Real Madrid fought back from 2 goals down to beat Rayo Vallecano 3-2 at the Vallecas in an amazing comeback despite fielding a weakened side.
Without Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time this season and also losing Karim Benzema to an injury in the first half, things were looking bad for the visitors in the initial stages of the game when they fell 2 goals down inside 14 minutes. However, a clinical brace from Gareth Bale on either side of a strike from Lukas Vazquez ensured Real came away with all 3 points.
Trending
Also read: Zinedine Zidane considers James Rodriguez an important player for Real Madrid
With Manchester City running out 4-0 victors over Stoke City earlier in the day, the gauntlet was laid for Real Madrid to respond. And boy did they do it.
Let’s discuss the major talking points from a thrilling Madrid derby as Real provisionally move to the summit.
1) Real Madrid display traits of a champion
Despite making quite a straightforward start to the game, Los Blancos were stunned when they fell 2-0 down inside the first 14 minutes of the game. It was turning out to be a long night for Zidane’s men, especially with striker Karim Benzema also limping off with a knock late in the first half. The heat was really on the visitors but showed tremendous character in the second stanza to turn the tie on its head.
Welsh wizard Gareth Bale halved the deficit slightly before the half hour mark, and Real Madrid continued in the same vein after the break. Dominating the proceedings, Vazquez levelled terms on the 53nd minute before Bale popped up with another 9 minutes from time to make it 3-2 in their favour.
It was a performance that wins you championships, and although it wasn’t without its warts, Real Madrid showed they have enough juice in the can to turn a game when the stakes are so high.
2) Bale seizes the moment
With 2 goals down and no Cristiano Ronaldo to weave the magic wand, the onus was on the other two members of the BBC trio to step up to the plate.
After struggling to find the footing initially, Bale trimmed the deficit to one by rising highest to prod home an inch-perfect corner from Kroos. Whilst the goal gave a pep in Madrid’s step, pressure soared after Benzema was taken off just minutes later. The talismanic mantle was now down to the Welshman alone, and he did take it up by scoring the winner.
Despite enduring an injury-riddled season, the ex-Tottenham Hotspur man has had a prolific run in the league. In 21 appearances, Bale has struck 18 times, marking his highest return in La Liga so far.
Onwards and upwards.
3) Real Madrid should avoid cheap defensive mistakes
For the best part of 70 minutes after the initial hara-kiri, the visitors maintained good discipline in the backline and also defended with a sense of robustness. Rayo Vallecano were kept at bay by some sound defending from Madrid, but it was in the initial 20 minutes of the match where the vulnerabilities existing in them came to the fore.
The first goal was a result of lethargy from the Madrid defenders as Bebe was allowed put up a cross for Embarba to tap home from 6 yards. The second one was worked through a corner, but poor man marking allowed Miku to double the advantage.
Real’s defence was in utter shambles in both situations, only to regroup subsequently. However, such mistakes should be avoided as it can cost them big time in crucial games. With the Champions League fixture against Manchester City up next, a repeat of such defensive errors may see them get driven out of the competition.
4) Los Blancos have good squad depth
With one eye on the decisive clash at the Etihad on Tuesday, manager Zinedine Zidane fielded a weakened side that comprised mostly of the young guns. Danilo, Rafael Varane, Isco, Lukas Vazquez and Jese Rodriguez were all handed a chance to impress sans some of the senior members of the team, and the youngsters rose to the occasion.
After a slow start, Real Madrid picked themselves up and the young talents showed their potential. Whilst Danilo woke up from his slumber to provide an assist, Isco punched holes in the Rayo defence with some neat trickery. Jese cemented the gap left by Benzema, whereas Vazquez did not let the absence of Ronaldo be felt on the flanks.
With the title race slipping away, the substitutes stepped up and proved the immense depth in this Real Madrid roster.
5) Real’s title push survives another day
With only 4 games remaining and the race opening up following a colossal collapse by Barcelona, it was imperative for the Colchoneros to keep racking up victories and hope either of Atletico Madrid or Barcelona drop further points.
Thanks to the remarkable comeback today, Real’s title push survives another day. A defeat or even a draw would have all but ended their chances of reclaiming the league crown, but the immense victory keeps them very much alive in the three-horse race.
With fixtures to Real Sociedad, Valencia and Deportivo La Coruna completing their season, Los Blancos are now in for their 3 most important league matches.
Game on.
