Real Madrid: 3 takeaways from Los Blancos’ 5-2 win over Celta Vigo

Real Madrid had an entertaining night. Scoring five goals in one game has been a rare feat for Los Blancos ever since Cristiano Ronaldo left in 2018, but they’ve done it. They’ve been a lot more free-scoring under Carlo Ancelotti than they were under Zinedine Zidane, but they’re also much more vulnerable defensively. I guess you’d take that though; instead of the 1-0s, and the 1-1s you’d now see some 5-2s and 3-3s. That’s much riskier and more gut-wrenching, but it’s also much more fun if done right.

Anyway, Real Madrid scored five in a brilliant second half-showing against Celta Vigo, who had their moments but never had control of the game. A hat-trick from Karim Benzema and a great Vinicius Jr goal, along with the debut goal for Eduardo Camavinga sealed the deal for Los Blancos. Real Madrid now sit top of La Liga with 10 points. Second-placed Valencia — who also have the same goal difference as Los Blancos — play against them next.

So, what did my scribbled notes have to say about this game?

Karim Benzema is, by far, the best player in La Liga

It’s just unfair. It’s unfair to teams that don’t have a player like Benzema. He ran the show all game. He kept Real Madrid in the game as he has done on so many occasions since Cristiano’s departure. He’s scoring goals and creating some for others at will. Five goals and four assists in just four league games? Benzema’s a blessing, and I wouldn’t give him away for all the money in the world.

He keeps performing well in every single game. Benzema opened the account for Real Madrid with a great volley from inside the box. His second was a header, which followed a brilliant Miguel Gutierrez cross. He scored his third from the spot, after Vinicius Jr opened his toolbox, riddled the defenders, and got fouled in Celta’s box. He also had a brilliant assist to Vinicius’s goal. It was a wonderful sight.

Benzema had six shot-creating actions, four key passes, three passes into the attacking third, and just a lot of other brilliant things that went under the radar. What I’m about to say next can be a bit controversial, but I genuinely think that based on form alone, Karim Benzema is currently a top-two player in the world. That might change soon when Cristiano and Messi really get going, but it might not. Benzema’s in a league of his own, and I won’t blame anyone for calling him not only the best in La Liga, but also in the world.