Real Madrid resumed their league assignments for 2017 in the most emphatic way possible as they thrashed a lowly Granada 5-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu to restore their 6-point lead at the top of the table.
Bolstered by a clinical show in mid-week against Sevilla in the Copa Del Rey, Los Blancos continued in the same vein and put the hapless visitors to the sword. Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo on either side of a brace from Isco saw the hosts race to a 4-0 lead in just 30 minutes, effectively putting the game to bed.
Whilst there could’ve been another goal rush after the break, Madrid slackened off a little – perhaps keeping the upcoming Sevilla game in mind – and could muster just one goal for all their dominance.
Also read: SK Stat Attack: Real Madrid equal Barcelona's record of 39 games unbeaten
Regardless, it was business as usual for the leaders as they not only sailed through the tie but also turned the screw on arch-rivals Barcelona, who have a daunting game in Villarreal tomorrow. We get to the bottom of some of the major talking points from the clash.
#1 Real Madrid equal unbeaten record; on their way to create history
With yet another victory in the bag, Real Madrid have now equalled Barcelona’s unbeaten record of 39 games which they set just a year ago. Ironically, that run ended against Madrid themselves, who have followed in their footsteps but stand a chance of making history next week.
Since the 2-0 shock at Wolfsburg in the Champions League last April, Los Blancos have never been on the losing end of a tie. Although there were a few hiccups on the road, their grit and resolve helped them escape a defeat.
Now, thirty-nine games later, Zidane’s men stand on the verge of more history as they can set a new Spanish record of going 40 games in all competitions without a defeat when they make their way to the Roman Sanchez Pizjuan to take on Sevilla in the second leg of the League Cup, albeit having virtually secured a place in the next round.
Onwards and upwards.
#2 Isco makes a statement
A forgotten man in Madrid these days, Isco was given a rare start by Zidane in the midfield and the Spaniard made the most of this opportunity with an august performance which also saw him bag two goals on the evening.
The former Malaga man opened the scoring with a clinical strike after 10 minutes and added another one to his tally with a simple tap-in. It was his first brace in the White of Madrid in almost three years, but more importantly, he espied the eye of his manager.
Even though Isco was subbed off early in the second period, Zidane might want to go with him again in the next game against Sevilla on Thursday.
#3 Zidane’s rotation policy keeps Madrid ticking
Whether it’s the upcoming second leg of the Copa Del Rey or the intention of keeping players fit for a busy period ahead, Zinedine Zidane’s rotation policy may actually help Madrid go the distance.
With a seemingly busy period ahead of them, it is imperative to have all the key players at their optimum fitness levels and avoid any major injury issues. Zidane is cautious about this, and his substitutions in the game accentuated the fact.
The Frenchman brought off Toni Kroos at the interval, whereas the high-flying Isco and Marcelo was also rested a few minutes into the second-half. He had, in fact, rested Ronaldo completely in midweek.
With some really important fixtures lined up in the next month or two which includes games against Valencia, Malaga, Celta Vigo, Villarreal and two trips to Seville next week, Zidane wants his players to be at their peak of their powers.
Madrid are showing no signs of stopping, and Zidane’s rotation policy may only keep them ticking.
#4 Granada’s relegation woes worsen
The Andalusians came into the game 19th in the table, having won only once the entire season. The writing was on the wall anyways, and another defeat here is only set to worsen their dilemma.
A 4-0 scoreline after just 30 minutes brought back the horrific memories of a 9-1 shellacking two years ago, but Madrid refrained from exerting too much after the break and Granada must truly consider themselves lucky.
The arrival of Lucas Alcaraz saw some green shoots in this otherwise depleted El Grana, who were beaten only twice in the previous 6 games, but the latest setback has already dented any prospect of improvement and instead, piled more pressure.
#5 Ronaldo marks a special outing with a goal
In his first game at the Bernabeu since clinching a fourth Ballon d’Or, Cristiano Ronaldo was honoured before the kick-off and some Real Madrid legends in the form of Michael Owen, Luis Figo and his Brazilian namesake, were all in attendance, applauding him to the echo.
A horde of 85,000 fans cheered on as their golden boy held up his honour, and gave them more reasons to celebrate as he headed home from close range for Madrid’s third. Ronaldo could’ve bagged at least another goal, but lacked the cutting edge to bury a chance.
Nevertheless, it was a memorable evening for the 31-year old.
