It was a much-needed victory for Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, as the Los Blancos defeated Valencia 2-0 to close the gap on Barcelona.

Barcelona had won a day earlier to increase the gap to 8 points, which made the victory very important.

Marco Asensio and Vinicius Junior scored two goals in two minutes in the second half to give Real a deserved win.

The first-half ended goalless, and Antonio Rudiger also had a headed goal ruled out for foul play before half-time.

Asensio had an early shot saved and another blocked, before Madrid defender Eder Militao was forced off injured and Antonio Rudiger had a headed goal disallowed before halftime.

Madrid dominated the game from start to finish, and the dominance paid off in the 52nd minute when Asensio put Madrid ahead, firing in from outside the box.

Vinicius would double the lead two minutes later, racing from inside his own half to finish past Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Later on, Valencia defender Gabriel Paulista was sent off for a reckless challenge on Vinicius.

It was a brilliant Real Madrid performance, but injury to two key players Eder Militao and Karim Benzema put a sour taste to what was a top class performance.