Real Madrid News ®: Real Madrid 5-1 Granada

Benzema (2), Higuain, Sergio Ramos and Ronaldo allow Whites to remain leaders in the Liga BBVA

Fernando Porrero / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Real Madrid showered Granada with goals in their first league clash of 2012. Benzema scored two goals, proving he is the best centre forward in Europe right now, but had to leave the pitch due to an injury. The Whites remain leaders in the championship for another week.

Higuain and Benzema made the starting lineup and Real Madrid looked to resolve the match quickly. Cristiano Ronaldo missed the target following a pass into the box by Benzema early in the game (6') and two minutes later both players repeated the effort in exchanged roles. Granada weren't able to keep possession long and the locals eventually scored the opener from an impressive effort in which Cristiano passed the ball into the box, where it was picked up by Ozil, who then assisted Benzema with a subtle heel pass (18').

Granada started to try harder for a goal and netted an equaliser through Mikel Rico, who was assisted by Uche with a cross (21'). The visitors looked for more and Casillas was forced to make a solid save from a Rico shot. This made Real Madrid react and Ramos soon headed in a corner-kick served by Ozil (33').

The start of the second half was an offensive showcase on the locals' part. Higuian scored a third for the team from a crossed shot following an assist by Marcelo, while Benzema scored again four minutes later after brilliantly controlling a long pass from Ozil. Unfortunately, the French striker asked to be taken off one minute later and Callejon had to come on for him.

Kaka came on for Ozil on the 66-minute mark and Granada, having nothing left to lose, decided to try for another goal to no avail. Cristiano Ronaldo nearly scored in the 51st minute from a header that was slightly off target and Callejon also had a chance that was cleared by Roberto.

Altintop replaced Higuain (81') and Ronaldo again came close to scoring, missing the mark by inches from a spectacular distance shot. The Portuguese striker eventually found a reward for his efforts after picking up a Kaka shot that was deflected by a defender.