Real Madrid

Benzema was decisive, yet again, in a Real Madrid victory. The French striker scored the two goals that gave the Whites a 2-0 victory over Hercules. Karim is showing critics that he is a magnificent player of innate quality that has allowed him to become one of the best strikers in Europe. Benzema is worthy of playing for Real Madrid despite criticism that said he had run his course on the team. These people must now keep silent.

Real Madrid stepped onto the pitch with Wednesday's UCL match against Lyon in mind: Mourinho benched Xabi Alonso and Pepe, allowing Granero and Arbeloa to make the starting lineup. Hercules created good ball movement, but Real Madrid dominated the match, patiently waiting for a chance to score. Ozil received the ball right outside the box and passed it to Arbeloa, who entered the area and served a perfect assist to Benzema, who in turn defeated keeper Calatayud with ease (23').

Esteban Vigo's men didn't suffer from the strike and tried to net an equaliser several times to no avail. Their best chance was thwarted by an inspired Casillas, who cleared the ball in an individual effort by Kiko Femenia.

The second half had a similar start to the first. Hercules had good touch on ball again, but rarely approached Real Madrid's box. The Whites tried to score another strike to seal the match, and Benzema eventually did on the 55-minute mark: the French striker controlled the ball just outside the box, entered the area and fired a dry and strong shot that surprised the keeper. The game was sentenced then and there and Mourinho decided to make Alonso and Khedira come on for Di Maria and Granero. Canales also came on for Ozil (who received a standing ovation) when there were 12 minutes left in the game. Adebayor and Benzema had more chances on goal that were thwarted by an inspired goalie in the final minutes of the game.

Real Madrid are now four points behind the leaders and must start preparing for Wednesday's match against Lyon in the second leg of the UCL Last 16 at the Bernabeu.

Lineups

Real Madrid
Casillas
Arbeloa
Albiol
Sergio Ramos
Marcelo
Lass Diarra
Granero
Xabi Alonso 68'
Özil
Canales 80'
Benzema	Goal 24' 56'
Adebayor
Di María
Khedira 58'

Hércules
Calatayud
Juanra
Abraham Paz
Pamarot
Pulhac
Farinós
Abel Aguilar
Kiko
Tiago Gomes
Nelson Valdez 66'
Thomert
Sendoa 66'
Portillo
Cristian 72'