Two goals inside the first 20 minutes propelled Real Madrid to their ninth win in nine games since the La Liga campaign resumed. Granada’s second half goal provided fans with a scare, but Zinedine Zidane’s men hung on and took another huge step towards the title.
It was a night to remember for Real Madrid and its fans as the club is now just one point away from securing the La Liga title for the first time since 2016/2017. Although it wasn’t pretty, goals from Ferland Mendy and Karim Benzema in the first half were enough to get past recently promoted Granada.
The side from southern Spain gave Los Blancos a good fight in the Nuevo Estadio de Los Cármenes on Monday night, but the defensive prowess of Thibaut Courtois and the back four made all the difference.
Here are the three takeaways.
The French firepower comes in clutch
Both of Real Madrid’s goals tonight came from French players. Fullback Ferland Mendy scored his first goal since joining the club just over a year ago and it was a beautiful run and stunning finish from a tight angle that gave the visitors the lead 10 minutes in.
Mendy has, in my opinion, been the best signing of last summer’s transfer window and has deserved all the praise the fans have heaped on him. His ability to play on both ends of the pitch cannot be overlooked and if it weren’t for him, the squad would be in big trouble with Marcelo out injured.
Karim continues his red-hot form as he scored his 19th of the season after taking his time to beat goalkeeper Rui Silva with a wonderful curling effort to the far post.
Benz has been carrying the offense all year and has not slowed down despite the three month layoff. He now has five goals to go along with two assists since the restart and has started all nine games.
The two Real goals might be considered half chances in the stat books, but all that matters is that the ball found the back of the net.