Karim Benzema's brace sends Real Madrid 12 points clear at top of La Liga in controversial win over Celta Vigo

Karim Benzema scored a brace during Real Madrid’s controversial 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo in La Liga at Estadio de Balaidos. The penalty came early on, with Eder Militao getting clipped in the box by Nolito, and despite his protests, the referee pointed to the spot. Ad/> Benzema stepped up and was able to send Matias Dituro the wrong way, giving his side the lead in the 19th minute.

Celta Vigo looked to respond, playing some great attacking football that forced a couple of saves out of Thibaut Courtois. Women's Champions LeagueBarcelona Femini are the best football team in the world — The Warm-Up31/03/2022 AT 07:34 The home side thought they had equalised in the 39th minute, after Thiago Galhardo scored a spinning header. However, after a VAR check, it was disallowed due to Iago Aspas interfering with David Alaba, who could have cleared the ball before it went over the line.

Early in the second half, Nolito scored for Celta after receiving a one-touch cross from Javier Galan. Real Madrid had a chance to go back up ahead after Rodrygo was brought down in the box, but Benzema’s failed to convert, with his penalty saved by Dituro. He got the chance to rectify his miss, however, as five minutes later, the visitors won a third penalty after Ferland Mendy was brought down by Kevin Vazquez.

Replays showed that Mendy was already falling before the contact, however, the decision stood, and Benzema was able to score his second. Celta Vigo will look ahead to Espanyol, the team just below them in the table, while Real Madrid, who are now 12 points clear at the top of the table, will turn their heads to Chelsea in the Champions League. Liga table Liga fixtures / results Liga top scorers More to follow...