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Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema maintained his impressive streak by scoring and providing two assists in a 3-1 win over Eibar on Sunday, tying the champions on points with La Liga leaders Atlético de Madrid.
Benzema and Luka Modric scored early on as Real Madrid again leveled the points with La Liga top Atletico Madrid after a close 3-1 victory in Eibar.
Real appeared to be sailing after taking a two-goal lead in the first quarter of an hour thanks to two of their veteran players finding the target, but Kike Garcia’s sumptuous goal in the 28th minute cut the deficit in half.
Japanese midfielder Takashi Inui shot wide for the hosts after a mistake by Sergio Ramos on the edge of Real’s box, but Lucas Vázquez’s goal on the counter in added time ensured the visitors added all three points.
It was a fifth consecutive victory in all competitions for Real Madrid, as they climbed back to second place, separated from Atlético only by a lower goal difference, although the most important thing is that their rivals in the city have two games in the hand.
This was not a period display for Real, as Eibar turned down several opportunities to level, having stumbled on locks, but Zinedine Zidane’s team did enough to claim the loot.
They took the lead after their first real start, Benzema’s fifth minute due to a perfect chip over the top from Rodrygo after the Brazilian had cut down the left.
Benzema deftly controlled the ball with his right foot and then pushed his left past Eibar goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic to put Real Madrid ahead.
They doubled their lead with just 13 minutes remaining when Kevin Rodrigues was robbed on the left sideline. Benzema became a supplier, pushing the ball towards the edge of the area before Modric hit the roof of the net.
Zinedine Zidane has managed to relieve the pressure in his position in recent weeks
Benzema headed wide, while Rodrygo’s offside was negated by an acrobatic save by Dmitrovic as Real continued to turn the screw, but Eibar found a foothold in the game after a magnificent goal from Kike.
There seemed to be little danger as Kike picked up the ball 25 meters from goal, but he spun and then produced an effort that curved into the top corner, out of reach of Thibaut Courtois’ outstretched hand.
The video assistant referee denied Benzema his second of the night, which ruled that the Frenchman had strayed before finding the back of the net.
The reigning champions finished the first half on top but were almost caught just before the time, Ramos inadvertently hitting Inui after a sloppy pass. But Inui couldn’t take advantage as he directed his effort away from the goal.
The Real Marco Asensio striker rattled the goal frame with his free kick that almost made an instant impression after coming off the bench.
As the match entered the finals, there were some signs of nervousness, but Real were able to breathe a sigh of relief as Vázquez regained his two-goal lead in the second minute of injury time.
Real turned defense into attack with lightning efficiency and Benzema was available to assist Vazquez, who made no mistake after passing.
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