Staff Reporter.
Real Madrid moved into second place in La Liga with a 2-0 victory at home to Valencia on Sunday.
Karim Benzema, captain for the day, put Madrid ahead after 12 minutes before before Toni Kroos doubled the advantage just before half time at Valdebebas. Ferland Mendy thought he had made it 3-0 just after the hour mark but it was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Victory for Zinedine Zidane's men was enough for them to leapfrog Barcelona, who hammered Alaves 5-1 on Saturday, with Madrid gaining some momentum ahead of their Champions League clash against Atalanta at the end of the month.
2018/19 – 2⃣1⃣ goals
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) February 14, 2021
2019/20 – 2⃣1⃣ goals
2020/21 – 1⃣2⃣ goals
How many will @Benzema score this season in #LaLigaSantander? ?#RealMadridValencia pic.twitter.com/fJkx5HHRZq
The only negative from the afternoon came when Dani Carvajal limped off with an apparent hamstring injury.
The win means Real Madrid are five points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, who have two games in hand.