Champions League 2018/19: 3 reasons why Real Madrid beat Viktoria Plzen

They knew when to press and when to sit back

The hosts demonstrated discipline when required

Regardless of the result, Real Madrid were always going to be in control of this game.

Los Blancos are without a win in their last four La Liga matches but have dominated possession in each of those encounters.

They did so in this clash as well but Lopetegui's side were more positive with the ball in the early stages and converted their 69% possession into 21 shots at goal, nine of which were on target.

There was a reluctance to play aimless balls across the middle of the park and centre-backs Sergio Ramos and Nacho pushed forwards, looking to spray long balls up to Benzema and company at every given opportunity.

The Spaniards had three corners in the first ten minutes of the game and operated with pace and purpose but there was an air of discipline about Madrid when they conceded a late consolation.

The front three dropped back and full-backs Marcelo and Vazquez tucked inside to limit the space available to Plzen's hungry front line.

Perhaps this is not the attitude we expect to see from a team that has so ruthlessly monopolised this competition in recent seasons but this is a different Madrid and they recognised the importance of just securing three points.