Benzema shines as Real grab top spot with win over Levante
MADRID: Real Madrid moved to the top of La Liga on Sunday as Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema both scored in a 2-0 win over Levante.
Vinicius, who had proved decisive in Madrid’s win over Real Valladolid on Wednesday, looked set to see off Levante as well, before Benzema notched his first goal of the season late on.
Real have now recorded three clean sheets from their four opening games, although a draw away at Real Sociedad has given an early advantage to Barcelona.
Real and Barca had earlier played out the first ever women’s Clasico ater Madrid finally launched their female team this season. Yet Barcelona showed their superiority in a 4-0 rout.
But the men’s team have become something of a defensive juggernaut under Zidane ater their solidity and resilience formed the basis of their successful title bid last term.
They have 10 points from 12 available, ater three consecutive wins.
Levante, meanwhile, have managed only one victory from first four matches and this defeat means they drop into the relegation places.
Vinicius gave Real the lead ater 16 minutes when Levante failed to clear a corner and the Brazilian calmly curled in for his second goal in two games.
He could have made it two but overhit a pass intended for Benzema and then Levante hit the crossbar, Nikola Vuckevic at the back post almost capita li sing on some hesitation from thibaut co ur to is.
Levante found it difficult to cope with Real’s pressing and Benzema and Vinicius both scored when twice they won the ball back in dangerous positions.
Sergio Ramos also had a headed goal ruled out for offside but Levante went close to a late equaliser as Clerc and Enis Bardhi both tested Courtois.
But Benzema tore away on the break in injurytime and finished to complete a convincing win.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid defender Stefan Savic believes they should not be criticised for failing to break down Villarreal, who he said spent the whole match defending in Saturday’s 0-0 draw.
Atletico did not have a single shot on target during the game and had to setle for a second consecutive goalless draw following Wednesday’s stalemate at Huesca.