Goals: Real Madrid—Benzema 56’ - Ronaldo 69’
Benzema puts Real Madrid up ahead! Lucky break for Real Madrid? #beINLaLiga https://t.co/PiVF2bZrS8
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTSUSA) February 22, 2015
Recap: Ninety minutes of enthralling football saw Real Madrid capture a 2-0 victory over Elche on Sunday.
A frustrating first half kept the visitors blank, with a Karim Benzema bicycle kick being wrongly ruled offside. It would’ve been the Frenchman’s 13th league goal of the season; however, he responded in the second half. Calamitous events left the ball on his left foot with an open net in sight. A simple tap-in gifted Los Blancos a 1-0 lead. A Cristiano Ronaldo header just 13 minutes later sealed the 2-0 victory.
With the result, Real Madrid extend their lead over Barcelona to four points.
Key Moment: Elche were fortunate to not be down a man in the second half. A reckless challenge on Gareth Bale drew a yellow card, but red was the more appropriate color.
Man of the Match: Very quitely, Isco’s influence in the midfield is becoming irreplaceable. The 22-year-old finished with an assist and four take-ons.
Lesson Learned: Cristiano Ronaldo’s lack of scoring in league competition led to forceful play in the first 55 minutes. The reigning FIFA Ballon d’Or winner dropped deeper in midfield than usual to receive the ball. Poor movement inside the 18 squandered a chance Benzema was hoping to play across. Ronaldo stood within striking distance, his back to goal, unable to read the intentions of his French counterpart. A breakthrough finally came in the 69th minute, thanks to form more synonymous with his game.
Up Next: Real Madrid host Villarreal on Mar. 1, while Elche visit Celta Vigo on Mar. 2.
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via WhoScored).
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