Real Madrid’s near-perfect victory over Granada highlights La Liga’s Saturday action.
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Real Madrid 4-2 Granada
Real Madrid’s 4-2 victory over a on-fire Granada had it all: a Karim Benzema goal, Eden Hazard‘s first La Liga goal, a Luka Modric rocket goal, a laudable response from the visitor’s, and a game-winning tap-in from James Rodriguez.
Surely, the result and now a clear lead in the league’s table is what Zinedine Zidane needs to continue carrying his campaign forward in the right direction. But that’s not only what the Frenchmen is getting.
As Saturday’s result showed, Real Madrid’s star-studded lineup, following an alarming start, is back on its two feet. Luka Modric – although it’s unlikely he’ll lift it again – is regaining the level that earned him the Ballon d’Or in 2018. Gareth Bale, who had his fair share of severe ups and downs with Zidane over the summer amid talks of a move to China, has regained his from – visible in his assist to Benzema two minutes into Saturday’s game.
Hazard, too, is showing signs of the assimilation process coming to an end. The Belgium scored his first La Liga goal, and offered a well-rounded performance to compliment such accomplishment. Off the bench, James continues to make the case that he won’t stop fighting for a starting spot anytime soon.
All in all, Real Madrid’s victory against a second-place Granda, who remain as the biggest surprise of the season, goes to show that the giant is awake and hungry.
Following international break, Zidane and company will travel to Mallorca, while Granada aims to get back into winning ways against Osasuna.
Valencia 2-1 Alaves
Just days removed from being routed in at home in Champions League play, Valencia responded in valiant fashion.
Back at La Mestalla, Albert Celades and company put together their second consecutive win against a tough Alaves side.
Following an efficient counter-attack, Maxi Gomez broke deadlock with a calmly taken right-footed strike inside Alaves’ box 27 minutes in.
Nothing would separate either side for nearly 60 minutes, but then a foul on Daniel Parejo occurred inside the box. A penalty was award in favor of the home side. Of course, the captain capitalized from the spot, recording his fourth of the season.
Late in stoppage time, Alaves responded with one of their own. Former Arsenal man Lucas Perez pounced on a second chance ball inside the box, but it was far from being enough to earn the visitors any points.
Unbeaten in their last four, Valencia move to the eighth spot ahead of their match against Atletico Madrid following international break. Alavaes, on the other hand, host Celta Vigo.
Elsewhere in La Liga
Osasuna 2-1 Villareal
Leganes 1-2 Levante
