Real Madrid 2 Sporting Gijon 1: Cristiano Ronaldo became first player in history to score 50 in six successive calendar years
La Liga leaders maintained unbeaten start to season with underwhelming win to move seven points clear of Barcelona
CRISTIANO RONALO became the first player in history to reach a half century of goals for the sixth calendar year in succession as Real Madrid laboured to a victory over Sporting Gijon which took them seven points clear of Barcelona.
His two goals also made it 150 in La Liga at the Bernabeu, but it was not as simple as it should have been for Zinedine Zidane’s men.
Gareth Bale’s ankle injury saw a rare start for James Rodriguez while, despite being without Toni Kroos and Casemiro, Isco had to settle for a place on the bench.
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Luka Modric continued in his unfamiliar holding role alongside Mateo Kovacic, but the hosts welcomed back Sergio Ramos into the centre of defence for a first La Liga start since September 24.
Real Madrid became the latest side to don an eco-friendly made from recycled ocean plastic — and they came flying out of the blocks with waves of attacks as the rain poured down in the Spanish capital.
And the home side were awarded a penalty when Lucas Vazquez was fouled by a clumsy challenge.
Ronaldo made no mistake as he struck his spot-kick into the bottom corner.
And 13 minutes later, it was two as the former Manchester United man powered a header in from close range.
But Sporting — who inflicted Jose Mourinho’s first home defeat for nine years as manager when he was Real Madrid boss in 2011 — were not too dispirited and got a goal back ten minutes before half-time.
Carlos Camona finished off from Isma Lopez’s fantastic cross.
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And Sporting had a chance to equalise with penalty of their own seven minutes from time, but Dujo Cop's spot-kick was saved by Keylor Navas.
Bale has been the Champions League holders’ most impressive player so far this season and his absence was clearly felt.
Rodriguez failed to step up to the plate and was replaced by Marco Asensio, while Karim Benzema was very quiet and is fast becoming second choice behind the injured Alvaro Morata.