Benzema on target again as Real close gap at the top

Real Madrid gained ground on both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in La Liga as Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior each scored in a 3-0 win over Alaves on Sunday.

Benzema, Vinicius and Gareth Bale started together for the first time and two thirds of the newly-dubbed 'BBV' delivered as Madrid capitalised on Barca being held by Valencia and Atletico losing at Real Betis.

Mariano Diaz, on as a substitute, added a third late on. After 22 rounds, this is the first in which Madrid have been the only winners from the established three clubs, which is as much an indication of their own inconsistency as the sturdiness of Atleti and, particularly, Barca.

Madrid could now overtake Atletico if they win the city derby next weekend but the difference behind Barcelona, whom they face in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, is still a considerable eight points.

"We will fight for everything until the end," Solari said. "Today there was a real hunger to cut the gap."
"It was difficult," Solari said. "Alaves defended very well, they were determined and there weren't many spaces."
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"The match was clear," Atletico coach Diego Simeone said. "A few chances for both teams, they took advantage of the penalty we gave them and that was enough."
"In the few days that he has been with us, Alvaro has worked very well," Simeone said. "Hopefully he can find a way to score goals, which is what we need."