Benzema took his tally to eight goals in his past six matches after netting in the 24th and 56th minutes, leading Madrid to their 24th successive home win in all competitions.

For Hercules, the defeat leaves them stuck in the bottom three with just six points and three goals from 15 away games this season.

Valencia were thrashed 4-0 by Real Zaragoza to round off a disappointing week for Unai Emery's men.

Just three days after being dumped out of the Champions League by Schalke, Valencia were comprehensively outplayed at La Romareda and fell to goals from Jiri Jarosik and Ander Herrera, plus two penalties from Gabi.

Marius Stankevicius was also sent off for the visitors to cap a miserable evening.

Atletico Madrid lost more ground in the race for Europe as they were held to a 2-2 draw by lowly Almeria.

Atletico twice led through Sergio Aguero, but were pegged back on each occasion by goals from Albert Crusat and Henok Goitom.

Quique Sanchez Flores' side remain seventh in the standings, while Almeria sit second from bottom with only 10 games left.