Karim Benzema scored for a sixth consecutive game as his double helped Real Madrid to a 3-1 win over Celta Vigo in La Liga.
The France striker’s goals were both assisted by Germany midfielder Toni Kroos as Madrid moved above rivals Barcelona into second in the table.
Celta pulled one back on 40 minutes through Santi Mina’s powerful header.
After a lethargic second half from Real, Benzema turned provider as Marco Asensio added a third in stoppage time.
Benzema’s double at the Balaidos puts the 33-year-old on 23 goals in all competitions for Madrid so far this season.
Real’s victory also edges Zinedine Zidane’s side to within three points of league leaders Atletico Madrid, as the French boss continues his quest to lift back-to-back titles with the Spanish giants.
A high-tempo first-half helped Real Madrid earn three crucial points against Celta Vigo as they look to pressure Atlético Madrid at the top of the table. Two goals in 30 minutes from Karim Benzema and a third in injury time from Marco Asensio helped Zinedine Zidane’s men walk away with the victory.
See player ratings below.
Thibaut Courtois—7: Celta pressured Real Madrid’s backline but Courtois did well to keep them to just one goal. Made two saves and was lucky to see Iago Aspas’ free-kick hit the post (an inch over and it would’ve gone in). Finished with a very low 64% pass completion rate, though.
Lucas Vazquez — 8: Throughout the season Vazquez has been Madrid’s secret weapon and his consistently strong performances are key to their results. He was a workhorse down the wing tonight and was a threat moving forward. Finished with three dribbles, one tackle and 90% pass completion.
Raphael Varane — 6.75: Still looks shaky. Didn’t defend well enough and was at fault for Celta’s goal. Finished with one shot and one aerial won. Hoping he gets a boost in confidence with tough fixtures coming up quickly.
Nacho — 7: Continues to be a good stand-in for Sergio Ramos. Is not afraid to be physical on the pitch either, which was needed today. Finished with two tackles.
Ferland Mendy — 7: A decent performance from the left-back who continues to prove himself. Was an active threat down the wing and often drifted inside but didn’t really add much defensively. Finished with one shot and one key pass.
Casemiro — 8: One of the saviours for the team tonight. Wasn’t afraid to put his body on the line and did so often. Made a crucial tackle to keep Celta from scoring an equalizer. Finished with one dribble, one aerial won and three tackles.
Fede Valverde — 7.75: Earns another start which is great to see and looked more himself over the 90 minutes. Offered himself in offence and defence throughout the match. Finished with two shots, one dribble, two key passes and two tackles.
Toni Kroos — 9: Does Kroos love playing against Celta Vigo or what? Assisted both of Benzema’s goals tonight and dictated the match. Finished with one dribble, two tackles, three key passes and a 94% pass completion rate. Subbed off after 71 mins.
Luka Modric — 8: Played the full 90 minutes and was a life-line in the midfield as usual. Linked up well with Benzema, Vazquez and Kroos to drive Madrid towards victory. Finished with one shot, one dribble, one key pass and on aerial won.
Karim Benzema — 9: Man of the match today. Benzema’s performances are keeping Madrid in the title race. Genuinely all over the pitch today, great decision making and clinical finishing. Finished with two goals, six shots, one assist, one dribble, two key passes and two aerials won.
Vini Jr. — 7: Earns the start over Asensio and again had somewhat of a disappointing match. Eager to get in on the play but the finishing touch is lacking. Needs to find it quickly. Finished with four shots, two dribbles, one key pass and one tackle plus a low 78% pass completion rate.
Substitutes:
Marco Asensio — 7.5: Came on for Kroos for the last 20 minutes of the match and took a long time to get in on the action. In the end, though, he did exactly what a substitute is supposed to do and scored the club’s third goal to cap off the victory. Finished with one goal and one key pass.
