Karim Benzema saved Real Madrid for the second week running on Saturday, his two goals giving his team a 2–1 win over struggling Elche in La Liga. After Benzema’s late draw drew a draw against Atletico Madrid last weekend, the Frenchman again stood up Trump, flying a stunning shot from the post in the 91st minute to snatch a crucial home win at Valdebabas. Real Madrid are five points behind Atletico in La Liga, although Diego Simeone’s team can give eight their advantage by beating Getafe on Saturday.
Barcelona, who are six points behind, face lower club Huesca on Monday.
Benzema recovered from injury in time to play Atletico and his three goals as he scored four points to his team in seven days, as well as denying Atletico a significant win.
After a draw against Elche, Benzema delivered a special winner, catching the ball in the air with a brilliant shot that found the far corner.
“It was a beautiful goal and it gave us three points, so I’m happier than ever.”
Sergio Ramos returned from a knee injury to make his first appearance since January, although the defenders landed just over an hour later, meaning there is no guarantee of his availability at home for Atalanta in a Champions League game on Tuesday .
Eden Hazzard, who has been out since January, came off the bench in the second half and could play in midweek, when Madrid start the first leg with a 1-0 advantage.
Tony Kroes and Luka Modric were rested, perhaps keeping that game in mind, but Zidan needed both before the end.
Madrid were the better team in the first half, but there was hardly a chance to show for it, the only real start falling for Benzema at the back post as Fade Valverde left Vinicius Jr. on the right but his cross bounced off Benzema awkwardly Dia, who shot widened.
Both sides wanted an early penalty in the second half, when Elk’s Evan Marcon was awarded a free run of luck when he was more guilty in a tussle with Ramos.
Ramos then escaped punishment for a challenge on Guido Carrillo.
Shortly after, Elche took the lead. Ramos casts his eyes as if Dani Calvo, struggling with the sun and the corner, was found, who had climbed away from the crossbar over Rafael Verne.
Promoted
Ramos, Isco and Fede Valverde made their way to Modric, Croce and Rodrigo and reached Madrid’s level 10 minutes later. Modric gathered a small corner and made a cross to the back post, where Benzema shook his head.
There was 17 minutes left to find a winner but it came in injured time. Benzema scooped the ball over the edge of the field leading up to Roderigo. He returned it to the striker, who caught the ball in the air with a brilliant shot, which flew from the far post.
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