Real Madrid beat Granada, keep pace with Atletico in La Liga title race

Real Madrid swatted aside Granada 4-1 on Thursday to ensure the La Liga title race will go down to the wire.

First-half strikes from Luka Modric and Rodrygo put the visitors in control, and even when Jorge Molina halved the deficit on 71 minutes they rarely looked troubled.

Substitute Alvaro Odriozola restored Real's two-goal advantage after 75 minutes and less than 60 seconds later Karim Benzema made it four after latching onto an error from Granada keeper Rui Silva.

Real moved into second place on 78 points, two behind leaders Atletico Madrid with two games left to play.

Real travel to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday while Atleti host Osasuna on the same day, with all matches kicking off simultaneously.

Should Real fail to beat Bilbao, Atletico will be champions if they overcome Osasuna.

"It's not just about scoring goals. We played well in defence, too," Real coach Zinedine Zidane said.

"It was a really complete game. We didn't get overrun at 2-1 and scored quickly after and that shows what character this side have.

"It was a great win against a tough opponent at a difficult place to come to. We are going to give our all in the two remaining games, until La Liga is finished."