Barcelona, Dec 23: Karim Benzema struck two quick goals to lead Real Madrid to a 2-1 win at Athletic Bilbao in a Spanish league game missing several players because of coronavirus infections.
Defending champion Atlético Madrid slumped to a fourth consecutive league defeat after losing 2-1 at Granada, extending its worst run in the competition since Diego Simeone took charge a decade ago. A total of 12 players between Madrid and Bilbao missed the game after testing positive for COVID.
Benzema started the scoring for the league leaders with a superb strike four minutes into the match at San Mamés. He struck again in the seventh for his league-leading 15th goal of the season. Oihan Sancet hit right back for the hosts to close out a wild first 10 minutes of the game.
The outbreak on Madrid’s squad gave Eden Hazard, Eduardo Camavinga, and Nacho Fernández the opportunity to earn rare starts.
Benzema dazzled with his opening goal from the side of the area. The France striker stunned Bilbao when he used one touch to send a pass from Toni Kroos curling into the far corner of the net.
Benzema’s second came after a poor touch by Bilbao defender Unai Nuñez gifted him the ball with only Simón’s replacement, Julen Agirrezabala, to beat. Sancet struck from the edge of the area to send the ball in off the post.
Atlético Madird started well against Granad with a goal from João Félix only three minutes after kickoff. Darwin Machís then leveled in the 18th and Jorge Molina scored from a cross by Granada striker Luis Suárez to complete the comeback in the 61st. (AP)
