James Rodriguez, Isco had the purest hug after return goal (Photo)

James Rodriguez and Isco took to the field for the first time together in the final 10 minutes, and they helped Real Madrid find a game-sealing goal in extra time to pick up a 4-2 win over Granada.

Real Madrid faced Granada at the Santiago Bernabeu in a battle between La Liga’s first-place team and its second-place team. Although Granada gave Real quite a scare in the second half following two defensive blunders from the home side, Real avoided blowing a 3-0 lead and even found something extra in stoppage time via substitute James Rodriguez.

Both James and Isco hit the pitch in the final 10-15 minutes of the match. James came on for right winger Gareth Bale, who assisted the first goal for Karim Benzema in just the second minute, while Isco made his highly-anticipated appearance at the Bernabeu for Eden Hazard. Of course, Hazard got off to the races with his first goal and assist in a White kit on Saturday.

While Isco is still shaking off the rust following a lengthy absence due to injury, James continued his strong start to the season by cooly stroking home Real Madrid’s fourth, taking full advantage of a dangerous ball from the right by young fullback Alvaro Odriozola.

And afterwards, James took off his shirt to joyous celebrate with the Bernabeu fans before embracing Isco in the purest of hugs.

(Note: James also hugged the fans, Casemiro, and a whole bunch of other people I may have missed. What can I say? The guy spreads love when he plays!)

Technically, Isco and James are competing for No. 10 duties in Real Madrid’s crowded (when healthy) midfield, but they are both so good together on the pitch. That hug oozes chemistry, and it would be incredible if Zinedine Zidane could find other ways to get these two on the pitch at the same time without sacrificing width, pace, or defense in Real’s lineup.

James and Isco are world-class players at their best, and James has reminded Real fans of his quality through eight matchdays, including with his goal against Granada. Hopefully, Isco will do the same, because Zidane – and interested clubs around Europe – are watching the Spanish international’s performances closely.

It was awesome to see James score his first goal since returning to Real from loan at Bayern Munich, and it was also wonderful to see Isco healthy and on the pitch.

And this hug? Well, this is more than the icing on the cake. It’s everything.