MADRID: Real Madrid kept their momentum from before the international break by winning their fourth game in a row and getting back to the top of La Liga.

Toni Kroos gave a footballing masterclass with two assists as Real cruised to a 4-1 win over 10-man Granada on Sunday after dominating from the start to reclaim first place.

Marco Asensio, Nacho Fernandez, Vinicius Jr and Ferland Mendy were on target for Real, who reached 30 points from 13 league matches, one more point than Real Sociedad, who were held to a 0-0 draw at home against Valencia. Real are two points in front of Sevilla, who drew 2-2 at home against Alaves on Saturday.

Carlo Ancelotti’s team made a bright start and were 2-0 ahead after 25 minutes with goals from Asensio and Nacho, both from assists by Kroos.

But Real got a scare a few minutes later, when a shot from Luis Suarez deflected off Nacho and deceived Real keeper Thibaut Courtois, who dived to the left as the ball slowly crossed the goal line to his right.

Granadas hopes of a comeback were short lived, however, as Real got back on top after the break and Vinicius extended their lead, finishing off a beautiful team move that also involved Karim Benzema and Casemiro.

After Granada’s Monchu was sent-off for an ugly sliding tackle on Vinicius, Mendy wrapped up the scoring for the visitors.

Real Betis ended their three-game losing streak in all competitions with a convincing 3-0 win at 18th-placed Elche.

Getafe beat 16th-placed Cadiz 4-0 at home to move off the bottom of the table and push Levante there.

Published in Dawn, November 23rd, 2021