Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez praised his players' work rate despite another underwhelming display as they beat Eibar 2-0 last night to close to within six points of Barcelona at the top of the Primera Liga.
Gareth Bale’s first Madrid goal in three months, just before half time, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s late penalty got Madrid back to winning ways a week after being humiliated 4-0 at home by Barca.
Benitez hinted that a lack of hard work may have been at the root of Madrid’s inferiority last weekend as he was quick to praise the difference in attitude of his players at the 6,000-capacity Ipurua Stadium.
“A victory like today is a win for the team. A victory thanks to the work of everyone who has participated, including those who came on to lend a hand,” Benitez said.
“The important thing was to get the three points and do so with this spirit of sacrifice.
“The fans know that the most important thing when you have players of this quality is that they also work as they did today. That is the key if we want to continue being strong in the future.”
Barcelona’s sensational form of late, spearheaded by Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, has seen many write off Madrid’s title chances just 13 games into the campaign.
However, Benitez warned that after a run of early season injuries, his side will get stronger as the season wears on.
“We are in November. We have missed a lot of players through injury and the team is recovering players slowly but surely.
“I am still optimistic and think we have a great team to keep fighting in every game until the end.”
Meanwhile, Getafe moved clear of the Primera Division relegation zone after deservedly beating Villarreal 2-0.
Angel Lafita gave the hosts the lead midway through the first half with a powerful finish into the far corner, and early in the second half the forward laid on a pass for Alvaro Vazquez to tap in to an empty net. Villarreal are winless in past three games.
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