Spanish La Liga: Benzema net brace as Real Madrid rout Valencia 3 - 0

Real Madrid French striker Karim Benzema celebrates after scoring his second goal. Photo: Denis Doyle/Getty Images via 90min

Real Madrid made light work of Valencia on Thursday night as Karim Benzema's stunning double and Marco Asensio's first goal in his first game since coming back from a lengthy injury lay-off ensured a 3-0
win at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.

A second-half blitz saw Real take the points, with Benzema side-footing in the opener in the 61st minute after excellent work from Eden Hazard down the left.

That lead was doubled roughly 13 minutes later, with Asensio getting on the scoresheet with his first touch of the 2019/20 season.

Full-Time: Real Madrid 3 - 0 Valencia 👇

🏁 FT: @realmadriden 3-0 @valenciacf_en
⚽ @Benzema 61', 86', @marcoasensio10 74'#Emirates | #RMLiga pic.twitter.com/vIHg6Iao80
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 18, 2020

The result was sealed when Benzema netted an extraordinary third. Casemiro broke up play with a solid tackle and the ball moved forward quickly, before Asensio flicked the ball into Benzema's path.

Karim Benzema explains his goal - "it worked well and I hit it" 👇

💥 How does @Benzema explain his golazo?
🗣️ "It sounds easy when I explain it, but it’s about doing it in one quick movement."
👌 Easy.#HalaMadrid | #RMLiga pic.twitter.com/JdJRuwyO5x
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 18, 2020

Valencia substitute Lee Kang-in, the Asian Football Confederation's Asian Young Footballer of the Year in 2019, was sent off moments later for a petulant kick aimed at Sergio Ramos.

The result means Real stay two points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Real Madrid are two points behind Barcelona 👇