3 takeaways from Real Madrid’s 4-0 win against Shakhtar Donetsk

Real Madrid - Shakhtar Donetsk 4-0

Real Madrid strolled past Shakhtar Donetsk in their first Champions League match of the season. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick, while Karim Benzema capitalized on a rare Andriy Pyatov mistake to add gloss to a routine win. Los Blancos have now scored fifteen goals in their last three matches and have conceded none.

Cristiano Ronaldo once again led the team and continues to silence any remaining doubters. The victory, however, may have left coach Rafa Benítez with a bittersweet feeling, as Gareth Bale, Varane and Ramos were all substituted due to injury concerns. Benítez will further hope that his team keeps up the intensity seen in the last matches.


1. Cristiano Ronaldo

CR7 is back with a bang. Having scored 8 goals in the last two games, the Portuguese forward continues to prove that he intends to lead Madrid to a trophy-winning season. In addition, the Madeira-native superstar became the Champions League’s all-time penalty top scorer with 11 spot kicks to his name. With 80 goals in the UCL, the battle between Ronaldo and Messi (who has scored 77) for all-time top scorer will be an intense one.


2. Injury concerns

It’s starting to feel as if every time Gareth Bale goes to the ground, he is forced off due to some injury. "I’m not worried about the injuries, most of our players are healthy and today’s problems were not serious," stated Rafa Benítez. However, with Danilo and James already out, and a potentially serious injury to the Welsh wizard, Madrid may have to rely on some of their more fringe players. Ramos, with a confirmed dislocated shoulder, will surely miss Saturday’s game against Granada.

In the meanwhile, the Madrid medical staff will be hoping that the team will avoid being plagued by such injuries in the more key parts of the season.


3. Madrid must avoid complacency

Despite some promising displays, Rafa Benítez will have hoped that his team had faced some more stern competition. Following some colossal victories, and with another likely routine win against Granada on Saturday, Los Blancos may grow overconfident.

Rafa Benítez will need to remind his players of Betis’ atrocious defending and of the fact that it was a Pyatov mistake and an unfair penalty which stretched Madrid’s lead against Shakhtar. Indeed, the Madrid displays have been encouraging, but it is no time for complacency in a season that must finish with a trophy for Benítez’s men.

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Review: Espanyol vs Real Madrid

Espanyol vs Real Madrid 0-6

Three things we learned:

1. Ronaldo's still got it

Some talk in the past few weeks of a slump had entered the Madrid sphere with fans and critics alike wondering if Ronaldo's numbers will take a dip this season. Credit it to his drive or a poor Espanyol defense, but the #7 quieted that talk today with a masterclass in finishing. Five goals on seven shots with an assist to boot, not a bad way to get on track. Basically, Ronaldo did this.

2. The offense is varied, and this is very encouraging

This goal by Benzema is reminiscent of 2011's counterattacks and it all started with an excellent Bale throughball. Ronaldo's fourth was almost a carbon copy. However, Madrid also looked threatening in possession and with patient build-up play. Last year the offense stagnated late and relied too heavily on crosses, this year it seems to have more variety. Will this last remains to be seen, but early signs are highly promising.

3. The defense is looking... better

Some nervy moments aside, the back four held up their end of the bargain versus a decent pairing of Caicedo and Moreno. The former did manage to bully Ramos off the ball early on, but Espanyol's chances were few and far in between. Madrid could stand to improve its passing at the back and limit individual brain farts like we saw with Ramos early but it'll do for today. A better opponent will provide more of a test but there's no way anyone can complain about three clean sheets to open the season.

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Review: Real Madrid vs Real Betis

Real Madrid

It did not take long for Benzema and James Rodríguez to prove that they deserve a starting spot in this Real Madrid squad. James scored twice, assisted Bale for Real's opening goal and Karim Benzema added one of his own to seal Real's comfortable 5-0 win.

Still, Keylor Navas will share the spotlight with James after this one. The Costa Rican started the match which could've been his last for Real Madrid if Los Blancos finally complete the signing of De Gea. Turns out that he stopped one penalty-kick and made a memorable save right before the half-time whistle. Keylor clearly doesn't want to leave the club and the fans are not ready to see his departure either as they sang his name on several occasions throughout the match.

The game was almost over as soon as Bale scored on the first minute. After that opening goal, Real Madrid clearly tried to control the tempo of the game through the midfield. Madrid didn't create many opportunities until James scored off a brilliantly taken free-kick that touched the net after hitting the far post. He didn't have enough with that so after Benzema made it 3-0 James decided to score a candidate for Goal of the Year off a bicycle kick. He was close to Betis' goal so it's true that the Colombian did not need to add much power to his shot, but it still was something to see.

Gareth Bale

In other news, Gareth Bale also made a statement with a brace and an assist. The Welsh player was heavily criticized after the 0-0 draw to Sporting Gijón and tonight he showed that he has many things to offer if he plays with freedom behind the striker. His second goal which ended the game 5-0 was an astonishing long-distance shot that hit the post before going in. He is definitely one of the best from outside the box.

