Benzema\\\'s late goal gives Madrid win

SOFIA, Oct 2 (AP): Real Madrid needed a 77th-minute goal from substitute Karim Benzema for a 2-1 comeback win at Champions League newcomer Ludogorets on Wednesday, after Cristiano Ronaldo missed one penalty before making amends with a second spot kick.
Ludogorets, unfazed by the star-studded visitors in its first home game in Europe's top-tier competition, surprised the defending champions by taking the lead in the sixth minute.
Ronaldo squandered his first chance to level when his penalty kick was saved by goalkeeper Vladislav Stoyanov in the 10th. But he didn't miss a second time from the spot in the 24th.
With Ludogorets holding its own, Benzema went on in the 67th and soon broke the deadlock when he volleyed in Marcelo's cross to secure Madrid's second win of the tournament.
"It was a difficult game at a tough ground and we are happy with the result," Benzema said. "For me the most important thing is how we play, although for a striker it's also important to score goals.  Today I helped the team a lot."
While Madrid held on for the tougher-than-expected win, Liverpool was beaten 1-0 at Basel in the other Group B match.
Liverpool's loss left Madrid alone atop the group with six points.  Basel and Liverpool each have three points, while Ludogorets was left with zero despite two strong showings against Madrid and Liverpool.
Ronaldo's goal took his total to 69 in the Champions League, giving him one more than Barcelona's Lionel Messi as the two stars race to reach Raul Gonzalez's tournament mark of 71.
After extending his scoring streak to 11 goals in seven matches, Ronaldo finished the match grimacing and favoring his left leg following a late tackle by Anicet Abel.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti rested some of his first-choice players and gave starts to Javier Hernandez, Asier Illarramendi and Franciso "Isco" Alarcon.