This archive report was first published on 29 June 2020.
On Sunday, Real Madrid's Karim Benzema produced a moment of magic to help his team beat Espanyol 1-0 away, capitalizing on Barcelona's slip-up a day earlier and moving two points clear at the top of La Liga.
With the score tied at halftime, Benzema's audacious back-heeled assist found Casemiro, who slid to the ground to guide the ball home.
Real Madrid's players celebrated their fifth consecutive victory, which took them top on 71 points after 32 games. Barcelona, who were held to a 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo on Saturday, are second on 69 points.
It was a difficult game for Real Madrid, but Benzema's quick thinking and Casemiro's goal helped them secure three important points.
"It was a nice assist, but the goal was more important," Benzema said. "Casemiro did well and got us three important points after a very difficult game."
Real Madrid looked in control for most of the match, but had to endure two nervy moments in the final stages. Espanyol's Bernardo Espinosa was inches away from connecting with a ball that flashed across the face of goal, while Real defender Marcelo was forced to block a shot in added time.
Espanyol, who were playing their first game under caretaker coach Francisco Rufete, remain rooted to the bottom of the table on 24 points, 10 away from escaping the relegation zone.
