Benzema gifts Real victory in nervy encounter

Spanish giants scrape 1-0 win over lively Granada

MADRID: A solitary goal from Karim Benzema spared Real Madrid’s blushes as the Spanish giants scraped to a nervy 1-0 win over Granada on Saturday.

Real had scored 15 times in their previous three matches, but they were grateful to some poor Granada finishing and controversial calls by the officials to claim all three points.

Benzema grabbed the only goal of the game nine minutes into the second-half with a cushioned header from Isco’s fine cross.

“We knew before the game it could be difficult, against a good team that counters well, and that was how it was,” said Madrid boss Rafael Benitez. “We lost possession that allowed them to counter-attack and we didn’t take our chances which complicated the game. I know we have to win and play well, but when the game doesn’t go as you wish, to win and get the three points is very important.”

The scene appeared to be set at a sunny Bernabeu for Cristiano Ronaldo to surpass Raul to become Madrid’s all-time top goalscorer.

There was even a special introduction for the World Player of the Year as his mascot for the day was Zaid Mohsen, the seven-year-old Syrian refugee made famous when he and his father were tripped by a Hungarian camerawoman.

However, the script wasn’t followed once the action got underway as Granada passed up a host of chances to spring a massive surprise.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid remain just a point behind their city rivals as Fernando Torres came off the bench to inspire Diego Simeone’s men to a 2-0 win at Eibar. 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 21^st,  2015.

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