Zidane's Isco risk reaps Real rewards

MADRID - Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane threw caution to the wind as his side produced a stirring late comeback to beat Villarreal 3-2 and stay top of La Liga on Sunday.

After Cedric Bakambu doubled Villarreal's lead in the second half, Zidane hauled off holding midfielder Casemiro for playmaker Isco and Real eventually emerged with all three points, thanks to substitute Alvaro Morata's late header.

The pressure was on Real after Barcelona left it late to win 2-1 at Atletico Madrid and temporarily take over top spot, while Sevilla fought back to beat local rival Real Betis 2-1 on Saturday to stay in a compelling three-way tilt for the Spanish title.