Real Madrid picked up another three points at the Martínez Valero to cement their place at the top of LaLiga. Carlo Ancelotti’s men, who remain unbeaten in official games, defeated Elche to secure their ninth victory in the competition in a game they dominated from start to finish and in which they had three goals ruled out by the VAR for offside. A left-footed strike from Valverde put the Whites on course, with Ballon d’Or winner Benzema sealing the points in the second half after a delightful backheel from Rodrygo, who also set up Asensio for a third. The league leaders keep marching on.
The madridistas took control of the clash early on and found the net after only six minutes, but the fine team move that led to Benzema slotting home was ruled out by the VAR for an offside against Vini Jr. in the build-up. The visitors were not to be deterred and took the lead five minutes later. A dazzling piece of skill by Vini Jr. saw him get away from two defenders and play the ball back for Benzema, but the Frenchman was denied by Clerc on the goal line. However, the striker kept the move going and the ball eventually fell to Valverde who brought it down with his right foot and fired in a sweet half-volley with his left into the top corner.
Our second goal disallowed by VAR came midway through the first half. Alaba, Modrić, Kroos and Benzema were all involved in a beautiful flowing move. The Austrian defender was on target in the 26th minute, but the Ballon d'Or winner was judged to have been millimetres offside. After the break, Benzema could have extended the lead with a long-range effort, but Edgar Badia kept it out with 50 minutes on the clock.
The third goal disallowed by VAR came on 61 minutes, the second ruled out for Benzema. Kroos spread the ball out to the right to Carvajal, who was in an offside position when he delivered a perfect cross for the Ballon d'Or man. With the match still in the balance, Lunin demonstrated his reflexes in the 70th minute to tip Clerc's header from inside the six-yard box behind for a corner.
Benzema found the back of the net again six minutes later, and this time he it stood. Good combination play between the Frenchman and Rodrygo who provided the assist with a beautiful back-heel pass for the Ballon d'Or winner to fire past Edgar Badia. There was still time for one more, which arrive in the 90th minute as Asensio got his name on the scoresheet after another assist from Rodrygo. Three more points for the LaLiga leaders, who kept another clean sheet.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media in the press room at the Martínez Valero stadium to give his thoughts on Real Madrid's win over Elche: "It was a big game because the level could have dropped a bit after the Clásico. I didn't want to make any more excuses with the rotation. The team performed well, they were very focused and we had a lot of mobility up front. The game was open until the 70th minute and it could have got difficult".
"It's an important stage of the season because the team is playing well. We're strong out on the pitch and don't have any issues. I think Courtois will be back on Saturday and Ceballos will be back soon. We have to make the most of this situation. We have to play a lot of games and have plenty of options available not just in the starting eleven".
Rodrygo and Valverde: "It's quite obvious that more than 11 players deserve to play. I took a risk with Valverde by telling him that he was going to score 10 goals and hopefully he'll do that so that I don't lose face. He's playing very well and surprises me in every game as he does everything well: the attacking aspect, the defensive aspect, shooting, running... When you think of the modern midfielder, you don't have to look any further than Valverde at this moment in time".
Praise for Lunin: "He 's carried out his role. He's shown that he can step up when Courtois is not here, he's ready, he's prepared and he's a top goalkeeper. He's getting better every game and gaining more experience, which is the thing he's lacking. He's very young and he's quality. He just lacks experience".
On Asensio: "We haven't discussed the contract. Marco is a member of the squad. It's true that he hasn't played much, but he's proved that he can play. He's been decisive in the few minutes I've given him and he's going to be more involved going forward. We'll talk about the contract".
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