In other news, Cristiano Ronaldo appears to be uncomfortable with his role. He had many chances to score tonight but his accuracy just wasn't there. Real Madrid will surely need him down the road so the Portuguese needs to get back on scoring form as soon as possible.

All things considered, Real Madrid earned all three points in very good fashion. Players like Bale, Keylor Navas and James don't have a chip on their shoulder anymore after their brilliant display tonight. Betis have just promoted to the Liga BBVA and things will not be this easy against elite opposition, but Benítez and his players have every right to enjoy and build on this win.

source: managingmadrid.com

See Real Madrid 5-0 Real Betis Highlight

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Review: Sporting Gijon vs Real Madrid

Sporting Gijon vs Real Madrid

Rafael Benitez oversaw a disappointing 0-0 draw at Sporting Gijon in the first competitive fixture of his reign as Real Madrid manager.

The Spanish giants, who were without Karim Benzema due to a thigh injury, produced a somewhat disjointed performance in a match that was also the first since goalkeeper Iker Casillas' departure to Porto.

Hosts Sporting defended impressively and frustrated their opponents, who for all of their possession and shots on goal rarely looked like scoring.

Gareth Bale, playing in a new central role and running onto Luka Modric's outstanding through-ball, perhaps came closest to scoring for Real 12 minutes in, when he rounded Sporting goalkeeper Ivan Cuellar but, from a tight angle, could only shoot against the side netting.

Jese, playing in Benzema's absence, and Isco also produced unremarkable efforts before in the 33rd minute, Cristiano Ronaldo, who may yet suffer as a consequence of Bale's new position, produced a 25-yard shot that Cuellar comfortably saved.

Sporting Gijon vs Real Madrid Highlight

While Real's medium-to-long-range efforts hinted at frustration, Sporting came far closer to scoring than their expensively-assembled opponents.

Reading a cross from the right wing, Antonio Sanabria, on loan from Roma, sent a powerful header beyond Real goalkeeper Keylor Navas but against the underside of the bar where it then bounced downwards onto the goal-line and out.

Real instantly responded with a counter-attack that was ended, after a cross from Bale, when Ronaldo went down under a challenge from Luis Hernandez but though a penalty appeared the right decision nothing was given.

As Real largely continued to shoot straight at Cuellar, his team-mate Carlos Carmona almost gave Sporting the lead three minutes after half-time with a powerful header that went just beyond the post.

The visitors gradually applied increasing pressure but still a goal looked beyond them.

Sporting Gijon vs Real Madrid Highlight

In the 78th minute, after a shot from Ronaldo, Marcelo headed the rebound over from in front of goal and six minutes later the Portuguese again came close when his powerful shot, heading for the top corner, was saved by the resilient Cuellar.

The game's final chance came to Ronaldo, three minutes into stoppage time, when Real were awarded a free-kick from 25 yards out but, in a moment that captured much of their evening, the forward harmlessly struck against the defensive wall.

source: espnfc.com

Watch Sporting Gijon vs Real Madrid Highlight

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Real Madrid vs AC Milan: Review for Rafa Benitez's Squad

Real Madrid vs AC Milan

In 2 x 45 minutes, Real Madrid and AC Milan drew 0-0 in China, during the final match of the International Champions Cup, with the los blancos winning the consequent shootout 10-9 to lift the cup.

The game had little final-third quality and less chances in either penalty box saw Milan's Carlos Bacca and Real's Cristiano Ronaldo go closest, but none of the two team's goalkeepers were overly tested. Milan young goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma missed the decisive penalty in the shootout.

There are some points from the match that Rafa Benitez could take.

#Rafa Benitez front-three tactical

Rafa Benitez

Real Madrid initial formation was a standard Rafa Benitez's 4-2-3-1, with Lucas Vazquez, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo playing behind Karim Benzema - however, that was as far as it went in terms of straight lines and some predictable positions.

At times, it was Bale, Ronaldo and Benzema swapping positions, with the Frenchman dipping out toward either flank off the ball to make room for Ronaldo centrally. On other occasions, Vazquez dropped into a third central-midfield position when Real were out of possession, leaving three in attack.

It made Real unpredictable in terms of movement when countering but also very open through the centre with big gaps between the attacking and midfield lines.

Clearly, Benitez is still trying out his options to see how he fits in all his top players and maintains balance, but he's not there yet.

#Casemiro a primary holding-midfield option

Casemiro

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro played the entirety of the game for Real Madrid, one of the few players to do so, and it has to be recognised that on account of his particular skill set and his growth at Porto last season, he's a genuine contender to play regularly for Rafa Benitez this coming season.

