Patience pays off for Zidane's crew

Madrid grinds it out to overtake Barcelona for top spot in La Liga

MADRID - Manager Zinedine Zidane praised his Real Madrid side for rising to the challenge in Sunday's 2-1 win over Real Betis - which knocked Barcelona off the top of La Liga.

Real fell behind to an embarrassing first-half own goal by keeper Keylor Navas, but a diving header from top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo before the break and a late headed goal by captain Sergio Ramos earned the points at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.