Real Madrid thump Elche to maintain pursuit of Barcelona at top of La Liga
- Planet Sport writer
- 15 February 2023
Two penalties from Karim Benzema helped Real Madrid cut Barcelona's lead at the top of La Liga to eight points with an emphatic 4-0 win at bottom side Elche.
The Frenchman netted twice before the interval after Marco Asensio had opened the scoring with a fine individual effort in the eighth minute.
Luka Modric put the seal on victory with a fine finish 10 minutes from time.
Madrid got off to a flying start as Asensio weaved his way through the defence and planted a low shot into the bottom corner.
Benzema claimed his first just after the half-hour mark following a handball and then added another after Rodrygo was fouled. His double took him into fifth place in LaLiga's all-time scoring list with 230 goals.
Modric further rewarded Madrid for their dominance when he struck from the edge of the area late on.
