Benzema strike seals Madrid win at Granada

Real Madrid CF secured a second consecutive success at the start of the Liga season as Karim Benzema's early effort proved enough for the Merengues to prevail 1-0 at Granada CF.

Made to wait for a late winner from Isco to see off Real Betis Balompié in their opener, Madrid carved out the decisive strike after just nine minutes this time around. Ángel Di María swung in a cross, and although Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to control the ball, Benzema swept it in with his left foot.

Mesut Özil then had a goal disallowed, but Granada clawed their way back into the contest as the half progressed, with Youssef El Arabi unable to beat Diego López after finding himself one on one. They were grateful to Roberto for keeping the deficit down after the break, though, the goalkeeper tipping an Isco attempt against the post and also denying Ronaldo as Madrid ultimately made sure of the points.