Solari keeps up perfect Real Madrid record to move four points from top
Santiago Solari strengthened his case to land the Real Madrid job permanently after leading them to a 4-2 win at Celta Vigo.
Karim Benzema scored a superb opening goal in Real Madrid's 4-2 win at Celta Vigo in the Spanish league on Sunday, for Solari's fourth win from four games in charge of the European champions.
Benzema displayed exquisite control to get Madrid rolling in the 23rd minute. Spinning away from the goal, the French striker used his right foot to cushion a forward lob by Luka Modric. He then continued his turn and coolly slotted the ball in.
After he went close by hitting the crossbar, Benzema helped produce a second goal for the visitors in the 56th. Benzema dribbled past a marker and fired a shot that ricocheted off goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez, a post, and Celta defender Gustavo Cabral before finally going in.
Hugo Mallo pulled one back for Celta and Iago Aspas forced goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to get low to parry his shot before Sergio Ramos put the result beyond doubt in the 83rd, scoring from the spot by softly chipping his penalty down the middle after David Junca fouled Alvaro Odriozola.
Celta finished with 10 men after Cabral was shown a second yellow card in the dying minutes, before Dani Ceballos then added a fourth goal for Madrid from long range before Brais Mendez scored Celta's second.
Solari refused to talk about his future after the win, saying "the important thing is to do what is right for the club."
"What I can say is that we are very happy (with Solari)," club spokesman Emilio Butragueno added.