Real Madrid 3-0 Alaves: 5 Talking Points as Los Blancos return to winning ways | La Liga 2021-22

#3 Marco Asensio produces a trademark finish

Marco Asensio scored a wonderful goal.

Marco Asensio scored an absolute stunner to open the scoring for Real Madrid. The Spanish international received the ball from Benzema on his right foot before turning it onto his left to curl past Fernando Pacheco.

His strike came minutes after he made an error while passing the ball to Thibaut Courtois that led to a great chance for Alaves. Asensio and Madrid were lucky that Luis Rioja failed to capitalise on it.

Asensio is becoming Ancelotti's preferred choice on the right wing. He has been scoring worldly goals to bail his side out. Real Madrid fans will hope he continues the same, albeit with a bit more consistency.

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#2 Fede Valverde impresses on a rare start

Fede Valverde in action action Alaves

Fede Valverde started against Alaves in place of Toni Kroos. The German was given a break following a run of 27 games.

The Uruguayan international started alongside Casemiro and Luka Modric. Although the 23-year-old looked rusty in the opening phase, he soon grew into the game.

Valverde was instrumental in breaking the lines, disrupting Alaves' play. His sudden burst of acceleration allowed him to wriggle past opposition players with ease.

He created two chances, won four duels, made three recoveries, won one tackle and made one interception in the game. It is time for the youngster to play a bigger role as he has proved himself worthy whenever he has been given a chance.

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#1 Karim Benzema shines for Real Madrid

Karim Benzema rejoices after scoring.

Karim Benzema may not have had the best of nights, but his contribution in the Alaves win was significant.

The Frenchman was involved in all three goals, setting up two and scoring another. Although he struggled with his finishing, Benzema was a menace up front. His link-up play provided Real Madrid quick movement in the final third.

Moreover, his beautiful exchange with Asensio before setting up Vinicius was a thing of beauty. Benzema capped off his night with a goal from the penalty spot.

That was his 27th goal contribution (18 goals, nine assists) in the league this season. Benzema is now joint-level with Robert Lewandowski (26 goals, one assist) for most goal contributions in Europe's top five leagues this campaign.