Spain: Ballon d'Or Benzema brings Real to Elche

Benzema saw two of his goals disallowed (5th, 60th), and another from David Alaba (26th) to whom he had offered the assist (all for offside), but that did not slow down the Merengues: the Carlo Ancelotti's men still found the breach thanks to a powerful recovery from the outside of the left foot signed Fede Valverde (11th), who propelled the ball into the top corner of Elche.

This is the 6th goal in 15 matches this season in all competitions for the Uruguayan, as many as in his 148 matches previously played in the merengue jersey.

Then Benzema himself finally saw one of his goals validated after a nice one-two with Rodrygo (75th), and the Brazilian served Marco Asensio again in the 89th minute to seal the 3-0.

- Golden studs for the "Nueve" -

Two days after being crowned Ballon d'Or, the French international celebrated his coronation with cleats with golden soles, and with a full match which earned him the man of the match trophy.

"KB9" was even the author of a nice extra-sporting gesture: before the break (42nd), Benzema put the ball into touch and pointed the finger at the stands to the referee, who interrupted the game five minutes so that the emergency services can provide assistance to a victim of mild illness.

Elche's rare chances, like that long shot from Nico in the 29th minute which forced Andriy Lunin to fly away, didn't worry the people of Madrid, impeccable all game, three days after their brilliant 3-1 victory in the clasico against FC Barcelona on Sunday at the Bernabéu.

"It's an important passage in the season, we're in a good moment, the team is doing well, we have no uncertainty, no problem. Saturday, Thibaut (Courtois) returns, next week Dani Ceballos... The team is in good health, and we must take advantage of it", encouraged Ancelotti in a post-match press conference.

- Mourning victory for Real Sociedad -

Earlier in the evening, Real Sociedad defeated Mallorca 1-0 at home thanks to an express goal from Mikel Merino with a header from a corner. The Basques go back to third place, provisionally tied on points with FC Barcelona (22 points), and ahead of Betis Sevilla, who stalled 0-0 in Cadiz.

In San Sebastián, the start of the match was delayed by a few minutes due to the discomfort of a supporter. The person unfortunately died, Real Sociedad said in a statement after the game, dedicating the victory to him.

The card of the evening is signed Valladolid: the promoted won 4-1 against Celta Vigo, and goes back to 11th place, doubling the Galicians in the standings.