Real Madrid vs Real Valladolid, summary: Benzema hat trick, score, goals & highlights | LaLiga Santander 22/23
Real Madrid vs Real Valladolid: as it happened
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Carlo Ancelotti dodges interview questions like a pro boxer avoids getting hit in the face.
And if you tried to punch Ancelotti on the eyebrow, he'd probably dodge that, too.
The coolest of them all, at his very best.
Signing off...
OK, that's all for today from us!
Thanks for joining the coverage and make sure to rune in next week for more football - we've got Copa del Rey action, as well as the Premier League... and more!
Joe
David Alaba post game quotes:
Benzema doesn't surprise me, I see him work hard every day. He is a special player, a leader, our captain. I'm happy to play with him.
Hazard was good, he has an assist, he moved well, and changed the speed of the game. We are happy with him, for him. He is an important player for us. He always tries to help us.
RodryGOAL
Sorry, not sorry. The winger was fantastic today, and really came into his own during the second half, where he felt like the leader of the Madrid attack.
Let's cross our fingers he is fit to play in the game against FC Barcelona next week.
Madrid's shot stats today:
17 shots on target (poor Sergio Asenjo)
Most xG in one game this season from 5 top leagues in Europe.
Carlo Ancelotti post-match
It was a good game, the start wasn't great, they had chances, but after it was simpler.
We were quick to find the offensive solutions, we had Karim at his best, everything went well.
I love Madrid like you (Guti). Do you see me worried? (about his future)
We started with a 4-4-2, they had a back three. They pressed us well so I put Rodrygo out wide and Asensio between the lines and things became easier.
Hazard trained well, he hasn't played a lot but he was good during the game.
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Now, here are the questions we're all asking ourselves: just how quick was Karim Benzema's hat trick? And is it the fastest ever?
Well, luckily for us, Roddy has the answers.
A potential Pichichi for KB?
Benzema is on 14 goals, Lewandowski is on 17.
Can the Frenchman catch the Barça striker before the season is over?
The second stat from 2021...
Asensio's turn, this time. It was his first goal and assist in the same game since January 2021.
Real Madrid post-match:
I feel good today, I'm happy for the game and my own performance.
I don't think it was my best game for Madrid, but I'm happy. I played as a 10 and a right winger.
I prefer to play as a 10 but it depends on the game. It depends on where the space is. I think I can play in both positions.
This week was hard for me, I got a knock with the national team and was in a lot of pain all week but I'm going to try and be 100% for the next game.
Remember him?
It was Hazard's first appearance since January 2023 and his first assist since August 2021!
Full-time: Real Madrid 6-0 Real Valladolid
Six-nil. Need I say more?
Real Madrid didn't stop, and created chances all game, constantly getting through the Valladolid defence and creating chances for Asenjo to save.
The Madrid attackers, by the end, were toying with the away side, flicking passes around the opposition defence and showing the rest of Spain and Europe that just because the league may be over, they are certainly not out of every competition.
This result will come as a huge boost for the Copa de Rey Clásico that is to come on Wednesday and Carlo Ancelotti is not doubt delighted that so many of his squad players managed to have such a huge influence on the performance and result.
And that's all!
We're into the final seconds...
A poor clearance from Asenjo lands at the feet of Hazard, who plays a through pass to Lucas on the right. The defender takes a few touches into the box before slipping a nice shot underneath the goalkeeper.
3 added minutes.
Asenjo's save is spilled and almost falls to Vallejo, who saw his name in lights. Unfortunately, the defender's attempt at scoring is poor and the goalkeeper manages to make up for his mistake by leaping on top of the loose ball.
Rodrygo is on the bench with his knee wrapped in a bandage...
Odriozola plays Lucas in behind, and he shoots towards Asenjo. The save lands at the feet of Hazard, who is off balance and hits his shot over the bar from close range.
HAZARD MISSES FROM CLOSE RANGE!
Kroos' shot is stopped by Asenjo, who has earned his corn this evening.
Madrid are toying with Valladolid.
The home team get on the edge of the box and pass around, probing in the gaps between the defenders.
Camavinga feints to shoot once, twice, three time before laying off for Asensio, who launches a low drive at Asenjo.
Carlo Ancelotti is giving us a real trip down memory lane with these subs...
Hazard, Odriozola... who's next? Kovacic? Pepe? Adebayor?
Rodrygo OFF
Odriozola ON
Asenjo saves a Rodrygo shot after the Brazilian battled with JOaquín on the left side.
Madrid are having as much fun as the crowd are watching them.
Hazard is almost played through by Asensio but El Yamiq gets down well to slide the ball away.
Ceballosfinds himself on the edge of the box with space, but he doesn't shoot.
