Benzema nets hat trick in Madrid win, Vinícius takes knock

BARCELONA, Spain: Karim Benzema scored a first-half hat trick to lead Real Madrid to a 4-2 win over Almeria in a Spanish league game that included an injury scare for forward Vinícius Júnior on Sarturday. The comfortable win over Almeria ensured Madrid remained in second place while Barcelona maintained its commanding 11-point lead after beating nine-man Real Betis 4-0. But whether Madrid’s season ends in success or failure will hinge on next weekend’s Copa del Rey final against Osasuna and its Champions League semifinal rematch from last season with Manchester City.

With Luka Modric already doubtful for those critical games, the last thing coach Carlo Ancelotti needed was to see his best winger grab his right knee and ask to be substituted several minutes after banging into a defender. After the match Ancelotti said Vinícius would likely be good to go. “He had a knock on his knee that bothered him, but it’s nothing, just a knock,” Ancelotti said.

“I think he will be fine in a couple of days. He will be ready for the cup final.” Fellow Brazil forward Rodrygo also ended the game on the bench with an ice pack on his left knee. But he didn’t seem to be injured.

Madrid has one more Liga game at Real Sociedad before the Copa final against Osasuna in Seville. Three days later Madrid hosts City on May 9. More importantly for Madrid, its players showed the ambition they lacked in a 4-2 loss at Girona midweek.