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 back heel teed up Casemiro to finish for a crucial 1-0 win.

Real’s advantage in the table, coming after Barca’s draw 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.”

By the time Real play at home to Getafe on Thursday they might even have the chance to

move further clear if in-form Atletico Madrid avoids defeat on Tuesday at Camp Nou.