Karim Benzema eases Real Madrid’s troubles with double against Getafe

Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez had particular praise for Karim Benzema on Saturday after the France forward struck twice to lead his team to a 4-1 win at home to Getafe in La Liga.

Once Ronaldo ceased pleading his case, Madrid continued to dominate as they secured a 4-1 victory.

The team’s troubles have included the legal woes of Karim Benzema but the striker shook off his troubles related to an alleged plot to blackmail fellow French global Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape, scoring two goals early on at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

The result allowed Madrid to pull within three points of Barcelona, which plays at Valencia later Saturday.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s desperation for goals reached a whole new spectacular level during Real Madrid’s league match against Getafe.

The first came on a volley off a pass from the right side from Portuguese defender Pepe in the fourth minute and the second when a broken play ended with him booting home a left-footed strike in the 16th minute.

Benitez, who took over from the sacked Carlo Ancelotti at the end of last season, was roundly whistled when his name was read out with the team lists before kickoff and there were more chants during the game calling for president Florentino Perez to step down.

However, the Frenchman looked back to his best as he was only denied a second with a bullet header by a brilliant save from Vicente Guaita moments later.

Real’s dominant win at the Bernabeu lifted them above Atletico Madrid into second for a couple of hours but Atletico responded with a 2-0 success at Granada thanks to goals from Diego Godin and Antoine Griezmann.

Atletico remained in front of their city rivals thanks to another solid display as they recorded their sixth clean sheet in seven games to extend their winning run in all competitions to six games.