Real Madrid's French forward Karim Benzema (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the Spanish League football match between Real Madrid CF and SD Eibar at the Alfredo di Stefano stadium in Valdebebas on the outskirts of Madrid on April 3, 2021.
Karim Benzema continued his rich scoring form as Real Madrid warmed up for Tuesday's Champions League fixture against Liverpool with victory over Eibar.
The Frenchman recorded his 24th goal of the season with a firm header from eight yards in the 73rd minute.
Marco Asensio scored the opener when he slotted in from midfielder Casemiro.
The win moves Real to within three points of leaders Atletico Madrid, who are at Sevilla on Sunday.
For coach Zinedine Zidane this win was the perfect way to mark his 250th game in charge of Los Blancos.
The French coach had been under pressure earlier this season, following the Copa del Rey defeat by Alcoyano, but his side have been grinding out wins since February and could still finish with the La Liga-Champions League double.
🏁 FT: @realmadriden 2-0 @SDEibarEN
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 3, 2021
⚽ @marcoasensio10 41', @Benzema 73'#Emirates | #RealMadridEibar pic.twitter.com/EAUnKpZrdD
Real dominated struggling Eibar for much of the match. Aside from the goals, Spain international Asensio, Benzema and Casemiro had efforts ruled out for offside, while Isco went close with a free-kick that came off the bar.
Eibar, second from bottom on goal difference, looked threatening going forward but lacked a cutting edge. Alejandro Pozo sliced an effort wide from inside the area and Real keeper Thibaut Courtois did well to block a low drive from Takashi Inui late in the game.
