Real Madrid picked up a convincing win against seventh-placed Athletic Bilbao thanks to a Karim Benzema hat-trick on Sunday. Here are three takeaways from the La Liga match.
1. Jesús Vallejo Gets First Start Under Zidane
Jesús Vallejo was the surprising inclusion in the lineup for Zinedine Zidane as he made his first appearance since the French manager returned to the club. Zidane has already mentioned that he finds Vallejo “interesting” and made it clear that the young Spanish defender will get a chance in the team before the end of the season, but no one would have predicted him to be starting this soon and against Bilbao as well.
The lineup was confirmed with Vallejo on the team sheet as it brought a meltdown amongst a considerable amount of Real Madrid fans who were shocked to see that he would start as he has only played a total of two minutes in La Liga before today.
With a lot to prove to the coaching staff and fans, Vallejo put in a performance that will be incredibly significant to his career. One significant tackle when Bilbao was one-on-one with Keylor Navas, as well as three interceptions, and three clearances ensured that he did his part defensively. This was the first time in five matches Real Madrid managed to keep a clean sheet in La Liga.
Even though this match may go a long way in Vallejo’s personal career and help to boost his ego, it is still unknown what difference it could make to his future at the club given his injury record as well as Real Madrid’s signing of Eder Militao.
2. Karim Benzema
What more can be said about this man? He was expected to step up this season and he has beyond exceeded expectations! With his hat-trick against Athletic Bilbao, Karim has brought up his La Liga tally to 21 goals and has broken a record at the club by scoring Real Madrid’s last eight goals without anyone scoring in between.
It’s more than safe to say that the French striker has his place assured for next season and no one should expect any less. Benz was able to step up this season and carry the weight of the team so he genuinely doesn’t deserve any less.
Zidane has admitted that he feels the striker is the best in the world and that statement alone should let you know that he won’t be going anywhere this summer.
3. Feeling Good
It’s not a secret that Los Merengues genuinely have nothing to play for this season and whether they beat Athletic Bilbao or not, it won’t make that big of a difference at the end of the season but all wins carry their weight and it felt good to see the team get three past the Basque.
In a season full of all types of disappointments, we should also celebrate the small positive moments and this definitely was one of them as we slowly look forward to the upcoming season with changes to the squad that will be fully lead by Zidane.
For the next few games, enjoy the players and enjoy the small celebratory moments before we fight to get back to where we truly belong next year.