A 2-1 win at Balaidos will calm any nerves in La Liga's identify race, allowing Madrid to draw a line under their thrashing on the palms of a resurgent Barcelona before the international damage.
And, in spite of a less than excellent overall performance, victory must restore self belief beforehand of the first leg away at Chelsea, with Thomas Tuchel's aspect now getting better from an embarrassment of their personal, when they were in advance thumped four-1 at domestic by using Brentford.
Chelsea, who outplayed Real Madrid over two semi-very last legs final year, could be a miles sterner check than Celta and Carlo Ancelotti's side will almost absolutely no longer have the gain of being awarded three consequences at Stamford Bridge.
Thibaut Courtois became also known as upon once more to make a few top notch saves to disclaim Celta at least a draw.
Celta had reason to feel at least one of the spot-kicks given by using referee Pablo Gonzalez changed into harsh, with Rodrygo after which Ferland Mendy each taking place without problems under the lighest of demanding situations.
Benzema overlooked the second one in opposition to Celta's Matias Dituro however scored the first and third, the Frenchman marking his go back from harm with an crucial brace that takes his aim tally for the season to 39.
Real Madrid's probabilities towards Chelsea are progressed immeasurably through the healing of Benzema, and also Mendy, who offers a lot greater solidity at left lower back than either Nacho Fernandez or Marcelo.
Any hopes Barcelona had of inflicting a fall apart might also already have been dashed, with Real Madrid now 12 points ahead of Sevilla and 15 in the front of the Catalans, who have video games in hand, the first of them in opposition to Sevilla on Sunday. Barca and Sevilla are maximum possibly now preventing it out for 2d.
Ancelotti's fine take a look at for Covid-19 ultimate week supposed he turned into unable to take his location at the sideline and it stays to be seen if the Italian is capable of make the experience to London.
