Real close gap to Barcelona with win at Osasuna | free press

Real Madrid is at least within sight of leaders FC Barcelona in the Spanish football championship.

The record champions won 2-0 (0-0) at Osasuna Pamplona. Fede Valverde scored the opening goal for the visitors in the 78th minute after a pass from Vinicius Junior. Marco Asensio (90+2) made the decision in injury time.

Real coach Carlo Ancelotti had also called up national player Antonio Rüdiger in central defence. Toni Kroos was missing again, the 2014 world champion is ailing. The success puts Real Madrid five points behind FC Barcelona after 22 games. The Catalans extend their lead to eight points with Sunday’s home win over FC Cádiz. (dpa)