Updated On: 16 August, 2021 09:45 AM IST | Madrid | AFP
Madrid coach Ancelotti lavishes praise on Benzema after forward scores brace in team’s 4-1 opening-day win over Alaves; calls Frenchman a complete player

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema celebrates scoring against Deportivo Alaves during their Spanish League tie on Saturday. Pic/Getty Images
A brace from French veteran striker Karim Benzema got Real Madrid off to a flier in La Liga Saturday, his double laying the foundation for a 4-1 victory at Alaves to leave Carlo Ancelotti celebrating the start of his second spell in charge with a victory.
Eternal rivals Barcelona may have lost Lionel Messi but Real themselves are in a period of transition having seen Zinedine Zidane step down as coach and defenders Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane head for Messi’s PSG and Manchester United respectively.