First division
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Real Madrid close the gap to leaders Atlético
Real Madrid’s Casemiro (M) celebrates his goal to make it 1-0 with team-mate Lucas Vazquez. Photo: Alvaro Barrientos / AP / dpa
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Madrid Real Madrid have reduced the gap to leaders Atlético Madrid in the Spanish soccer championship to three points for the time being.
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The team around international Toni Kroos prevailed 1-0 (0-0) against relegation-threatened Real Valladolid. City rivals Atlético had surprisingly lost 2-0 (0-1) at UD Levante and failed to defend their lead. Atlético, however, have played one game less.
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Kroos initiated the important success for Los Blancos with a free kick that midfielder Casemiro headed for the lead (65th minute). It was the fourth win in a row for coach Zinedine Zidane’s team and at the same time a successful dress rehearsal for the first leg of the first leg in the Champions League at Atalanta Bergamo on Wednesday. The day before, Atlético welcomed the London club FC Chelsea with German coach Thomas Tuchel.
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FC Barcelona lurks behind the two Madrid clubs in the Spanish league. The Catalans are already six points behind Real in third place, but also played two games less. Lionel Messi’s team welcomes FC Cadiz on Sunday.
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© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210220-99-526513 / 2
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