For Karim Benzema’s first game since receiving the Ballon d’Or on Monday, Real Madrid dominated Elche 3-0 on Wednesday for matchday 10 of La Liga and remain top of the table, six points ahead of FC Barcelona. which hosts Villarreal. Thursday (9 pm).
Benzema saw two of his goals disallowed (5, 60), and another from David Alaba (26) to whom he had provided the assist (all for offside), but that didn’t slow down the meringues: Carlo Ancelotti’s men still found fault thanks to a powerful recovery from the outside of the left foot signed Fede Valverde (11), who pushed the ball into the top corner of Elche.
This is the 6th goal in 15 games this season in all competitions for the Uruguayan, as many as in his previous 148 games in the Merengue shirt.
Benzema himself then finally saw one of his goals come true after a one-two with Rodrygo (75th), and the Brazilian again set up Marco Asensio in the 89th minute to make it 3-0.
– Golden studs for “Nueve” –
Two days after being crowned with the Ballon d’Or, the Frenchman celebrated his crowning with the Golden Boot trophy and a complete match that awarded the player of the match trophy.
Even “KB9” was the author of a beautiful extrasporting gesture: before the break (42), Benzema put the ball in contact and pointed to the referee from the stand, who interrupted the game for five minutes so that the emergency services. can provide assistance to a victim of minor illness.
Elche’s rare chances, such as Nico’s 29th-minute long shot that forced Andriy Lun out, did not trouble Madrid, who were faultless all game, three days after their superb 3-1 Clasico win against FC Barcelona. on Sunday at the Bernabeu.
“It is an important part of the season, we are in a good moment, the team is doing well, we have no uncertainty, no problem. On Saturday, Thibaut (Courtois) returns, next week Dani Ceballos… The team is in good health and we have to take advantage of it”, encouraged Ancelotti in a press conference after the match.
See also
– Mourning victory for Real Sociedad –
Earlier in the evening, Real Sociedad beat Mallorca 1-0 at home thanks to an express goal from Mikel Merino with a header from a corner. The Basques return to third place, temporarily level on points with FC Barcelona (22 points) and ahead of Betis Sevilla, who were held 0-0 in Cadiz.
In San Sebastián, the start of the match was delayed by a few minutes due to the disturbance of a fan. The person sadly died, Real Sociedad said in a statement after the match, dedicating the win to him.
The card of the evening has been signed Valladolid: the promoted won 4-1 against Celta Vigo and returns to 11th place, doubling the Galicians in the standings.
