The Real Champs
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Three things we learned from Real Madrid’s emphatic win over Celta Vigo

By Ben Sundock

VIGO, SPAIN - AUGUST 17: Players of Real Madrid celebrate after Toni Kroos scores the second goal during the Liga match between RC Celta de Vigo and Real Madrid CF at Abanca-Balaídos on August 17, 2019 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
VIGO, SPAIN - AUGUST 17: Players of Real Madrid celebrate after Toni Kroos scores the second goal during the Liga match between RC Celta de Vigo and Real Madrid CF at Abanca-Balaídos on August 17, 2019 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images) /
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Real Madrid kicked off the La Liga season with an emphatic 3-1 win over Celta Vigo despite Luka Modric receiving a red card in the second half. Here are three takeaways from the all important win.

From the moment the ball was kicked, Los Blancos sporting their stylish royal blue and gold away kits put on a show at the Estadio Municipal de Balaídos in northern Spain on Saturday afternoon.

Manager Zinedine Zidane surprisingly chose to start Gareth Bale on the right wing and the Welshman rewarded his coach with an early assist and some great play in 75 minutes of work.

Real Madrid’s Welsh forward Gareth Bale (R) challenges Celta Vigo’s Uruguayan defender Lucas Olaza during the Spanish League football match between Celta Vigo and Real Madrid at the Balaidos Stadium in Vigo on August 17, 2019. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP) (Photo credit should read MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP/Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s Welsh forward Gareth Bale (R) challenges Celta Vigo’s Uruguayan defender Lucas Olaza during the Spanish League football match between Celta Vigo and Real Madrid at the Balaidos Stadium in Vigo on August 17, 2019. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP) (Photo credit should read MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP/Getty Images) /

Gareth Bale, Marcelo, and Karim Benzema dazzle

A forward trio that featured Benzema, Bale, and youngster Vinicius Junior looked determined and clinical in the final third today as the three constantly pushed forward and suffocated Celta.

Bale was involved early and often and was key in setting up the first goal. Running on to a great pass from fullback Marcelo, the number 11 broke down Vigo’s Lucas Olaza and was able to play a nice ball across the turf to Benz who toed the ball into the back of the net.

While Bale only made 37 touches, both Benzema and Marcelo were not done there as both were hugely influential in the Toni Kroos second goal and the Lucas Vazquez third goal.

Marcelo was the one who assisted Kroos on his 40 yard rocket shot which put the game out of reach and a nice piece of dribbling and awareness from The Big Benz set up Vazquez perfectly.

The Brazilian defender will not get credit for an assist on the third goal, but watching the build up to the goal, Marcelo is a huge reason why it was so easy for Real Madrid to take a 3-0 lead. It was a relief to see these three veteran players step up after Luka Modric’s red card in the 65th minute and they actually looked better when down a man.

Eden Hazard did not make the trip due to a muscle injury, so, the future looks bright if the forward line can play like they did today and Marcelo can do his thing pushing down the wing.

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