Real Madrid news: Los Blancos thrash Valencia while Barcelona held by Granada

Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr. netted twice for Real Madrid while Goncalo Guedes scored a consolation goal for Valencia.

Real Madrid beat Valencia 4-1 in the La Liga fixture on Saturday; Credit: Twitter/@realmadrid
By Sreejith C R | Jan 9, 2022 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Real Madrid thrashed Valencia 4-1 in the La Liga fixture on Saturday to get back to winning ways after suffering a shock 1-0 defeat against Getafe in the last game. Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr., both scored a double at Santiago Bernabeu while Goncalo Guedes pulled one back for the visitors from the penalty spot. In the other match of the day, Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw at Granada. Antonio Puertas canceled out Luuk de Jong’s opener. The Catalan club finished with 10-man as Gavi was sent off 11 minutes from time. 

The game started with a slow pace and it took a while for Real Madrid to get going and once they did, Valencia had a hard time. Shortly after Luka Modric’s powerful shot from outside the box rattled the crossbar, Los Blancos put their nose ahead from the penalty spot. Casemiro was brought down by Omar Aldarete inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot.

Benzema stepped up and fired the ball into the top corner to open the scoring for the hosts, on the stroke of half-time. 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. In response, Daniel Wass tested Thibaut Courtois from outside the box. 14 minutes from time, 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. 

The win helped Carlo Ancelotti’s side to go eight points clear of second-placed Sevilla, who have 41 points with two games in hand. While Valencia are at the ninth spot with 28 points from 10 games. 

Granada 1-1 Barcelona

Dani Alves, who was playing his first La Liga match since returning to the club setup Luuk de Jong for the opener in the 57th minute. The 38-year-old right-back curled in a long ball for Luuk to steer home with a header. It was the Dutchman’s third goal of the season.

In the 79th minute, Gavi received a red card for a tackle from behind on Alex Collado. The visitors poured men forward to take advantage of a 10-man Barcelona. In the 89th minute, Puertas fired home from inside the box to level the score.

The result left Barcelona at the sixth spot with 32 points from 20 games while Granada are at the 12th place with 24 points.