La Liga 2017/18: Real Madrid 3-0 Eibar, 5 talking points

Real Madrid emerged winners in a 3-0 encounter against 16th placed Eibar at the Santiago Bernabeu. An individual error from Paulo Oliviera and goals from Marco Asensio and Marcelo sealed a fortunate, albeit a comfortable victory for the Spanish giants. Following the win, Real Madrid maintained the five-point gap between themselves and Barcelona.

Here are the 5 major talking points from the game:

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#5 Real Madrid could've killed the game sooner

Marcelo celebrating his goal

Zinedine Zidane made five changes from the Champions League game, by benching Toni Kroos, Karim Benzema and Marcelo, while keeper Kiko Casilla stood in for the injured Keylor Navas.

The shuffle didn't prove to be very effective, though the uninspiring Los Merengues grabbed three points from the game.

When in top form, Real Madrid are known to kill games earlier than expected. However, the game against Eibar was another of their mediocre displays, that has raised concerns over their quality of play. The lack of killing spirit was clearly visible from a number of chances they failed to convert in the match.

Santiago Bernabeu is far from being the fortress it is usually known to be. As Madrid won their third home game of the season, they are yet to score more than three goals at the Bernabeu in a La Liga match.

The Whites enjoyed 58% of possession, but failed to deliver a convincing performance, scoring only thrice in 15 shots throughout the game. Real Madrid need to up the ante as soon as possible if they plan to provide healthy competition to league leaders Barcelona.

#4 Asensio to the rescue

Asensio was a part of the first two goals against Eibar

On another night when Ronaldo seemed quite offbeat, wonderkid Marco Asensio took the mantle by forcing Real's first goal and scoring the second one ten minutes later.

Paulo Oliviera gifted Real Madrid the lead in the 18th minute, thanks to Asensio's cross into the penalty box. The Spaniard again wounded Eibar ten minutes later, firing a swift shot in goal from a low cross from Isco.

Lately, with a lot of Real's players underperforming, Asensio seems to be carrying the club on his shoulders. The 21-year-old has hardly failed to perform when needed the most. He has now scored four goals in five games against Eibar.

With Real's dark times still refusing to go away, Asensio is the shining beacon of hope for the Bernabeu supporters. They must pray hard so that the youngster doesn't go the same way as the other stars at Real Madrid.

#3 What's next for Eibar?

Mendilibar needs to up the ante at Eibar

First and foremost, it seemed to be a really bold decision for manager Jose Luis Mendilibar to play with a three-man defence against the likes of Real Madrid. Needless to say, the tactics backfired after even a below-par Los Merengues seemed too much for Eibar to take on.

The Basque side looked pretty overwhelmed by Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Real scored three goals, albeit Eibar's offside traps seemed to be working efficiently for most of the time. The visiting team failed to capitalise on the scarce chances that came their way. Of the total 9 shots taken by them in the game, they managed only 2 on target, eventually failing to score.

Mendilibar's men need to improve their performances if they want to stay in the top-flight next season. In nine league games, the Basque side has scored only three goals and conceded a whopping 20.

Eibar are currently 16th in the league and just one point above the relegation zone. There is a desperate need for Mendilibar to provide results, or else he might find himself facing the axe.

#2 Varane back to his best

Varane was imperious at the back for Real Madrid

Raphael Varane was undisputedly the top performer in Real's 3-0 victory over Eibar last night. The defender slotted in well to neutralise threats along with captain Sergio Ramos in the heart of the defence.

The Frenchman was skilful going forward to support the attack and helped the Los Blancos in keeping a hold over possession. Doubtful before the game, Varane was back to his best on the pitch after showing great anticipation and positioning sense.

Casemiro didn't have a great night, losing the ball more often than anybody else in the midfield. But, Varane's dynamic presence helped cancel out the Brazilian's mistakes as Real swiftly sailed through with a clean-sheet win.

Considering his performance, manager Zinedine Zidane would do better by partnering Ramos and Varane as the two main centre-backs at the Bernabeu. Their partnership would be a crucial aspect in Real's attempts to return to their former best.

#1 Ronaldo's endless woes

Ronaldo endured another frustrating game at the Bernabeu

The most crucial point to discuss. The Real Madrid talisman endured another frustrating night though Real Madrid easily cruised past Eibar with a comfortable 3-0 win.

His performance against Tottenham had given fans the hope of his redemption. But, the display against Eibar proved the Real Madrid superstar hasn't yet hit the running ground.

Ronaldo had five shots on target, more than anyone on the pitch. Yet, the Portuguese skipper failed to make his way past the goal line. Goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic was well up to the mark in denying him a return to goalscoring ways.

The Portuguese captain has only one league goal to his credit, compared to Messi's eleven. This has been, by far, the greatest difference between himself and Lionel Messi that he has ever seen in his career.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the stark favourite to lift the FIFA Men's Best Player award in London on Monday. However, the lacklustre display against Eibar has raised many eyebrows, concerning his capability of winning the award despite having a brilliant season with Real Madrid.