Celta Vigo 1-3 Real Madrid C.F : 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis

Real Madrid C.F started their La Liga campaign in fine fashion as they thumped Celta Vigo 3-1 at Balaidos away from home. After a disastrous pre-season, the Whites have shown what they are capable of.

Zinedine Zidane's men took the lead early on in the game as Karim Benzema slotted the ball into the back of the net after Gareth Bale bamboozled two of Celta's defenders before setting up the Frenchman.

The hosts had a chance to get back into the game after Luka Modric was sent off for catching Denis Suarez from behind. But Real showed character as they doubled their advantage at the hour mark with a vicious strike from Toni Kroos.

The visitors looked comfortable with a two goal cushion but Isco's introduction into the game saw Zidane's side take total control of the game.

Benzema was in sublime form as he scored one and set up one for the visitors and lead the attack for the Spanish giants with supreme confidence. However, Celta scored a consolation goal as Iker Losada slotted one past Thibaut Courtois in the dying minutes of the match.

Here is a look at the five talking points from the game:

#5 Gareth Bale makes a statement with his performance

RC Celta de Vigo v Real Madrid CF - La Liga

Gareth Bale was a surprise inclusion in the starting line up after all the controversies that surrounded the Welshman this summer. With Eden Hazard injured just a day before the game & Marco Asensio and Rodrygo already sidelined, Zidane put his trust on Bale.

Bale looked like a man on a mission as he caused all kinds of havoc on the wings. The 30-year-old set up Benzema for Real's first after some impressive work to get past Celta's defense. The Welshman put in a massive shift last night.

The winger often tracked back to help Alvaro Odriozola defend and looked well integrated with the rest of the team. Bale and Benzema on various occasions formed a formidable duo which kept the Celta defense busy throughout.

#4 Denis Suarez looked like a breath of fresh air

Denis Suarez was the only threat Real had to deal with last night. The former Barcelona man pulled the strings for the Celestes as he put in a massive performance on his debut for the Sky Blues.

Suarez had an impressive outing as he completed 5 dribbles and also won 14 duels. The 25-year-old was the most fouled player in the game as Real Madrid committed 7 fouls to stop his advances, one of which also saw Luka Modric being sent off as the Croatian caught Suarez' achilles from behind.

Every time he linked with Iago Aspas, it posed a real threat to Real who looked to stop the Spaniard from making any progress. The former Barcelona man showed glimpses of why he was rated so highly by the Catalans and their fanbase.

#3 Real Madrid's elite mentality takes Celta Vigo by storm

Celta Vigo, after going one goal down, came onto Real Madrid with huge spells of possession but could not find the space they were looking in the final third. Los Blancos were forced to absorb the pressure by persistent attempts of Fran Escriba's men, but their real chance came in when Luka Modric was sent off after a reckless challenge on Suarez.

Despite being down to 10 men, Real Madrid did not succumb to pressure as Toni Kroos put one into the back of the net after a ferocious strike and secured a two-goal lead for the visitors.

Even Zinedine Zidane opted against bringing on a defender as he introduced three attacking players into the mix with the likes of Lucas Vazquez, Isco and new recruit Luka Jovic. The substitutions were absolutely spot on from the gaffer as Isco's introduction immediately saw Real take complete control of the game. The former Malaga midfielder was vital to Real's third which was finished by Vazquez after a beautiful sequence of football from Los Blancos.

#2 Los Blancos' defensive woes are still visible

Despite Real Madrid managing to keep a clean sheet for majority of the game, Celta Vigo had no problems in exposing gaping gaps behind Marcelo and Alvaro Odriozola. The hosts managed to exploit the space left in behind by the full backs who like to move forward and assist in the attack. Odriozola almost surrendered a goal after losing the ball cheaply but was saved by VAR as it was ruled offside.

It is not a secret that the Brazilian is fond of venturing in the opposition's half and quite is exceptional at that but in the process leaves the left flank vulnerable to counter attacks which leaves a lot for Sergio Ramos to deal with. Real Madrid were saved on various occasions by exceptional defending by Raphael Varane and pointblank saves by Thibaut Courtois.

Real's defense likes to play a very high line that helps them build from the back but also puts them under added threats of counters from incisive passes. Despite that, Marcelo put in a fantastic performance as he was involved in all goals for Zidane's side.

#1 Casemiro is indispensable for Zinedine Zidane

Casemiro was an absolute rock. The Brazilian did not allow any breathing space to Celta Vigo. The 27-year-old is indispensable for Zidane and he showed it why. Casemiro did all the dirty work for the Whites.

The Brazilian international made 9 recoveries, won 7 duels and successfully delivered 10 long balls in the 90 minutes he played. Casemiro was quite vital in the first and the third goal Real scored as he was the one who started the attack after winning the ball back from the hosts. He even made a vital block that could have resulted in a goal.

The defensive midfielder allowed Toni Kroos and Luka Modric to move forward freely and after the red card allowed Isco to dictate the game on his terms as he had the center of park secured.

Casemiro is an undisputed starter in Zidane's starling XI.

Edited by Amar Anand