MADRID: The 2022 La Liga winners Real Madrid cruised to a comprehensive 6-0 victory over Levante at the back of Vinicius Junior, here on Friday.
In a clash between the top and the bottom, Madrid made sure that their standings’ difference remained evident on the field as the already crowned championship hammered Levante and tested the side’s defences, which was reflected in the scoreline as well.
The hosts took an early lead in just the ninth minute of the game as Ferland Mendy surged forward to slot the ball home.
The Madrid skipper Benzema, who is back into the side after being rested for the La Liga derby against Atletico Madrid, soon found himself amongst the goals, getting on the end of a Vinicius cross at the back post.
Madrid then walked in their third goal before the half-time as Rodrygo combined with Luka Modric before the youngster tapped in from close range.
Modric then again provided the assist, this time to Vinicius, who tucked home from a tight angle.
The second half was all about Vinicius, who netted twice more to complete his hat-trick – first for the Madrid.
He scored his second in the 67th minute following a close assist from Benzema, who danced around the goalkeeper before passing to him. The final blow came in the 83rd minute when he took advantage of a Luka Jovic pass before netting the ball away with his left foot.
It is pertinent to mention here that with his 19th-minute goal against Levante, Benzema has equalled Raul’s record of the second-most goals (323) for the club, with only Cristiano Ronaldo (450) scoring more.
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