Real Madrid 2-0 Valencia: 5 talking points as Los Blancos reclaim second spot | La Liga 2020-21 

#3 Injury woes continue to pile up for Real Madrid

Real Madrid have several players injured.

Real Madrid have been rocked by several injury problems this season, with no fewer than seven first-team players currently sidelined due to fitness issues.

Youngster Marvin Park is also in the treatment room, leaving Zinedine Zidane with a shortage of options to pick from.

The 48-year-old named a highly youthful bench comprising of five academy players for the visit of Valencia. Dani Carvajal started the game, but the Spain international lasted only 28 minutes before being replaced by Lucas Vazquez - himself just returning to full fitness.

The frequency of injuries to playes has become a cause for concern for Real Madrid, who will hope to end the season with some silverware.

#2 Evergreen Toni Kroos dictates proceedings

Toni Kroos had a goal and an assist against Valencia.

Toni Kroos missed the game against Getafe last week after been suspended for accumulating yellow cards.

However, after retunring to the starting lineup against Valencia, the Germany international controlled the tempo of the game from midfield. His job was made all the more easier by the lack of application from the visitors. But that takes nothing away from what was a Man-of-the-Match performance.

Kroos was practically unplayable throughout the game, and his midfield combination with Luka Modric proved too much for Carlos Soler and Uras Racic.

🎙️⚽️ @ToniKroos: "It’s a good feeling. We played a good game from beginning to end."#HalaMadrid | #RMLiga pic.twitter.com/St7qDXQATg

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 14, 2021

His vision was on full display when he picked out Karim Benzema for the opener, while his shooting precision came to the fore in Real Madrid's second goal. In addition to his goal and assist, the former Bayern Munich man also made four key passes and had a passing accuracy of 94.4%.

It came as no surprise when the 31-year-old was awarded the Budweiser King of the Match award.

#1 Karim Benzema continues to lead the Real Madrid line with aplomb

Karim Benzema opened the scoring once again.

Karim Benzema has inarguably been Real Madrid's best player in the last three years, and the Frenchman has kept up his fine performances this season too.

📸✨ That @Benzema goal x 4⃣!#RealMadridValencia | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/uClH6avnWw

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 14, 2021

The precision required in his opening goal was evidence of his supreme confidence. Benzema proved to be a thorn in the flesh of Valencia's defence during his 79 minutes on the field.

The 33-year-old had three shots on target, more than anyone else managed in the game. He had shown signs of discomfort in the early stages of the match, but led his line with aplomb against a limited Valencia side.

The goal was his 12th in the league this season, as he continues to carry the goal-scoring burden for Real Madrid.