Karim Benzema
A brace of goals by Karim Benzema put Real Madrid four points behind the leaders; Barcelona, as the team now focuses on the Champions League quarterfinals at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday
Real Madrid kept Xabi Alonso and Pepe on the bench, allowing Granero and Arbeloa make the starting lineup.
Although Hercules created good movement, Real Madrid dominated the match, patiently waiting for a chance to score, which came when Oezil received the ball right outside the box and passed it to Arbeloa, who entered the area and served a perfect assist to Benzema, who defeated keeper Calatayud with ease (23').
Esteban Vigo's men didn't give up and chased the equaliser and coming close several times. Their best chance was thwarted by an inspired Casillas, who cleared the ball after an individual effort by Kiko Femenia.
The second half start the same as the first although Hercules rarely approached Real Madrid's box with Benzema eventually adding his second on the 55-minute mark having controlled the ball just outside the box, he fired a strong shot that surprised the keeper.
Mourinho decided to make changes with Alonso and Khedira coming on for Di Maria and Granero, with Canales coming on for Oezil with 12 minutes left in the game. Adebayor and Benzema had more chances on goal but were thwarted by an inspired Hercules goalie in the final minutes.
Real Madrid have retained their unbeaten home record this season in La Liga which now extends to 14 games.
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