Real Madrid's Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale put Espanyol to the sword

Karim Benzema will start up front for Real Madrid (Reuters)

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema is the type of player who can excite any football fan, coach Santiago Solari said after the often-maligned Frenchman scored twice and inspired his side to a 4-2 win at Espanyol in La Liga on Sunday.

Benzema, who has been playing through the pain of a fractured finger sustained two weeks ago, got the third-placed visitors off to a dream start by pouncing on a rebound and opening the scoring in the fourth minute.

The forward then made it 3-1 to Madrid just before halftime with a magnificent strike, playing a one-two with Vinicius Jr and stroking the ball into the bottom corner, and he played a role in Gareth Bale scoring the European champions' fourth.

"He had a spectacular game, Madrid fans are enjoying watching him and so would any person who likes football," Solari said after a fifth win from six games in all competitions for his side, who are hitting form after a poor start to 2019.

"Karim is such a generous player, he makes his team mates better with his play and with his efforts."

Benzema, 31, is Real's leading scorer this term with 13 goals though he has not always enjoyed the devotion of the fans due to his inconsistent scoring record, having notched more than 20 in the league in only two of his 10 seasons with the club.

Yet with Madrid's all-time top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo now at Juventus, and the likes of Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio struggling for consistency and with injuries, Benzema has turned into of one of their most reliable players this year.

"Today he scored twice, but he always puts in complete performances," added Solari, after the win kept third-placed Madrid within five points of local rivals Atletico, although still 10 adrift of leaders Barcelona.

Winger Lucas Vazquez also heaped praise on Benzema.

"He is proving that he is the best number nine in the world," he said. "He is scoring goals, working hard and linking up with everyone. It's wonderful to be able to play with him."

Reuters

Preview

How to stream and watch on TV...

The match will be shown online on Eleven Sports 1 and STV Player.

Form guide...

Espanyol – LLDLL

Real Madrid – WDLWW

Odds...

Real Madrid 4/6

Espanyol 3/1

Draw 4/1

Prediction...

Espanyol 0-2 Real Madrid

[27 January 2019 15:53 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-1 Barcelona

37 minutes

Vidal is the second Barcelona player to go into the book for a high foot on Granell.

[27 January 2019 15:58 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-1 Barcelona

42 minutes

Close! Portu plays the ball through to Stuani, whose close range shot is saved by Ter Stegen. The rebound drops to Pons and the midfielder looks certain to convert. But Pique, with typical awareness, is there to clear off the line.

[27 January 2019 15:59 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-1 Barcelona

44 minutes

Another yellow card. This time it's Busquets in the book for a late challenge.

[27 January 2019 16:01 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-1 Barcelona

45 minutes

Girona have ended the half strongly. Granell turns and fires a shot off, but his effort is poor and flies high and wide.

[27 January 2019 16:03 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Half time: Barcelona go in a goal up at the break, but it might have been more had Coutinho finished a golden opportunity. Girona have put up a fight and remain in the game, although there's still a feeling Barcelona have yet to move out of first gear.

[27 January 2019 16:09 · Callum Rice-Coates]

We might see a league debut for Barcelona's surprise new signing Kevin-Prince Boateng in the second half. The Ghanaian, formerly of Tottenham, Portsmouth and Milan, is on the bench today.

[27 January 2019 16:17 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Barcelona, unmissable in their luminous away kit, get us going again.

[27 January 2019 16:18 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-1 Barcelona

46 minutes

Immediately, Messi wins a free kick in shooting range. A chance for the Argentine...

[27 January 2019 16:19 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-1 Barcelona

47 minutes

Messi lifts the free kick over the bar and Girona breathe a sigh of relief.

[27 January 2019 16:23 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-1 Barcelona

50 minutes

Stuani does brilliantly to burst past Alba, and then Lenglet, before firing off a shot from close range. Ter Stegen is out quickly to tighten the angle and makes a strong save to maintain Barcelona's lead.