Benzema Revives Madrid's Title Hope In Win vs Elche

Karim Benzema came to Real Madrid's rescue with a brace to snatch a 2-1 win at home to Elche in La Liga on Saturday and revive his side's hopes of catching leaders Atletico Madrid.

Elche took a shock lead just after the hour mark with a bullet header from Dani Calvo which crashed against the bar and over the line after both sides had strong penalty claims waved away.

Real welcomed back captain Sergio Ramos for the first time since undergoing knee surgery two months ago but Zidane opted to start without Modric and Kroos.

Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane threw midfield duo Toni Kroos and Luka Modric on immediately after the goal and the change soon paid off.

Kroos played a short corner to Modric and the Croatian fed Benzema, who barely had to jump to head home in the 73rd minute.

READ ALSO: La Liga: Benzema, Hazard Score To Ease Pressure On Madrid

Benzema, who last week struck late to grab a 1-1 draw away to leaders Atletico Madrid, then found the winner in stoppage time with a stunning strike just inside the area, lashing the ball the first time in off the far post.

The Frenchman's brace was all the more impressive as he had been on the wrong end of a hefty challenge from Guido Carrillo moments before his first goal, setting off alarm bells three days before Real's Champions League last-16 second leg at home to Atalanta.

The victory lifted Real into second in the standings on 57 points, five behind leaders Atletico Madrid who visit Getafe later on Saturday and one ahead of third-placed Barcelona, who host Huesca on Monday.