Real Madrid v Real Valladolid LIVE: Benzema hits a 7 minute hat-trick and Madrid are in cruise control

Real Madrid come into this game a whopping 15 points behind FC Barcelona, a side who have conceded just nine goals all season. It’s highly unlikely Barca will give up enough points to let Real Madrid sneak in but Carlo Ancelotti’s side do have other things on the agenda.

In the month of April alone, they will play NINE matches across three different competitions, including a UEFA Champions League quarter-final against struggling Chelsea - a game Madrid will be confident of winning. Los Blancos also have a Copa Del Rey semi-final against FC Barcelona on Wednesday. Whilst the league title may be out of reach, there’s a good chance Madrid can end the season with silverware elsewhere.

Real Valladolid haven’t won away against Real Madrid in La Liga since May 2000! Since then, they have played today’s opposition 12 times away from home, losing 10 and drawing the other two. Can they pull off a shock win today and move further away from the drop zone?

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti addressed rumours concerning his future at the club and the links to Brazil.

“It's a straightforward issue, I'm surprised by these rumours. I'm not worried about it, the thing I'm interested in is fulfilling my duty to this club. Everything's quite clear. I will stay here as long as the club allows me to. We've doing very well, and I have a lot of affection from the president, the fans and the players. The atmosphere is relaxed and we have these two months to try to win some trophies.”

"I'm pleased that the Brazilian national team wants me, but I have to respect a contract that I want to honour. I don't know the president of the Brazilian national team, but I'd love to meet him and say hello.”

Real Valladolid currently sit in 15th position in La Liga with 28 points, just two points above the drop zone. If they lose today and Valencia win at home to Rayo Vallecano, Valladolid will drop into the bottom three.

They have won just one of their last six games in La Liga and away from home their form is even worse with seven defeats from their last nine games on the road.

Hello and welcome to Eurosport’s LIVE coverage of this La Liga clash between Real Madrid and Real Valladolid. Team news is coming up next!