Asensio netted a hat-trick and Benzema scored a brace before Isco completed the drubbing to take Real Madrid to the top of the points table.
Follow Us
Real Madrid thrashed Mallorca 6-1 at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday and moved to the top of the La Liga points table. Benzema opened the scoring within three minutes of kick-off before Asensio extended the lead in the 24th minute. Although Lee Kang-in pulled one back immediately for the visitors it proved to be just a consolation. Just before the half-hour mark, Asensio restored the two goal lead. After the break, Asensio completed his hat-trick and then Benzema scored his second of the night before Isco completed the drubbing.
The hosts started the match brightly as Benzema pounced on a slip by Josep Gaya to dribble forward and slot the ball past Mallorca goalkeeper Manolo Reina. Few minutes later, Asensio almost scored an Olimpico goal but Reina made a last-ditch desperate save to keep the ball out. But the Spanish midfielder got his first of the night after some good work from Rodrygo on the right side of penalty area.
The Brazilian put in a low cross that was blocked by Reina, but Asensio was lurking at the near post to slot the ball in from rebound. Meanwhile, within a minute, at the other end, Kang-in beat Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with a brilliant low, left-footed dipping shot from the edge of the box.
However, Mallorca’s hopes of a comeback were short lived as Asensio made the score 3-1 in the 29th minute. Centre-back Militao played a very good pass to Benzema, the Frenchman released Asensio with a nicely cushioned first time pass and the Spanish midfielder curled the ball past Reina with his left foot.
He could have got a first half hat-trick but Martin Valjent made a goal-line block to deny the 25-year-old from close range. Los Blancos continued to attack as Vinicius and Benzema’s shots were saved by Reina. Five minutes into second half, Real Madrid thought they had their fourth, after After Rodrygo’s brilliant cross was slotted in by Benzema. But, after VAR intervention, the referee changed his decision and gave a free-kick to Mallorca for Benzema’s foul on Joan Sastre.
In the 55th minute, Asensio curled the ball in from outside the box with his left foot to make the score 4-1. And then, 12 minutes from time, David Alaba’s floated ball fell to Benzema inside the box and the 33-year-old striker’s attempt clipped two Mallorca defenders before going past Reina. It was Benzema’s 200th La Liga goal for Real Madrid.
Isco, who came in for the hat-trick hero in the 72nd minute made it 6-1 in the 84th minute. Vinicius laid the ball to Isco inside the box and the Spanish midfielder placed the ball past Reina into the bottom corner with a first-time finish.
It was a dominant performance from Los Blancos. The wingers Rodrygo and Vinicius were very good as they ran riot at the opposition defence. Meanwhile Asensio has been excelling in his free role behind Benzema and the Frenchman as usual is prolific in front of goal.
“The competition to get in the team is tough,” admitted Asensio.
“I had the chance to start the game and I knew I had to take it and I’m happy to have done that. Mallorca are a special club for me so I couldn’t celebrate against them.”
Asked if he felt he had something to prove he added: “I wanted to show that I can contribute and I did that.”
