MADRID, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid defeated Czech side Viktoria Plzen 2-1 in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Tuesday night to claim their first win in six games, but the result will do little to lift the pressure from coach Julen Lopetegui after his side ended up asking for the final whistle against the weakest team in their Champions League group.
Desperately needing a goal to calm nerves after a month without a win, Real Madrid began strongly and Sergio Ramos headed over and then hit the woodwork within the first five minutes.
The goal wasn't long in coming as the much maligned Karim Benzema scored an 11th minute header connecting a cross from Lucas Vazquez who was playing as right back.
Benzema saw a shot saved on the half hour when he opted to go for goal rather than looking for the unmarked Gareth Bale, although Madrid remained on top with Isco twice going close and Tony Kroos also sending a shot wide.
Bale also saw a close range shot saved and Madrid's wasteful finishing should have been punished in the last minute of the half when Plzen forward Patrik Hrosovsky fired over the bar when he really should have hit the target.
Although Bale wasted another chance early in the second half, the Welshman was able to set up Marcelo for Madrid's second of the night 10 minutes after the break.
Bale, Benzema and Sergio Ramos all had further chances, but failed to take them, and although Lopetegui's side were allowing their rivals too much space in midfield, Madrid looked to be in control until Hrosovsky got Plzen back into the game with a well-taken goal with 12 minutes left to play.
Benzema sent another chance wide and after seemingly having the result in the bag. Real Madrid found themselves having to withstand a late surge from the underdogs: something the fans in the Bernabeu did not appreciate at all and although the home side held on for the win, the final whistle was greeted with boos and whistles.
