VIGO, Spain (Reuters) -Karim Benzema transformed two penalties and missed one other one as Real Madrid earned a nervy 2-1 win at Celta Vigo to put the LaLiga leaders one step nearer to the title.
Real prolonged their lead atop the standings to 12 factors over second-placed Sevilla and 15 away from Barcelona forward of their closest rivals’ assembly on Sunday.
Celta have been livid with referee Pablo Gonzalez, who awarded three penalties in opposition to them and disallowed an effort late in the first half after VAR intervention when Thiago Gallardo’s header virtually crossed the line.
The referee dominated that Iago Aspas, who was offside, bought in the means of Real defender David Alaba and prevented him from clearing the ball.
“It seems to be like the ref wished a Benzema hat-trick. The ref may simply have taken the ball and kicked the penalties himself,” Aspas instructed reporters.
Benzema scored the first from the spot after 20 minutes after Nolito tripped Eder Militao, however Nolito equalised from shut vary following a counter-attack quickly after halftime.
Benzema had two alternatives to win the sport for Real Madrid from the penalty spot, after Jeison Murillo fouled Rodrygo and Kevin Vazquez tripped Ferland Mendy.
Goalkeeper Matias Dituro saved his first effort however 5 minutes later the French striker despatched a exact low spot-kick simply inside publish.
“I do not know if we deserve to win at the moment however successful right here is essential as a result of taking part in right here is all the time robust,” Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois mentioned.
The Belgian made a powerful one-handed cease from an Aspas free kick that was destined for the high nook.
“The penalties have been truthful, no query. There is nothing extra to add,” Courtois mentioned. “They have been clear fouls. Celta moved the ball effectively, they’re intense and in the first half we did not press effectively. Definitely at the moment’s are three crucial factors.”
(Reporting by Fernando Kallas, modifying by Ed Osmond)
