Quick Recap: Zinedine Zidane Returns To Real Madrid With A Win
By Hasan Karim
Real Madrid welcomed Zinedine Zidane back to the dug-out with a win as they dispatched a floundering Celta Vigo side 2-0. Goals from Isco and Gareth Bale saw off the visitors in a steady and consistent performance.
The first half was both solid but also a bit of a slow-burner. Throughout the half it seemed as if Real Madrid were just going through the motions as Zinedine Zidane kicked off his second stint. Despite showing some good attacking moments, largely, the team seemed to be in second gear.
Real circulated the ball well through the first half, switching the play well and building up attacks patiently. Attacking in a 4-3-3, Bale and Asensio switched wings often throughout the half and looked considerably more dangerous in the process. Bale particularly had a decent opening 45 as he worked hard as a two-way winger on both sides. He played in some very dangerous crosses from the left and also hit the bar with a volley, not only that, he made a fantastic tackle in the box too. Asensio was also more effective as he switched the right and roamed. Generating a few attacks, he should’ve been given a penalty as he was fouled in the box. Outside of the attack, the team defended well for most parts, outside of a magisterial save from Keylor Navas, they largely shut the Vigo attack down. Overall, it wasn’t great and it wasn’t terrible in the first half.
Upon the action resuming in the second half, Real came out looking considerably sharper. The consistent crosses in the first half were replaced with clever build-up, good off the ball runs and smart one-two plays. Celta, who had been very solid throughout the first half, didn’t return with the same defensive intent and were broken down. Asensio, who was growing in confidence, went on a mazing dribble taking on player after player before finding Benzema that laid it on a plate for Isco. From that point, Real really found their groove as they carved through Celta and created chances. This was rewarded with a second goal as Marcelo set-up Bale who’s slightly sloppy finished found its way in off of the woodwork.
There were plenty of positives to take from the return game of Zinedine Zidane. The team played with the most intent seen in some time, Gareth Bale was the most involved we’ve seen in some time, Ceballos and Valverde were given some good time on the field, Isco returned to the XI and Marco Asensio showed serious confidence in his direct play that we haven’t seen in some time. Hopefully Real Madrid can kick on from this and finish the season strongly.