Madrid: Real Madrid moved back to within 5 points of La Liga leaders Foot Ball Club Barcelona after a 2-0 win at home to Valencia.
Real Madrid has always been on top of a side that parted ways with coach Gennaro Gattuso on Monday, with stand-in coach 'Voro' Gonzalez unable to produce a reaction.
Real Madrid completely dominated the first half of the game on Thursday night after the hosts had been able to handle the ball for 15 minutes without being put under too much duress.
Although Carlo Ancelotti's team had possession of the ball, few clear-cut opportunities were produced. A collision with Valencia winger Samuel Lino resulted in the loss of defender Eder Militao as well. Militao was reportedly forced to exit the game after 36 minutes and was replaced by Dani Carvajal.
Late in the first half, Antonio Rudiger had the ball in the Valencia goal, but the goal was disallowed due to a clear foul by Karim Benzema on Yunus Musah.
Valencia failed to generate a single shot in the first 45 minutes, making it a one-way street.
When Real Madrid scored their first goal in the 52nd minute, it came as no surprise. After a Benzema assist, Marco Asensio, who had missed a few chances in the first half, fired home with his left foot.
Two minutes later, Vinicius Jr. extended Madrid's advantage thanks to another Benzema assist. Six minutes after asking to be changed and being replaced by Rodrygo, the French striker raised red flags.
Giorgi Mamardashvili, who made a superb save to stop Fede Valverde for Valencia in the 74th minute, is to be credited with helping to keep the score low.
Two minutes later, Vinicius Jr. extended Madrid's advantage thanks to another Benzema assist. Six minutes after asking to be changed and being replaced by Rodrygo, the French striker raised red flags.
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