Real Madrid left it late but secured the win at Real Valladolid that enabled them to climb above Barcelona at the summit of La Liga. In their first game since the World Cup, Real had Karim Benzema back in the fold. The France international passed up a big early chance, but he appears to be a man on a mission this season and he left it late to score twice to secure the win.
Karim Benzema celebrates during Valladolid v Real Madrid, La Liga, Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla, Valladolid, Spain, December 30, 2022
Real Madrid moved top of La Liga with an unconvincing 2-0 win against 10-man Real Valladolid.
Inside the first 15 minutes Madrid were denied a penalty despite Javi Sanchez’s apparent handball, with Carlo Ancelotti left furious at the decision.
Minutes later Karim Benzema blazed over the bar from point-blank range, then Antonio Rudiger headed wide.
Valladolid had been stretched almost to breaking but from midway through the first half they were the dominant side.
Thibaut Courtois denied Alvaro Aguado’s curling effort shortly before the break, while the hosts had a penalty appeal of their own turned down before another Aguado chance.
:focal(1406x224:1408x222)/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2022/12/30/3516772-71682608-2560-1440.jpg "REAL VALLADOLID 0-2 REAL MADRID: KARIM BENZEMA FIRES CHAMPIONS TO VICTORY ON THE ROAD")
On the hour mark, Valladolid lost both Roque Mesa and Julian Escudero to injury, while Madrid introduced Lucas Vazquez and Rodrygo.
Another trio of brilliant Courtois saves were required to keep the scores level with 20 minutes to play.
With 10 minutes to play, Rudiger headed onto the arm of Sanchez and this time the VAR intervened to award the champions a late penalty. In the furious aftermath, Sergio Leon was sent off.
Benzema stepped up to convert the spot kick after a long wait.
Shortly afterwards Benzema wrapped up the victory with his second goal, courtesy of a Luka Modric cameo, to give Madrid possession of top spot in La Liga.
