Real Madrid Vs Hercules: FULL TIME - Karim Benzema Double Enough For Madrid Win

A job well done from an unfamiliar looking Real Madrid starting XI as Karim Benzema staked his claim for a regular starting spot with a classy double that was enough for Madrid to see off a weak Hercules side who have now gone over 1000 minutes without scoring a league goal away from home. Relegation material without a shadow of a doubt and a fact that will cause Esteban Vigo numerous sleepless nights between now and the end of the season as they fight against a direct drop back into La Segunda.

It was hardly spectacular from Real Madrid but it didnt need to be, as they proved that there is life after Cristiano Ronaldo with a display that provided plenty of cutting edge in attack, with Angel Di Maria and Mesut Ozil constantly probing a porous away defence, and a solid defence lead by Sergio Ramos and Raul Albiol.

Real Madrids opener came after 24 minutes and was courtesy of a lung-busting run into the opposition area from Alvaro Arbeloa, so often criticised for a lack of attacking instinct, who crossed for Karim Benzema to slot in from close range. The Frenchmans second came in the second half and demonstrated all the abilities that convinced Real Madrid to fork out 35 million euros for his services. Receiving the ball out wide he drove into the box before unleashing an unstoppable shot that flew past Calatayud and in off the post.

It was harsh on the away keeper Calatayud, who had almost single-handedly kept the score at 1-0 with several superb saves but the rest of his teammates simply weren’t at the races as Real Madrid threatened to score their third on numerous occasions. In the end it remained 2-0 to Real Madrid and they cut Barcelonas lead at the top to four points ahead of Barcas daunting trip to Sevilla tomorrow evening.

Three points and no suspension worries ahead of their next league match, the Madrid Derby against Atletico. In the meantime all attention is on their second-leg tie in the Champions League against Lyon, a match that will likely see the return of Cristiano Ronaldo.