Athletic 0-2 Real Madrid: Benzema catches up with Raul to keep Barcelona within striking distance

Karim Benzema’s 228th LaLiga goal paved the way to victory 2-0 by Real vs Sporty in “San Mames” on the 18th match day and thus within easy reach of leaders Barcelona.

The French striker scored the volley in the 24th minute (after two good moments from the home side) and surpassed Alfredo Di Stefano’s league goals while also tying up Raul’s record. Only Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Telmo Thara and Hugo Sanchez have more goals in La Liga than the Ballon d’Or winner.

Ernesto Valverde’s side didn’t flinch and tried to react immediately, especially with Ignacy Williams leading the attack. Thibaut Courtois brought down ‘rolls’ when needed and was at times the only bulwark in the Basque effort.

With Athletic ahead, a mistake in the 90th minute allowed Toni Kroos (substitute Luka Modric) to make it 2-0 and sealed the win.

The results of the 18th game

• Mallorca – Celta 1-0 (59′ Rodriguez)
• Rayo Vallecano – Real Sociedad 0-2 (15′ Charlotte, 36′ Barenetsea)
• Espanyol-Betis 1-0 (43′ Braithwaite)
• Atlético – Valladolid 3-0 (18′ Morata, 23′ Griezmann, 28′ Hermoso)
• Seville – Cadiz 1-0 (89’Rakitic)
• Villarreal-Girona 1-0 (90+11′ pen. Deploy)
• Moose-Osasuna 1-1 (67′ Carmona / 20′ Avila)
• Barcelona – Getafe 1-0 (35′ Peter)
• Athletic – real 0-2 (24′ Benzema, 90′ Kroos)
• 23/01 22:00 Valencia – Almeria

The program of the 19th game day

• 27/01 22:00 Almeria – Espanyol
• 28/01 15:00 Cadiz – Majorca
• 28/01 17:15 Girona-Barcelona
• 28/01 19:30 Seville – moose
• 28/01 22:00 Getafe – Betis
• 29/01 15:00 Valladolid-Valencia
• 29/01 17:15 Osasuna – Atletico
• 29/01 19:30 Celta – Athletic
• 29/01 22:00 Real – Real Sociedad
• 30/01 22:00 Villarreal Rayo