Real Madrid talking points: Benzema surpasses Puskas, Asensio back with a bang, all eyes on Barcelona

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Ben Hayward19 June 2020

Real Madrid secured a second straight win since LaLiga's return against Valencia to stay within two points of leaders Barcelona with nine rounds of fixtures remaining.

Two goals from Karim Benzema in the second half and another from Marco Asensio on his comeback from injury sealed a 3-0 success for Los Blancos at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on Thursday night.

The victory means Madrid have won their first two games after the coronavirus shutdown, both at home, with their next fixture away to Real Sociedad on Sunday night.

"Against Eibar we were better in the first half and worse in the second," coach Zinedine Zidane said. "When we are concentrated and committed, we are difficult to beat."

VAR decision goes Madrid's way

Valencia thought they had taken the lead at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, only for VAR to intervene
REUTERS

Valencia thought they had taken the lead with just over 20 minutes on the clock, but Rodrigo Moreno's strike was ruled out by VAR after it was deemed that team-mate Maxi Gomez (who was marginally offside) had interfered with play.

"It seems unfair to us and it conditioned the progression of the match," Valencia coach Albert Celades said. "I don't understand the decision. Maxi doesn't intervene."

But VAR did and after watching the replay at the side of the pitch, referee Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez ruled the goal out.

The call could have fallen either way, but like a possible offside in the first goal against Eibar, this one went in Madrid's favour and that helped to kill Valencia's early momentum.

Benzema surpasses Puskas

Karim Benzema overtook the legendary Ferenc Puskas on Real Madrid's list of all-time top scorers
AFP via Getty Images

Fresh from a more creative role in Madrid's 3-1 win over Eibar, in which he played a part in all three goals, Karim Benzema was back scoring again on Thursday.

The French forward netted the all-important first goal and later scored a wonderful third which left Zidane applauding on the sidelines as he flicked the ball up with his right foot and then volleyed it in with his left.

"For those of us who love football, it was very special," Zidane said. "Also, he is not left-footed, but he smashed it into the top corner anyway."

It was Benzema's 16th league goal of the season, his 21st in all competitions and a fitting way to bring up 243 strikes for Madrid, which saw him surpass the great Ferenc Puskas as he moved up to fifth on the list of Real's all-time top scorers.

Asensio back with bang

Marco Asensio's return could be crucial for Real Madrid as they battle Barcelona for the LaLiga title
REUTERS

It has been a long road back from injury for Marco Asensio, but the payback came quickly.

The Spanish international had not featured for Real Madrid since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in pre-season last July, but made up for lost time as he came off the bench and netted within 30 seconds.

Asensio met Ferland Mendy's cross with a fine left-footed volley. "I'm very happy to play, to score, and for the win," he said. "There's a lot of work behind it."

"It means so much to him and to us," Zidane added. And Asensio's return may well mean a lot to Madrid in the title race as well.

More minutes for Hazard as fitness levels improve

The fit-again Eden Hazard played all but eight minutes against Valencia and provided an assist for Benzema
AFP via Getty Images

Eden Hazard was key in setting up Madrid's opener as he played an incisive pass to Luka Modric, took up the return and then squared for Benzema to score.

The Belgian also lasted longer than he had against Eibar, playing 82 minutes, and showed no ill effects from the knock he picked up on Sunday.

"He looks like he is tired, but then he picks up the ball and does well," Zidane said. "We're happy he's with us because he has so much quality."

Zidane only made two changes, despite being allowed five, and the team appeared fitter in this match. "Physically, they are very committed," he said. "We are where we want to be."

All eyes on Barcelona

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane will watch Barcelona's clash against third-placed Sevilla with interest
AFP via Getty Images

With their last two matches won and a potentially tough test overcome on Thursday, Real Madrid will watch with interest on Friday as title rivals Barcelona travel to third-placed Sevilla in their most difficult fixture since the return.

Barcelona have beaten Mallorca and Leganes following LaLiga's resumption, but both of those teams are in the relegation zone and the trip to the Sanchez Pizjuan will be a better indicator with respect to their title credentials.

"I will watch the game," Zidane said. "But I won't allow it into my head to think that they will fail. We know the situation."

However, even Barca coach Quique Setien admitted on Thursday that winning every game is "improbable" and the Catalans' squad is already stretched.

For Madrid, an opportunity could come soon.

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