Real extend perfect start
MADRID: Real Madrid continued their perfect start to the Liga season by thrashing neighbours Leganes 4-1 at the Bernabeu helped by a Karim Benzema double, while Atletico Madrid slumped to a 2-0 defeat away to Celta Vigo on Saturday.
Gareth Bale scored for the third game running to give the hosts the lead in the 17th minute but Leganes pulled level with a penalty as Real debutant Thibaut Courtois was powerless to stop Guido Carillo’s spot kick in the 24th.
Benzema headed Real back in front shortly after the interval although the goal was only given after the referee consulted the video assistant referee (VAR) to determine whether the French striker had committed a foul.
Benzema then struck his fourth goal in two league games from a delightful backheel by newlycrowned UEFA Player of the year Luka Modric, moving to within one strike of equalling his tally of five league goals over the whole of last season.
The Frenchman had the opportunity to complete a hat-trick when Real were awarded a penalty after lively winger Marco Asensio was tripped by Unai Bustinza, but captain Sergio Ramos took responsibility for the spot-kick and completed the rout by scoring for the second game in a row from the spot.
Real lead the standings with nine points and 10 goals, although champions Barcelona can match that perfect start when they played top flight debutants Huesca late yesterday.
“We are getting to know each other better, we are training more and we have managed to get the team playing like a true team,” said Real coach Julen Lopetegui. “They understand what is being asked of them and they have the ability to make it happen.”
Keylor Navas was named last season’s best goalkeeper by UEFA on Thursday but was only deemed second choice here by Lopetegui, who handed Courtois his debut after joining from Chelsea earlier this month.
“He has wished me a lot of luck, we get on very well,” Courtois said of Navas. “Sometimes people just want to create controversy.”
Atletico have four points from their opening three games and are already five adrift of local rivals Real in the title race.
“I’m not worried about this result, I’m calmer than ever, because this is a wake-up call for us. I’ve no doubt this is the best thing that could happen for us,” Atletico coach Diego Simeone said.