REAL MADRID 2-0 VALENCIA: MARCO ASENSIO AND VINICIUS JUNIOR SCORE AS CARLO ANCELOTTI’S SIDE CLOSE GAP TO BARCELONA

Marco Asensio and Vinicius Júnior scored the goals as Real Madrid beat Valencia CF 2-0 at the Bernabeu in La Liga. The win moves Carlo Ancelotti’s side to five points behind Barcelona at the top of the table. Madrid have 45 points with Barcelona sat on 50, with both sides having played 19 games. Madrid play Mallorca and Barcelona play Sevilla on Sunday.

Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring their side's second goal with his teammates during the LaLiga Santander match bet beween Real Madrid CF and Valencia CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 02, 2023 in Madrid, Spain

18' - ANOTHER GOOD CHANCE FOR ASENSIO - A beautiful back-heel in the box from Benzema to set up a shot for Asensio but his effort is blocked.

45+2' - GOAL FOR REAL MADRID - On the cusp of half time Rudiger rises highest to meet Luka Modric's corner delivery. 1-0 Real Madrid.

45+3' - GOAL DISALLOWED - After a check on VAR the goal is disallowed due to a push from Karim Benzema on Yunus Musah in the Valencia penalty box.

52' - ASENSIO SCORES FOR REAL MADRID - Asensio receives the ball from Benzema on the edge of the box and bends an effort beautifully into the far corner. He's made up for his missed chances in the first half with that strike. Wonderful goal.

55'- VINICIUS DOUBLES THE LEAD - On his 200th appearance for Los Blanco Vinicius Junior gets his goal. A nice through ball down the line from Benzema for him to run onto, the Brazilian angles straight for the goal and opens up his body well to allow him to slot the ball into the far corner.

72' - RED CARD FOR GABRIEL PAULISTA - Paulista is sent off after a wild tackle on Vinicius Junior.