Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has stated the importance of striker and captain, Karim Benzema, who scored a first half hat-trick in a 6-0 win over Real Valladolid on Sunday.

Los Blancos started the day 15 points behind Barcelona on La Liga table after the Blaugrana got a 4-0 win over Elche on Saturday. With the Copa Del Rey El Clasico second leg coming up during the week, Real Madrid needed a confidence booster, especially as they go to Camp Nou behind.

However, on Sunday, Real Madrid started like a house on fire, with Rodrygo opening the scoring after 22 minutes. Seven minutes later, Karim Benzema scored the first of his seven-minute hat-trick in the first half.

The French scored in the 29, 32, and 36 minutes to ensure a 4-0 first half win for the hosts. Rodrygo was denied a brace in the 66th minute when his goal was chalked off for handball by VAR.

However, Real Madrid were not to be denied their emphatic win, with Marco Asensio and Lucas scoring late goals. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti stated that the start of the game was hard for his players.

“We started 4-4-2 with Rodrygo and Benzema, but the central defenders were good at pressing, so I saw the possibility of opening Rodrygo on the wing and giving freedom to Asensio, and since then, everything became easier. At the beginning of the game, we suffered, and they had chances to score. With the first goal, we had good play up front. We had Karim at his best, so everything went better.” Ancelotti said.

Ancelotti continued and praised Karim Benzema’s effort. Despite the win Real Madrid are still thirteen points away from league leaders Barcelona.

The El Clasico will happen on Wednesday before Real Madrid face Villarreal next weekend in the La Liga.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu