Spanish League: Casemiro the hero as Real survive at Palmas

Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale (left) takes the ball away from Las Palmas’ Lemos in their Spanish League match at the Gran Canaria Stadium in Las Palmas on Sunday. Real won 2-1. (Photo: AP)

Real Madrid needed a stoppage time winner from Brazilian midfielder Casemiro to move back within 12 points of La Liga leaders Barcelona with an unconvincing 2-1 win at Las Palmas on Sunday.

Sergio Ramos’ towering first-half header put the visitors in front, but Las Palmas looked to have salvaged the point their performance deserved through Willian Jose three minutes from time.

However, Casemiro punished some atrocious marking to head home the winner before Ramos was sent-off for the 20th time in his Madrid career late on.

Elsewhere, Valencia boss Gary Neville’s troubles continued as he branded his side’s performance “unacceptable” in losing their local derby 0-1 to Levante.

And Sevilla maintained their hopes of playing in the Champions League next season with a thrilling 4-2 win over Villarreal.

Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas had been on top form as Real saw off Roma to reach the Champions League quarterfinals in midweek and was consistently called upon to save his side in the Canary Islands.

A rare misplaced pass from Luka Modric released Jose in behind the Madrid defence early on, but Navas raced from his line to block.

Cristiano Ronaldo then fluffed his best chance to increase his lead over Luis Suarez in the fight to be La Liga’s top scorer as he fired too close to Javi Varas.

However, Madrid did take the lead from the resulting corner as Ramos rose highest to head home Isco’s delivery.