MX23RW : Wednesday, November 6 00:26:22| >> :120:7808:7808:

Rafael Benitez defends Karim Benzema sub

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez defends his decision to replace goalscorer Karim Benzema in the latter stages of Sunday's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez has defended his decision to substitute Karim Benzema in Sunday's Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid.

Benzema opened the scoring in the ninth minute of the capital clash, but for the fifth time in six La Liga games this season, the French international was substituted before the end of the 90 minutes.

The striker has admitted that he is "fed up" with being replaced and Benitez has faced criticism after Atletico levelled in the latter stages.

The Los Blancos manager, however, has stood by the decision, which he made in order to "freshen things up" in a wide position.

"Benzema did well, but I substituted him because we needed to freshen things up on the wing," Benitez told reporters.

"With Gareth Bale's speed we were able to play between different areas of the pitch and with Cristiano Ronaldo up forward we kept up our attacks. We balanced the team and maintained our attacking punch."

Real Madrid have now won just one of their last nine games against Atletico in all competitions.

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Karim Benzema of Real Madrid CF celebrates after scoring during the La Liga match between Athletic Club Bilbao and Real Madrid CF at San Mames Stadium on September 23, 2015
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2Real Madrid1173121111024
3Atletico MadridAtletico126511871123
4Villarreal116322019121
5Osasuna126331716121
6Athletic Bilbao125431812619
7Real BetisBetis125431210219
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano114431210216
10Celta Vigo125161820-216
11Real Sociedad124351010015
12GironaGirona124351517-215
13Sevilla124351217-515
14AlavesAlaves124171419-513
15Leganes122551216-411
16Getafe12174810-210
17Espanyol123181122-1110
18Las PalmasLas Palmas122371321-89
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97


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