Benzema, Vinícius Bag Braces as Valencia Destroyed by Real!

Karim Benzema nets his 300th Real Madrid goal in all competitions, as Los Blancos cruise past Valencia and extend their lead at the top of La Liga!

Vinícius Júnior bagged a brace, as Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid destroyed Valencia 4-1 at the Bernabeu on Saturday, to go eight points clear at the summit of La Liga.

Madrid dominated the first 45 minutes but were unable to open the scoring, until Karim Benzema, who also struck twice, dispatched a penalty, which was awarded after Casemiro was fouled in the box.

Vinícius doubled Real’s lead after the break, firing past goalkeeper, Jasper Cillessen, after a sweet one-two with Benzema. The Brazilian then registered another headed effort not long after, when the visiting keeper spilled Marco Asensio’s shot into his path and Benzema added a fourth, two minutes from time.

Gonçalo Guedes got one back for boss, José Bordalás’, Valencia, but Madrid held on for a comfortable win. The result leaves the leaders on 49 points, eight ahead of second-placed Sevilla, who host Getafe on Sunday.

Benzema finally opened the scoring from the spot on 43 minutes. Valencia gave the ball away deep in defence and when Casemiro raced forward, he went down after contact with defender, Omar Alderete.

Benzema expertly placed his penalty in the top corner for his 16th league goal of the season – and his 300th goal for Real Madrid – to send the home side into the half-time break one up.

Vinícius made it 2-0 in the 52nd minute, assisted by Benzema and some hapless Valencia defending. The Brazilian then scored again nine minutes later, with a simple headed finish, after Cillessen’s parry.

There were chances at both ends – Thibaut Courtois saved superbly from Daniel Wass, and Asensio’s goalbound drive was blocked by defender, José Gayà – before Valencia were given a penalty 15 minutes from time, for a shirt pull by Ferland Mendy.

Courtois foiled Guedes’ initial effort, but the Portuguese forward headed the rebound into the net, to ensure Madrid had to stay focussed in the closing stages.

Benzema added his second late on to put the game further out of reach for the visitors and leave them in 9th place, on 28 points.