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 16:47 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-2 Barcelona

75 minutes

It's been a frustrating day for Suarez. Rakitic picks him out with an excellent pass, but the Uruguayan, aiming for the top corner, gets his shot all wrong.

[27 January 2019 16:50 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-2 Barcelona

77 minutes

Rakitic plays the ball to the back post for Coutinho, whose header is blocked. It drops to Suarez, who picks out Messi in space. From close range, another goal seems inevitable, but Bono denies the Argentine.

[27 January 2019 16:50 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-2 Barcelona

78 minutes

Bono is called into action again, parrying away a powerful striker from Rakitic. Barcelona are completely dominant now.

[27 January 2019 16:52 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-2 Barcelona

78 minutes

Thomas Vermaelen replaces Clement Lenglet to see out the remainder of the game.

[27 January 2019 16:53 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-2 Barcelona

80 minutes

Now Girona make a change: Lozano is on for Portu.

[27 January 2019 16:54 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-2 Barcelona

82 minutes

Busquets is off for Sergi Roberto. 

[27 January 2019 16:58 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-2 Barcelona

85 minutes

This game is petering out now. Girona, who have made this far more difficult for Barcelona than the scoreline might suggest, will be hoping to get through the final minutes without conceding again.

[27 January 2019 16:59 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-2 Barcelona

86 minutes

The hosts make their final change: Paik is on for Granell.

[27 January 2019 17:02 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-2 Barcelona

90 minutes

Three more minutes of added time for Girona to endure.

[27 January 2019 17:05 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Girona 0-2 Barcelona

90+1 minutes

Coutinho is played through on goal and rounds Bono. He's well marshalled by Alcala, who gets back to clear Coutinho's shot off the line. It's been another frustrating game for the Brazilian.