Real Madrid 2-0 Valencia: Marco Asensio and Vinicius Junior score as Carlo Ancelotti’s side close gap to Barcelona

Real Madrid cruised to a 2-0 victory over Valencia at the Bernabeu in La Liga to close the gap to Barcelona at the top of the table to five points.

Madrid were the better side in the first half, and thought they had the lead just before the interval when Antonio Rudiger rose highest to meet Luka Modric’s set-piece delivery. However, the goal was chalked off by VAR for a foul by Karim Benzema on Yunus Musah.

Benzema would make amends for his error early in the second half. The France international found Marco Asensio on the edge of the box and the 27-year-old fired a venomous shot past Giorgi Mamardashvili with 52 minutes gone.

Moments later – in the 55th minute – Vinicius Junior marked his 200th appearance for the club as he burst on to a Benzema through ball before driving toward goal and side-footing his side in to a two-goal lead.

Valencia’s hopes of getting something from the game were dealt a fatal blow when Gabriel Paulista was sent off for a cynical foul on Vinicius in the 72nd minute and from there Carlo Ancelotti’s side comfortably saw the match out.

Talking Point – Will injuries undermine Madrid’s trophy chase?

With this win Real Madrid close the gap on Barcelona to five points as they chase down the Blaugrana.

However, Madrid’s February schedule is packed with a Champions League tie against Liverpool to come and games against Barcelona and Atletico Madrid also to contest.

Ancelotti will need to rely on all of his squad to get them through this period. Unfortunately for Los Blancos, they seem to have suffered two injuries to key players with Eder Militao coming off in the first half and Karim Benzema in the second against Valencia. Militao has been one of Madrid’s best defenders this season and with Alaba already injured, Madrid may be short of options to fill the centre-back positions. Benzema’s struggles for fitness this season have already been a concern for Madridistas.

Player of the Match – Eduardo Camavinga

Many people have questioned Carlo Ancelotti’s use of Eduardo Camavinga this season. The young midfielder has found himself being deployed as a left-back in recent games but his performance on Thursday showed why.

Camavinga was immense all across the pitch. The Frenchmen had the most ball recoveries in the game (7) and would look to launch attacks after winning the ball back. He was comfortable in possession amassing 104 touches and completing 92% of his passes.

Camavinga may not like playing left-back but Ancelotti clearly rates him in that position and with performances like tonight it is easy to see why.

Player Ratings

Real Madrid: Courtois 7; Nacho 6, Militao 6, Rudiger 7, Camavinga 9; Kroos 7, Modric 7, Ceballos 8; Asensio 7, Benzema 8, Vinicius 8.

Subs: Carvajal 7, Rodrygo 7, Valverde 7, Tchouameni 6.

Valencia: Mamardashvili 7; Foulquier 7, Paulista 4, Diakhby 6, Gaya 5; Guillamon 6, Musah 6, Almeida 7; Castillejo 5, Cavani 5, Lino 6.

Subs: De Souza 6, Lato 5, Moriba 5, Comert N/A, Perez N/A.

Match highlights

18′ – ANOTHER GOOD CHANCE FOR ASENSIO – A beautiful back-heel in the box from Benzema to set up a shot for Asensio but his effort is blocked.

45+2′ – GOAL FOR REAL MADRID – On the cusp of half time Rudiger rises highest to meet Luka Modric’s corner delivery. 1-0 Real Madrid.

45+3′ – GOAL DISALLOWED – After a check on VAR the goal is disallowed due to a push from Karim Benzema on Yunus Musah in the Valencia penalty box.

52′ – ASENSIO SCORES FOR REAL MADRID – Asensio receives the ball from Benzema on the edge of the box and bends an effort beautifully into the far corner. He’s made up for his missed chances in the first half with that strike. Wonderful goal.

55′- VINICIUS DOUBLES THE LEAD – On his 200th appearance for Los Blanco Vinicius Junior gets his goal. A nice through ball down the line from Benzema for him to run onto, the Brazilian angles straight for the goal and opens up his body well to allow him to slot the ball into the far corner.

72′ – RED CARD FOR GABRIEL PAULISTA – Paulista is sent off after a wild tackle on Vinicius Junior.

KEY STAT

Karim Benzema has been involved in 11 goals in his last 12 games with Real Madrid in all competitions after being involved in only five his first nine matches this season (four goals, one assist)