Karim Benzema and Real Madrid remove the rust and win to keep up the pace in the LaLiga race

Real Madrid secured a 2-0 win at Real Valladolid as Karim Benzema scored two late goals from penalties

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move them within a clear spot of Barcelona atop La Liga on Friday. Ballon d'Or winner Benzema returns to the starting

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eleven after missing the Cup sector with France with a thigh injury on the eve of the event.

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The Royals scored from a penalty at 83' after a handball to Javi Sánchez that Benzema converted from a penalty.

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Benzema doubled Madrid's advantage in discount after a help from substitute Eduardo Camavinga.

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If Real Madrid want to beat Barcelona for the LaLiga name, they will need Karim Benzema in top form

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something we haven't seen so far this season. His performance in Valladolid on Friday was a slow start to put that right.

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This was not the Ballon d'Or in its heyday, far away, but when the final whistle blew it became his two dreams that gave Madrid

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