Mueez Ajao
– Karim Benzema’s hat-trick against Almeria saw him pass Hugo Sanchez as the fourth-highest scorer in La Liga history with 236 goals.
– Benzema scored two close-range finishes after cutbacks from Brazil wingers Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
– Lucas Vazquez was fouled by Largie Ramazani and Benzema converted from the spot to complete his first-half treble.
Also Read: Castellanos’ four goals crushes Real Madrid
– Victory sees second-placed Real Madrid move within eight points of leaders Barcelona.
– Carlo Ancelotti’s side got back to winning ways before Real’s Champions League semi-final against Manchester City on 9 May.
– Only Lionel Messi (474), Cristiano Ronaldo (311) and Zarra (252) have scored more goals in the Spanish top flight than the former France forward.
– Almeria pulled a goal back in the dying seconds of the first half, with Ramazani atoning after conceding the penalty by crossing into the six-yard box for Lazaro Vinicius to finish.
– Two minutes after the restart, Rodrygo fired a screamer into the top corner from outside the box.
– Substitute Lucas Robertone headed in from a Francisco Portillo cross just after the hour mark as relegation-threatened Almeria put up a fight against the defending champions, but were ultimately overpowered.
– Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo had diving headers ruled out for offside with Los Blancos unable to get their fifth goal of the thrilling contest.
– Barcelona have the chance to restore their 11-point lead at the top when they face Real Betis this evening at 20:00 BST.
FT: #RealMadridAlmería 4-2
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐡 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐳𝐞𝐦𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐭-𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤!#LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/hdvdMBniFn
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) April 29, 2023
