Benzema’s double guide Real to overcome Elche

Karim Benzema saved his side again by scoring two late goals to snatch a 2-1 win at home to Elche in La Liga on Saturday and revive his side’s hopes of catching leaders Atletico Madrid.

The victory lifted Real into second in the standings on 57 points, reducing the gap behind Atletico from eight points to six after the leaders drew 0-0 at Getafe later on.

Real are one point ahead of third-placed Barcelona, who host Huesca on Monday.

Elche took a shock lead just after the hour mark with a bullet header from Dani Calvo which crashed against the bar and over the line after both sides had strong penalty claims waved away.

Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane threw midfield duo Toni Kroos and Luka Modric on immediately after the goal and the change soon paid off.

Kroos played a short corner to Modric and the Croatian fed Benzema, who barely had to jump to head home in the 73rd minute.

Benzema, who last week struck late to grab a 1-1 draw away to leaders Atletico Madrid, then found the winner in stoppage time with a stunning strike just inside the area, lashing the ball the first time in off the far post.

ARR