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XtraTime Web Desk: A stunning strike from Karim Benzema helped Real Madrid thrash Valencia by a 3-0 margin at the Alfredo di Stefano stadium on Thursday. The win took Real Madrid to 62 points from 29 matches, two points behind league leaders Barcelona who have 64 points from same number of matches in La Liga.

Benzema scored twice along with Asensio. The Frenchman by scoring a brace went passed legendary Ferenc Puskas to be the fifth all time leading goal scorer for Real Madrid. Benzema has now scored 243 goals for the Los Blancos. He is also now the fourth player in Madrid's history to have hit 20-plus goals in eight or more seasons, as he joins Cristiano Ronaldo, Alfredo Di Stefano and Raul in the Bernabeu's hall of fame.

The first half saw both sides playing entertaining football but failed to open the score sheet. With a goalless first half, the home returned with more intent in the second half. As a result of which Madrid took the lead in the 61st minute through Karim Benzema. Sergio Ramos started it with a step-in that allowed Hazard to run down the left wing, and after a quick one-two combination with Modric, the Belgian played to Benzema and the Frenchman finished with aplomb for a 1-0 lead.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane brought in Asensio in place of Fede Velverde in the 74th minute. The Palma native could have a better start as his first touch resulted in a goal within 20 seconds after he came in. Benzema scored his second goal of the match towards the dying minutes of the match. Kroos sent in a cross to Asensio, who took a touch and then used the outside of his foot to feed Benzema. The French striker made no mistake with his left foot volley to give Real Madrid a convincing 3-0 wins in the end.