Valencia coach Javi Gracia was pleased after their amazing 4-1 rout of Real Madrid.

The match marked the first time Gracia had enjoyed victory over Real, with his team fighting back from Karim Benzema's opener for the visitors to score four times against the defending champions.

After Benzema's long range strike, Carlos Soler scored the first of his hat-trick of spotkicks after being allowed to retake it. Raphael Varane then scored an own goal for Real to give Valencia the lead.

Valencia went further ahead after Marcelo fouled Maxi Gomez inside the Real area, with Soler again converting from the spot. Valencia were awarded another spotkick when Sergio Ramos handled the ball, with Soler completing his hat-trick.

Afterwards, a delighted Gracia, quoted by AS, remarked, "It's a good moment after a game with this difficulty, collecting the result of so much work that did not give the past results we deserved. It is the line to follow.

"This helps the players gain confidence and enthusiasm for the next matches.

"It gives us the value of the points on the basis that, with the previous work, it helps us improve our spirits. It is an ideal time for it. Now with the international break we can continue working although we lose many internationals."

He added: "I had never beaten Madrid as a coach. It was a very complete game. You have to do many things well, push and have a dose of fortune. It is not usual for us to be awarded three penalties although they have been clear, at least both handballs."

Real Madrid now remain four points off the La Liga summit after this heavy defeat, although they do have a game in hand. Valencia, meanwhile, now sit ninth on the table.