Manchester City keep on shooting but Real Madrid refuse to die

Manchester City threw all their firepower at Real Madrid in a 4-3 win at the Etihad Stadium, but the Los Blancos stuck to their own script in refusing to give up.

Kevin De Bruyne celebrates opening the lead with the fastest goal in a Champions League Semi-final tie. Image courtesy of Manchester City FC via Getty Images.

Another enthralling night in the Champions League: another one involving Real Madrid. Both teams went gung-ho. A night where defence was the last thought between the two sides; a dream for neutrals of the sport. It was a beautiful display of attacking football and the defensives fragilities, which encapsulates the modern expansive game we have come to love. Manchester City’s relentless press and constant attack versus Real Madrid’s ability to endure whatever is thrown at them, and use adversity as a weapon of their own. The tie was beautiful chaos; it was mesmerising anarchy. If you blinked for just a second you’d want that second back.

The scoreline was opened by Kevin De Bruyne, arguably the best midfielder in the world – it took him just 2 minutes to break the deadlock, and score the fastest goal in a Champions League Semi-Final. A simple header after a brilliant cross from Riyad Mahrez. Nine minutes later it was 2-0, after Gabriel Jesus turned David Alaba in the box and slotted calmly past Tibo Courtois. An ominous bloodbath looked to be brewing for the Spanish giants. Real Madrid were rattled and overtly shaken. But adversity seems to invigorate this side, and it proved so again. However, not before they almost conceded a third goal – first Riyad Mahrez hit the side netting from close range on 26′ and then on 29′ Phil Foden had a golden chance, after a brilliant through ball from De Bruyne – The England international however, dragged his shot wide. Manchester City missed; Real Madrid did not. Their first real attack ensued five minutes later and none other than Karim Benzema (arguably the best player in the world) got his team back into the tie. Luka Modric slid in for a fifty-fifty and intrinsic to this sides mentality when they are down, he won the tackle and the ricochet fell to Ferland Mendy. The left-back was directed by Benzema where to play the ball; instead a mediocre cross followed, but it did not matter – as Benzema turned it into goal. The Frenchman volleyed home from just inside the box, with his weaker left foot no less, under pressure from his marker. The game went into half time with 2-1 on the scoreline, surely not another comeback?

The second half started off in the same vein. City with the ascendancy – they wanted to bury this tie. on 48′ it should have been 3-1. Riyad Mahrez burst through on goal but he hit the post – Phil Foden could not convert the rebound, as Dani Carvajal was in the right place at the right time. Soon after on 53′ it was 3-1. Thirty-six year old Fernandinho was sharp to a sloppy pass from Ferland Mendy, and burst forward down the right flank – you’d have thought it was Kyle Walker instead. The Brazilian went on to put in a brilliant cross towards the box, for Phil Foden to head in for a 3-1 lead. It was euphoria once more in Manchester; but not for long. As adversity strikes; so does Real Madrid.

Two minutes later, Vinicius Jr produced the best skill of the night – a dummy through the legs of the aforementioned Fernandinho on the the half way line. Vinicius kept on running; no one could keep up and Aymeric Laporte seemed hesitant to approach – until the last moment, but it was too late, as Vinicius managed to get his shot off and slide it past Ederson in goal. It was 3-2. A beautiful chaos was reigning over this game and Real Madrid were revelling in it.

The game simmered for a little while after this; until it didn’t. It reached boiling point once more. on 74′ Zincheko marauded forward and was wiped out by Toni Kroos – the referee brilliantly waved play on – everyone seemed to stop but an elusive Bernado Silva, who latched onto the loose ball and struck a fierce shot into the left hand corner. Courtois didn’t move; he may have done better. Once again he was in shock by what had just manifested. Everything happening at rapid-speed just like the shot that had nestled past him.A fourth goal conceded and Man City had a two-goal cushion once more.

