MADRID (SPAIN) – Two goals from its leading scorer Karim Benzema led Real Madrid to trounce Villarreal 2-1 on Thursday. They have extended their 34th La Liga title with one game to spare.
After 37 matches, Real are left with 86 points, which are seven more than deposed winner Barcelona who were lost 2-1 to Osasuna.
After 29 minutes, Benzema sent the ball flying through the legs of keeper Sergio Asenjo to place Madrid ahead and converted a penalty in the 77th minute helping the club achieve the 10th consecutive league win since the season started after the pandemic crisis forced it to stop.
Benzema’s goal came moments after a pass from the spot kick by Sergio Ramos. However, it had to be re-taken citing encroachment.
The French forward took the penalty himself and rammed it into the bottom corner to clinch his 21st league goal of the campaign.
Villarreal scored a late goal through Vicente Iborra.
Real Madrid skipper Ramos lifted the Liga trophy at the Alfredo di Stefano stadium, which was bereft of spectators. The Madrid side have been playing their final matches of the season here as their Santiago Bernabeu home is undergoing renovation.
“To return after spending three months locked in our homes and to win 10 matches in a row is incredible, but I always believed in my team and knew we could win it,” said Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field