Real Madrid’s Varane and Benzema shine in 2-0 win over Espanyol

MADRID — A change of uniforms for climate change! Raphaël Varane sends the ball to the near post assisted by Karim Benzema 37 minutes into the match where the traditional white jerseys were set aside for the third kit uniform in green.

Benzema received the cross from Federico Valverde on the right wing in the 79th minute of play locking in the second goal for Los Blancos. Just over 10 minutes remaining in the match, Benzema netted his 11th goal of the season capturing a 2-0 victory over Reial Club Deportiu Espanyol de Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The club is in full support of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change taking place in Madrid, also displaying a large banner outside Santiago Bernabéu alongside the iconic Real Madrid logo.

In the 82nd minute Ferland Mendy was sent off after receiving his second yellow card reducing Los Blancos to 10 men. With the added challenge in the final eight minutes Zinedine Zidane’s side held their lead.

Despite the 12 degree weather encompassing Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid fans could be heard from all corners of the stadium.

Real Madrid previously captured a 2-1 win on the road against Alavés while Espanyol are coming off a 4-2 loss to Osasuna. Real Madrid are placed second behind Barcelona in La Liga with a current 31 points and Espanyol are nineteenth in the table with points.

Next up Real Madrid are to face Club Brugge in Belgium on the 11th of December in the Group Stage of UEFA Champions League. Espanyol will play CSKA Moscow in Europa League Group Stage at their home stadium of Cornellà-El Praton on the 12th of December.