3 Takeaways from Real Madrid’s 2-0 Win over Espanyol

It was another solid win for Real Madrid Saturday at home against Espanyol as Los Blancos extended their lead atop the La Liga table over their rivals FC Barcelona with a 2-0 victory over the Catalan side. Ben Sundock tells you what the 3 biggest takeaways from the match yesterday are:

Cristiano Ronaldo has Changed his Game

If you’ve watched any Real Madrid match thus far in 2017, you’ll know that the Portuguese stud, Cristiano Ronaldo, has changed his game dramatically from what it used to be. Now 32 years old, Ronaldo has slowed down a tad considering he’s been playing professional football for some 15 years now.

So, Ronaldo has very expertly changed his game in order to still be effective as a winger and help his team. Ronaldo now, has become a pass first player. And as shocking as that might be, it’s really benefitting the team. Wednesday night’s game in the Champions League was a record breaking night for Ronaldo, as he assisted on Toni Kroos’ go ahead goal in the second half, giving him his 31st career assist in Champions League play, surpassing Ryan Giggs for the most assists in UCL history.

Saturday at home against Espanyol, Ronaldo, for the second straight game, didn’t register a shot on goal, the first time this has happened in back-to-back games since February 2013.

But, despite no shots on target, Ronaldo was a critical piece in the build up play and the attack as again in this match, he wasn’t shooting almost at all.

One thing hasn’t changed for Ronaldo, he’s still got unrelenting speed and foot skills. Just look at his nutmeg against David Lopez.

Alvaro Morata Deserves More Playing Time

Whether you are on the Karim Benzema bandwagon or not, there’s no denying that Alvaro Morata and his scoring prowess are phenomenal. Morata’s goal in the 33rd minute in yesterday’s match was his seventh league goal in seven starts. To go along with this, Morata scores the most goals in the least amount of minutes, one goal per 104 minutes, leading Ronaldo who scores every 105 minutes.

Morata’s strong presence in the box and his ability to hold up the ball and drop back into the midfield and play with the ball at his feet is an impressive skill for a striker to have. Karim Benzema can’t do this as well as Morata and having Morata in, I think, is like having a false 9 style player who can play center attacking midfielder or a striker.

Zidane should look to start Morata more frequently to not only rest Benzema, but to keep Morata happy and keep him in Madrid for many years to come.

Having Gareth Bale Back Will Win Real Madrid the League Title

It may be a bold statement but it’s the truth. With Gareth Bale back healthy in the lineup, Karim Benzema back in form, and with Ronaldo playing like he has, this is a near unstoppable attack. And, with the right midfield, Los Blancos may have the best team in the Europe right now.

Gareth Bale is an absolute beast. After missing almost three months with an ankle injury, Bale’s return featured a goal, just 13 minutes after being substituted into the game. Bale’s speed, versatility, and scoring abilities will cause defenses headaches trying to deal with the prolific ‘BBC.’

If Bale can stay healthy, all teams beware, Los Blancos might be on their way to their first league title since 2012, and a possible repeat Champions League title.

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