GOAL

Karim Benzema thinks Real Madrid sorely missed Luka Modric during his injury-forced absence.

The Frenchman has highlighted the importance of the ex-Tottenham midfielder and remains confident the Blancos can win La Liga The Croatia international spent nearly four months on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, but recently returned to the Madrid starting XI again.

Benzema has now voiced his delight with the 29-year-old's return and has underlined his importance to the team.

"It was great to have Modric back. We created chances and we played well," Benzema was quoted as saying by Marca.

"He always plays on the attack and that's why he's so important to us. We've missed him."

The France international then went on to discuss his side's chances in La Liga following their 2-1 defeat against Barcelona at the weekend and refused to throw in the towel just yet.

"We have to keep believing. Barca have some tough fixtures. They have to play Sevilla away and then Valencia at home.

"It's up to us to win all our remaining fixtures and hope that Barcelona slip up somewhere.

"Anything can happen and we aren't throwing in the towel. We're still focused on La Liga and the Champions League."

Madrid are trailing Barcelona by four points following Sunday's Clasico defeat at Camp Nou.