Real Madrid's Karim Benzema prepares to shoot to score his side's fourth goal from a penalty kick during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Leganes at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
The Associated Press
MADRID (AP) - Karim Benzema scored a penalty and set up two more goals to lead Real Madrid to 5-0 victory over Leganés and move into second place in the Spanish league on Wednesday.
Madrid climbed to within one point of defending champion Barcelona. The two fierce rivals both have a game to play against each other after last round's "clásico" was postponed until Dec. 18. Granada, now in third place, can move to the top of the table if it beats Getafe on Thursday.
Benzema assisted 18-year-old Rodrygo and Toni Kroos for goals in the sixth and eighth minutes.
Serio Ramos added a third from a penalty in the 24th that he was able to repeat after having his initial spot kick saved by goalkeeper Juan Soriano, who was adjudged after a video review to have left his line too early. Eden Hazard set up the chance when he was fouled by Soriano.
Madrid continued to dominate after halftime as Benzema hit the upright shortly before he converted a penalty after Luka Modric was fouled in the box.
Substitute Luka Jovic scored his first goal since joining Madrid this summer with a header from a pass by Dani Carvajal in the 90th.
Leganés remained in last place.
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Real Madrid's Rodrygo celebrates after scoring the opening goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Leganes at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
The Associated Press
Real Madrid's Toni Kroos, centre, tries to get through the Leganes defence during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Leganes at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
The Associated Press
Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos celebrates after scoring his side's third goal, from a penalty kick during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Leganes at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
The Associated Press
Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos shoots from the penalty spot to score his side's third goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Leganes at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
The Associated Press
Real Madrid's Luka Jovic turns after scoring a goal that was disallowed for offside position during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Leganes at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
The Associated Press
Real Madrid's Luka Modric, left and Leganes' Kenneth Omeruo challenge for the ball during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Leganes at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
The Associated Press