Real Madrid moved a significant step closer to a 34th LaLiga title, as Karim Benzema set them on the way to a 2-0 win over Deportivo Alaves.
The gap to second place Barcelona is back to four points and for the teams to swap positions it would take a mighty collapse from this position.
Marco Asensio grabbed Madrid’s second goal after Benzema’s early penalty, and Zinedine Zidane’s side could have stretched their lead as a string of chances came their way.
But humble Alaves has offered a lot to an impressive game, suitable to recommend they can remain under their new coach Juan Muniz in the top flight.
Real Madrid – Alaves 2:0
Goals: Benzema 11-11m, Asensio 50
Real Madrid: Courtois – Vazquez, Militao, Varane, Mendy – Kroos, Casemiro (90′ Diaz), Modric (70′ Valverde) – Rodrygo (82′ Isco), Benzema (82′ Hazard), Asensio (70′ Asensio)
Alaves: Jimenez – Navarro (23′ Aguirregabiria), Laguardia, Ely, Marin – Burke, Camarasa, Fejsa (55′ Mahmoud), Mendez (68′ Sainz) – Perez (55′ Rioja), Rodriguez (69′ Joselu)
Yellow cards: / – Mahmoud
