Benzema Fires Hat trick, Becomes Fourth-highest Scorer in La Liga
Karim Benzema’s hat trick in the 4-2 defeat of Almeria yesterday saw him pass Hugo Sanchez as the fourth-highest scorer in La Liga history with 236 goals.
Benzema scored two close-range finishes after cutbacks from Brazil wingers Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Lucas Vazquez was fouled by Largie Ramazani and Benzema converted from the spot to complete his first-half treble.
Victory sees second-placed Real Madrid move within eight points of leaders Barcelona.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side got back to winning ways before Real’s Champions League semi-final against Manchester City on 9 May.
Only Lionel Messi (474), Cristiano Ronaldo (311) and Zarra (252) have scored more goals in the Spanish top flight than the 35-year-old former France forward.
Almeria pulled a goal back in the dying seconds of the first half, with Ramazani atoning after conceding the penalty by crossing into the six-yard box for Lazaro Vinicius to finish.
