Barcelona, March 21: Another brace by Karim Benzema helped Real Madrid tighten the Spanish league title race after the defending champions secured a 3-1 victory at Celta Vigo.
Sevilla got a last-gasp goal from its goalkeeper to salvage a 1-1 draw at Valladolid, while Athletic Bilbao’s match against Eibar was interrupted by an airborne drone. Madrid moved past Barcelona into second place at just three points behind stumbling leader Atlético Madrid.
Both Atlético and Barcelona play their games on Sunday. Benzema on Saturday struck twice in the first half from assists by Toni Kroos before he set up Marco Asensio to round off the win at Balaídos Stadium.
Kroos slipped a short pass through two defenders to leave Benzema alone to beat goalkeeper Iván Villar in the 20th minute.
The Germany midfielder gave Benzema a second opportunity on the half-hour mark when he stole the ball from Renato Tapia near Celta’s goal.
Celta improved after its shaky start when its midfield piloted by Denis Suárez linked up with its front three. Santi Mina pulled one back with a header five minutes before halftime.
Iago Aspas drew a save from Thibaut Courtois in the 62nd and the striker’s free kick hit the post with eight minutes to play. But Benzema crossed for substitute Asensio to complete the win on the last kick of the match.
Benzema has scored eight goals in a six-match scoring run over all competitions. He scored in a 3-1 win over Atalanta on Tuesday to help lead Madrid into the Champions League quarterfinals. He got a brace last weekend to lead a 2-1 comeback victory over Elche. (AP)
