LaLiga 2018-19: Real Madrid CF 2-0 Valencia CF: 3 Reasons Why Real Madrid Won

It was an enthralling night at the Santiago Bernebau and the heavenly white choir finally stopped hitting bum notes (somewhat) and put in a performance that would unanimously be considered one of the top 3 of the season. Valencia was put to the sword by the Blancos 2-0 on the night, and much can be said about the performance put in by the visitors, but it was the home side that was truly comprehensive and looked the better team for the majority of the fixture.

Real dominated the entire first half and took an early lead through a Daniel Wass own goal forced by arguably the best right back in the world, Carvajal. The visitors would've certainly felt lucky to go down the tunnels with only one goal down. However, it was the men in blue who started the second half the stronger of the two teams as Madrid's extreme press seemed to have taken the gas out of a few players, and the Valencian outfit was extremely close to capitalizing on that in the second half on a few occasions but were denied by Thibaut Courtois or poor finishing.

Lucas Vasquez added some much-needed re-assurance for the European Champions 7 minutes from time after a brilliant sweeping move saw Carvajal lay up Benzema, who calmly found Vasquez unmarked in the box. The pacey Spaniard took one touch before calmly slotting it past the sprawling Neto, and the second goal saw the visitors give up on the result completely as they posed no real threat after going 2 down. Here are 3 reasons why Real Madrid won.

#1 Solari's decisions

Solari has received mixed reviews about his handling of Isco, but his decision to give others minutes ahead of the Spanish magician proved to be beneficial for the team so far. He came on tonight for the final 10 minutes of the game and he looked his lively self, trying to take on beat players.

Since the defeat at Eibar in the Basque Country, Real Madrid and Santiago Solari have had quite a drastic change in attitude and approach in the following two fixtures, as the backline has really tightened up and the attack seems to somewhat be finally clicking. Isco has been on the fringes of the squad though, having started no games under the man from Rosario, who trusted youngster Dani Ceballos to start at the Bernebau today.

His decision was a good one, as Ceballos linked brilliantly with Regulion, Benzema, and Modric on the night, and despite him seeming to lack that final bit in the final third, he will gain more confidence, composure as his minutes and the coach's faith increases in him.

Solari also took Gareth Bale off for Marco Asensio, albeit due to the #11 straining his thigh, and brought on the much-maligned Marco Asensio. The youngster wasn't massively better than the misfiring Welsh Dragon, but he got into dangerous positions and looked livelier than the man he replaced. Asensio looks devoid of confidence, but with the upswing in results, he can work on his game behind the curtains and gradually return to his sparkling self.

#2 The Defence's resilience

The Reliable Ramos turned up tonight against Valencia, and

Regulion

looks more assured everytime he steps out on the pitch.

Real Madrid did not concede a goal on the night, despite the visitor's best efforts in the second half, and part of it is down to how good the home side's defence was on the night. Sergio Ramos finally had an error-free evening and looked like the dominant force that he so often is, while Raphael Varane slowly looks to be returning to his beast-like levels. Carvajal's return has been a Godsend, as Odriozola, while talented, just can't produce the same quality of displays the experienced #2 can week in week out.

Sergio Regulion stepped in for the injured Marcelo, and the Madrid team did not skip a beat. Much of that is due to the youngster's understanding of his role and brilliant skill set, both of which were on full display, as Valencia had very little joy down their right flank, with Carlos Soler constantly having to drift infield to receive the ball. The 21-year-old provides the side with the perfect balance between attack and defence, and his brilliant physicality means that he can recover immediately if he does ever get caught out while attacking. The future looks very bright for this young lad.

Thibaut Courtois had a solid evening in goal for the home side, vindicating his coach's choice by making two brilliant saves, whilst punching or catching any incoming aerial danger, keeping a clean sheet in the process. His save off of Michy Batshuayi in the second half, and his dispossession of Santi Mina was a reminder of his World Class ability and were both saves Keylor Navas would most likely not have been able to make.

#3 Marcos freaking Llorente

The Spanish youngster is grabbing his chance with both hands with Casemiro out injured, and he could become a firm favourite under Solari, not allowing the Brazilian a walk back into the first XI.

Marcos Llorente started a second consecutive game for what seems like the first time in his Real Madrid career, and the Spaniard is everything I knew his is and then some, putting in another masterclass from the base of midfield. He was a constant outlet for his teammates across the pitch, helping out his full-backs when they attacked by slotting in their positions, whilst dropping between the two centre-backs during the first 15 minutes of the second half to help the defence cope with the visitors' onslaught.

His assured performance at the base of midfield allowed others around him to truly flourish, and his surprising turn of pace, calmness in possession and knack for being at the right place at the right time are truly a gift for this team. The coach must keep utilizing him and not completely drop him when Casemiro returns to full fitness, as the young Spaniard has a different dimension to his game which the brutal Brazilian could never provide.