Frenchman Karim Benzema scored in his third consecutive game as Real Madrid beat Hercules 2-0 to move within four points of leaders Barcelona on Saturday.
Benzema has had his fair share of criticism from coach Jose Mourinho this season, but he has hit form in recent weeks and had a good understanding in attack alongside Emmanuel Adebayor against Hercules. With Real facing an important Champions League match against Lyon in mid-week, Mourinho held in reserve Pepe, Xabi Alonso and Cristiano Ronaldo, but second-from--bottom Hercules failed to take advantage and caused little danger.
Benzema slotted home an Alvaro Arbeloa pass midway through the first half and then struck again after the break.
“We are used to looking at Cristiano Ronaldo’s statistics, but Benzema has now scored 19 goals [in all competitions], which is an important quantity,” Real director general Jorge Valdano told Spanish television. “These numbers are proof of how good he is. He is going to give us a lot to be happy about in the future.”
Earlier, struggling Almeria snatched a point against Atletico Madrid with substitute Henok Goitom heading home to equalize in a 2-2 draw.
Almeria will be happy with the point after twice coming from behind, but they remain in the bottom three, while Atletico will go home knowing that poor defending cost them a win in their battle for a European place.
Sergio Aguero put Atletico ahead after latching onto a ball over the defense, but Albert Crusat drew Almeria level. Aguero looked to have given Atletico the win when he struck a shot into the corner from the edge of the area, but Almeria again responded with Goitom powering a Jose Ortiz cross past the outstretched Atletico ’keeper.
The battle for a Europa League place has opened up with Espanyol having lost six out of their last seven games, and Athletic Bilbao had lost their previous four until they beat Sevilla.
Atletico have now moved up to seventh, while above them, Espanyol take on Deportivo La Coruna and Athletic Bilbao play Getafe.
In Saturday’s late match, third-placed Valencia’s midweek exit from the Champions League appeared to have taken its toll as Unai Emery’s side slumped to a 4-0 defeat at struggling Real Zaragoza.
Jiri Jarosik, Ander Herrera and two penalties from Gabi sank the visitors, who finished with 10 men, to leave them on 54 points, 16 short of Real.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely