Real Madrid beat Espanyol 3-1 on Sunday but needed two late goals from Karim Benzema to secure the victory.

Carlo Ancelotti opted against bring in Eden Hazard even while Real Madrid struggled to score the second goal against Espanyol.

According to Ancelotti, he made the decision not to bring in Hazard because he didn’t want to unbalance the team with Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior and Benzema already on the pitch.

Ancelotti’s decision to stick with Rodrygo, Vinicius and Benzema finally paid off as Benzema scored in the 88th minute to give Madrid the lead before scoring another deep into stoppage time.

Ancelotti said: “Hazard might have been an option, but I didn’t want to unbalance the team. We already had Rodrygo, Vinicius and Karim playing. Bringing on another forward could have been risky.

“He has my full backing and it’s not a problem if he doesn’t play, doesn’t get on the pitch or doesn’t warm up. He will get playing time. I’m not Hazard’s, Benzema’s, Mendy’s, Camavinga’s or Valverde’s coach. I’m Real Madrid’s coach.