Real Madrid cut Barcelona’s lead at the top of La Liga to five points with a 2-0 win over 10-man Valencia.
A stunning left-footed strike from Marco Asensio in the 52nd minute opened the scoring for Los Blancos after Antonio Rudiger had earlierthought he had opened the scoring for the hosts in first-half stoppage time when he headed home from Luka Modric’s cross but the goal was ruled out after a VAR intervention for a Karim Benzema foul on USA midfielder Yunus Musah inside the box..
Twenty-two year old Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr celebrated his 200th Real appearance with his side’s second goal two minutes later.
Gabriel Paulista was shown a straight red card for the visitors in the 72nd minute for a vicious kick on Vinicius Jr.
France forward Benzema was seen holding the back of his thigh as he walked off the pitch when he was substituted on the hour mark.
Real travel to Liverpool on 21 February for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, but manager Carlo Ancelotti said Benzema’s injury was “very light”.