Benzema scored two times in the last seven minutes to give Real Madrid a 2-0 win.
The late goals by the Ballon d'Or winner lifted Madrid to the top of the league.
Benzema, who missed the World Cup through injury, put Real ahead with an 83rd minute penalty.
He finished the win six minutes later with a calm finish.
The game was Real's first since the World Cup and they lost two players on the bench.
Luka Modric started after leading Croatia to third place as was Benzema, who missed out on the tournament due to a thigh injury.
Jordi Masip and Thibaut Courtois kept the game goalless until the final few minutes.
Real were awarded a penalty when Javi was found to have mishandled the ball. The decision sent the home team into a frenzy and led to the dismissal of Leon.
The penalty was converted by Benzema with ease.
Then, in the 89th minute, Benzema doubled the visitors' lead after being left unattended to fire a shot home from just inside the box.
Barcelona have a game in hand and will play Espanyol on Saturday.
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