Benzema triples for Madrid in 3-0 win over Bilbao

BARCELONA, Spain – Karim Benzema has managed a hat trick to lead Real Madrid to a 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish league on Sunday, extending his score since the return of coach Zinedine Zidane.

After losing the goal in Zidane's first game, Benzema struck eight times in five games.

The French striker stands out as the only Madrilenian player to have played well during a very disappointing season for the traditional Central. Out of the Champions League and ahead of the Spanish leader Barcelona 13 points in third place, Madrid players have nothing to play that pride.

And a place in the team next season.

Zidane admitted that the club would change his team in the summer. Benzema was already one of Zidane's favorite players when they won three Champions League titles together before Zidane retired last summer – only to return last month.

The three goals have given Benzema 30 goals in all competitions this season. He has 21 goals in the league, followed by Lionel Messi with 33.

Benzema scored his first two goals from the Marco Asensio and Luka Modric centers in the 47th and 76th minutes, respectively.

He finished in the 90th minute after Bilbao goalkeeper Iago Herrerin gave the ball to Gareth Bale with an awkward clearance off the box. Bale then handed the ball back to Benzema so he could throw a long shot into the empty goal.

"I'm happy that Karim scored goals, but I'm sure he's happier for the win. He is one of our leaders, "said Marcelo of Madrid. "It's hard to play without anything at stake. We need to find motivation. The season has been very, very difficult, but we have to give everything for these colors. "

COMBAT FOR FOURTH

Getafe regained control of the final of the Champions League, which was awarded to a Spanish team after Jorge Molina scored two goals in a 3-0 win over Sevilla.

Getafe beat Sevilla in fourth place, the last place in the competition for Europe's leading clubs next season. Sevilla dropped two points behind Getafe in fifth place with five laps to go.

Getafe and Sevilla both finished the match in Madrid with 10 men.

Sevilla helped the hosts by giving two penalties for the ball of the hand. Both penalties were awarded after referee Mateu Lahoz viewed the video.

Jaime Mata gave Getafe the lead in 35th place, scoring the goal after a handball by Franco Vazquez.

Molina doubled the lead in the first half when Sergio Escudero of Sevilla was sent off with a second booking for using his arm to block a header in the box.

Molina, 36, scored his second goal at 53rd. Mata dribbled before finding Molina who was coming into the box to pbad her leg around a defender and push the ball into it.

Mata has scored 14 goals in the league this season, his first in the first division. Molina is 13 years old.

Getafe's Djene Dakonam was sent off late with a direct red for Jesus Navas' dangerous tackle.

In addition, Levante, 10 players, drew 2-2 with Espanyol at home.

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