For the second time this week, Karim Benzema has rescued Real Madrid late. The Benzema goal vs Elche in the 91st minute — his second of the day — completed a 2-1 comeback victory on Saturday, as Los Blancos at least briefly jumped ahead of Barcelona into second place in LaLiga.
On Sunday, Benzema and Casemiro combined for a tidy piece of play to score an 88th-minute equalizer against league-leader Atlético Madrid. On Saturday, he combined with Rodrygo in stoppage time to avoid dropping points to relegation-threatened Elche. (Full match highlights at the bottom.)
Real Madrid vs. Elche Highlights
Despite coming into the match in 17th place, Elche held its own against the defending champs. In part thanks to the officials ignoring Sergio Ramos being pull down in the box on a Real corner a few minutes earlier, Elche took the lead in the 61st minute, off a corner.
GOAL FOR ELCHE!
Dani Calvo's header goes off the crossbar and past Courtois' line to give the visitors a 1-0 lead over Real Madrid.#RealMadridElche LIVE NOW ⬇️
beIN SPORTS
CONNECT https://t.co/LRYa03w6yI pic.twitter.com/35riU51Ldj— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) March 13, 2021
The goal prompted Zinedine Zidane to bring on Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos and immediately his side looked far more incisive. It took about 10 minutes for Real to find the equalizer, Benzema heading in off a short corner routine.
¡Aparece el empate!
Cabezazo de Benzema ⚽️#RealMadridElche pic.twitter.com/Lphtsl9T5A— beIN SPORTS Español (@ESbeINSPORTS) March 13, 2021
With Modrić pulling the strings, Real Madrid continued to create chances. Eventually, Benzema finished one in fine fashion, ripping a beautiful volley off the far post to win it.
Benzema Goal vs Elche
BENZEMA WINNER!
Real Madrid complete their comeback and the Frenchman scores from distance to get his brace to give the hosts a 2-1 lead over Elche. #RealMadridElche pic.twitter.com/lPogzZQFpB— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) March 13, 2021
Real Madrid is now five points behind Atleti and one point ahead of Barcelona, but both its rivals have games in hand.