Here we go again! The two goal deficit energised Real Madrid. As if some sort of adrenaline boost was injected into them. The verge of letting the tie slip away is the only motivation they seemed to need. They turn into the best team in the world; for the brief moments it matters. Luka Modric turned back the clock, as he so often does and almost pulled another back a few minutes later – a left footed strike from the edge of the box, went agonisingly wide for the Croatian. on 80′ an innocuous cross from a Toni Kroos free-kick led to some panic in the Manchester City defence. Aymeric Laporte clumsily left his arm out and the ball had struck it. The Madrid players appealed, as they are obliged to do by the laws of nature. If you do not ask, you do not get. The referee hesitated for a slight moment but pointed to the spot. Real Madrid with another chance to pull a goal back. They just would not die. Two minutes had passed since the decision was made. Karim Benzema patiently waiting, the nerves building up. He had missed two penalties in Real Madrid’s last league game. Which way would he go? What followed was dumbfounding brilliance. Time stopped, as Benzema languidly opted for a Panenka. The ball spinning perpetually in the air; gravity took a step back to admire the beauty, and then realigned itself with the universe once more, to make sure the ball nestled just under the bar. The audacity; the class; the confidence of a player in his prime to do that in a semi-final tie – with his team two goals down. It took courage, and his team has plenty of that to go around. He celebrated as if it was never in doubt, and in his form; you wouldn’t dare doubt. The game ended 4-3 in favour of Manchester City; a moment of class to encapsulate a chaotic, exhilarating night of football.

Karim Benzema smiles on, after his cheeky Panenka.
Image courtesy of Reuters.

A classic semi-final tie was given birth. Both teams played their part, they entertained, and both teams left somewhat satisfied by the result. Carlo Ancelotti said of the result ‘it’s a defeat that keeps us in the tie ahead of the second match’ and that it does. Real Madrid can count themselves lucky they did not suffer a bigger loss. Yet, it can’t always just be luck. So often they’re on the ropes and pull out the result. Their quality shone in pivotal moments. They are team full of moments and it pulled them through this match. Granted, they didn’t win, but a one goal deficit to take back to the Bernabeu isn’t the worst result. They cannot play the same way, but they probably will. Manchester City on the other hand may feel disappointed, as they were abundantly wasteful in front of goal. They were much the better team and yet they were almost at the end of another epic comeback from Real Madrid. They’ll be ruing the missed chances. They could have killed Real Madrid; they should have killed Real Madrid, but it’s a team that refuses to die. A living organism that breathes solely for this competition. They need to be cut at the head, and even then, they grow back another one.

The second leg is poised ever so delicately for another footballing spectacle. Manchester City will continue to shoot; they will continue to attack. Real Madrid will endure, as they have done so throughout the whole campaign. They are barely standing, almost on their knees; but they live for these nights. They’ll wipe off the blood, patch up the wounds and go once more. They’ll look to pounce on Manchester City, and punish them if they are so wayward in their aim again.

Real Madrid have Chelsea where they want them: Can they finish the job?

Image courtesy of Antonio Villalba/Real Madrid/Getty Images

Real Madrid’s 3-1 win at the Stamford Bridge leaves them in a very promising position for their Champions League tie on Tuesday. So much so that Thomas Tuchel was resigned to a feeling that the fixture was over; he did not believe his Chelsea side were at the level needed to progress to the semi-finals; his post-match comments were explicit. The mood and pessimism may have altered slightly after their 6-0 smashing of Southampton on the weekend – Tuchel certainly got the reaction he wanted; an energetic and ruthless display. Timo Werner and Mason Mount both grabbed braces (the former could have had more), while Marcos Alonso and Kai Havertz helped themselves to one each. On the other hand, Real Madrid played later that evening put in another professional display; not as many goals as Chelsea, but a very comfortable and controlling display against Getafe; a bottom half side who tend to give them difficulties. Yet, they looked confident – Vinicius Jr with a delicious outside of the foot cross to set up their first goal, scored by Casemiro and their second scored by Lucas Vasquez; marauding forward like a modern full-back. Both teams looked imperious in their own styles on the weekend, but who will come out triumphant on Tuesday?

The key to this battle will be who’s identity comes out stronger. Carlo Ancelotti managed to rest Luka Modric and Toni Kroos – an almost blasphemous occurrence; just ask Real Madrid fans about Ancelotti’s squad rotation. In their place were the future and the present; Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga – both athletic and confident carrying the ball, whereas the former veteran two like to control the game. However, Real Madrid would like to control this second leg, even more so now that they hold a somewhat substantial lead. This will most likely see that midfield trio of Kroos, Casemiro and Modric start but will have Valverde deployed on the right, who will tuck in and provide that much needed athleticism and power. This worked to a perfection in the first leg and should in theory work again; Chelsea will need to come out on the front foot – they’ll need to attack and so they will most likely leave gaps. This is where Valverde and Vinicius Jr can provide devastating counter-attacks and Karim Benzema can continue his imperious form in front of goal – a hat trick in the first leg has given his team a healthy lead and he’ll be hoping to add to his already impressive tally for the season; 37 goals and counting.

