LaLiga 2019-20: 3 players who impressed in Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Celta Vigo

Real Madrid got off to a flying start in LaLiga, recording an impressive 3-1 win over Celta Vigo on Saturday. Zinedine Zidane’s men made light work of their opponents, with Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos and Lucas Vazquez all getting on the score sheet.

Having seen Barcelona lose their opening game of the season to Athletic Bilbao on Friday, Los Blancos went all out against Celta Vigo. Zidane named a side containing most of his lieutenants from last season, with marquee signing Eden Hazard ruled out through injury.

Eden Hazard missed the game due to injury

However, Madrid appeared not to miss the Belgian as Benzema opened the scoring after just 12 minutes. Interestingly, the Frenchman was set up by Gareth Bale, who was named in the starting lineup despite rife speculation surrounding his departure.

Kroos made it 2-0 after the restart despite a red card to Luka Modric, with substitute Lucas Vazquez rounding the score line. There was, however, time for Celta Vigo to grab a consolation late goal from Iker Losada.

Here, we take a look at three players who starred in Real Madrid's win on Saturday:

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#3 Karim Benzema

Benzeman scored Real Madrid’s opening goal

Till date, many Real Madrid fans remain divided over Karim Benzema’s suitability to the club. While some often criticize the Frenchman for his lack of ruthlessness in front of goal, others see him as the perfect fit for this side.

But on Saturday, Benzema reminded everyone of his importance to the side. Zinedine Zidane decided to keep faith with his compatriot, starting him over summer acquisition Luka Jovic. And Benzema rewarded his manager with an impressive outing.

The striker was always a threat to the Celta Vigo defence and appropriately scored the opening goal for Los Blancos.

Jovic may be favoured by the majority of fans, but if Benzema continues to play like he did against Celta Vigo, then he may just keep the Serbian forward on the bench much longer.

#2 Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale put up an impressive performance on his return to the Madrid starting XI

How quickly things can change in football. Just over a week ago, Gareth Bale was a forgotten man at Real Madrid and was on the brink of being shipped out. Having fallen out with Zidane, it was thought that the Welshman’s time at the Bernabeu was all but over.

However, Eden Hazard’s injury appears to have given Bale another chance. The former Tottenham Hotspurs star was named in the Madrid starting lineup against Celta Vigo, and he did not disappoint. Bale went on to set up the opening goal – scored by Benzema.

He was also a lively presence throughout the game and played like a man who has a future at Madrid. On the basis of Bale’s performance against Celta Vigo, Zidane may just be forced to think twice about offloading the Welshman.

It was a memorable return to the starting lineup for Bale and he definitely took his chance. For the 75 minutes that he was on the pitch, very few Madrid players can claim to have outperformed him.

#1 Marcelo

Marcelo was a lively presence throughout the game against Celta Vigo

Just like for Gareth Bale, another Real Madrid player who looks rejuvenated is Marcelo. The left-back lost his position in the team towards the end of last season following a string of uninspiring performances. However, he appears back to his best under Zinedine Zidane.

And where best to demonstrate that than in the French manager’s first game of the new season. Marcelo put in a great shift on the left side of defence, occasionally joining the attack.

The Brazilian defender was the one who set up Toni Kroos to score Madrid’s second goal. In truth, Kroos was one of the most impressive Madrid players on the day, but Marcelo just about edged the German midfielder.

Marcelo is often considered to be poor when it comes to defending, but with Madrid down by a man due to Modric’s red card, he stepped up and did what had to be done to protect their lead. This was one of his best displays in the last 12 months.