Real Madrid hammer hapless Granada

Karim Benzema scored twice as leaders Real Madrid swept aside promoted Granada 5-1 at the Bernabeu to move six points clear at the top of La Liga on Saturday.

The in-form France striker took his tally to 16 in all competitions with the opener after 19 minutes, and also slotted home Real’s fourth goal early in the second half before limping off with an ankle knock. Jose Mourinho’s side, who have 43 points from 17 games, kept the pressure on second-placed Barcelona who visit city rivals Espanyol on Sunday.

“Benzema’s injury doesn’t seem to be serious,” Real assistant coach Aitor Karanka said, as he stood in for Mourinho who had to leave due to a family problem. “He had a knock in the first half, and he came off as a precaution.”