Benzema blinder spares Madrid's blushes
Real Madrid's LaLiga title hopes are still intact after Karim Benzema inspired a 2-1 comeback win over Elche in stoppage-time on Sunday (AEDT).
Having drawn its past two league fixtures, Madrid had the chance to leapfrog Barcelona into second place and close the gap on Atletico Madrid, temporarily at least, to five points.
But a lacklustre display looked like it would result in a third straight league draw – Benzema having cancelled out Dani Calvo's header.
Madrid's slim chances of catching Atleti were handed a late boost, however, when Benzema thundered in a supreme finish in stoppage-time to snatch all three points.
"It was a beautiful goal and it won us three points, so I'm happier than ever," Benzema said.
Sergio Ramos returned from a knee injury to make his first appearance since January, although the defender came off shortly after an hour, meaning his availability for Wednesday's (AEDT) UEFA Champions League game at home to Atalanta is perhaps not guaranteed.
Eden Hazard, who has also been out since January, came off the bench in the second half and could play in midweek, when Madrid will start with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg.
Toni Kroos and Luka Modric were rested, perhaps with that game in mind, but both were needed by Zidane before the end.
Madrid was the better team in the first half but there was hardly a chance to show for it, the only real opening falling to Benzema at the back post as Fede Valverde released Vinicius Junior down the right but his cross bounced awkwardly for Benzema, who shot wide.
Both sides wanted penalties early in the second half, with Elche's Ivan Marcone fortunate to be awarded a free-kick when he looked more culpable in a tangle with Ramos.
Then Ramos escaped punishment for a challenge on Guido Carrillo.
Shortly after, Elche took the lead. Ramos shielded his eyes as if struggling with the sun and the corner found Dani Calvo, who climbed above Raphael Varane to head in off the crossbar.
Ramos, Isco and Fede Valverde made way for Modric, Kroos and Rodrygo, and 10 minutes later Madrid drew level. Modric collected a short corner and swung a cross into the back post, where Benzema nodded in.
There were 17 minutes left to find a winner but it came in stoppage-time.
Benzema scooped the ball up to Rodrygo on the edge of the area. He cushioned it back to the striker, who caught the ball in the air with a brilliant shot that flew in off the far post.
