No Ronaldo, Pepe or Xabi Alonso in the team so it was up to Benzema to deliver the goods against Hércules, which he did. A goal in each half from Karem Benzema was enough to seal victory and close the gap on Barcelona, at least until Sunday night.
Valencia, dumped out of the Champions League on Wednesday, were comprehensively beaten 4-0 by Zaragoza. Jarosik and Ander Herrera scored in the first half and then Gabi added two more from the penalty spot after the break.