Valencia Vs. Real Madrid Live, 2011 La Liga: Karim Benzema Puts Madrid Ahead

Real Madrid are doing a very good Liverpool impression today what with their horrible red third kits, and they only added to it with their first goal of the match against Valencia. There was absolutely no threat when Marcelo was fouled inside his own half, but Anfield old boy Xabi Alonso spotted the run of Karim Benzema well up the pitch and took the free kick quickly, unleashing a pinpoint long pass that found the French striker in his stride. The first touch was perfect, as was the finish past Diego Alves, and the visitors are 1-0 to the good.

It was very nearly 2-0 a few seconds later when Cristiano Ronaldo's through ball found the onrushing Sami Khedira, who broke free of the defence and finished well, but he was miles offside and so the goal was waved off. He looked so hopeful, too. Anyway, Valencia aren't playing too badly right now, but more defending like that and this game will be over in a hurry.