Three things to look for as Real Madrid take on Real Betis
By Alex McVey
How will Zidane replace Benzema?
Karim Benzema went down with injury against Levante. Fortunately Zidane has a lot of options at his disposal to replace the injured Frenchman.
Obviously, Cristiano Ronaldo is going to be in the starting lineup. Then, the question remains who do you start alongside him. With a recent goal against Real Sociedad, Gareth Bale is perhaps starting to show some signs of the explosive Bale we once knew. Bale and Ronaldo also connected well during Madrid’s victory over APOEL.
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But if Bale is in the lineup, then it probably means choosing between one of Isco and Asensio. Zidane will probably role out his standard midfield trio of Modric, Kroos, and Casemiro, leaving Isco and Asensio to battle for the remaining spot behind Bale and Ronaldo.
Isco will probably get the nod. Asensio is showing signs that he could be one of the best players in the world one day. But he is still young, and Zidane has used him well as a 60th minute substitute in the past. Asensio should replace one of Bale, Ronaldo, or Isco in the later portions of the match.
Of course, Zidane could go a totally different direction and give us some Borja Mayoral action. The young striker just got a run-out against Real Sociedad, and managed to bag one goal and set up Sociedad’s ugly own-goal.
Whatever Zidane chooses, Real Madrid have the tools they need to dispatch of Real Betis. Let’s hope they can do just that.