Getafe vs Real Madrid - Benzema refusing to give up on the title

Posted Friday, April 15, 2016 by PA

Karim Benzema insists Real Madrid will "fight until the end" for the league title.

Real have had a dramatic week even by their own standards after Cristiano Ronaldo scored a superb hat-trick to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Wolfsburg and reach the Champions League semi-finals.

Their reward is a blockbusting clash with Manchester City, and their former boss Manuel Pellegrini, in the last four.

But first Real must switch their attention back to the Primera Division, where they are currently in third place, a point behind City rivals Atletico and four adrift of Barcelona.

Striker Benzema told the club website: "I'm very happy to have made it into the semi-finals. It was a great night. We feel good and the supporters helped us out a lot.

"It's thanks to them that we came out on top. We're very happy after what was a tough game. We're a team with lots of good players and we're going to fight until the end for La Liga title and I hope we win the Champions League."

Next up is a trip to Getafe, who are battling against relegation lying second from bottom and sacked coach Fran Escriba on Monday.

But Ronaldo, whose treble on Wednesday night was his fifth in the Champions League in Real colours, is not taking the strugglers lightly.

"We know that winning La Liga is going to be a little bit tough," he said. "We've got a tricky away game at the weekend and we need to give our best in all of the games."

Getafe, without a win in three months, have turned to Argentinian coach Juan Esnaider in a bid to revive their fortunes.

The 43-year-old takes over a side just two points adrift of safety but winless in 12 games with just six left to play - the first of which is a visit from their illustrious neighbours.

Esnaider told the club website: "What I've tried to work on is mental, rather than tactical.

"All I have seen is positive. The boys have a very good attitude to try to see if we are able to see where the problem is."