Real Madrid 4-0 Elche: Karim Benzema double puts hosts back on track in La Liga

Real Madrid romped to a 4-0 victory at home to struggling Elche to close the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona to eight points. Los Blancos took the lead after just eight minutes when Marco Asensio was able to dance past two Elche defenders before firing a low effort past Edgar Badia. Ad The hosts continued to push forward in search of goals against the team with the most goals conceded in La Liga and after half an hour they had a penalty and a chance to double their lead.

Rodrygo was tripped in the box and Karim Benzema was on hand to step up and expertly smash the ball home past Badia. TransfersMessi, Benzema, Modric, Kante and more — Best players out of contract in 202328/12/2022 AT 13:33 On the stroke of half-time Madrid had their second penalty of the night. Benzema's header struck the arm of Enzo Roca and the referee instantly pointed to the spot.

The Frenchman stepped up to rifle home his second of the match, taking his La Liga tally to 11 goals in 13 appearances. Elche goalkeeper Badia pulled off a string of superb saves in the second half to keep the score down- including two very smart saves within a minute of each other, both to deny Rodrygo. After 65 minutes Badia was once again called upon, this time the goalkeeper was on hand to deny an acrobatic Asensio effort that would have been a spectacular goal.

Real Madrid kept pushing forward, ruthlessly searching for another goal and 10 minutes from time they had their fourth and final goal. Substitute Luka Modric received the ball on the edge of the box before firing a superb effort into the top left corner, a magical finish from the midfield maestro. TALKING POINT — RUTHLESS MADRID Could it be that the ruthless Real Madrid has returned in the last few days?