(Football news) There was a time when Cristiano Ronaldo used to always turn up and win games for Real Madrid. Commentator Peter Dury famously once said "It's him again, it's always him" about the Portuguese. Now Real Madrid have that same feeling this time with two players Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr who more often than not link up to score goals for Real Madrid just when they need to. Between the two they have 49 goals and 26 assists in all competitions.
After their historical comeback win over PSG in the UCL, Real Madrid got a regulation 3-0 win away at Mallorca. Carlo Ancelotti rested Luka Modric and Dani Carvajal for the game. The first half was a very cagey affair as Real Madrid failed to break down the home team's defence. The Mallorca players were all over Vinicius Jr who was fouled way too many times in the first half and ended goalless. It was the Brazilian who had the last laugh as he broke the deadlock in the 55th minute after some tireless pressing by Fede Valverde which resulted in Benzema setting up Vinicius.
In the 77th minute the youngster won a penalty which Benzema converted. Five minutes later, Marcelo came on as a substitute, rolled back the years and whipped an inch perfect cross which Benzema headed home for his 2nd of the night. The game ended 3-0 but Real Madrid came out with a few injury concerns. Rodrygo limped off the pitch after a hard tackle while Ferland Mendy was taken off after a muscle overload. Karim Benzema was limping after jumping for the 3rd goal but had to continue because Ancelotti had used all his substitutions. He eventually had to go off without a replacement.
Early reports suggest that none of the injuries are serious and all of them should be fit for the El Clasico on Sunday. It will be the first time in a while when both teams are in such good form. The El Clasico may not affect the title race this time around but it will surely be an exciting one. Even more so as the Santiago Bernabeu is expected to be on fire just like it was in the PSG clash.
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