Instead, the midfielder puts his head down and tries to weave his way through a mass of Valladolid players and gets stuck before losing the ball.
The wrong decision.
Madrid break with Eden Hazard, but the referee pulls the play back for a handball in the buildup. A goal from the Belgian would be a particular low point for Valladolid, even today.
Óscar Plano hits a string free-kick at the palms of Courtois.
Asensio drives across the edge of the box towards the left, where Rodrygo is standing. He gives the ball to the Brazilian before getting it straight back and smacking a controlled shot past Asenjo.
Madrid are making it into the Valladolid box every 30 seconds.
This time it's Rodrygo again, who links up with Hazard before firing a shot wide.
Vallejo nearly gets his name on the scoresheet after getting on the end of a cross.
Plata OFF
Amallah ON
Twenty to go, and Madrid continue to attack. Rodrygo is the leader of the front line now.
The winger is playing centrally and causing all sorts of marking nightmares for the Valladolid back line, who don't know what to do with him.
Alaba and Vini Jr OFF
Vallejo and Ceballos ON
Here we go again!
And it's ruled out!
The ball hit Vinicius' hand in the build-up.
A possible Vini Jr handball...
Benzema OFF
Hazard ON
OFF THE POST FROM RODRYGO
The Brazilian gets the ball on the left side and feints to shoot before instead cutting the ball back onto his right foot and sending all the Valladolid players on a wild goose chase.
His shot is low and bobble across the pitch, bouncing off the post.
Lucas Rosa OFF
Diego Torres ON
Rosa is down receiving treatment.
Vini Jr wins the ball high up the pitch on his favourite side but his shot towards goal is weak and easily saved by Asenjo.
Again, MIlitão is there for Madrid to sweep up the danger. The home side are just becoming slightly careless with their passes in the middle of the pitch.
Madrid break and Asensio plays the ball to Benzema from the left channel but Fernández manages to clear.
Huge shouts for a Madrid penalty asMilitão goes to ground after a challenge from Rosa.
Nothing given.
Lovely work from Plata, who skips past Alaba inside the box before hitting a low show that is blocked by Militão.
Benzema has a weak shot and says sorry to his teammates after Madrid make good work at pushing Valladolid back into their own box.
The midfielder found space on Madrid's left and curled a fantastic effort towards the far corner that thwacked off the upright!
AND OFF THE POST FROM KIKE PÉREZ!
Half-time changes:
K. Pérez, Roque Mesa and Hongla OFF
L. Pérez, Óscar Plano and Aguado ON
And we're off!
Madrid get us underway...
Here we go for the second half!
A fantastic stat:
Benzema has 22 goals with Madrid this season.
He now has 20 goals or more in 11 seasons with Real Madrid, which makes him the first ever player to do so.
Di Stéfano and Raúl got 20 or more in 10 seasons.
A first for KB
Benzema's first ever first half hat trick.
Say that three time without making mistake.
HT: Real Madrid 4-0 Real Valladolid
Wow, what an amazing half of football from Real Madrid.
After a somewhat shaky start, Madrid turned on the style in blazing fashion and never looked back. Roque Mesa hit the post from distance early on for the away side who have looked to press Madrid, but Ancelotti's side have simply battered them into oblivion.
Benzema's first half hat trick will get the headlines and rightly so, as the Frenchman has been back to his best with 3 fantastic goals (he even asked the referee for the match ball at half time).
Vinicius has turned provider and has enjoyed greatly the presence of a fully fit Benzema, as the scoreline shows.
The first goal came from Rodrygo, who has been an excellent outlet on the right side and complemented the other two forwards well, as he always does.
Overall, a fantastically well-rounded performance so far from the home side, who will no doubt now have one eye on El Clásico.
And there we go. No added time.
Remember, you can watch Real Madrid vs Real Valladolid live on FuboTV.
Gonzalo Plata does well for Valladolid on the right side but Militão does even better to beat the winger for pace and recover the ball.
Madrid are running riot, finding all sorts of spaces all across the pitch.
Alaba is the latest to find a gap in the defence and plays in a dangerous cross that is just about cleared.
BENZEMA ALMOST GETS ANOTHER!
Asensio plays the ball to Benzema on the edge of the box and his shot is curled just wide of the far post.
Madrid come close again; Kroos' free-kick is whipped in and bounces just in front of the goalkeeper, with Rodrygo and Benzema sniffing around.
We're underway again. Valladolid look shocked. So am I.
Rodrygo finds space on the right, gets off a few stepovers to twist past the defender and plays a cross towards Benzema.
The striker turns his body, faces backwards, and strikes a gorgeous overhead kick past Asenjo.
