Benzema helps Real Madrid move ten points clear in La Liga

KATHMANDU: MARCH. 15 – With a 3-0 win away to Real Mallorca, Real Madrid extended their lead at the top of La Liga to ten points. Karim Benzema was once again the star.

Following a scoreless first half, the striker set up Vinicius Jr for Madrid’s first goal, before adding a second from the penalty spot and then heading home a third following a cross from Marcelo.

Real Madrid began by trying to control the ball, but Mallorca, looking to snap a four-game losing streak, put some bite into their challenges, and there were some tense moments on the field.

Benzema made a good turn to set up Toni Kroos, who shaped well but fired his shot from outside the area high over the bar.

Vinicius Jr then had another chance after more good work by Benzema, but his effort from inside the area was deflected wide thanks to Maffeo’s desperate late block.

Fede Valverde robbed Idrissu Baba 30 meters from goal and fed Benzema, who slipped the ball through to Vinicius, who beat Sergio Rico.

The Mallorca players were furious as it looked as if Valverde had fouled Baba when he won the ball.

With 13 minutes remaining, Benzema doubled Real Madrid’s lead from the penalty spot. Benzema scored with a low shot to the keeper’s right after Vinicius turned in the area and was brought down by Olivan.

With eight minutes left, the French striker then produced a powerful header from Marcelo’s cross.

However, the striker appeared to hurt his calf in scoring to the goal and had to limp out of the game, which will be a worry ahead of next weekend’s El Clasico against FC Barcelona.