In contrast, Chelsea will be looking to the wide areas, a staple of Tuchel’s style. Reece James and Marcos Alonso will need to be at their best, not only in defending their flanks but also attacking Real’s. Chelsea are heavily reliant on this style of play and they’ll be looking for Kai Haverts in the box, who seems to have found himself a proper role in the side, and is reaping the rewards – The German scored in the first leg and on the weekend; He has 7 goals in his last 10 games. Romelu Lukaku will not be travelling with the Chelsea side, The 100 million pound Belgian, who’s cursed return to Chelsea continues; He will not be able to make amends for squandering that brilliant headed chance in the first leg to make it 3-2.

While Tuchel may want to deploy his tactics around the flanks, he will undoubtedly need to address that midfield battle; when on song Kroos, Casemiro and Modric can dismantle and suffocate the best of teams. It will be interesting to see if Tuchel looks to deploy Kante and Kovacic in the starting line-up and tries to stifle that midfield trio, as did Real Madrid’s previous opponents; PSG. But Chelsea along with all the aforementioned have another obstacle to face, and probably the most obvious one; this is Real Madrid in the Champions League, a competition even in their worst of times, they have an ability to give an extra 10 percent and pull out the extraordinary. Chelsea need to be perfect and while doing so, they’ll need to fight off that ominous aura that Real Madrid seems to possess in this competition; their inevitable ability to get a result. An intangible force which Chelsea may not be able to control. Ninety minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu are indeed a long time; just ask PSG. The narratives and nuances are endless but its pretty simple really; Chelsea need to replicate what their opposition has done on countless occasions for their second leg tie; A remontada. A comeback against the kings of comebacks; pretty simple eh? Real Madrid will undoubtedly have other ideas, they’ll be looking to pounce on the break. Valverde and Vinicius their ammunition to drive them forward; to capitalise on Chelsea’s vulnerabilities chasing a historic victory – and their deadly weapon in Karim Benzema looking to provide the kill.

Kylian Mbappe ruthless, Real Madrid toothless: A moment of magic from the prized Frenchman separated the sides

Kylian Mbappe scores through the legs of Tibo Courtois, to give them a slender lead in their first leg Champions League tie against Real Madrid.
Image Courtesy of Shutterstock

It was in the stars. You could not have written a better script – oh but if you were to write one, this is probably how it would have played out. There was only going to be one result tonight, although for 93 minutes it seemed as though Real Madrid were sticking to their own script in this competition – suffering but getting the needed result. Real came with a plan to stifle a stacked Paris Saint-Germain squad (even without Neymar starting). A clear model was set in place to hit them on the counter, but nothing of that sort manifested itself throughout the match. The midfield trio of Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Luka Modric, ever reliable had forgotten how to pass and there was a dearth of energy; very much required. Karim Benzema did not look 100% and Vinicius Jr just did not have the impact we’d become accustomed to this season. A quintessential Real Madrid had all the ingredients but lacked the necessary seasoning. Instead we saw PSG completely dominate the play, while Real were penned back for the entirety of the game. Real Madrid rode their luck and looked to be putting in a stereotypical performance in Europe – suffering in parts to sting when their opponents were caught sleeping. Instead it was their prized jewel, Kylian Mbappe; who provided the killer blow.

The first half dominated by PSG who were the only side who came with any sort of impetus on the evening. Kylian Mbappe looked the most likely to open the scoring or deliver the assist. On 5′ he turned Dani Carvajal inside out on the wing and Angel Di Maria should have done better with his cross. Moments later the Frenchman was in on goal himself, after again beating Dani Carvajal to a ball over the top – he outrun and and outmuscled Carvajal. Mbappe could not however gain complete control of the ball and scuffed the shot against Tibo Courtois – who himself had a great game, unlike the rest of his team-mates. Real Madrid looked in shock the whole half, already reserved to play out for a draw. A throwback to a time when Jose Mourinho managed them – yet this team maybe not as suited to that tactical game. However, for all the dominance from PSG the first half finished 0-0. They would have been disappointed and Real Madrid relieved the scoreline remained level. Surely, a change would be imposed by Carlo Ancelotti in the second half.

