Los Blancos, playing for the first time since the European Super League project crumbled, broke the deadlock after half an hour through Benzema's penalty, which was given on VAR review.

Alvaro Odriozola swiftly headed in a second, with Benzema adding another shortly before half-time as the visitors took control and comfortably saw out the second half.

Victory lifted Real above Atletico Madrid on head-to-head record with both on 70 points, but having now played a match more than their city rivals.

Sevilla defeated Levante 1-0 to sit third on 67 points while Barcelona are fourth on 65 points but with games in hand.

Cadiz players wore T-shirts before the game condemning the Super League, which was proposed by 12 of Europe's top clubs on Sunday but essentially folded within days.

Real president Florentino Perez had been one of the key figures behind the proposal.

Youssef En-Nesyri scored early in the second half at Levante to give Sevilla their fourth straight victory - and sixth in their past seven league matches as they attempt to snatch a title that seemed beyond their reach just months ago.

"We'll keep fighting for the league title," En-Nesyri said.

"We are six matches away."

It was the second loss in a row for Levante, who are 12th in the standings.

Players from Sevilla and Levante also entered the match in Valencia wearing T-shirts critical of the Super League.

The proposed new league essentially folded after widespread criticism, though Real and Barcelona were yet to officially say they were abandoning the project.

The other 10 founder clubs have made public their decision to drop out.

The Spanish league went ahead with its campaign against the doomed concept despite a local court injunction prohibiting such actions.

Among the actions by the Spanish league was a video urging teams to "earn it on the pitch!"

The messages was accompanied by the Champions League logo at the end, and the words "football is for the fans."

Fifth-place Real Betis, playing with 10 men for most of the match, held Athletic Bilbao to a 0-0 draw at home while Osasuna defeated Valencia 3-1 for their third win in a row to jump to eighth.

Alaves defeated sixth-place Villarreal 2-1 to boost their survival hopes while second-bottom Elche drew 1-1 with Valladolid, who are 17th and just one point above the drop zone.

Australian Associated Press