Carlo Ancelotti has hailed Karim Benzema’s contribution to Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday.
The Frenchman scored Los Blancos’ third and fourth goals of the afternoon, and the Coach was particularly enthralled by the striker’s second effort, in which he bent an unstoppable drive into the top-right corner of Geronimo Rulli’s net.
“We didn’t start the first half well, as usual,” he mused after the match.
“It happened to us against Cordoba and Atletico Madrid in the Copa [del] Rey. We have to improve the way we start matches.
“Then we pressed high up the pitch and did very well in the second half. We controlled the game.
“[Benzema] had a fantastic match. He has great quality and is very effective. He had many attempts at goal.
“His [second] goal was quality. He has a great shot, but we should also value him for his style of play and how he helps the team. He isn’t a penalty-box striker, but he lives in the area.
“I want more of the same [from Bale]. He did very well. It’s true that he missed two chances to score, but he gave an assist to Benzema for 3-1. He works with his teammates.
“[Asier Illarramendi] did well in the first 30 minutes and then played even better in the second half.
“[Lucas Silva] has only been here for a week and needs to train in order to improve his condition and get up to speed with the rest of the team. He will be very soon.”