The second half played out the same way, but Real growing evermore comfortable to defend and see this game out for a draw. That plan almost came to ruins as Kylian Mbappe won PSG a penalty – tormenting Dani Carvajal yet again – he’ll be hoping Real Madrid sign him, just so he doesn’t ever have to face him on the pitch again. Another script was brewing as Lionel Messi stepped up, this was his chance once more – to lay the sword into a team he’s almost obliged to torture. Yet, surprisingly and unsurprisingly he couldn’t convert. The Argentine has now missed 5 out of 23 penalties in the Champions League – tied with Thierry Henry as the highest – a record he will not want to lead. On this occasion it was it was Tibo Courtois who had denied him, one of the better performers from Real Madrid on the night. A similar pattern was ensuing, as for all their dominance, it did seem PSG were relying on some individual brilliance to break the deadlock. While they pressed and harried Real Madrid, their effort and dominance was not opening up Real Madrid in the way they would have hoped. Often at times, it was the Spanish side not helping themselves, with haphazard passing and a lack of composure when it was most needed. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric were unlike themselves and the front three could not link up at all. On 72′ Carlo Ancelotti made some substitutions to bring in some much needed energy and some assurances on the right side of the pitch – where Kylian Mbappe was causing havoc. At the same Mauricio Pochettino brought on Neymar, another element of threat for Real Madrid to worry about. Yet, it was Mbappe who always looked the most likely. That left hand side was his to own all night – as on 77′ he created another chance out of nothing – fed in by Messi, he tried bend one in from left hand side the box – this time agonisingly wide.

0-0 was on the cards and taking everything into account, it would have been a great result for Real Madrid. The 94th minute loomed and so did an ominous Kylian Mbappe. Carlo Ancelotti’s precarious game-plan was laid to ruins and Real Madrid reaped what they had sowed. The Frenchman swivelled through Lucas Vasquez and Eder Militao, both who could have maybe done better, yet take nothing away from the brilliance of Mbappe, who saw the space between them – skipped through into the box – composed himself, opened up his body – to score through the legs of the Belgian, Tibo Courtois. Mbappe saw the headlines and grabbed them. He needs no introduction to Real Madrid but they got another glimpse of what he is capable of. A team obsessed with his signature – just gave them another reason to be infatuated with him.

While the difference on the night was Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid had an awful performance on the pitch. PSG had 21 shots, while Real Madrid had 3 (none on target). PSG had an xG of 1.88 while Real had 0.14. To put lightly, Real Madrid had not played well at all. The Madrid press in a frenzy now – calling for the head of Carlo Ancelotti – obviously more about the performance rather than the result. On the face of it 1-0 away to PSG is not terrible, especially now there are no away goals in the competition. Yet as always, it is always about the context. While PSG played well enough to warrant the win, Real never showed anything in the whole 90 minutes, to inspire any of hope of a win. It’s not the Real Madrid way; to just defend. Even in their worst performances, their fans would rather see them put their hearts out on the pitch and lose by a bigger scoreline – if it means they are entertained – if it means there is something to cheer for. There was nothing to cheer for on Tuesday night. PSG played for the glory and Real looked content to draw, but lost out there on the pitch – both tactically and ideologically. There didn’t seem to be a coherent plan to actually go looking for a goal – and if that was the case why even start an injured Karim Benzema? Instead we saw a toothless performance, and even if they had teeth, they wouldn’t have known when to bite. Their superstars were off their mark. Their midfield trio looked fatigued and drained of their abilities. Their talismanic striker was clearly unfit. Their energetic Brazilian winger isolated and often made to work harder than accustomed to. In juxtaposition, their opponents – often labelled a team full of individuals looked hungry and organised. Their superstar Kylian Mbappe was ruthless, sharp and blisteringly fast – adjectives often attributed to Real Madrid – in a competition they feel is their own. Tonight, Real Madrid they were a shadow of themselves – with familiar faces on the pitch, but unrecognisable in performance. They failed to muster a shot on target, they struggled to string simple passes together – while their dream signing, showed everything they were lacking. Kylian Mbappe drew the sword and pierced the hearts of Madrid fans around the world. No regard for the hurt he’d cause and yet some are probably smiling. A bittersweet moment for many. If they are to lose, why not from one of the best players in the world – a cold blooded finisher – who many Madrid fans already believe is theirs. You would not have thought that though in the way the Frenchman ran to the corner to celebrate in ecstatic fashion. ‘Kylian Mbappe scores a 94th minute winner’ – every Madrid fan will be hoping that next season this is cause to celebrate, but on this occasion it puts their Champions League hopes in trepidation.

