Moroccan star shines as Real Madrid relegate Granada
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Arda Guler of Real Madrid celebrates a goal during the Spanish league, La Liga EA Sports, football match played between Granada CF and Real Madrid at Los Carmenes stadium on May 11, 2024 || Image credit: Imago

Moroccan star shines as Real Madrid relegate Granada

Faruq Ibrahim 19:53 - 11.05.2024

Second-string Real Madrid side trump relegated Granada 4-0 to continue stutterless run.

With the LALIGA title wrapped up, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti named a heavily rotated 11 for the trip to Granada. This did not slow their march, however, as they ran riot against the basement side, beating them.

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The win had little effect on Real Madrid's season, save for helping fringe players accumulate game time. Neither did the defeat matter much to Granada, who had their relegation confirmed earlier following Mallorca's victory over Las Palmas.

How it happened

Newly-crowned La Liga champions, Real Madrid, showed no signs of letting up as they crushed Granada 4-0 away from home. The victory marked Real Madrid's 16th consecutive head-to-head win over the now-relegated hosts.

From the outset, it was evident that Real Madrid were in control, aiming for their 28th win of an exceptional campaign. After an early missed opportunity by Arda Güler, Fran García opened the scoring for Real Madrid in the 38th minute, smashing the ball past Augusto Batalla from close range.

Granada's troubles compounded when Guler made amends for his earlier miss by slotting in García’s cut-back just before halftime. Real Madrid wasted no time extending their lead in the second half, with Brahim Díaz doubling their advantage within five minutes of the resumption, skillfully side-footing the ball into the net.

Díaz added another goal, twisting through Granada's defence, exchanging passes with Luka Modric, and confidently finding the back of the net from close range just before the hour mark. Granada failed to offer any response, allowing Real Madrid to secure a convincing victory and maintain their momentum ahead of the upcoming UEFA Champions League final.