Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that Karim Benzema played a big role in Los Blancos' 2-0 win over Villarreal on Saturday.

The striker has been criticised for a lack of goals this season, with calls for Javier Hernandez to be handed the central role in attack.

Benzema did set up Cristiano Ronaldo for Madrid's second goal against the Yellow Submarine, however, and Ancelotti has praised the work-rate of the Frenchman.

"The key to the game was the second goal and Karim had an important evening, creating the goal for Cristiano," AS reports the Italian saying. "His work had a lot of merit even if he didn't score. Sometimes it's better to pass."

Madrid have now won their last three league games.