Isco's brace ensures Madrid close gap on Barca to seven points

Isco scored twice as Real Madrid C.F. reduced the gap on La Liga leaders FC Barcelona to seven points courtesy of a 2-0 win over Espanyol on a day where football was dragged into violent political clashes in Catalonia.However, Espanyol had a slew of chances themselves to level.

Gerard Moreno hit the post just before the break, whilst Keylor Navas denied Marc Navarro and Nacho produced a brilliant goal line clearance to prevent Leo Baptistao a tap in.

Espanyol’s profligacy was finally punished 19 minutes from time when Isco curled home his second of the evening at the end of a rapid counter-attack.

He is a player that plays like he’s on the street,” Zidane added on Isco’s impressive form. I like that. He doesn’t worry when things don’t go his way.Victory lifts Madrid up to fifth behind Barca, Sevilla, Valencia and Atletico Madrid.