Goal.com · Dec 15, 2018
Solari defends wasteful Asensio after slim Madrid win
Santiago Solari praised Marco Asensio's performance despite the midfielder's profligacy leaving Real Madrid exposed to a nervy finish in the win over Rayo Vallecano.
Karim Benzema's first goal in six games secured a valuable 1-0 win but sections of the Santiago Bernabeu were unimpressed with the showing.
Thibaut Courtois, a spectator for much of the match, was required to make a fine double save at the death and the home fans, angered by the midweek Champions League loss to CSKA Moscow, greeted full-time with whistles.
Spain international Asensio earlier squandered two good opportunities yet Solari insisted he had no issue with either the 22-year-old or the crowd's reaction to the result.