Benzema bags a brace in big Real Madrid win over Elche to cut Barcelona lead to eight points

The Frenchman netted twice before the interval after Marco Asensio had opened the scoring with a fine individual effort in the eighth minute.

Luka Modric put the seal on victory with a fine finish 10 minutes from time.

Madrid got off to a flying start as Asensio weaved his way through the defence and planted a low shot into the bottom corner.

Benzema claimed his first just after the half-hour mark following a handball and then added another after Rodrygo was fouled. His double took him into fifth place in LaLiga’s all-time scoring list with 230 goals.

Modric further rewarded Madrid for their dominance when he struck from the edge of the area late on.