Benzema net twice to help Real Madrid beat Elche by 2-1, moves to second place

A late brace from Benzema ensured Real Madrid come from behind to win 2-1 against Elche at home in the La Liga and move to second on the points table.

This victory moves Real Madrid to 57 points and within 5 points off table toppers, Atlético Madrid. An extremely vital win to keep their title hopes alive for the Los Blancos.

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The home side dominated proceedings in the initial part of the half, where they had 78% of the ball but the possession counted for nothing as no shots at goal were taken to test the Elche keeper. Elche were on the backfoot for most part of the half with almost 8 players defending.

Isco made a tame effort at goal from 25 yards for which Badia made a very simple save. This being the first shot on goal from either side.

Benzema came close in the 36^th minute but could adjust his feet and fired Vinicius’s cross wide of the target.

Elche soon began to keep the ball for a while and strung in a few passes to get things moving, although without testing Courtois.

Boye had a chance close to the end of the half but a bad first touch denied him the opportunity.

Both sides went into the half goalless after a pretty uneventful first 45.

Ramos, starting off this game after returning from injury had a penalty appeal denied in the 56^th minute which left him fuming, after he felt that he was fouled by Marcone.

Courtois was called into the action for the first time as he blocked the shot from Carillo.

But the away side kept plugging and were finally rewarded when Calvo got onto the corner kick from Morente and headed in off the underside of the crossbar to give Elche a surprise 0-1 lead.

This made Zidane look towards his bench and call for some reaction as Modric and Kroos was brought into proceedings to make a dash and inject some pace and creativity into the play of Real Madrid, which was fruitful.

It was Modric, who put in a teasing cross into the box for Benzema, who headed home to get things back on level terms in the 73^rd minute. A masterstroke of a substitution by the French and ex-Real Madrid player.

Casemiro nearly made it 2-1 but his header was just over the bar. Real Madrid kept on searching for the winner and they did finally complete the comeback when Benzema fired in Rodrygo’s ball in off the post to make it 2-1 in the 90^th minute. It was Benzema’s quality which was the highlight of the goal with his striking ability on show.

A brave and thrilling comeback was on the cards and Real Madrid did not disappoint. Benzema, being the star of the show was at the center of it all.

Los Blancos have a Champions League 2^nd leg against Atlanta to contend with next while Elche play Sevilla in their next La Liga match.