Real Madrid got off to a flying start in LaLiga on matchday one as they thumped Deportivo Alaves by a 4-1 margin at the Mendizorroza Stadium.
Los Blancos dominated both halves against Javi Calleja’s side and although they were unable to breach the home side’s defence in the opening half of the game, Real Madrid started the second half with real urgency and took total control of the patch before the hour mark.
Karim Benzema and Nacho Fernandez were teed up by Eden Hazard and Luka Modric respectively, as they scored within quick succession of one another. The Whites extended their advantage to three goals as a brilliant Federico Valverde run was finished off by Benzema for his brace.
A poor back pass by Eder Militao and consequent concession of penalty saw Joselu pour water on Thibaut Courtois’ hopes of a clean sheet, but the match was already in Real Madrid’s bag and Vinicius Junior completed the rout after heading in David Alaba’s cross.
There were numerous positives for Carlo Ancelotti’s men and they are top of the table, at least before the rest of the teams play. With that being said, here is a look at the three reasons why the Whites will win LaLiga this season.
REAL MADRID ARE ALREADY FLYING OFFENSIVELY
Real Madrid lost LaLiga last season because they were unable to capitalize on their chances and struggled to impress in the final third. They already have made a huge impression this season, courtesy of a 4-1 trouncing of their Basque opponents on Saturday evening. Having said that, this is one of the most crucial reasons why they will be favourites to win the championship.
Eden Hazard looked at his best and set up Karim Benzema for the opening goal with a beautiful assist. It is wise to not expect much from him because of his injury issues, but every fan and the club will naturally hope that his most recent performances are the beginning of an upward spiral in his Real Madrid career, as will be the case for Gareth Bale, who was not too bad either.
Karim Benzema once again scored twice whereas Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes, who played just less than half an hour in the game were also getting into goal-scoring positions. The new management seems to have a better idea of the players already as compared to the previous and the direct and very attacking-minded gameplay is enough evidence to justify that within one game.
ANCELOTTI WILL BE DESPERATE TO WIN LALIGA THIS SEASON
In all fairness, Real Madrid are a far way from being favourites for the Champions League unless they manage to attain an incredibly high level of prowess in the matches towards the season’s business end, and also keep the squad fresh by rotating. Kylian Mbappe’s potential arrival will also make a massive difference in determining those odds, which shifts focus to LaLiga at least now.
Carlo Ancelotti, on a personal level, will also be very keen on winning the Spanish premiership in the upcoming campaign. In his first stint and first two seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu, he came menacingly close to winning the title but it wasn’t to be, especially as the second ended in a very uncharacteristic manner despite it starting on a streak of 22 matches won in a row.
He has also won the other four major leagues in Europe. Ancelotti won the Premier League with Chelsea, Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain, Serie A with AC Milan, and Bundesliga with Bayern Munich. The LaLiga crown is a trophy that has eluded him so far in two full seasons in Spain, but he will be very keen on completing a very unique set of winning all top European leagues at least once.
REAL MADRID HAVE A MIX OF EXPERIENCE AND YOUTH
The current Real Madrid squad has a wide mix of experience and youth. While the likes of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Karim Benzema have shown no sign of slowing down, players like Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, and Eder Militao are expected to really turn the screws on their career at the Santiago Bernabeu. In a way, that has been very evident since the time of Ancelotti’s appointment.
Vinicius in just 30 minutes looked a lot better than he has in the majority of his two and a half years at Real Madrid in terms of decision-making. His pace was the only asset in the past, but his decision-level and finishing need to come to that level- the case is similar for Rodrygo. Meanwhile, Miguel Gutierrez is also giving Marcelo a real run for his money and is currently better than him.
While the players like Modric, who may possibly be in his last season as a Real Madrid, could be desperate to end on a winning note, the others will be very keen on making this season their own and play a key part in guiding the club to silverware. Honestly, Mbappe’s arrival will be a bonus if the team’s performances and fitness are on a minimum level as the one against Alaves.
Do you think Madrid will win LaLiga this year?