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It sure was a thrilling contest between the Real Madrid and Roma at the beautiful stadium of Santiago Bernabeu, but the visitors accepted defeat as they were thrashed by the home side to a 3-0 scoreline.
Roma seemed to be nowhere to the level of football they played yesteryear, as the Italians marched their way till the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, only to get knocked out by Liverpool who were eventually beaten by the European Champions Real Madrid.
Real Madrid were a dominant force yesterday, and Roma just sat back and defended all while. It was the least they could do, as the possession was not in their favour. It wasn't a convincing performance from the Italians, and they were eventually handed a defeat as a gift for their visit to Bernabeu.
#4 The 4-3-3 system suits Real Madrid best
Real Madrid were at their best yesterday, as the likes of Isco, Bale and Benzema ran riots at home. However, it was Isco and Bale who were on the scoresheet, as Benzema could not capitalise on the few chances he got to score.
The back four looks as strong as ever, as Marcelo and Carvajal are a constant threat on the wings, with their crosses always on point. The Ramos-Varane duo is robust, and they make sure that the midfielders feel no worry in participating in attacks high up the field.
Following Cristiano's departure, the Los Blancos side does not look a bit weak, as the front three are taking up the responsibilities on their shoulders. Isco is magical, indeed, and Julen's trusts him completely to take on the left wing, despite the fact that he has a better modern-day winger in Mariano.
Mariano came in late as a substitute for Bale, and the former Lyon star thundered a powerful shot into the back of the net, to leave his mark in the game.
#3 Roma are clearly missing Naingolan
AS Roma were held to a 3-0 defeat at Santiago Bernabeu by the Champions League champions Real Madrid, and they could do nothing to turn the scoreline around.
A comeback seemed least feasible as the Italian side were happy sitting back and defending while attacking through counters. Well, with the likes of Dani Carvajal and Marcelo at the back, their plans to attack counters did not succeed, either.
Roma missed Naingolan in the middle of the pitch, as the Real Madrid midfield was a dominant force yesterday. Modric and Kroos were often seen pulling off incredible through balls, which ended up with the right man.
Naingolan, who moved to Inter Milan this summer, provided with physicality and pace in the centre of the pitch, from which the Romans benefited a lot. However, without him, Roma's midfield was dead and as a result, they lost their opening UCL game this season.
#2 Real's midfield is as brilliant as ever!
Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are two of the very best midfielders of all time, and their vision and awareness pay off every time for the Los Blancos.
Not to forget the workhorse Casemiro, as without him it's very likely that the Spanish giants would concede goals. His well-timed tackles, awareness in the middle of the pitch, and brilliant decision making have often done wonders for Real Madrid.
With Modric, Kroos and Casemiro in the teamsheet, Real Madrid are as strong as ever and they are the clear favourites to win the Champions League, once again.
#1 Bale-Benzema duo is a serious threat
The departure of Ronaldo sent shockwaves across Europe. The fans were worried, as there was no one to replace their talisman, with Benzema misfiring for a few seasons now and Bale being very much injury-prone.
However, the Bale-Benzema duo successfully turned the tables, as they look more confident than ever to carry Real Madrid's attacking unit. And along with Isco, they can break the best of bests defences, with ease.
Bale looks determined to stay fit and Benzema seems to be gaining confidence with every matchday. Mariano and Asensio on the bench will provide constant competition to the first team players, and this would help Bale and Benzema to stay on top of their level for a longer period of time.
