UEFA Champions League: Real Madrid 5-1 FC Basel - 5 talking points

Defending champions Real Madrid thrashed Swiss side FC Basel 5-1 in their opening Champions League game of this season. An own goal by Marek Suchy in the 14th minute set the tone for the rest of the game as the deadly ‘BBC’ trio added one each, along with the new recruit, James Rodriguez, and ensured that they got off to a flying start to the new campaign.We glance through the 5 talking points from the game.

#1 Real Madrid kick start their title defense in style

Real Madrid entered the competition as the defending champions and made sure that they lived upto the billing with a 5-1 subjugation of the visitors.

After grappling to find a breakthrough in the initial stages, the deadlock was finally broken in the 14th minute when Nacho’s effort deflected off Marek Suchy’s chest and crashed into the net at full tilt. The second of the night came at the stroke of half an hour, when Modric’s sublime pass from the ouside of his boot was latched onto by Bale, who surged into the opposition box, lobbed the ball over Basel goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik and coolly plunged into the net.

Few seconds later, Ronaldo found himself on the scoresheet for a staggering 69th time in the Champions League, as he neatly latched-on to Bale’s cross and moved within 2 goals of Raul’s all time goalscoring record of 71. New signing James Rodriguez made it 4 for the home side when the ball rebounded off Benzema’s shot and the 22-year old tapped it from a point blank range to put the tie beyond the grasp of the Swiss outfit.

Paraguay international Derlis Gonzalez reduced the deficit just few minutes later, but it came as a mere consolation as Benzema rounded off the scoring in the 79th minute, as the reigning champions got the season underway in an emphatic fashion.

#2 Real Madrid\'s Achilles heel: The defense

Going by the final result, it may seem there’s absolutely nothing to worry about. But when saying that the goal that was conceded could have been avoided easily raises a few eyebrows.

The issue at the back has always detered Real Madrid from attaining outright supremacy and much of the blame can be levelled at Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, for splashing millions and millions of money to bolster only the attack, without taking their primary concern into account - the defense.

And that vulnerability was exposed in this game when Derlis Gonzalez pulled one back for the visitors. Luca Zuffi released Derlis González with a ball through the midfield as the Basel striker raced through three Madrid defenders. Before Sergio Ramos could recover, González sent his shot past Casillas from 20 yards out to make it 4-1. The goal was completely preventable but shambolic defending caused them to conced.

If Real are to retain their European crown, this longstanding issue must be addressed at the earliest, as they have many big clashes up ahead.

#3 New comers did not disappoint

Latest acquisitions, Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez, made their first appearances in the Champions League in a Madrid jersey and were formidable. The former played in a defensive midfield position whereas the latter played behind a front three of Benzema, Ronaldo and Bale.

The departure of Xabi Alonso have left huge boots to fill for Kroos. Although we’re yet to see his best in Madrid colours, Kroos hasn’t been so subdued either and is gradually integrating with the squad. He was impeccable in his duties against Basel and was hardly troubled by the Basel defense and completed 11,411 metres, the highest amongst his teammates.

Rodriguez had, by far, his best performance for the Spanish giants. The former Monaco man had made 72 passes and had a passing accuracy of 88%. Only Marcelo (74) and Kroos (88) had more passes than him.

The 22-year Colombian showed his great vision and also had the chance to help out at the back, recovering a ball in a play that could’ve cost them a goal and lastly, was on the scoresheet. Benzema's initial shot was saved well by Vaclík, but the rebound was turned in by Rodriguez.

#4 Lightning doesn\'t strike twice: A lesson for Basel

FC Basel caused a major upset when they defeated Chelsea, home and away both, in the group stages of last season. The Swiss side came from a goal down to beat the Blues 2-1 at home and a goal from Mohammad Salah (who, ironically joined Chelsea later) in the dying embers of the return leg gave them another victory.

However, their ambitions of replicating that success at the Spanish capital were totally shattered withing 40 minutes, as they went 4-0 down to the European Champions. However, they’ve still got another shot at it, when they host Real Madrid at St. Jacob’s Park in the return leg on 26th of November.

#5 Will this victory prove to be a re-invigorating for Real Madrid

Real Madrid embarked on their 2014-15 season with a 2-0 victory over newly promoted Cordoba, but were far from their best as they struggled to create chances and were booed and jeered by their own fans. To compound their misery, the European champions succumbed to back-to-back defeats at the hands of Real Sociedad and city rivals, Atletico Madrid.

In all the three matches, Los Blancos were defensively out of shape and looked vulnerable. However, this victory over Basel, which was their best so far in this season, can be a morale booster for the Spanish outfit as they once again turn their attention to league fixtures.

Two back-to-back defeats have pushed The Whites to 12th in the standings, whereas their contenders for the league crown, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, occupy the first and second positions, respectively. Real must now try to catch up with them, before its too late and must take this Champions League win as a pill for the revival of their spirits.