MADRID: Real Madrid recovered from their Spanish cup upset in midweek to win 4-1 away to Alaves in LaLiga. Karim Benzema scored twice.

Madrid, victim of an extra time giant-killing in midweek by third division Alcoyano, took the lead through a Casemiro header. Benzema addedd a second before fit-again Eden Hazard claimed a third.

Joselu pulled one back with a header but Benzema made it 4-1 with a curled finish.

Victory moved second-placed Real to within four points of La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid, who have two games in hand.

Madtid boss Zinedine Zidane was absent after having tested positive for Covid-19.

In Italy . . . 

AC Milan’s lead at the top of Serie A was cut to two points after they were outplayed by Atalanta at the San Siro.

Cristian Romero headed home Robin Gosens’ corner after 26 minutes before Josip Ilicic was brought down by Milan’s Franck Kessie in the area midway through the second half.

Ilicic converted the penalty before Duvan Zapata added a third late on.

Inter Milan, who could have gone level at the top with a win, were held to a goalless draw at Udinese.

Atalanta, who become just the second side to beat AC Milan in Serie A this season, rise to fourth in the table.

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