Bilbao, December 23 (BNA): Karim Benzema scored two goals in the first seven minutes to lead Real Madrid, leaders, by eight points, to the top of the League, with a 2-1 victory over its host Athletic Bilbao.
Real, who has lost eight players due to the Covid-19 outbreak at the club as well as midfielder Casemiro, extended their unbeaten run to 15 games in all competitions as they reached their mid-season break with 46 points. They are eight points ahead of Sevilla and 13 points ahead of third-placed Betis. Athletic maintained its tenth place with 24 points.
Benzema broke the 400 goal mark in his professional career with an amazing shot from outside the penalty area in the fourth minute, before adding another just three minutes later when the Athletic defender missed a qualifier.
Oyhan Sunset stopped the momentum of Real with a wonderful goal in the tenth minute. This was the first goal Real Madrid conceded after five consecutive clean sheets in all competitions.
The hosts, who also lost four players to COVID-19, dominated most of the second half but Real held the three points.
“It was a full match from our team with players who had not had many chances before and it showed the determination and will of a group that is ready to compete in every tournament,” coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters.
He also praised Benzema for his performance.
“He’s a great player in the world. He’s fantastic.”
The French striker received a standing ovation from Athletic fans when he was substituted late in the second half.
“I love this kind of football, playing in this stadium, in this environment. I am happy. This victory in this place is very important for us.” Benzema told reporters.
“We played well and suffered a bit like great teams. My first goal? It was good but the best was scoring because it gave us the confidence to go on with the second straight away.”
With the likes of Luka Modric, Casemiro, Rodrygo, Marco Asensio and Gareth Bale missing out, he has given Eden Hazard a chance to prove his value to the team.
He made his second straight start after leaving eleven players for three months. And soon the Belgian striker found his step to lead most of Real Madrid’s offensive moves.