Key players’ return from their absence
El Derbi saw the return of Karim Benzema, the Frenchman who has missed two matchdays in the league and their Champions League Round of 16 first leg against Atalanta. Though he returned to serve the club in a very important fixture, he did look rusty and was evident that he may have forced his return for a big match. But in the end, goals speak the loudest in football. And he has scored three in two matches already. The return of the highest goal scorer of Los Blancos this season is a big plus for our hopes.
If there is any player whose return can excite Madridistas more than Benzema’s then it is El Capitan, Sergio Ramos. Yes, the captain is back indeed. Updates by Real Madrid’s social media handles had already prompted that Ramos was back at training and might play the match against Elche. He started the match but was substituted in the second half. Did it have to do with his fitness or the importance of an upcoming Champions League matchday made Zinedine Zidane not take any chances?
Whatever the answer may be seeing the captain back on the pitch is a big relief. The match against Real Sociedad at home also saw young guns Rodrygo and Valverde return on the pitch in the second half and they also starred in the very next match against Atleti. With that, it looks time Real Madrid’s first team is taking shape. Although key players like Marcelo and Dani Carvajal are still sidelined, the few that returned have elevated hopes.