Real Madrid's Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale put Espanyol to the sword
Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema is the type of player who can excite any football fan, coach Santiago Solari said after the often-maligned Frenchman scored twice and inspired his side to a 4-2 win at Espanyol in La Liga on Sunday.
Benzema, who has been playing through the pain of a fractured finger sustained two weeks ago, got the third-placed visitors off to a dream start by pouncing on a rebound and opening the scoring in the fourth minute.
The forward then made it 3-1 to Madrid just before halftime with a magnificent strike, playing a one-two with Vinicius Jr and stroking the ball into the bottom corner, and he played a role in Gareth Bale scoring the European champions' fourth.
"He had a spectacular game, Madrid fans are enjoying watching him and so would any person who likes football," Solari said after a fifth win from six games in all competitions for his side, who are hitting form after a poor start to 2019.
"Karim is such a generous player, he makes his team mates better with his play and with his efforts."
Benzema, 31, is Real's leading scorer this term with 13 goals though he has not always enjoyed the devotion of the fans due to his inconsistent scoring record, having notched more than 20 in the league in only two of his 10 seasons with the club.
Yet with Madrid's all-time top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo now at Juventus, and the likes of Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio struggling for consistency and with injuries, Benzema has turned into of one of their most reliable players this year.
"Today he scored twice, but he always puts in complete performances," added Solari, after the win kept third-placed Madrid within five points of local rivals Atletico, although still 10 adrift of leaders Barcelona.
Winger Lucas Vazquez also heaped praise on Benzema.
"He is proving that he is the best number nine in the world," he said. "He is scoring goals, working hard and linking up with everyone. It's wonderful to be able to play with him."
Barcelona can extend their lead at the top of La Liga to five points with victory over Girona at the Estadi Montilivi -- not Miami -- today. Ernesto Valverde made several changes as his side fell to defeat in the Copa del Rey against Sevilla in midweek, and a win today will be needed to justify that.
The Blaugrana, in strong form in La Liga, will be strong favourites, but they will have to be wary of a Girona side more than capable of causing an upset. Kick off is just minutes away.
Girona have started well. The visitors are forced to deal with a couple of long balls into the box, before Garcia breaks down the left. His cross is headed clear by Pique.
Barcelona break forward and win a free kick on the left. Messi, standing menacingly over the ball, swings in a dangerous cross which just about makes its way into the arms of goalkeeper Bono.
Coutinho collects the ball in space and turns toward the Girona goal. He cuts inside and looks set to hit a trademark long shot. But instead he lofts a tame cross into the box, which rolls harmlessly through for a goal kick.
Barcelona capitalise on some loose Girona defending and lead at the Estadi Montilivi. The ball bobbles around the box, before dropping at the feet of right back Semedo, who sweeps a left-footed finish into the bottom corner. An unexpected goal scorer, perhaps, but no surprise that Barcelona are in front. They've started turning the screw after a slow opening few minutes.
Girona, looking for an immediate response, break down the left. The ball is played towards the back post and Stuani goes down under pressure. There are some appeals for a penalty but the referee isn't interested.
Chance for Pons. A free kick is swung into the box and the midfielder meets it with a strong header. Ter Stegen is stranded but the ball loops over the bar. Barcelona look vulnerable from crosses.
Coutinho really should make it 2-0. Messi slips a perfect pass into the Brazilian, who runs through one-on-one with Bono. But he can't beat the onrushing goalkeeper with his finish.
Girona aren't making things easy for Barcelona. The hosts have edged possession so far and caused problems in the final third. They need to be constantly wary, though, of the threat posed by Barcelona at the other end.
Messi drives at the Girona defence and plays one-two with Coutinho. The Argentine looks to find a path through to goal, but he's crowded out and dispossessed.
Messi, unsurprisingly, is involved again as Barcelona come forward threateningly. He plays a delightful pass over the top for Suarez, who cuts back and returns the ball to Messi. He tries to curl a shot into the far corner but it flies just past the post.
Barcelona are starting to control this game now. Messi is dictating things, and plays another excellent pass into the path of Jordi Alba. His cross is blocked and Girona defend the resulting corner well.
Messi and Coutinho link up nicely again. The former drives towards goal and goes down under a challenge from Bernardo, who goes into the book. Barcelona have a free kick on the edge of the box.
Messi strikes his free kick at the wall and Girona look to spring a counter attack. Lenglet stops any progress with a cynical foul and picks up a yellow card.
Portu meets a delicate ball into the box but glances his header wide of the far post. It's the first time in a while that Girona have troubled Barcelona's defence.
Barcelona are not defending crosses convincingly. Porro swings one in from the right, which causes problems for Ter Stegen. The German flaps at the ball but it drops kindly and Barcelona clear.
