Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr, both scored a brace for the Los Blancos while Valencia got a consolation goal through Goncalo Guedes.
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Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was delighted with his team’s performance after the 4-1 win against Valencia in the La Liga fixture at Santiago Bernabeu On Saturday. Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr, both scored a brace for the Los Blancos while Valencia got a consolation goal through Goncalo Guedes. The win helped Ancelotti’s side to go eight points clear of second-placed Sevilla, who have two games in hand. Real Madrid had a slow start to the game up until Luka Modric rattled the crossbar, five minutes before break.
Important victory to get back into the groove. Looking forward and preparing for the Super Cup now. #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/DT6tzmTUfj
— Carlo Ancelotti (@MrAncelotti) January 9, 2022
Shortly after that, Casemiro was brought down by Omar Aldarete inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Benzema stepped up and converted the spot-kick to put Real Madrid’s nose in front.
Asked in his press conference about the controversial Casemiro penalty that brought about the first goal, the Italian coach said: “I haven’t seen a replay of that. From where I was, I thought it was quite clear. Even though we opened the scoring with that penalty, we had a complete performance. We weren’t great at the start and they had some counters, but we improved and we created many chances.”
Vinicius doubled the lead in the 52nd minute. The Brazilian cut inside from the left and played a one-two with Benzema on the edge of the box before slotting home past Jasper Cillessen from six yards out. Nine minutes later, Vinicius got his second of the night as he headed home from close range after Ciliesson half-saved Marco Asensio’s shot.
Valencia reduced the deficit through Guedes from the penalty spot. The Portuguese midfielder’s initial effort was saved by Courtois but he scored with a rebound header. However, two minutes from time, Benzema restored the three goal lead. Ferland Mendy’s low cross from the left flank found Benzema inside the box. The Frenchman with a neat turn and finish completed his brace.
When asked about the performance of Benzema, Vinicius and Marco Asensio, Ancelotti said : “Vinícius has returned in good form. Even if he didn’t dribble much tonight, he was there to score goals. He scored centre-forward type goals. Then, Karim Benzema was as good as ever.
He added “Asensio played well too, at the same level as Benzema and Vinícius. When he is playing well he’ll get to play the full 90 minutes. The front three were good, but not guaranteed to start every game as I also have to think about players like Rodrygo, who has always done well when chosen.”
