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Madrid.
Real Madrid have gained ground on leaders FC Barcelona in the battle for the Spanish football championship. The defending champion won the catch-up game on Matchday 17 against FC Valencia 2-0 (0-0).
Marco Asensio (52nd minute) and Vinicius Junior (55th) ensured the success with a double strike. With the home win, Champions League winners Madrid reduced the gap to Barcelona to five points.
In added time in the first half, a goal by German international Antonio Rüdiger for Real was disallowed after video evidence because French striker Karim Benzema had previously committed a foul in the penalty area. Valencia ended the game a man down after Gabriel Paulista was sent off in the 72nd minute for a gross foul. (dpa)