Benzema and Bale steer Real Madrid to comeback win at Girona

Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema inspired a comeback from Real Madrid as they claimed a 4-1 win over Girona having trailed in the first half.

Borja Garcia gave the Catalans the lead after 17 minutes, making the most of some slack defending in the Real Madrid defence. Girona were good value for their lead and had chances to double their advantage.

But Real Madrid were awarded a way back into the match when Marco Asensio was fouled in the box, giving Sergio Ramos the chance to convert from the spot. And the visitors were awarded another penalty kick for another foul on Asensio in the second half, with Benzema this time rolling home the shot.

From there on, Real Madrid turned the screw on Girona, with Bale surging clear on the counter attack to add his name to the scoresheet just before the hour mark. And Benzema grabbed his second with 10 minutes left to play, turning home a cross from Bale.

Much was made of Benzema’s dismal scoring record last season, with the Frenchman only finding the net five times over the course of the 2017/18 La Liga campaign. However, Benzema looks to have upped his game, as demonstrated by the brace he scored in this win over Girona. Real Madrid need him to keep this up if they are to compensate for the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus in the summer.

This is Bale’s team now. The Welshman has finally stepped out from the shadow of Ronaldo and he is Real Madrid’s difference maker, as he proved with his performance. Bale terrified Marc Muniesa throughout, having the better of the full-back from start to finish. He capped his display with a goal, also setting up Benzema for another late in the second half. On this basis, Bale is set for the season of his life.

Girona - Bono 5, Porro 4, Bernardo 5, Juanpe 5, Muniesa 4, Timor 5, Pons 4, Granell 5, Garcia 7, Lozano 7, Portu 8. Subs - Aday 5, Garcia 6, Stuani 5.

Real Madrid - Navas 7, Carvajal 6, Nacho 5, Ramos 6, Marcelo 4, Isco 5, Casemiro 5, Kroos 6, Bale 8, Benzema 7, Asensio 6. Subs - Modric 5, Varane 5, Vazquez.

11’ GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO... OFFSIDE! That was a late flag from the linesman. Benzema was slotted through, he finished with aplomb... but the French striker was indeed offside.

17’ GOAL! Girona 1-0 Real Madrid: The hosts have the lead! Lozano's shot is blocked, it falls to Garcia inside the box, who cuts back and then fires a finish over Ramos and Nacho on the line! What a finish that was!

27’ OFF THE LINE! That could have been a two goal lead for Girona! Carvajal had to make the clearance from under his own crossbar! Portu was the one who got the shot away from a tight angle.

38’ PENALTY KICK TO REAL MADRID! The referee points to the spot after a foul on Asensio inside the area.

39’ GOAL! Girona 1-1 Real Madrid: Real Madrid have dragged themselves level and it's Ramos who converts from the spot! The centre back pulls off the Panenka. Cheeky from Ramos. The visitors are back on level terms!

50’ PENALTY KICK TO REAL MADRID! Another spot kick for the away side! Pons is the one who brings down Asensio this time.

51’ GOAL! Girona 1-2 Real Madrid: Real Madrid have turned this game around now lead at the Montilivi! Benzema takes the spot kick, this time, rolling his shot down the centre of the goal. What a fightback from the capital side!

59’ GOAL! Girona 1-3 Real Madrid: A classic counter attack and a classic Bale goal. Once the ball was played in behind, there was no catching him. Bale showed Muniesa a clean set of heels and then finished one-on-one. Very calm finish.

80’ GOAL! Girona 1-4 Real Madrid: The turnaround is well an truly complete now! Bale gets the better of Muniesa, crosses into Benzema, who controls, turns and fires home from close range. That will be that for Real Madrid. Good spirit.