La Liga: Benzema Helps Madrid Crush Elche To Cut Barca's Lead To Eight Points

Real Madrid's newly crowned world champions faced off against bottom-of-the-table visitors Elche in a LaLiga match after being crowned champions in the Club World Cup.

With Elche having only one win all season, Madrid saw the game as an opportunity to cut the gap on LaLiga leaders Barcelona back to eight points.

After Pablo Machin's side offered the hosts a guard of honour before the game, Marco Asensio put the Spanish champions ahead after eight minutes with a fine individual goal. Shortly after, Karim Benzema's header was handled by Enzo Roco in the area and Benzema converted from the spot to take Madrid to a 2-0 lead.

Before halftime, Rodrygo was fouled in the area and Benzema scored his second penalty, taking his season tally to 11 league goals. Madrid continued to dominate in the second half, with Luka Modric scoring the fourth goal shortly after Benzema was subbed off.

Madrid strolled through the second half, saving their stamina for a more challenging game on Saturday against Osasuna. Despite having a few missed chances, Madrid secured an easy 4-0 win over Elche.