Eibar 1 – 4 Real Madrid: Three Takeaways From the Match

3. The Bench Comes Up Big

When the lineup was rolled out today, it seemed like Zizou was taking a big gamble against Eibar. Reportedly coming under some criticism following the Las Palmas draw from players, fans, and media alike for his overly-zealous rotation policy and for not taking the league’s mid-table clubs seriously enough, it seemed Zidane was about to repeat his mistakes. Key players Toni Kroos, Isco, Dani Carvajal, and Marcelo were all kept on the bench, as starting spots were offered to the likes of more fringe players like Lucas Vázquez, Asensio, James Rodriguez, and the oft-derided Danilo.

Perhaps the theme of today’s match was “Frenchmen silencing their critics,” as Zizou’s gamble with the bench paid off big-time. James excelled in his partnership with Benzema, and scored a peach of a goal off the tip of his toe. Asensio demonstrated his supreme intelligence and his tremendous potential, making smart moves all over the park. Even Danilo had a relatively solid match, making few blunders and contributing smartly to the attack.

Madrid was able to let key players rest ahead of a tough match against Napoli, and managed to make it through with 3 points despite missing Bale and Morata through suspension. That has to count as a win and more proof that there is a method to Zidane’s rotation madness.