Vinicius Jr broke the deadlock ten minutes into second half before Karim Benzema scored a double in the last 13 minutes to seal the win for Real Madrid.
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Karim Benzema scored a double as Real Madrid thrashed Mallorca 3-0 in the La Liga fixture at Iberostar Stadium. Following a goalless first half, Vinicius Jr broke the deadlock ten minutes after the restart, slotting home from Benzema’s assist to put Real ahead. And then, Benzema doubled the lead from the penalty spot, thirteen minutes from time before completing his brace five minutes later. The win helped Carlo Ancelotti’s side to extend their lead at the top of the standings to 10 points.
Also read: Crystal Palace vs Manchester City: Guardiola’s side held to a goalless draw
? FT: @RCD_Mallorca 0-3 @realmadriden
⚽ @vinijr 55′, @Benzema 77′ (p), 82′
#RCDMallorcaRealMadrid | #Emirates pic.twitter.com/F6RuoyUopi— Real Madrid C.F. ???? (@realmadriden) March 14, 2022
The Los Blancos started the match brightly as Vinicius slid the ball through for Benzema on the left side of the box, but the Frenchman’s effort was well saved by Mallorca keeper Sergio Rico at the near post. At the other end, Vedat Muriqi’s first-time effort from a cross went wide before Pablo Muffeo’s shot from 12 yards out struck the post.
The visitors took the lead on 55 minutes when Iddrisu Baba was caught in possession by Federico Valverede and Benzema played the ball to Vinicius who slotted home past Rico. 22 minutes later, Vinicius was pushed inside the area and the referee pointed to the spot. Benzema stepped up, sent the goalkeeper the wrong way and deposited the ball into the left bottom corner.
The 34-year-old striker made the score 3-0 on 82 minutes when he headed home from Marcelo’s cross. It was the Frenchman’s 32ns goal of the season in all competitions. Meanwhile he also became the highest French goalscorer in history .However, Benzema had to go off late on with an injury in his lower left leg, giving Ancelotti a serious headache before Sunday’s El Clasico.
Real Madrid also lost Rodrygo to an injury after a studs up challenge from defender Antonio Rallio on the right foot of the Brazilian winger. The 21-year-old was carried off the pitch by Real Madrid doctor’s, unable to put his foot on the floor. Railo was shown a red card.
“It wasn’t only the tackle on Rodrygo, there was another studs up challenge on Vinicius that was also unacceptable,” Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno told reporters.
“We as members of the football world have to protect our players and can’t allow this type of violent play to be part of our beautiful game.”
“We have to wait for the exams later in the week, let’s hope it’s not serious.” Ancelotti said, as the club informed reporters that Rodrygo’s injury is the one that is the most concerning.
The victory helped Real Madrid to move to 66 points from 28 games, while Mallorca are in danger of relegation after five years as they are just two points above the drop zone in 16th.
La Liga: Real Madrid notch hard-fought win as Atletico, Valencia also register wins
