Eden Hazard scored his first objective in nearly three months whereas Karim Benzema bagged a brace as Real Madrid eased to a 4-1 win away to Alaves in La Liga on Saturday within the absence of coach Zinedine Zidane.
Zidane examined optimistic for COVID-19 the day earlier than the sport so assistant David Bettoni took cost of the workforce as an alternative and his aspect obtained off to a powerful begin when Casemiro headed in a Toni Kroos cross within the fifteenth minute.
Benzema curled into the highest nook within the forty first after a neat backheel lay off from Hazard, who then scored his second objective of the season and his first since netting in opposition to Huesca on Oct. 31 to additional stretch Real’s benefit simply earlier than the break.
Former Real youth participant Joselu pulled a objective again for Alaves within the 59th minute, powering in a header from a free kick, however Benzema rounded off the victory for second-placed Real with an beautiful solo run and objective within the seventieth minute.
The victory eased the ache of Wednesday’s shock 2-1 defeat to 3rd division Alcoyano within the Copa del Rey in addition to their Spanish Super Cup loss to Athletic Bilbao and took Real on to 40 factors, closing the hole with leaders Atletico Madrid to 4.
Diego Simeone’s aspect have two video games in hand, nonetheless, and may restore their benefit on the prime to seven factors once they play Valencia on Sunday.
“This was a great performance from us and will lift our confidence,” mentioned Benzema after his aspect earned solely their second victory from their final six video games in all competitions.
“We know every game is difficult, we always try to put in our best performance but sometimes it’s hard when teams defend deep. But today the goals kept flowing and that’s good for everyone, especially after the week we’ve had.”
