Benzema helps Real warm up for Lyon with double strike

Karim Benzema scored twice to lead Real Madrid to a comfortable 2-0 home win over lowly Hercules in La Liga on Saturday as they rested players ahead of next week’s visit of Olympique Lyon in the Champions League.

The in-form French striker netted the opener after 24 minutes and doubled the lead with a superb solo effort just after the restart, making it eight in his last six matches.

Real moved on to 70 points from 28 games, closing to within four of leaders Barcelona, who travel to Sevilla on Sunday.

Earlier, two goals from Sergio Aguero failed to earn Atletico Madrid a win at struggling Almeria, as the hosts twice fought back to level at 2-2.

Argentine Aguero scored from a Thiago pass just before the break and fired in a solo goal to restore their lead in the 61st minute, after Albert Crusat had levelled for Almeria with a fierce volley.

Henok Goitom headed a deserved equaliser 13 minutes from time to leave Atletico seventh with 39 points.