Real Madrid draw level with Barcelona at La Liga summit

Real secured a 2-1 victory to move behind Barca on goal difference again

Sergio Ramos guides a finish home from the penalty spot (EPA)

Real Madrid moved back level with La Liga leaders Barcelona as Sergio Ramos reached another career milestone at Real Sociedad. Following a goalless first half the deadlock was broken five minutes after the interval when Vinicius Junior was nudged over in the area by Diego Llorente. Ramos stepped up to calmly sidefoot home the spot-kick and become the highest-scoring defender in La Liga history with 68 goals.

Ramos limped off shortly afterwards but Karim Benzema added the second with 20 minutes remaining, and although Mikel Merino pulled one back the visitors secured a 2-1 victory to move behind Barca on goal difference again.

Celta Vigo eased their relegation fears with a 6-0 thrashing of 10-man Alaves. Jeison Murillo headed the hosts in front in the 14th minute before Iago Aspas doubled the lead from the penalty spot. Things went downhill for Alaves after Martin Aguirregabiria was shown a straight red card in the 27th minute and Rafinha scored twice in two minutes before the break to make it 4-0. Nolito marked his Celta return by adding the fifth from the spot and then teed up Santi Mina to complete the scoring four minutes from full time.

First-half goals from Goncalo Guedes and Rodrigo gave Valencia a 2-0 win at home to Osasuna.

In Italy, early strikes from former Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku – who took a knee after his goal – and Lautaro Martinez helped Inter Milan cement third place with a 2-1 win over Sampdoria. Morten Thorsby pulled one back for the visitors early in the second half but Inter held on.

Atalanta, in fourth, were 4-1 winners at home to Sassuolo. Berat Djimsiti opend the scoring and Duvan Zapata netted twice for Serie A’s top scorers while Sassuolo’s Mehdi Bourabia scored an own goal and a late consolation from a free-kick.

PA