Benzema hat trick as Madrid makes winning return to Bernabeu

By TALES AZZONI
AP Sports Writer

MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid rallied to avoid disappointing results in their milestone matches in the Spanish league. Madrid had to twice come from behind to beat Celta Vigo 5-2 in its return to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium after more than 18 months. Atlético needed two late goals to beat Espanyol 2-1 in the return of Antoine Griezmann after a stint with Barcelona. Karim Benzema scored a hat trick and Vinícius Júnior and debutant Eduardo Camavinga netted a goal each in Madrid’s return to the Bernabéu 560 days after it was closed because of the coronavirus pandemic and a massive renovation project.