La Liga 2016/17: Real Madrid 2-1 Sporting Gijon - 5 Talking Points

#4 Real Madrid’s midfield can perform without stars Toni Kroos and Casemiro

Real Madrid were expected to falter after Kroos and Casemiro got injured. The pair along with Modric are Real’s preferred midfield three but Los Blancos’ squad depth is so good that players like Isco, Kovacic and James Rodriguez make up a formidable bench.

Isco had a blinder against Atletico and was Real’s best midfield player while Modric and Kovacic played well also. Against Gijon, Zidane preferred Kovacic, James Rodriguez and Luka Modric who were excellent in the first half and won the midfield battle, even as the game progressed they played on a good level.

Real’s performance wasn’ their best, perhaps because they under-estimated Gijon but the midfield has shown in the past three La-Liga games that they can manage without Kroos and Casemiro. However, next weekend will be the ultimate test for them as they go up against Barcelona in the El Clasico.