Karim Benzema has emerged as one of the top strikers in Spanish football once again after managing to score 12 goals in just 14 matches since January. Even more important for Real Madrid is the fact that most of these goals have come at an important stage against top opposition.

Carlo Ancelotti has been given a lot of credit for the way he has helped Benzema rediscover his form, but the Italian has said that credit should go towards his assistant manager and Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane. The Frenchman has been a major part of Benzema’s recovery according to Ancelotti.

The addition of Gareth Bale to the squad was expected to diminish the role of Benzema. He was spoken of as a potential Arsenal target during the summer transfer window. However, the sale of Gonzalo Higuain to Napoli prevented the club from selling the Frenchman as well. The decision looked like being wrong during the first half of the season, as Benzema struggled for both form and consistency. However, his return to form has now coincided with Real Madrid going through a great spell during which time they have opened a four-point advantage in the league.

Madrid could go one step closer towards winning the title when they take on Barcelona in the league next week.

“I think Zidane’s done fantastic work, especially with Karim. He’s communicated a lot with the players and implemented a specific job with all attackers. His work is very important. I am very pleased with Zidane. He has a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of knowledge. He understands what is happening on the pitch during a match. I asked him several times if he wanted to play but he told me no! He can still play without problem!” said Ancelotti, whose team are undefeated in the last few months.

Real Madrid managed to preserve their lead at the top of the table after a 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid, but they had to wait until the final 10 minutes in order to secure this equaliser.

Real Madrid came into the match after having lost the previous league encounter between the two teams at the Santiago Bernabeu. Hence, there was intense pressure from manager Carlo Ancelotti to avoid a double, which would have been the first time it has happened after a long period. Real, however, were confident ahead of the encounter since they recently beat their arch rivals 5-0 on aggregate in the Copa del Rey.

They also began the match extremely well thanks to an early goal from striker Karim Benzema. He scored after just two minutes on the clock after Atletico had failed to clear a corner. However, two quick goals from Koke and Gabi made the game look like heading for another defeat for Real Madrid. This would have been the first time since 1951 that they had been defeated twice by their arch rivals in a single season. As Real pushed on in search of an equaliser, Atletico looked dangerous on the counter-attack especially with striker Diego Costa in great form.

However, Ronaldo equalised with only a few minutes remaining and Ancelotti praised his team after the match. “We drew a game that we were losing. The response was good and overall we can be satisfied because Atletico are a good team, particularly at home. We’re top and that’s good. A point is a point. It was a difficult match. We tried to play but it wasn’t easy because Atletico played a very rough game. They tried to impose a violent game. We don’t play like that,” said Ancelotti to the club’s official site after the match.