Benzema unpicked the Espanyol defence on the stroke of half-time with a sublime back-heel that bewildered two defenders and laid the opener on a plate for Casemiro.
Chances were at a premium in the second period but Real maintained a measure of control, securing their fifth-consecutive victory since the restart as they capitalised on Barcelona’s draw at Celta Vigo to return to the summit of La Liga with six games to play.
Other Results:
Sevilla 1-1 Real Valladolid
Athletic Club 3-1 Mallorca
RC Celta 2-2 Barcelona
Osasuna 2-1 Leganes
Atletico Madrid 2-1 Alaves
Levante 4-2 Real Betis
Granada 1-2 Eibar
Getafe TBC Real Sociedad