Valladolid are crumbling: huge gaps are appearing everywhere and Madrid are sharks that have their senses on overdrive right now. Everyone wants to get in on the potential goal-party.
I haven't got enough time to type!
Vini gives the ball to Benzema on the edge of the box and the Frenchman takes a touch to the right, drawing in the defender, before skipping one more time and unleashing a curling effort inside the far post.
WHAT A SAVE FROM ASENJO!
Asensio was played in behind from Benzema and went to chip the goalkeeper but he was stopped from scoring by an excellent save.
Lovely. Madrid are cruising.
Vinicius takes the ball on the left, skips inside and plays a wonderful cross over the top of the defence to the far post, where Benzema is waiting to poke the ball over the line with a diving header.
It's no quantum physics Higgs-boson revelation, but goals change games (I know, right) and now Madrid look incredibly comfortable.
Benzema drives down the right wing and plays a pass towards Rodrygo who misjudges the ball and runs past it instead of kicking it into the net.
HUGE SAVE FROM ASENJO!
Rodrygo plays in a wonderful cross from the right that hits Fresneda on the head and lands at the feet of Benzema.
The Frenchman reacts instantly, hitting a low drive towards goal that is well saved by the goalkeeper.
Back underway.
Camavinga wins the ball back from deep and plays to Asensio, who drives forward before laying off to Rodrygo down the right.
The Brazilian takes two touches before steadying himself and firing a laser-guided shot low into the far corner.
Lucas gets the ball in an excellent position on the right wing but he takes 300 years before making a decision on what to do an Valladolid close him down well.
Tchouaméni's header from the resulting corner sails over.
Not given. It's a corner for Madrid instead that is comfortably defended.
Real Madrid's players shout for handball after a cross from Vinicius hits the arm of Fresneda....
Militão makes a heroic run from deep towards Lucas in an advanced position. The Spaniard gets the ball from his teammate and is brought down on the edge of the box, but Mr. Referee says no.
A series of half-chances for Madrid as they look to shake off the nerves around the ground...
Rodrygo wins the ball high up the pitch and lays off to Benzema, whose shot is well blocked.
The ball falls to Lucas on the right, just inside the box, but he takes too long and Valladolid manage to recover the ball.
Madrid look shaken and Kroos takes the ball to calm things down...
Real Valladolid smell blood.
AND ANOTHER HUGE CHANCE FOR VALLADOLID!
Monchu puts the ball wide from inside the box after good work again to win back possession.
The midfielder got the ball on the edge of the box and curled a ferocious shot that left Courtois with no chance.
Real Valladolid's man-to-man press is causing Madrid all sorts of problems.
OFF THE POST FROM VALLADOLID!
ROQUE MESA SMACKS THE POST FROM RANGE!
Chants for Juanito ring around the ground as Valladolid have their first real taste of the ball, winning a corner that is well defended by the home side.
Madrid break with Benzema who plays the ball left to Vini Jr.
The Brazilian twists and turns, eventually laying off to Kroos on the edge of the box, but the German's shot is high and wide.
Madrid come again, this time with Vinicius down the left, and win a corner.
Kroos' cross is floated in and headed wide by Tchouaméni.
Tchouaméni fires a rifled shot from distance that smacks off a defender and a grateful Sergio Asenjo collects easily.
Madrid get close to the box for the first time, Vini finds space in the middle but the attack is well crowded out by Valladolid's defenders.
A 3 at the back for the away side with a very high press. Madrid are sitting in a 4-2-3-1 and are forced into a long ball game due to the pressure.
So, it's a 3-player defence for Valladolid. Nice surprise, Pacheta.
And we're off!
Niceties over, Real Valladolid kick us off from right to left.
A quick presentation...
ETERNAL CAPTAIN reads the tifo from the Real Madrid fans as Álvaro Arbeloa parades the pitch with his youth team that won the Youth Copa Del Rey.
Pulido Santana is the man with the whistle; Iglesias Villanueva is in charge of VAR.
Remember, you can watch Real Madrid vs Real Valladolid live on FuboTV.
A reminder of the starting teams:
Madrid XI: Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Militão, Alaba, Camavinga; Tchouaméni, Kroos; Rodrygo, Asensio, Vinicius; Benzema
Valladolid XI: Asenjo; Fresneda, Joaquín, El Yamiq; Luis Pérez, Roque Mesa, Monchu, Hongla, Luca Rosa; Plata, Sergio León
The players are in the tunnel - let's go!
The players coming out of the dressing rooms...
We're almost ready to go!
Game #300 for Lucas today
What an amazing career Lucas has had at Madrid.
In the 300 games played, he has won:
3 LaLiga titles
3 Spanish Super Cups
4UEFA Champions Leagues
3 UEFA Super Cups
4 Club World Cups
OptaJose says...
