(Football news) Real Madrid have not had the best of starts to 2023 but now they have started the last period of the season with a 6-0 win at home against Real Valladolid. Rodrygo opened the scoring after which Karim Benzema scored a hat-trick inside 7 minutes. Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez scored in the 2nd half to seal the victory. Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo got 2 assists while Marco Asensio and Eden Hazard got an assist each. It was a complete team performance by Real Madrid and it has come at the right time just before the Copa Del Rey semi final against Barcelona where they need to overcome a 2-0 deficit at the Camp Nou. 

The biggest takeaway from the match was that Karim Benzema looked really sharp. It is not a coincidence he has performed well after a 2 week break. He had a run of disappointing performances and now it is becoming more and more clear that that is happening because he is the only striker in the first team. Real Madrid need to start looking for a back up really soon if they’re not planning to promote Castilla striker Alvaro Rodriguez. Carlo Ancelotti should also give Benzema more rest especially now that the La Liga title is pretty much out of hand. 

Marco Asensio showed how effective he can be in a number 10 role. He was plucking gaps perfectly and was even playing as a proper number 8 at times. The formation of 4-2-3-1 / 4-2-4 is looking like the best option for Real Madrid. It may make them weaker defensively but going forward it is a massive help.

Carlo Ancelotti has a couple of very tough selection calls to make. Toni Kroos and Aurélien Tchouaméni had really good games but Luka Modric and Fede Valverde are now well rested having sat on the bench for the full game. Eduardo Camavinga will also be in contention to play in midfield as Antonio Rudiger and Nacho will be available. Who to start and who to use as a substitute is going to be a very tough decision.

Also read: Ferland Mendy to be out for 6 weeks after latest injury