Real Madrid defeated Eiber 3-0 at the Bernabéu. Here is your quick take reaction to Real Madrid’s much needed home victory.
Real Madrid played some beautiful football throughout large parts of this match, but it would be a lie to say that they always had things their own way. Eibar did well throughout the first 20 minutes to stretch Madrid and create dangerous opportunities in Madrid’s half.
Madrid managed to get a bit of the own-goal luck that Barcelona has had going for them this season. Oliviera tried to defend Sergio Ramos from heading in the ball for a corner, but ultimately put the ball in the back of his own net.
The Isco – Asensio Bromance was on full display in this match, as the two combined well on the short corner for the own goal. Then, Isco put a peach of a cross on a platter for Asensio who slotted away for Real Madrid’s second goal. Asensio’s been awfully quiet lately, but he reminded everyone today why he’s Real Madrid’s next big superstar.
Rafa Varane was absolutely imperious this match. This is perhaps the best form we’ve seen from Varane in quite some time. Varane’s positional awareness was top notch, snuffing out attack after attack from Eibar. He also was seen throughout the match organizing the back line, trying to prevent the stupid defensive mistakes that have come to characterize Real Madrid this season.
Varane man of the match? Made his presence known throughout the 90 minutes. Needs to keep this up.
— Ali (@NaboAli23) October 22, 2017
Karim Benzema has been getting a lot of hate after his failure to put away a number of makeable shots in the Champions League against Tottenham. It looked like he was about to live up to that reputation; One of his first actions after being subbed into this match was trying too quickly to get on the end of a deflected Cristiano Ronaldo shot, and he skied it over as the keeper was out of position.
But then he took hold of the match, and made his influence known. Benzema was one of the best players on the pitch after he was substituted, doing well to recuperate lost balls in the midfield and facilitate attacks with great hold up play and one-two passing. He had his fingertips all over the third goal, creating both Theo’s initial run and the one-two connection with Marcelo that eventually lead to the goal.
Marcelo’s goal was also a treat; his turn and precise curling shot past Dmitrovic was a beautiful piece of football that allowed Marcelo to announce his return to fitness.
It wasn’t a perfect display from Real Madrid, but a clean sheet and some beautiful attacking football at the Bernabéu was much needed. Madrid have been having some troubles at home this season, so it’s good for them to give the fans in Madrid a taste of what this team can do at its best.
Next: Mariano Diaz excelling, but no buy back clause for Real Madrid.