Real Madrid v Almeria LIVE - Karim Benzema hat-trick gives La Liga champions lead

FT: Real Madrid 4-2 Almeria. A first-half Benzema hat-trick is the difference as Real get back to winning ways. They were great going forward, but Ancelotti will not be reassured by some of the defending.

The tempo is down, too.

Can Real find that fifth goal?

Real getting closer and closer to a fifth, this time its Asensio who hits the woodwork from a tight angle.

Camavinga and Vazquez combine on the left, but the latter is offside before he crosses for Camavinga to score with a diving header.

Asensio, Camavinga and Benzema combine to set up the latter to shoot from the edge of the box. Benzema is denied by the post, with Martinez beaten.

Martinez saves the long-range effort with ease.

A good ovation for both Vinicius and his replacement, Carvajal.

Benzema did trip Ely, it is decided.

Or is there? Benzema chases a long ball, Ely slips and Benzema gets a touch on the ball before the goalkeeper before they collide. A penalty is given, but Almeria say Ely was fouled.

Melero and Centelles on for Akieme and Costa. Not much rhythm to the game now.

The Frenchman is punished for how he closed down a clearance and will miss Madrid's next game.

Nacho and Asensio come on for Rodrygo and Kroos. Camavinga will now move into midfield.

The Colombian cannot quite take down a long ball.

Rodrygo had a good first half and has really come to the forefront in the second - all of Madrid's best play involving him.

Mendes bodychecks Vinicius and goes in the book.

Lazaro booked for a late tackle.

Benzema and Kroos combine to create a chance for Rodrygo, who tries to chip Martinez but is thrwarted by a fine save. The referee missed the goalie's touch, however.

Suarez, the two-goal hero in the week, takes Ramazani's place.

Rodrygo is a long way offside as Vazquez crosses form the right, meaning the diving header which follows is in vain.