MADRID: Karim Benzema saved Actual Madrid for the second week working on Saturday, his two targets dragging his crew to a 2-1 win over struggling Elche in La Liga.
After Benzema’s late equaliser salvaged a draw in opposition to Atletico Madrid final weekend, the Frenchman got here up trumps once more, a superb shot flying in off the submit within the 91st minute to grab an important house victory at Valdebebas.
Actual Madrid transfer 5 factors behind Atletico in La Liga though Diego Simeone’s crew can restore their benefit to eight by beating Getafe afterward Saturday.
Barcelona, who’re six factors again, face backside membership Huesca on Monday.
Benzema recovered from damage simply in time to play Atletico and his three targets since have earned his crew 4 factors in seven days, whereas additionally denying Atletico an important win.
After heading within the equaliser in opposition to Elche, Benzema delivered a particular winner, catching the ball within the air with an excellent shot that discovered the far nook.
“It was a ravishing aim and it gained us three factors, so I am happier than ever,” he mentioned.
Sergio Ramos returned from a knee damage to make his first look since January, though the defender got here off shortly after an hour, which means his availability for Tuesday’s Champions League sport at house to Atalanta is maybe not assured.
Eden Hazard, who has additionally been out since January, got here off the bench within the second half and will play in midweek, when Madrid will begin with a 1-0 benefit from the primary leg.
Toni Kroos and Luka Modric had been rested, maybe with that sport in thoughts, however each had been wanted by Zidane earlier than the top.
Madrid had been the higher crew within the first half however there was hardly an opportunity to indicate for it, the one actual opening falling to Benzema on the again submit as Fede Valverde launched Vinicius Junior down the correct however his cross bounced awkwardly for Benzema, who shot vast.
Either side needed penalties early within the second half, with Elche’s Ivan Marcone lucky to be awarded a free-kick when he seemed extra culpable in a tangle with Ramos.
Then Ramos escaped punishment for a problem on Guido Carrillo.
Shortly after, Elche took the lead. Ramos shielded his eyes as if combating the solar and the nook discovered Dani Calvo, who climbed above Raphael Varane to go in off the crossbar.
Ramos, Isco and Fede Valverde made means for Modric, Kroos and Rodrygo, and 10 minutes later Madrid had been degree. Modric collected a brief nook and swung a cross into the again submit, the place Benzema nodded in.
There have been 17 minutes left to discover a winner but it surely got here in injury-time. Benzema scooped the ball as much as Rodrygo on the sting of the world. He cushioned it again to the striker, who caught the ball within the air with a superb shot that flew in off the far submit.
After Benzema’s late equaliser salvaged a draw in opposition to Atletico Madrid final weekend, the Frenchman got here up trumps once more, a superb shot flying in off the submit within the 91st minute to grab an important house victory at Valdebebas.
Actual Madrid transfer 5 factors behind Atletico in La Liga though Diego Simeone’s crew can restore their benefit to eight by beating Getafe afterward Saturday.
Barcelona, who’re six factors again, face backside membership Huesca on Monday.
Benzema recovered from damage simply in time to play Atletico and his three targets since have earned his crew 4 factors in seven days, whereas additionally denying Atletico an important win.
After heading within the equaliser in opposition to Elche, Benzema delivered a particular winner, catching the ball within the air with an excellent shot that discovered the far nook.
“It was a ravishing aim and it gained us three factors, so I am happier than ever,” he mentioned.
Sergio Ramos returned from a knee damage to make his first look since January, though the defender got here off shortly after an hour, which means his availability for Tuesday’s Champions League sport at house to Atalanta is maybe not assured.
Eden Hazard, who has additionally been out since January, got here off the bench within the second half and will play in midweek, when Madrid will begin with a 1-0 benefit from the primary leg.
Toni Kroos and Luka Modric had been rested, maybe with that sport in thoughts, however each had been wanted by Zidane earlier than the top.
Madrid had been the higher crew within the first half however there was hardly an opportunity to indicate for it, the one actual opening falling to Benzema on the again submit as Fede Valverde launched Vinicius Junior down the correct however his cross bounced awkwardly for Benzema, who shot vast.
Either side needed penalties early within the second half, with Elche’s Ivan Marcone lucky to be awarded a free-kick when he seemed extra culpable in a tangle with Ramos.
Then Ramos escaped punishment for a problem on Guido Carrillo.
Shortly after, Elche took the lead. Ramos shielded his eyes as if combating the solar and the nook discovered Dani Calvo, who climbed above Raphael Varane to go in off the crossbar.
Ramos, Isco and Fede Valverde made means for Modric, Kroos and Rodrygo, and 10 minutes later Madrid had been degree. Modric collected a brief nook and swung a cross into the again submit, the place Benzema nodded in.
There have been 17 minutes left to discover a winner but it surely got here in injury-time. Benzema scooped the ball as much as Rodrygo on the sting of the world. He cushioned it again to the striker, who caught the ball within the air with a superb shot that flew in off the far submit.