La Liga: Casemiro header snatches win for Real Madrid, closes gap on Atletico
The HinduA heavily depleted Real Madrid continued its pursuit of La Liga leader Atletico Madrid with a hard-fought 1-0 victory away to struggling Real Valladolid on Saturday to move within three points of its city rival. Brazilian midfielder Casemiro got the breakthrough goal in a cagey game by heading in a free-kick from Toni Kroos in the 65th minute, making amends for missing the target with free headers in either half. The champion was without top scorer Karim Benzema and an additional eight players due to injury but did just enough to notch a fourth consecutive victory and take full advantage of Atletico's 2-0 defeat at home by Levante earlier on Saturday. Casemiro's wayward header from close range was Real's only attempt of note in the first half, while striker Mariano Diaz had two goals ruled out for offside.