La Liga: Real win as Raul equals scoring record

Arjen Robben inspired Real Madrid to a 2-0 victory at Numancia in the Primera Liga on Saturday, making it six wins out of six for the champions.


Two quick goals at the start of the second half settled the issue, the Dutch winger helping set up Raul for his 307th Real goal, equalling the club record held by Alfredo di Stefano.

Robben then bagged the second with a trademark run in off the right flank and a shot from the edge of the area.

Juande Ramos's side strengthened their hold on second place on 44 points but are still nine short of leaders Barcelona who visit Racing Santander on Sunday.

Third-placed Sevilla, on 38 points, also travel to Sporting Gijon on Sunday.

Numancia's Javier del Pino headed against the post as the home side kept Real at bay in a chilly first-half, with Robben closely marshalled.

However, three minutes into the second period it was Robben's run that created the opening for Raul to slot in Gonzalo Higuain's parried shot.


NUMANCIA REELING

With Numancia still reeling, Robben raced through to score the second in the 56th and the visitors comfortably maintained their advantage despite Fernando Gago being sent off for picking up his second yellow card near the end.

Earlier, Athletic Bilbao came from behind to beat Malaga 3-2 in a pulsating encounter at San Mames.

Promoted Malaga twice took the lead through Albert Luque and Lolo and were close to breaking into the Champions League places.

In-form striker Fernando Llorente set up the first Bilbao equaliser for Fran Yeste just before the break.

Llorente then powered in a spectacular goal in the 71st minute before Markel Susaeta rose to head the winner four minutes from time.

Malaga stay seventh with 32 points, three ahead of ninth-placed Bilbao who travel to Sevilla in the first leg of their King's Cup semi-final on Wednesday.