Benzema bags brace in LA Galaxy defeat

02 August 2013 10:02

Second-half substitute Karim Benzema scored twice as Real Madrid beat the Los Angeles Galaxy 3-1 in their International Champions Cup quarter-final match in Phoenix.

Cristiano Ronaldo was also on target for the Spanish giants, with Jose Villarreal replying for the MLS outfit.

After Ronaldo had headed against the bar in the sixth minute, Angel Di Maria gave Real a 15th minute lead after he received a pass from the Portuguese.

Ronaldo and Di Maria were involved in most of Real's good work before the break, although recent signing Isco also went close four minutes before half-time.

Benzema came on for Ronaldo at the start of the second half - and the France international striker doubled the lead in the 51st minute when he collected the ball from Isco and netted with a low shot.

Casemiro, Denis Cheryshev, Kaka and Isco all threatened to add to the lead, before Villarreal - who had struck the woodwork early on - pulled a goal back in the 63rd minute.

However, Benzema rounded off the scoring with 16 minutes remaining to make sure Real play Everton in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Source: PA