Benzema to the rescue again for Real Madrid in win over Elche

Real Madrid are still in with a good chance of winning the La Liga title after a late comeback versus Elche on Saturday which saw them need Karim Benzema to get them out of jail.

Real Madrid move five points behind Atletico in La Liga although Diego Simeone's team can restore their advantage to eight by beating Getafe later on Saturday. Barca are six behind Atletico and host Huesca on Monday. Madrid took home the points, but it was far from straight forward for them. 

A dull first half which saw very few chances and Elche's Barragan go off injured was followed by an exciting second period. Real Madrid came out attacking and Karim Benzema hit the side-netting early on. Sergio Ramos was then adamant he should have had a spot kick after tussling for the ball with Ivan Marcone, but the referee gave a free-kick the other way. The Madrid captain made his feelings known to the official and his team fell behind shortly afterwards. 

First, Carrillo saw a shot saved by Courtois and then appeals for a penalty later in the move were waved away by the officials. Then, on 61 minutes, Elche made the breakthrough. Dani Calvo headed home a corner which went in off the crossbar. Courtois was left with no chance and the home side suddenly needed two goals to win. 

 

March 13, 2021

The goal sparked Madrid into action and Casemiro headed wide after 70 minutes. Three minutes later, substitute Kroos took a corner short to fellow sub Luka Modric and the Croatian's ball in was headed home by Benzema. That goal gave 'Los Blancos' belief and Casemiro could have scored twice, but failed to hit the target and then Nacho stung the fingers of goalkeeper Edgar Badia. Elche went defensive looking to protect the point, but they failed to hold on. 

Lucas Vazquez won the ball back for Real Madrid, a move developed, Rodrygo headed the ball to Benzema who then a played a lovely one-two with the Brazilian before firing home in the 91st minute. It was a huge three points for Zidane's men and Benzema once again saved Madrid after getting an 88th minute equaliser at Atletico Madrid last weekend. 

Real Madrid were not at their best and Elche will consider themselves unlucky not to take away a point from their contest given their excellent defensive display. The only consolation is they remain outside the bottom three after Alaves were held to a 1-1 draw by Cadiz earlier in the day.