Madrid edge past Espanyol to go two clear of Barcelona

Benzema's volley against Valencia could be goal of the season and he might now have a claim to best assist too after his brilliant backheel teed up Casemiro to finish for a crucial 1-0 win.

Madrid's advantage in the table, coming after Barca's draw away at Celta Vigo on Saturday, is their biggest since February and puts them within sight of their second league title in eight years.

"It's a very important win," said Benzema. "I can't say we don't look at Barcelona, of course we do. But we're focused on our own league. There are not many games left and every game now is a final."