Real Madrid's Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale put Espanyol to the sword

Karim Benzema will start up front for Real Madrid (Reuters)

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema is the type of player who can excite any football fan, coach Santiago Solari said after the often-maligned Frenchman scored twice and inspired his side to a 4-2 win at Espanyol in La Liga on Sunday.

Benzema, who has been playing through the pain of a fractured finger sustained two weeks ago, got the third-placed visitors off to a dream start by pouncing on a rebound and opening the scoring in the fourth minute.

The forward then made it 3-1 to Madrid just before halftime with a magnificent strike, playing a one-two with Vinicius Jr and stroking the ball into the bottom corner, and he played a role in Gareth Bale scoring the European champions' fourth.

"He had a spectacular game, Madrid fans are enjoying watching him and so would any person who likes football," Solari said after a fifth win from six games in all competitions for his side, who are hitting form after a poor start to 2019.

"Karim is such a generous player, he makes his team mates better with his play and with his efforts."

Benzema, 31, is Real's leading scorer this term with 13 goals though he has not always enjoyed the devotion of the fans due to his inconsistent scoring record, having notched more than 20 in the league in only two of his 10 seasons with the club.

Yet with Madrid's all-time top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo now at Juventus, and the likes of Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio struggling for consistency and with injuries, Benzema has turned into of one of their most reliable players this year.

"Today he scored twice, but he always puts in complete performances," added Solari, after the win kept third-placed Madrid within five points of local rivals Atletico, although still 10 adrift of leaders Barcelona.

Winger Lucas Vazquez also heaped praise on Benzema.

"He is proving that he is the best number nine in the world," he said. "He is scoring goals, working hard and linking up with everyone. It's wonderful to be able to play with him."

Reuters

Preview

How to stream and watch on TV...

The match will be shown online on Eleven Sports 1 and STV Player.

Form guide...

Espanyol – LLDLL

Real Madrid – WDLWW

Odds...

Real Madrid 4/6

Espanyol 3/1

Draw 4/1

Prediction...

Espanyol 0-2 Real Madrid

[27 January 2019 21:15 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Espanyol 1-4 Real Madrid

70 minutes

Benzema has been superb tonight. He creates another chance, this time for Carvajal, with a clever pass, but the full back can't beat Lopez with his finish.

[27 January 2019 21:16 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Espanyol 1-4 Real Madrid

72 minutes

Varane is sent off after bringing down Pablo Piatti, who was running clean through on goal. Espanyol appeared down and out, but perhaps there's a glimmer of hope for them now.

[27 January 2019 21:18 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Espanyol 1-4 Real Madrid

74 minutes

Chaos at the back for Real. Casemiro is dispossessed in his own box and Garcia hits a looping shot over Courtois. Carvajal is there to block on the line before Sergi Darder's rebound is saved. 

[27 January 2019 21:19 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Espanyol 1-4 Real Madrid

76 minutes

Oscar Melendo replaces Sergi Darder for Espanyol.

Real make a change too: Marcelo on for Modric.

[27 January 2019 21:21 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Espanyol 1-4 Real Madrid

77 minutes

Espanyol have come to life since the red card, but it's probably too little too late. Garcia gets another shot off inside the box but it's straight into the hands of Courtois.

[27 January 2019 21:26 · Callum Rice-Coates]

GOAL! Espanyol 2-4 Real Madrid (Rosales)

82 minutes

Espanyol have some hope. Roberto Rosales chests a ball over the top and smashes a volley past Courtois. It's an excellent finish, although it was originally ruled out for offside. The goal is given, though, with the help of VAR.

[27 January 2019 21:29 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Espanyol 2-4 Real Madrid 

85 minutes

Courtois rushes out to clear with Piatti bearing down on goal. Espanyol have really taken the game to Real since Varane's dismissal. The visitors, who looked completely out of sight after Bale's goal, are now without both of their first choice centre backs and struggling to cope at the back.

[27 January 2019 21:32 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Espanyol 2-4 Real Madrid 

88 minutes

Vazquez, played in by Kroos, has a chance to seal the points. But he can't connect with his shot and Lopez saves easily.

[27 January 2019 21:33 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Espanyol 2-4 Real Madrid 

89 minutes

Nacho is in the book for a late challenge. Espanyol are running out of time, but Real's defending is frantic.

[27 January 2019 21:34 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Espanyol 2-4 Real Madrid 

90 minutes

Garcia lines up a free kick in a promising position, but hits it way over the bar. Four minutes of added time will be played.