Benzema leads Real Madrid past Almería with third hat trick of the month

Real Madrid won the home duel with Almería without much difficulty. The number two of La Liga recorded a 4-2 victory at their own Bernabéu. Almería, still fighting against relegation, appeared with a double wall of defenders, but to no avail.

Karim Benzema scored three goals before the break; the 1-0 on a pass from Vinicius Júnior, the 2-0 after a beautiful action by Rodrygo near the back line and the 3-0 from the penalty spot. Lázaro then did something back for Almería with a nick in injury time of the first half.

It was the third time in April that Benzema accounted for a hat-trick. The 35-year-old Frenchman also scored three times in La Liga against Real Valladolid (6-0) and in the Copa del Rey against Barcelona (0-4).

Real Madrid made it 4-1 through a placed shot by Rodrygo shortly after halftime. Almería then let go of defensive duties more, also got a few chances and one of them was exploited: Lucas Robertone headed the ball into the top corner from close range in the 61st minute.

Barcelona will also be in action at 9 p.m.. The frontrunner, who surprisingly lost 2-1 to Rayo Vallecano last Wednesday, at Camp Nou against sub-topper Real Betis. The club from Sevilla is number six in the league.