Real Madrid have not lost any of their last 14 games against Valladolid in LaLiga, scoring in all of them (34 in total, an average of 2.4 per game).
As for Valladolid...
Things aren't too delightful either. Pacheta's side find themselves circling the whirlpool of relegation, just a point away from Almería in 18th.
Pacheta has just said (about a minute ago) in an interview with the television broadcaster that he doesn't want to reveal his tactics as of yet. Just 20 minutes to go until we find out!
| T | MP | W | D | L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 31 | 27 | 8 | 7 | 12 |
| 14 | 30 | 27 | 7 | 9 | 11 |
| 15 | 28 | 26 | 8 | 4 | 14 |
| 16 | 28 | 27 | 6 | 10 | 11 |
| 17 | 27 | 27 | 6 | 9 | 12 |
How the league looks:
It's, let's say, not pretty for Madrid fans.
FC Barcelona continued to steamroll the league and smashed 4 past Elche in last night's game. The Catalan side are 15 points ahead of their rivals which means that Ancelotti probably has one raised eyebrow on the Copa del Rey semi-final in midweek.
| T | MP | W | D | L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 71 | 27 | 23 | 2 | 2 |
| 2 | 56 | 26 | 17 | 5 | 4 |
| 3 | 51 | 26 | 15 | 6 | 5 |
| 4 | 48 | 26 | 14 | 6 | 6 |
| 5 | 45 | 26 | 13 | 6 | 7 |
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'I love that Brazil want me' said Ancelotti in the pre-game press conference.
Check out everything he had to say using the link above.
And remember, you can watch Real Madrid vs Real Valladolid live on FuboTV.
Pre-game stats:
- Real Madrid last lost to Real Valladolid in LaLiga way back in 2008 (since then they have won 12 and drawn 2).
- Real Valladolid have won just 2 away matches all season (Real Sociedad and Getafe)
- A Benzema double was the difference the last time the two sides met and Valladolid haven't kept a clean sheet against Madrid in their last 5 meetings.
- Madrid haven't conceded a goal against Valladolid in 4 games.
- Ronaldo Nazário is the owner of Real Valladolid: he scored 3 times against the club for Real Madrid.
Real Valladolid starting XI:
Pacheta makes a host of changes from the side that lost to Athletic Club last time out: in come Sergio León, Joaquín, Luis Pérez, Hongla and Rosa.
Real Valldolid players step out onto the pitch...
The sun is shining down on the capital today as the Valladolid players take their first steps out into the famous pitch. Granted, the stadium doesn't look in tip top condition given the building works, but it is still an impressive sight for both the players and fans.
And the answer is...
Juanito's name is sung in minute 7 of every home game!
And since today is a special anniversary, expect a huge rendition of the classic song from the fans.
Did you get the right answer?
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Ferland Mendy, like Karim Benzema, is having a nightmare of a season due to injuries.
The left back has featured just 15 times this season and has only a single assist to his name.
He's not here again today after picking up another injury and compatriot Eduardo Camavinga has taken his place.
Quiz time!
Today is the 31st anniversary of the death of Real Madrid legend, Juanito, who was killed in a road accident in 1992.
Real Madrid fans pay homage to Juanito in every home game with a song of "illa, illa illa, Juanito maravilla!", but in what minute do they sing the song?
Get your answers in to @English_AS or @j4brennan on Twitter!
Karim 'The Dream' Benzema is the captain of the XI today and Madrid fans will be praying to the heavens that he makes it through the game without getting any battle scars. A certain Clásico is coming up during the week so it's imperative that the Frenchman finishes the day unscathed.
He has had a tough season this year, one plagued by injuries, meaning that goals have also been hard to find, as well as match form. Perhaps today we will finally see him back to being like the Benzema that won the Ballon d'Or.
Real Madrid team news...
Carlo beat me to it, but Nacho (suspension), Mariano (injury) and FerlandMendy (injury) are the absences from the Madrid squad, meaning the shuffling has gone on in the back line and we've got poor Camavinga deputising once again in defence.
***
Remember, you can watch Real Madrid vs Real Valladolid live on FuboTV.
Here it is...
Courtois
Lucas - Militão - Alaba - Camavinga
Asensio - Tchouaméni - Kroos
Rodrygo - Benzema - Vini Jr
Carlo Ancelotti has outdone himself and gone full, mega, super Carlo, giving us the Real Madrid starting XI a whole TWO HOURS early!
Welcome everyone to the live text coverage of Real Madrid vs Real Valladolid in LaLiga Santander.
It's Joe here and I'll be guiding you through the ups and down, the laughter and the tears at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.