Real Madrid 2 – 2 Elche: Real Madrid demonstrates fighting spirit but exposes defensive fragility

Eder Militao scores the equaliser, to keep Real Madrid’s lead at the top to 4 points.
Image courtesy of realmadrid.com

Wow! The Santiago Bernabeu was in for a treat. The last 15 minutes of football were pulsating and with Real Madrid 2-0 down, with an anxious Bernabeu crowd- surely it was just a recipe for a comeback? Well that’s exactly what happened. In a weekend full of comebacks, where city rivals Atletico Madrid came from 2-1 down to win 3-2 in the dying minutes, and Sevilla, Real’s only genuine title challengers at the moment, also managed to come back from 2-0 down – to gain a point. However, today was Real Madrid’s turn and while it is cause to celebrate the spirit, the hunger, the desire of this Real Madrid team – it’s also a cause for concern – how easily many teams seem to slice them open – make them look incredibly vulnerable and disorganised on the defensive end. You do need some luck in football and Real Madrid is certainly riding it – betting that their attacking prowess – their ability to overcome adversity, will overpower their fragilities in the backline.

I’ve lamented about Real’s defensive deficiencies already this season, and these games are a vindication of sorts. This matchup should not have been a struggle and the stats exemplify that. Real had 23 shots to Elche’s 3, an xG of 4.48 vs Elche’s 0.6 – and Karim Benzema even managed to miss a penalty at 0-0 in the first half. His first miss for Real Madrid. Yet, on 42′ Elche took the lead. Lucas Boye found himself completely unmarked in the box to head in from close-range. Real Madrid had plenty on men in their own box to deal with the danger, but none of them did, as none were placed where they should have been. It’s been a running theme this season, especially on set pieces. They neither close down the cross or defend that cross as effectively as they should. Thus, they went into the second half 1-0 down and scratching their heads – they were trailing Elche once again in the space of a week.

The second half was expected – a full-frontal wave of attack from Real Madrid. Eden Hazard looked dangerous and Vinicius Jr electric and as confident as ever. The former, almost got Real Madrid a penalty on 52′ but the Referee – after advice from the VAR officials took another look at the incident – made the correct call and deemed it was not a penalty. To add salt to the wound, Karim Benzema had to come off on 58′ and looked to be holding his hamstring. Luka Jovic came on in his place, but you’d have hardly noticed. He was anonymous and lacklustre once again. Moreover, Vinicius Jr should have equalised on 71′ as intricate play from Hazard had helped him weave into the Elche box – he passed to Luka Modric who played in Ferland Mendy onto the left side of the box, but his loose touch fell to Vinicius – who took a deft touch to his right, past the Elche defender Palacios – the Brazilian however, could not get his finish to curl enough from close-range. On 76′ against the run of play, Elche went on the counter, and punished Real to take the 2-0 lead. Mendy could have probably done a better job defending his side, as Pere Milla got away from him – and neatly slotted a low driven shot past Tibo Courtois. The Belgian with not much to do all game – other than pick the ball out of his net twice. The score line looked ominous, but that’s generally the case for Real Madrid react and kick into gear.

It had to be all-guns-blazing now and two minutes later Casemiro hit the bar from a Luka Modric corner – it seemed like one of those nights; a Sheriff Tiraspol 2.0. However, 3 minutes after that, another corner into the box, and the Real players were screaming for a handball in the box. The referee went to the VAR screen and agreed. Luka Modric stepped up on 82′ and was never in doubt. He calmly slotted to his right, something Benzema could not manage earlier in the game. Real were surging forward for that equaliser – they were not done yet. Vinicius managed to find Rodrygo on the edge of the box with some space, but his shot was blocked agonisingly wide. In the dying minutes, on 92′ Vinicius was the centre of attention again – he managed the keep the ball from going out for a goal kick – composed himself – took a touch to his right, akin to his chance earlier on in the game – created enough space and distance from the Elche defender, to put in a brilliant floating cross for his Brazilian compatriot Eder Militao, who towered over the Elche defence to score a vital equaliser for the home side. The Bernabeu now roaring, as was Militao. The fans wanted more – they wanted another – but not enough time on this occasion. Real had to settle for the draw.

