A brace from Karim Benzema and a goal from Marco Asensio on his return from injury gave Real Madrid a 3-0 win over Valencia on Thursday to keep pace with Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
Both goalkeepers were kept busy in a first half that saw Eden Hazard have an early shot saved and Thibaut Courtois tip a Rodrigo shot on to the post, before the Valencia forward had a goal ruled out for offside. Benzema broke the deadlock with an hour played, while Asensio volleyed Madrid into a two-goal lead with his first touch just seconds after coming off the bench, before turning provider for Benzema late on.