Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was delighted with their win against Real Valladolid.

Real won 2-0 thanks to a brace from Karim Benzema.

Courtois said: "It's a big win and keeping a clean sheet is also a positive. I want to keep clean sheets in every game, but a 3-1 win is better than a 0-0 draw. It looked like a draw for a long time, with both sides making some good saves. Both teams put in a good performance.

"In the end, the handball and the penalty from Benzema settled the game."

"Benzema is playing very well. He was maybe lacking a bit of sharpness because he hasn't played much in the last three months. The Karim of last year might have picked up a few more goals. Scoring two goals is very good for his confidence.

"He played well, scored the penalty and the big chance he had. It's now time to focus on the Copa de Rey and after that a tough game at Villarreal, which is always a tricky game."