Ludogorets vs Real Madrid match report: Karim Benzema earns Los Blancos three points against Bulgarians

Liudogorets 1 Real Madrid 2

Staff
Wednesday 01 October 2014 17:15 EDT
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(Getty Images)

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Real Madrid needed a 77th minute goal from substitute Karim Benzema to win 2-1 at Champions League newcomer Ludogorets on Wednesday.

Not worried by the star-studded visitors in their first home game in Europe's top-tier competition, Ludogorets surprised the defending champions by taking the lead in the sixth minute.

Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo then missed a penalty that would have equalised before making amends with a second spot kick 15 minutes later.

Ronaldo squandered his first chance to level when his penalty kick was saved by goalkeeper Vladislav Stoyanov, but the Portuguese star didn't miss a second time from the spot in the 24th minute.

Javier Hernandez had a great chance to put Los Blancos in front but missed from six yards out, while Iker Casillas had to make a save from Marcelinho at the other end to keep it level.

With Ludogorets holding their own, France striker Benzema, on as a substitute,volleyed in Marcelo's cross with 13 minutes left to secure Carlo Ancelotti's team a second victory in Group B.

Additional reporting from AP

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