AS the Spanish League returns, Athletico Madrid (Thursday) and Real Madrid (Friday) both made winning return to the World Cup break with 2-0 wins over Elche and Valladolid respectively. stay top of the table as the Spanish La Liga returns last night.
Karim Benzema scored twice in the final seven minutes to earn Real Madrid a hard-earned win at Valladolid.
The late strikes by the Ballon d’Or winner lift Madrid top of La Liga, a point clear of Barcelona.
Benzema, who missed the World Cup through injury, put Real ahead with an 83rd-minute penalty after a highly disputed handball decision.
He wrapped up the win six minutes later with a calm finish from Eduardo Camavinga’s pass.
This was Real’s first game since the World Cup, with losing French finalists Aurelien Tchouameni and Camavinga on the bench.
Athletico’s Joao Felix, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, started for Diego Simeone’s side and scored the opener. Alvaro Morata added the second to ensure a win against strugglers Elche.
In the other games, Getafe beat Real Mallorca 2-0 with with Mayoral securing a brace too, Cadiz drew 1-1 with Almeria and Celta Vigo held Sevilla to a 1-1 draw too.
In today’s fixtures, Barcelona host Espanyol in a city derby, Real Sociedad take on Osasuna and Valencia visit Villareal.
Barcelona vs Espanyol
Real Sociedad vs Osasuna
Villarreal vs Valencia
