Real Madrid secured a 2-0 win at Real Valladolid as Karim Benzema scored two late objectives, together with a penalty, to maneuver them a degree away from Barcelona on the prime of La Liga on Friday.
Ballon d’Or winner Benzema returned to the beginning lineup after lacking the World Cup for France, having suffered a thigh harm the day earlier than the beginning, and had a huge impact.
Real have been awarded a penalty within the 83rd minute for handball by Javi Sanchez. The resolution despatched the house crew right into a frenzy and Leon was despatched off for dissent. Benzema transformed with ease.
The unmarked Benzema then doubled Real’s lead within the 89th with a well-placed shot from contained in the field after an help from substitute Eduardo Camavinga.
There was a minute’s silence earlier than kick-off for Brazilian nice Pele, who died on Thursday aged 82, with the nation’s former striker Ronaldo paying his respects within the stands.
Both groups had a number of possibilities within the first half however excellent goalkeeping from Valladolid’s Jordi Masip and Real’s Thibaut Courtois stored the sport goalless on the break.
“It was a great match for Courtois and Benzema, who scored again,” mentioned Real coach Carlo Ancelotti. “We ended an unforgettable year very well. We have to go little by little to put all the players in a good condition.”
Masip denied Vinicius Jr a aim with a reflex save from an acute angle after 17 minutes, with Benzema sending the rebound excessive over the bar from shut vary.
Courtois then made a superb save after 36 minutes when Alvaro Aguado tried a shot from the sting of the field in direction of the highest left-hand nook and the Belgian stored it out one-handed.
Courtois needed to save Real once more within the 68th when he stored out Sergio Leon’s header once more with one hand.
“It was a difficult match against an opponent who gradually entered the game,” Ancelotti added. “We did well in the first half and we controlled the game. Valladolid played well and it was a competitive game. The team has not been solid, but in this difficult situation we came out with three points.”
Real have 38 factors forward of second-placed Barca, who host Espanyol on Saturday.