Sure, against many teams Benitez will perhaps want the technical and creative pairing of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, but Benitez has always been pragmatic over relying on reputation. Therefore, it's fair to assume in many matches he will want either a pure holding, combative midfielder in place or else to operate with three in the centre.

In either case, Casemiro has this pre-season staked a claim that his ball-winning ability, mobility and physicality are all definite plus points few others in the Real squad have at their disposal. He might not be a weekly starter, but Casemiro can definitely play his part during the season.

#Keylor Navas not yet the clear choice for No. 1

Keylor Navas

The signing of Kiko Casilla and the departure of Iker Casillas meant it was another summer of alterations in the goalkeeping department for Real Madrid, and it might not be over yet if the chase of David De Gea reaches a successful conclusion.

That said, the club are preparing for the new campaign with Casilla and Keylor Navas as the two stoppers during pre-season—and it is certainly the Costa Rican who has impressed the most.

Navas is quick off his line, strong and brave in making blocks and has tremendous agility—all attributes that saw him recognised as one of La Liga's best goalkeepers two seasons ago. Casilla is spectacular at times but lacks the consistency and reliability to realistically be first choice at the very highest end of the game.

However, the superb performance of Casilla to block two shots from Carlos Bacca plus one penalty from Gianluigi Donnarumma could open Rafa Benitez's eyes that he is currently has two good goalkeepers.

But still, if no further arrivals in that position enter the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, Navas may becomes the first choice of Rafa Benitez.

source: bleacherreport.com

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Real Madrid vs. Inter Milan: Things Learned from International Champions Cup

Jese

The International Champions Cup continued in China on Monday (July 27) as Real Madrid beat Inter Milan 3-0 in Guangzhou.

Jese Rodriguez scored the first goal after a nice piece of control inside the box, drilling home at the near post, before Raphael Varane swept home from close range in the second half. James Rodriguez wrapped things up with a perfect late free-kick and the scoreline could have been even wider if not for some excellent goalkeeping from Samir Handanovic throughout.

Here are a few lessons and pointers that both managers and fans of the two clubs can take from the 90 minutes of pre-season action.

#Denis Cheryshev Can Impact and Remain a Good Bench Option for Benitez

Denis Cheryshev

Once again Denis Cheryshev was the Real Madrid substitute who made the biggest impact.

The Russian was excellent last season with Villarreal and looks to stake a claim for game time now he's back at Real Madrid. Of course, with world-class stars such as Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo to battle against, he'll be playing a rotational or impact-sub role, but such is the price of playing for the world's biggest club an with the top players.

If he accepts that, he can absolutely do well for the team off the bench. He offers width and blinding pace down the left, as well as a goal threat, and he will give Benitez the chance to maintain shape even when Ronaldo is asked to operate more centrally.

Real need a deeper squad this year than they had available (and than Carlo Ancelotti opted to use) last season and Cheryshev is one of those who can improve the side in that respect.

#Bale Central to Rafa's Plans?

Gareth Bale

Two games in a row now, Gareth Bale has been Rafa Benitez's choice to operate behind the striker in a 4-2-3-1.

Cristiano Ronaldo is given licence to float and attack infield off the left, and Jese led the line, but an amount of rotation goes on in Real's attack anyway. Bale looks to capitalise on that with his pace and bursting runs from deep to attack inside the penalty area.

If he starts competitive action in that role, it's not difficult to imagine he'll be a hugely regular scorer, getting onto cut-backs and driving at opposition defences in a way which is difficult to stop. It does create questions over the use of James Rodriguez or Isco, one of whom will have to try and operate from the right-hand side, but getting the most out of Bale would be a big step forward for Benitez.

source: bleacherreport.com

Related Posts:
1. Reason why Real Madrid must have faith in Jese
2. Gareth Bale will define his Real Madrid career under Rafa Benitez

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3 takeaways from Real Madrid's 4-1 win against Manchester City

Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid kicked the game off really badly. Manchester City dominated the possession throughout the first 15 minutes, but then Benítez's players started to show some more creativity to control the game and dismantle City for good. A convincing 4-1 win for Los Blancos.

3 takeaways

1. Isco is ready to convince Benítez. Isco and James will likely fight for a starting spot once the Colombian is back, but Isco is not willing to wait for that to happen. The battle for that spot has already started and Isco is doing his best to earn that role already. He's arguably been Real Madrid's best player throughout the two games, playing with consistency and effort on the defensive end.


2. Casemiro will be useful to this team. The Brazilian midfielder doesn't have Modric or Kroos' composure with the ball, but his defensive presence is something the team desperately lacked last season. Benítez will surely trust him ahead of Illarramendi or Lucas Silva. He's the perfect player for that role.


3. Marcelo will be even more crucial this season. As Real Madrid become a little bit more predictable on the offensive end to improve their defense, Marcelo's creativity will be more important than ever to shake things up and create good scoring chances.

source: managingmadrid.com

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2. Isco, Real Madrid's fans' lover

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