Karim Benzema doubles as Real Madrid win at Valladolid

Real Madrid resumed La Liga action on Friday night. On the lawn of Valladolid, the men of Carlo Ancelotti won (2-0) thanks to two goals from Karim Benzema, back after his left thigh injury contracted in November. This victory propels Real into first place, while waiting for Barcelona’s match against Espanyol (Saturday, 2 p.m.).

Benzema, a double in 6 minutes

During the first 80 minutes of the game, Real Madrid purred and struggled to regain their automaticity. Just after the quarter of an hour of play, when he was in the opposing 6 meters, Karim Benzema missed the target after a shot too high (17th). Without a vigilant Thibaut Courtois (36th, 67th, 68th), the locals could even have taken the advantage. But when the White House seemed to be bogged down towards a draw, Javier Sanchez’s clumsy hand following a header from Antonio Rüdiger gave a new twist to the meeting.

After consulting the VAR, a penalty was awarded to Real. Without hesitation, Karim Benzema, who missed the World Cup with the Blues, headed to take the ball and give his team the advantage (83rd). Sergio Leon was, meanwhile, excluded for his repeated protests against the refereeing body (82nd). At the end of the match, Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga (both came into play) combined wonderfully before the Frenchman offered, on a plateau, the double to Karim Benzema (89th). A little over a week after announcing his international retirement, the Ballon d’Or has taken care of his return with the Meringue.

This victory temporarily propels Real to the top of La Liga, pending the derby between the Spaniard and Barcelona (Saturday, 2 p.m.).

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