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 16:24 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-1 Barcelona

51 minutes

Bernardo Espinosa goes in late on Suarez and picks up his second yellow card of the game. Girona's task has now been made even more difficult because of the impetuousness of the defender.

[27 January 2019 16:28 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-1 Barcelona

55 minutes

Excellent pressing from Girona, who win the ball back deep in Barcelona's half. Stuani again finds himself in space but again his shot is saved by Ter Stegen. The hosts have responded well to going down to ten.

[27 January 2019 16:29 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-1 Barcelona

56 minutes

Girona come close again! The ball is played tantalisingly across goal and met by Stuani, who looks certain to score. Ter Stegen is out quickly and gets enough on the ball to turn it behind. 

[27 January 2019 16:29 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-1 Barcelona

57 minutes

Stuani is again appealing for a penalty after going down under a challenge from Alba. It's the home side piling on the pressure at the moment.

[27 January 2019 16:30 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-1 Barcelona

58 minutes

Vidal, on a yellow card, is off for Arthur. The Chilean doesn't look happy about being replaced.

[27 January 2019 16:32 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-1 Barcelona

60 minutes

Messi and Suarez link up on the edge of the box and look to play their way through a compact Girona defence. Every avenue is cut off, though. Barcelona need a second goal to make things more secure.

[27 January 2019 16:38 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-1 Barcelona

65 minutes

Messi controls a long ball from Ter Stegen superbly and drives at the Girona defence. His pass, intended for Suarez, is cut out.

At the other end, Stuani throws himself at another dangerous cross, but can't connect with his header.

[27 January 2019 16:41 · Callum Rice-Coates]

GOAL! Girona 0-2 Barcelona (Messi)

69 minutes

There's the crucial second goal. Alba is played through down the left and cuts the ball across for Messi. He dinks his finish delicately over the onrushing Bono and gets his 19th La Liga goal of the season.

[27 January 2019 16:44 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-2 Barcelona

71 minutes

That goal has knocked the stuffing out of Girona, who were already beginning to tire with ten men. Barcelona are able to dominate possession now and the hosts are finding it difficult to deny them space.

[27 January 2019 16:45 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-2 Barcelona

73 minutes

Coutinho cuts inside and shoots. It takes a deflection and loops just wide of the post with Bono scrambling to get across.