Karim Benzema Sends Real Madrid to the Top
Former France forward Karim Benzema Scored two second-half goals as Real Madrid beat Athletic Bilboa 3-1. Real Madrid is now the joint leader with Real Sociedad with an outstanding game. Athletic Bilbao had one of their player sent off in the game.
Raul Garcia was sent off after receiving a second yellow card to reduce Bilboa to ten men. The player tackled the German play-maker Toni Kroos who put Real ahead with a first-time drive before the break. Ander Capa equalized for Athletic at the second attempt after he had a shot saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Karim Benzema scored twice to win the game for Real Madrid to give them a comfortable home win. The player who gave Madrid the winner in their last Uefa Champions League group stage game was able to take the defending champions of La Liga to joint top with Real Sociedad. That clinching goal came moments after Courtois denied Mikel Vesga an equaliser with a fine save.
Real Madrid has now won four games in a row in all competitions as they continue to turn their season around. Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are all on 26 points at the top of La Liga. Barcelona, who are nine points behind the trio, host Real Sociedad on Wednesday (20:00 GMT).