MADRID, Aug. 29 — Real Madrid remain top of La Liga on Sunday night after two late Karim Benzema goals gave them a 3-1 win away to Espanyol.
Benzema sidefooted Rodrygo’s cross home in the 88th minute to put his side back in front after they had failed to break down a dogged Espanyol defence in the second half.
He then added another in the 10th minute of injury-time from a free kick, after Espanyol keeper Benjamin Lecomte was sent off for fouling Dani Ceballos outside the area.
Espanyol had only won two of their last 27 games against Madrid, so it was no surprise when Vinicius Jr put them ahead after 11 minutes after a neat pass from Aurelien Tchouameni.
Joselu equalized for Espanyol and saw Thibaut Courtois deny him a second, but there was always an inevitability that Madrid would win.
Jules Kounde was at last able to make his debut for FC Barcelona, although Robert Lewandowski made the headlines as Barca enjoyed a comfortable 4-0 win at home to recently-promoted Real Valladolid.
Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele had both hit the woodwork before the Polish striker scored at the far post following a cross from Raphinha.
Pedri’s well-placed shot made it 2-0 three minutes before half-time and Lewandowski added his second with a deflected back-heel before Sergi Roberto’s injury-time tap-in rounded off a good night for Xavi Hernandez’s side.
The drama in the 0-0 draw between Getafe and Villarreal came late in injury time when the visitors thought they had a penalty for handball, only for the VAR to correct the referee’s decision.
Villarreal just about deserved a win which would have maintained their 100 percent start to the season, but Unai Emery’s side looked slightly flat after their UEFA Conference League tie on Thursday.
Sevilla’s poor start to the season continued as they lost an Andalusian derby 2-1 in Almeria on Saturday night.
Oliver Torres gave Sevilla a first-half lead, but it was overturned by Largie Ramanzni and Umar Sadiq with goals in the 42nd and 55th minutes. Sevilla has just three wins in their last 15 league matches — their worst run in 10 years.
Real Sociedad won 1-0 away to Elche on Saturday afternoon thanks to Brais Mendez’s first-half goal, and they should have won by more, but Mikel Merino’s Panenka-style penalty was saved when Elche keeper Edgar Badia stood his ground.
Real Mallorca also took three points with a 2-0 victory away to Rayo Vallecano thanks to goals from Vedat Muriqi and Lee Kang-in, who both took advantage of some poor defending by the home side.
On Friday, Borja Iglesias’ thumping right-foot shot gave Real Betis a 1-0 win at home to Osasuna to keep their 100 percent record in a close game which saw Betis defender German Pezzella sent off with 17 minutes left to play.
Friday also saw Iago Aspas’ third goal in three games give Celta Vigo their first win of the campaign as they won 1-0 away to an inoperative Girona. (Xinhua)
Late Benzema goals keep Real Madrid top in La Liga
