Madrid: Real Madrid continued their perfect start to the La Liga season by thrashing neighbours Leganes 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu helped by a Karim Benzema double, while Atletico Madrid slumped to a 0-2 defeat away to Celta Vigo, Saturday.
Gareth Bale scored for the third game running to give the Los Blancos the lead in the 17th minute but Leganes pulled level with a penalty as Real debutant Thibaut Courtois was powerless to stop Guido Carillo’s spot-kick in the 24th.
Benzema headed Real back in front shortly after the interval although the goal was only given after the referee consulted the video assistant referee (VAR).
The Frenchman then struck his fourth goal in two league games from a delightful backheel by newly-crowned UEFA Player of the year Luka Modric, moving to within one strike of equalling his tally of five league goals over the whole of last season.
Benzema had the opportunity to complete a hat-trick when Madrid were awarded a penalty after Marco Asensio was tripped by Unai Bustinza, but captain Sergio Ramos took responsibility for the spot-kick and completed the rout by scoring for the second game in a row from the spot.
On the other hand, Diego Simoene’s Atletico suffered their first major setback of the season with the reverse at Celta as they conceded two goals in quick succession and had defender Stefan Savic sent off.
Celta’s Uruguayan striker Maxi Gomez put the Galicians ahead after the break after a slip by compatriot Diego Godin and Iago Aspas doubled the lead in the 52nd with a header.
Things got worse for Atletico after 70 minutes as Montenegro defender Savic was dismissed for a second booking and a minute later they thought they had conceded again but Gustavo Cabral’s effort was ruled offside by the video assistant referee (VAR).
