It was a breath-taking 94 minutes (4 minutes added time) for Madridistas as Real left it late to shock 17th place Elche in the 90+1 minute through a goal from Karim Benzema. Elche, who previously drew with Real Madrid in the reverse fixture back at their home ground were looking sharp after they scored from a corner but couldn’t hold their lead as Modric delivered a teasing cross to Benzema who headed home to equalize the game.
Benzema completed his brace when Rodrygo chested the ball into Benzema`s path who half-volleyed home spectacularly to give Real Madrid their 17th win of the season.
3 TAKEWAWAYS
Not up to the expectations
Where pundits and fans alike expected Real Madrid to have a comprehensive margin of victory, Los Blancos struggled a lot. The game was marked by poor finishing and a lack of impact in the final third of the pitch. While Benzema scored a brace, the attacking part of the team did not fulfill their expectations. This team seriously needs a difference-maker in the forward, but can Hazard be that man? Who knows…
KEY Players are BACK!!
Madridistas were happy to see two star names back on the pitch as both Eden Hazard and Captain Sergio Ramos made their appearances. Sergio Ramos lasted an hour on the pitch and Hazard was substituted on for Vinicius Jr. in the 75th minute by Zidane who wanted to give the team some attacking emphasis. With these two key players back Madridistas will be hoping that Real Madrid can now mount a realistic title challenge.
Kroos and Modric needs to start each and every game
Zidane decided to rest the midfield duo of Kroos and Modric because of the upcoming Champions League clash with Atalanta. But they had to come on to break the deadlock for Real who were losing. Modric grabbed an assist after delivering a teasing cross to Benzema who headed home. Kroos had a 98% passing rate with 44 passes and managed to deliver a key pass with only 28 minutes played.
