Real Madrid put five past Getafe in a thumping victory at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Saturday evening.
Los Blancos sought to continue their winning ways following a stunning UEFA Champions League quarterfinal performance midweek and indeed their chances were high coming up against a struggling Getafe outfit.
Frenchman Karim Benzema opened the scoring for the hosts with a close-range tap-in and assisted the second goal with his pass to Isco Alarcon, who doubled the visitors’ lead.
Welshman Gareth Bale scored the third just after the beginning of the second-half to give the Los Galacticos a three goal buffer and while the hosts managed to score a consolation goal, the result was never in any doubt.
James Rodriguez added to the tally while Cristiano Ronaldo – of course – threw more salt into Getafe’s wounds with a fifth goal in the last minute of the game.
Real now sit one point behind neighbours Atletico Madrid and arch-rivals Barcelona.
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Title race over?
It was only in February when coach Zinedine Zidane said the La Liga title race was over. Two months on and a handful of Catalan losses later, the scenario has changed for Los Galacticos.
At least somewhat altered.
After the squad’s performance against Getafe, the Frenchman thinks his side’s fortunes and chances have heightened.
“I think we have a better chance of winning the league because we keep on getting closer,” he said post match.
He and his squad strongly believe they have what it takes to be champions and says currently his team are doing everything right in order to attain this goal.
Of course, their cause has been aided by an almost uncharacteristic Barca side whose somewhat downward spiral culminated after their Champions League loss to Atletico.
However, the real question is whether the Los Blancos can continue their winning ways.
On paper it seems very much possible, with their next two fixtures against Villarreal and Rayo Vallecano prior to their UCL semi-final clash with English Premier League giants Manchester City.
Benzema focussed on Madrid success
It has been an aggravating few months for French international Benzema, but Zidane is adamant he is focused on the task at hand with Real.
The French Football Federation ruled him out of playing at the European Championship in June this year, following the legal investigation regarding an alleged plot to blackmail fellow Frenchman and friend Mathieu Valbuena.
Benzema has in the past cut a frustrated figure on the pitch for his side, yet scored and assisted in the match against Getafe and is seeking to continue his run of form.
Zidane spoke in defence of his forward, saying his efforts were always necessary for the side.
“He’s a great professional,” he said following the 5-1 thrashing of Getafe.
“Once Karim accepted he won’t make the Euros, he knows his domestic routine is Real Madrid,” he said.
#HalaMadridYNadaMas seems an appropriate hashtag in this instance, even Benzema himself agrees.
Back to training today !!! @realmadrid #HalaMadridYNadaMas pic.twitter.com/H47Gcd1efd
— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) April 10, 2016
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