Two goals from Karim Benzema in the 88th and 100th minutes saw Real Madrid eke out a late 3-1 win at Espanyol on Sunday night. Vinicius Junior scored the visitors’ opener, before Joselu levelled the scoring.
Vinicius Jr’s early goal was canceled out by Joselu before the break and it looked like Espanyol would hold on for a point.
However, Benzema struck in the 88th minute from a brilliant Rodrygo Goes cross to finally end the home side’s resistance in Cornella.
There was still time for another goal, too, after Espanyol goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte was sent off in stoppage time.
VAR ruled that his kick on Dani Ceballos was worthy of a red card and defender Leandro Cabrera was forced to go in goal for the final few minutes.
From the resulting free kick, Benzema fired low into the bottom corner past the helpless Cabrera to give the scoreline a comfortable feel for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
