A double from Karim Benzem and another from Marco Asensio helped Real Madrid to a 3-0 win over Valencia on Thursday.
The Blancos labored in the first half but came out guns blazing for the second half to close the gap on Barcelona to two points.
Playing without fans at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium, Zinedine Zidane’s side had to ride their luck at times, with Valencia proving to be a tough opponent.
Eden Hazard was Madrid’s most lively player in the first half and, although he could not better Jasper Cillessen, he had several shots on target.
Valencia forward Rodrigo also thought he had put his side in front, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside by VAR.
Real Madrid, however, returned after the break the much better side and deservedly opened the scoring through Benzema.
The Frenchman was nicely set up by Hazard to score his 243rd Real Madrid goal, overtaking club legend Ferenc Puskas in the process.
Asensio, who came on as a substitute, doubled Real Madrid’s lead just seconds after stepping onto the pitch.
The young attacker then turned provider, setting on Benzema to volley home Madrid’s third goal.
The win over Valencia means Zidane’s side still remain second on the La liga table and two points behind leaders Barcelona.
