Benzema brace helps Real Madrid breeze past Alaves

Real Madrid got their La Liga campaign off to the perfect start after defeating Alaves 1-4. The hosts were on top for the first 20 minutes, but then Real Madrid picked up and they never looked back. Despite going into the interval all square, once Benzema scored with a 48th minute volley, the result was never really in doubt. Nacho made it two and Benzema scored again and those three goals in 15 minutes sealed the win for Ancelotti's men. 

Joselu gave Alaves hope after a major defensive error by Eder Militao, but they never really looked like scoring again. There was even time for Vinicius to head home at the death to complete the victory. 

Alaves had the opening chance through Luis Rioja after six minutes but it was straight at Courtois. The home side continued to press without having major efforts on goal and Eden Hazard hit narrowly wide in the 17th minute. It was a frustrating for Gareth Bale, who got a rare start, but Benzema, who nearly curled one into the far corner just after the half hour, was in fine form. 

However, Alaves continued to threaten towards the end of the first half and Pere Pons hit over the bar on the counter after Luis Rioja's header had struck Lucas Vazquez on the body. Rioja once again threatened, but failed to hit the target and after the break, it was the Real Madrid show. 

Real Madrid took the lead early in the second half after a cross found Lucas Vazquez, he laid it off to Hazard who superbly played in Benzema and the Frenchman fired home. That extra bit of quality showed again eight minutes later when a short corner was played back to Modric and Nacho got on the end of the ball in. His marker, Aguirregabiria, was too busy trying to pull his shirt and Nacho was unfazed.

If there was any doubt Madrid were in command, Benzema struck again after 62 minutes. Federico Valverde made a lovely run down the middle and he squared for Benzema. After a bit of pinball which saw the keeper have to make a fine save, Benzema reacted first to hit home. 

Seconds later, Alaves got a lifeline after Militao's backpass was woefully underhit, John Guidetti intercepted the loose ball and Courtois brought him down. Joselu made no mistake from 12 yards, but there was to be no fightback. 

ln fact, Vinicius, who had made some dangerous runs during the contest, put the icing on the cake in the 92nd minute when he headed home a cross to give Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti the perfect start to his second spell in charge.

 

August 14, 2021