Luka Modric sends Elche’s keeper the wrong way and gets Real Madrid onto the scoreboard.
Image courtesy of realmadrid.com

A thrilling game came to a conclusion. Real showed great mentality, a hunger that epitomises great winners, but once again their defensive fragilities manifested themselves. They could have taken a six-point lead at the top of the table, yet it remains at four. It may not matter much at the end of this La Liga season, as for most the campaign thus far, Real has been imperious – and the common consensus seems to be that Sevilla will eventually drop form. They did this weekend but Real did not capitalise. These kinds of performances will be more worrisome for the Champions League more than anything else, where they face Paris Saint-Germain next month. If they concede chances like they have been – against the better sides in Europe – they will surely not be lifting a fourteenth European title. Carlo Ancelotti after the game said ‘We reacted very well and didn’t give up’. That sums it up. Real did react and they did not give up; but they were not proactive. This may be a reason, why they seem to struggle against the smaller sides (low-block defences also contribute to that struggle). There’s nothing pushing them; no mountain to climb. That’s when they seem to be at their best – hence why they’ve won the Champions league more than La Liga in the last decade. They’ll want to adjust that though. Ancelotti will definitely want to win La Liga – the only cup that has eluded him as Real Madrid manager.

Real Madrid has never been defensively resolute – they always give their opposition a chance – somewhat of a tease – to lure you into a false sense of security – to make you believe, they are beatable. And, they certainly are beatable – but then their instincts kick in – and at their most vulnerable they also seem to be their most potent. A paradox if there ever was one. They better hope to keep this fighting spirit going, as Ancelotti mentioned – making sure it can overcome those fragilities at the back and if history is anything to go by; It very often has.

Valencia 1 – 2 Real Madrid: Los Blancos Win at the Mestalla After Late Goals From Vinícius Jr and Karim Benzema

Real Madrid celebrate their late goal at the Mestalla, which propelled them to the top the La Liga table. Image Courtesy of realmadrid.com

In a difficult game away from home, at a ground which is often a difficult venue for Real Madrid (last season they had lost 4-1) – two moments of quality has meant they come away with the win – in a game where Valencia were dominant throughout.

The first half was one way traffic as Valencia put the pressure on to Madrid, who were suffocated by the energy from their opposition. An injury to Carlos Soler on 15′ would not deter Valencia, who were a constant threat. Madrid could not get a foothold on the game and their first half was full of errors and anxiety. Casemiro misplaced several passes and Luka Modric was finding it difficult to carry the ball forward. Vinícius Jr and Karim Benzema could not link up how they had been this season, but more on that later. Tibo Courtois was kept busy in one of his best games in the shirt. He kept his side in the game. Madrid would be thankful to go into the first half with the score line at 0-0

Valencia started the second half just as they did the first. Courtois was needed again after going one-on-one with Hugo Duro. Concalo Guedes missed a good chance not too long after, as he blasted his shot over, from the edge of the box. The pressure finally paid off on the 66th minute as a cross from the right side had Lucas Vasquez discombobulated. The ball hit the back of his head, almost unaware of where it had come from, even though he was facing the ball initially. It was some rather odd and awful defending, which meant the ball fell to Hugo Duro, who made no mistake with a left-footed finish into the bottom right corner of the goal. Courtois tried his best to stop the shot, but this time the Belgian was beaten.

It was time for a change and Ancelotti brought on Camavinga and Rodrygo for Casemiro and Modric. It was an inspired change and Madrid finally looked dangerous. An effort by Benzema on 68th minute after a quick free-flowing move by the team, meant Valencia had something to fear. On the 78th minute Luka Jovic and Isco came on for Valverde and Hazard. 8 minutes later Madrid had equalised through Vinícius Jr, set up by none other than Karim Benzema, who had his back to goal and laid it off to the Brazilian in the 18 yard box. Vinícius shaped up to curl one into that right hand corner but a deflection off Valencia defender Foulquier meant it ended up in the opposite corner. It was 1-1. A couple of minutes later and the two combined again as Vinícius turned provider. He put in a delicious, inviting cross toward Benzema and the Frenchman attacked the ball, it may have come off his shoulder but he won’t care and he didn’t. Benzema went off to celebrate emphatically with his teammates, to the dismay of the Valencia crowd, who were silenced and shocked at what they had witness.

Valencia deserved better but Madrid showed their patience and ultimately their quality. They were efficient, ruthless and had the mark of champions tonight. After the game Carlo Ancelotti again acknowledged their defensive fragilities and said ‘We must improve defensively because we have to be more aggressive without the ball’. Ancelotti believes this improvement will eventually come to fruition as he added ‘we’re going to get it right with this spirit”. Every week it seems that Real Madrid need to play better but every week they are coming away with wins. An inevitable force Ancelotti has in his palms with the spirit of winners, even this early on in the season.

Real Madrid 5 – 2 Celta Vigo: Match Report

Karim Benzema lights up the Santiago Bernabeu on its reopening with a hat-trick and further goals from Vinicius Jr and new boy Eduardo Camavinga on his debut cap off a …