A SECOND-HALF Karim Benzema header gave a below-par Real Madrid a 1-0 La Liga victory over Granada, which squandered several good chances Saturday.

    The Frenchman nodded home an Isco cross after 55 minutes against a well-organized Granada side that attacked with pace.

    Atletico Madrid remained just a point behind its city rival as Fernando Torres came off the bench to inspire Diego Simeone’s men to a 2-0 win at Eibar.

    Real had scored 15 times in its previous three matches, but the side was grateful to some poor Granada finishing and controversial calls by the officials to claim all three points.

    Benzema grabbed the only goal of the game nine minutes into the second half with a cushioned header from Isco’s fine cross.

    Victory moves Madrid a point ahead of Barcelona at the top of the table with the Catalans hosting Levante in a later match.

    “We knew before the game it could be a difficult game, against a good team that counter-attacks well, and that was how it was,” said Madrid boss Rafael Benitez.

    “I know we have to win and play well, but when the game doesn’t go as you wish, to win and get the three points is very important.”

    The scene appeared to be set at a sunny Bernabeu for Cristiano Ronaldo to surpass Raul to become Madrid’s all-time top goalscorer.

    Marcelo was forced into a clearance off the Real goal-line early on before Isaac Success fluffed his first of a number of opportunities when he failed to hit the target when unmarked at the back post.

    Ronaldo’s first opening came 18 minutes in, but Andres Fernandez stood up well to block his effort before Benzema failed to turn the rebound home.

    Youssef El-Arabi did have the ball in the net for Granada moments later, but was wrongly ruled to have been offside.

    (SD-Agencies)