Gareth Bale opened the scoring from Dani Carvajal’s knock down in the 17th minute but the away side drew level from the spot seven minutes later following a foul from Casemiro.
Benzema then scored twice in 13 minutes during the second period to put the hosts in charge before Sergio Ramos added a fourth in the 66th minute after Marco Asensio was felled.
Here, we rate Madrid’s players.
STARTING XI
Thibaut Courtois – Was put into the spotlight with the penalty but went the wrong way. Otherwise was solid whenever called upon. 6
Dani Carvajal – Another good performance as he marauded down the right flank set up Bale for the opener. 8
Raphael Varane – Assured display at the back, never look troubled and was commanding in the air. 6
Sergio Ramos – He’s gained more of a leading role since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure and he’s loving it. Good distribution and flawless from the spot. 8
Marcelo – Was outshone by Carvajal in attack but still created a couple of half chances. 6
Luka Modric – Fresh from winning UEFA Player of the Year, he wasn’t at his influential best but set up Benzema for his second. 7
Casemiro – Tracked back well and won a lot of headers. Clumsy challenge in the box conceded a penalty though. 5
Toni Kroos – Tidy with his passing as ever and even had a couple of shots at goal. 7
Gareth Bale – Seven goals in his last seven La Liga appearances. Always a threat. Bale is living up to his billing this season. 8
Karim Benzema – Growing in confidence. Showed good strength for his headed goal while his second came from a superb exchange with Modric. 9
Marco Asensio – Bagged an assist with an excellent delivery for Benzema and threatened the goal a few times himself. Was Madrid’s most creative player and won the penalty as well. 8
SUBS
Isco – Bit of swagger about him. A 360-degree turn inside the box was something his former coach Zinedine Zidane would’ve been proud of. 6
Dani Ceballos – Fortunate not to be booked after catching Juanfran with a high boot. N/A
Lucas Vazquez – Replaced Bale with only three minutes to go. N/A
