Varane: We gave Mendy a brick because he hits the post so often in training Real Madrid Left-back provided assist for Benzema's goal

Ferland Mendy was the name on everyone's lips on Saturday after his stellar performance was vital in Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby, and Raphael Varane was keen to single out his teammate for praise.

The French left-back played well defensively and put in a pinpoint cross for Karim Benzema, who simply had to guide the ball into the back of the net.

Curiously, Varane did reveal just why Mendy was given a brick at Real Madrid's Christmas dinner, too.

"The physical strength he has is amazing," Varane said of Mendy.

"He's adapting very well and it allows us to put in a lot of effort in matches.

"His strength is in defence, but he helps us in all facets of the game.

"He doesn't speak much Spanish yet, but Karim and I help him.

"He is showing the potential that he has.

"We gave him a brick [at the Christmas dinner] due to the amount of shots that hit the post in training.

"He's very tough."

The win against Atletico has enabled Real Madrid to open up a six-point gap at the top of LaLiga Santander ahead of Barcelona's match on Sunday night, with Varane recognising the important of the victory.

"It has been a very important and hard-earned victory," Varane assessed.

"I think we made a change after the [half-time] break that served us very well.

"And it's good to change when things aren't going well.

"Having the ability to change and to play with different systems and different players is one of our strengths.

"It was good to win this kind of match mentally, for our confidence; they are never easy matches because there are no spaces.

"A cross from a Frenchman and a goal from a Frenchman is good, but the vital thing is that we won."

As Varane alluded to, Mendy put in the cross which Benzema converted, with the centre-back being full of praise for the Real Madrid No.9.

"He's a great striker," Varane stated.

"He knew he wasn't going to have many chances today and the only one he had he scored.

"I'm very happy for him and for his confidence and that of the team."

Given Real Madrid's form at present, thoughts will begin to turn towards the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at home to Manchester City on February 26, though Varane is aware that it will be two difficult matches.

"They're a great team and it's going to be a tough tie," Varane admitted.

"It's going to be evenly matched and it could be decided in a single moment.

"They're a team that plays very well and I'm sure it's going to be a great tie because it's two great teams that are playing against each other."