Leaders Real Madrid took on Granada at the Bernabeu on Saturday in an early season top of the table clash.
Madrid
started like a house on fire, going 1-0 up inside the opening three
minutes thanks to Karim Benzema, who fired home after a wonderful cross
from Gareth Bale.
Zinedine Zidane's men then doubled their lead, courtesy of a glorious finish from Eden Hazard after a pass from Fede Valverde – finally getting off the mark for Los Blancos after his big money summer move.
Luka
Modric then made it three after coming on for the injured Toni
Kroos with a great strike from long range, with Hazard turning creator. Granada
were far from done though, as they won a penalty soon after Modric's
goal, which Darwin Machis put away past Alphonse Areola.
Granada started to pile on even more pressure, and made it 3-2 when Domingos Duarte smashed home at the far post from a corner.
However,
Madrid fans' nerves were finally eased when James Rodriguez slotted
home in the dying embers of the game to give Los Galacticos a 4-2 win to
increase their gap at the top to four points ahead of their title
rivals' games tomorrow.
REAL MADRID
Key Talking Point
Despite a poor start in their Champions League campaign, Real Madrid have
been doing somewhat well in the league. They sit top of the table,
albeit with a set of far from unconvincing performances.
Madrid were much, much better in the final third than in
recent weeks, and the front three seemed to be playing with more vigour
and penetration. As well as that, the midfield trio seemed to complement
each other extremely well.
However, at the back they are still as chaotic as ever, as seen by
Granada's late burst. Madrid can be successful in the league this
season, but it is an absolute must for Zidane to sort out the defence.
Player Ratings
Starting XI: Areola
(6); Odriozola (7), Ramos (6), Varane (6), Carvajal (7); Casemiro (8),
Valverde (9*); Kroos (6), Bale (7), Benzema (8), Hazard (8)
Subs: Modric (7), Isco (6), Rodriguez (7)
STAR MAN
21-year-old Valverde is slowly becoming a regular in Madrid's midfield, and boy is he looking good.
The
youngster is dynamic, and a constant threat in both boxes. He works
hard to recover the ball, and starts attacks with a willingness to run
at defenders. He looks a real talent.
To
cap off his display, he got the assist for Hazard's goal, and was
crucial in Modric's too. Madrid have some player on their hands.
GRANADA
Player Ratings
Starting XI: Silva (6); Diaz (5), Duarte (7), Sanchez (5), Neva (6); Azeez (6), Montoro (6); Herrera (6); Diaz (6), Soldado (5), Machis (7)
Subs: Gonalons (6), Vadillo (6), Fernandez (6)
Looking Ahead
Real Madrid looked much better offensively today, but they need
to keep in mind that it was 'just' Granada. Tougher tests will come.
However, they continue to look a shambles at the back, leaking goals for fun. But with a game against RCD Mallorca to come, their defence shouldn't suffer too many problems, and they can look to stretch their lead at the top.
However, they continue to look a shambles at the back, leaking goals for fun. But with a game against RCD Mallorca to come, their defence shouldn't suffer too many problems, and they can look to stretch their lead at the top.
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