Zidane hails Real matchwinner Benzema

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane hailed forward Karim Benzema after the Frenchman's double in their 3-0 victory over Cadiz sent them top of La Liga.

Benzema's goals also put him level with club legend Raul Gonzalez as having scored against 35 different La Liga opponents throughout his career in Spain.

"I'm really pleased with what he's doing. He's such an important player for us, for our game, not only scoring goals, but he helps bring so many others into play," Zidane said.

"We are enjoying him and I really hope Real Madrid can continue enjoying him a lot longer.

"He's so important for getting in between the lines, and he can be found so easily. And then when he scores, perfect."

Benzema netted the opener from the penalty spot - the first time the reigning champions have been awarded a spot-kick in La Liga since October - after VAR spotted a foul on Vinicius.

He then showed the other side to his game as his run and cross teed up Alvaro Odriozola for a maiden senior league goal.

The victory took Real top of the table on 70 points, above Atletico Madrid - who have played a match fewer - due to their superior head-to-head record.

"We started the game really well, robbing the ball high, that was the gameplan," Madrid defender Marcelo said.

"We know there are no easy games in La Liga, it might have seemed like an easy win, but we were really good.

"Madrid never give up. We'll fight (for the title) until the end in every game we have."

- Reuters