'A complete performance' Zinedine Zidane thrilled as Real Madrid go top of La Liga - in pictures

Los Blancos prove they have recovered from rocky early-season form with a win against Celta Vigo

Real Madrid forward Lucas Vazquez, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal in their 2-0 La Liga win against Celta Vigo at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium on January 2. AFP

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane shakes hands with Celta Vigo counterpart Eduardo Coudet after the match. Reuters

Real midfielder Luka Modric watched by Celta's midfielder Renato Tapia. EPA

Real Madrid's Spanish midfielder Marco Asensio celebrates after scoring the second. AFP

Real Madrid attacker Karim Benzema, left, wins a header over Celta Vigo's Iago Aspas. AP

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois attempts to punch clear. AP

Asensio, left, celebrates with teammate Lucas Vazquez . AP

Real's Marco Asensio scores their second goal. Reuters

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro heads the ball. AFP

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane. Reuters

Real Madrid's Lucas Vazquez scores their first goal. Reuters

Lucas Vazquez celebrates scoring. AFP

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane hailed the "complete" performance of his side after they beat in-form Celta Vigo 2-0 to move top of La Liga.

Lucas Vazquez broke the deadlock after five minutes at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium, with Marco Asensio doubling the lead early in the second half.

Los Blancos move one point clear of Atletico Madrid, although their city rivals have three games in hand and could return to the summit on Sunday when they take on Alaves.

"It was a complete performance from us today, from the first minute to the last," the Real Madrid coach said.

"We know we always have to win and it's not easy but the players are doing it and I'm thrilled for them.

"We're going in the right direction, doing a good job and we have to keep it up. It's all about the team, the group, when we play like that from the off.

"We were very disciplined in attack and defence, with and without the ball. We're all pleased but there's still a long way to go."

Zidane also praised Asensio's recent form and the "reliable" Vasquez as they combined for both of Real's goals.

"I'm happy for Asensio. He's had a big injury and he's a lot better now and improving every game," Spanish outlet Marca quoted Zidane as saying after the match.

"I'm happy for him and it's like that with everyone else too. We played a very serious game. I'm happy for everyone."

Zidane added: "It's not the fact that I like him so much, it's that he's doing very well. He's very reliable, very committed and I'm happy with what he's doing.

"Saying that, it's always about the team. We played very well today. It's always about picking up points and that's not easy."

The only concern for the defending champions was the injury picked up by full-back Dani Carvajal, who was substituted with five minutes remaining, although he would miss next weekend's trip to Osasuna after collecting his fifth yellow card of the campaign.

"Carvajal had a slight knock," Zidane said. "I don't think it's serious but we preferred not to take any chances."