Real Madrid scored once in either half through Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema to overcome Eibar 2-0 in the Spanish La Liga on Saturday, handing coach Zinedine Zidane his 165th win on his 250th game in charge at Santiago Bernabeu.
It was a dominant display at the Alfredo di Stefano stadium from the reigning league champions who have not lost in the league since January, and the win moves them to within three points of table-topping Atletico Madrid.
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Real Madrid face a season defining week in Europe as they prepare for Tuesday’s visit of Liverpool in the Uefa Champions League, and the sight of Marcelo and Isco showing flashes of their best would have delighted the French coach.
Los Merengues earlier found the net twice but both were ruled offside before Asensio broke the offside trap, took Casemiro’s pass in his stride and found the top corner on 41 minutes.
It was the 25 year old attacker’s third goal in as many matches.
Despite having another Casemiro effort disallowed, Karim Benzema doubled the lead with his 18th league goal on 73 minutes, diverting Vinicius Jr.’s cross into the net with a simple header from eight yards to wrap up a comfortable win.
Real Madrid move to second with 63 points from 29 matches on the league table, one point ahead of Barcelona who have played a game less.
Both arc rivals will meet in the El Clasico league fixture next weekend.