a paltry nine goals in 24 La Liga games this season, will hope to stay within striking distance of Barcelona before going to the Camp Nou in a fortnight.

Villarreal are sixth after a 1-1 draw at Espanyol, while Real Sociedad beat Levante 3-0.