2-1: Benzema brace earns the win

Actual Madrid claimed all three factors towards Elche after a stoppage-time winner. Dani Calvo put Elche in entrance within the 61st minute, however Karim Benzema turned the sport round courtesy of a header within the 73rd minute and a spectacular left-footed volley within the closing minutes. Zidane’s facet, who at the moment are unbeaten in eight video games (six wins), now change their focus to the second leg of their Champions League spherical of 16 tie towards Atalanta (Tuesday, 9pm CET).

The Whites saved the ball nicely within the first half with Isco having the primary try on the half-hour mark from the sting of the realm, however his shot ended up in Badía’s fingers. They house facet additionally regarded harmful on the counter-attack when Valverde started the transfer within the thirty fourth minute, feeding the ball to Vinicius Jr. who performed in Benzema, his left-footed shot went narrowly large. Actual Madrid continued to have the higher of the possibilities after the break. Benzema introduced the ball down inside the realm and his shot from shut vary crashed into the facet netting. Elche regarded to discover a manner by way of themselves with a shot from Carrillo from contained in the six-yard field that compelled a fantastic save from Courtois with 58th minutes on the clock.

Three minutes later, Elche took the lead when Dani Calvo headed in powerfully from a nook kick. Zidane responded by bringing on Rodrygo, Kroos and Modrić for Sergio Ramos – on his return from damage -, Isco and Valverde and the adjustments proved to be instrumental within the hosts drawing degree. On 73’, the German took a brief nook to the Croat, who performed in a left-footed cross to Benzema, whose downward header discovered the again of the online. Two minutes later, Eden Hazard entered the fray rather than Vinicius Jr.

Benzema surprise aim

The hosts continued to pile on the stress and Casemiro virtually produced the successful aim when he swerved a strong strike inches large of the put up. The Brazilian was once more concerned 4 minutes later. Nacho curled in a cross from the left and Casemiro’s header went agonisingly over. However Actual Madrid weren’t completed and their persistence paid off within the dying seconds. Benzema linked up on the sting of the field with Rodrygo, who chested the ball again to him, and the Frenchman fired a spectacular volley in off the put up the clinch the three factors.