Real Madrid destroys Valladolid thanks to Benzema's seven-minute hat-trick.
AFP || Shining BD
Real Madrid's French forward Karim Benzema celebrates scoring a goal during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Real Valladolid FC at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on April 2, 2023. Photo: AFP
As Real Madrid thrashed Real Valladolid 6-0 on Sunday, Karim Benzema scored three goals in seven first-half minutes to cut Barcelona's LaLiga lead to 12 points.
Benzema now has 14 league goals this season, moving him up to second place in the scoring standings, three goals behind Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona.
Rodrygo's opener from a smooth counter-attack after 22 minutes opened the flood gates as Benzema took charge at the Santiago Bernabeu, netting a first half hat-trick for Real Madrid for the first time in his career.
Benzema scored his first with a diving header from a Vinicius Jr cross while narrowly avoiding a collision with the far post and the Brazilian also created the second with a simple pass for the French striker to score from the edge of the box.
When he adjusted his run into the six-yard box to turn immediately and scoop a Rodrygo cross that was behind him to score with his back to the goal, the 35-year-old completed his hat-trick.
In the second half, Marco Asensio provided a one-two pass to the Brazilian forward, who then assisted Rodrygo with another goal. Eden Hazard set up the game's deciding goal by snatching the ball from an errant pass and finding Lucas Vazquez.
Valladolid is currently in 16th place, one point above the relegation zone after suffering their second straight LaLiga loss.
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