After a run of one win in five games, it looked as though cracks were appearing for the first time in Zinedine Zidane's team. But a resounding 3-0 victory over Real Sociedad moved his side four points clear of the chasing pack with a game in hand.
It was not a brilliant performance by Zidane's men as it was just a case of Madrid capitalising on their chances and converting them efficiently.
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Mateo Kovacic opened the scoring for the hosts with the Croatian turning the provider for the second goal as Cristiano Ronaldo doubled Real's lead with a delightful lob over the keeper.
Also read: La Liga 2016/17: Real Madrid 3-0 Real Sociedad, Player Ratings
Alvaro Morata confirmed all three points with a late diving header as Madrid got back to winning ways after a disappointing exit from the Copa del Rey. Let's take a look at the five talking points from the game between Los Blancos and their Basque visitors:
#1 Karim Benzema faces ire from the Bernabeu faithful
With two own goals in the space of two weeks, Danilo would have expected a hostile reception when the two teams arrived from the tunnel. But it was Karim Benzema who received the majority of jeers and boos from the Real Madrid supporters.
Recently, in a poll, 88% of the supporters voted for Benzema to be dropped in favour of Alvaro Morata, which shows the frustration among the fans.
Whenever the Frenchman made an error, he was jeered and booed by the hostile crowd, culminating in his substitution in the 66th minute. Manager Zidane has preferred Benzema this season over the talented Morata but with the goals not flowing for the Frenchman and the crowd turning on the player, the manager may drop him for the next game.
#2 La Real have the strength to qualify for the Champions League
Real Sociedad did not play as badly as the scoreline might suggest. Eusebio's side had the majority of the ball as the Basque side completely dominated proceedings for the first thirty minutes of the game. Though Madrid scored three goals, it was not until the final few minutes that it looked like La Real had been beaten convincingly.
Willian Jose and Illaramendi shone for the visitors along with Sociedad custodian, Rulli, who made some sharp saves to keep the match interesting. La Real are currently on 35 points, just one point behind fourth-placed Atletico Madrid.
The other Madrid side are struggling for form this season and this is the perfect opportunity for Sociedad to cash in and make it into the top four. Under a brilliant manager and a talented, hard-working squad, Real Sociedad playing in the Champions League next season, is not a distant dream.
#3 Mateo Kovacic proving his worth, finally
Amongst all the players that Madrid are missing currently, it is Luka Modric's absence which affects them the most. The Croatian is one of Zidane's most important weapons on the field and in his absence, Madrid have struggled. But in the last few games, his compatriot Mateo Kovacic has slipped effortlessly into his role and has performed exceedingly well.
Kovacic showed great pace and vision as he scored one and assisted another to lead his side to a comfortable victory. It was his first league goal of the season and it was an important one. Until his goal, the Bernabeu was as restless as it has ever been under Zidane but Kovacic’s goal broke the deadlock and calmed the Madrid supporters.
#4 Alvaro Morata presents his case yet again
Morata has been in the news recently for expressing his disappointment and growing frustration at Real Madrid. Recently, though the striker stated that he is happy to fight for his place and wants his second stint at the Bernabeu to be a huge success.
The Spaniard has been criminally underused this season by Zidane and needs a few starts in the next few hectic months to grow in confidence. Karim Benzema has looked out of sorts in the last few games and with Morata getting on the scoresheet against Sociedad, there's not much more the Spaniard can do to impress the manager.
#5 A dream weekend for Real Madrid
After a 40 match unbeaten run, Madrid’s season came close to unravelling as they crashed out of the Copa del Rey and dropped points in the league, resulting in teams catching up to them at the top.
A win over Real Sociedad might seem routine but it is victories like these that decide who gets the crown in May. The 3-0 win had far greater importance as the likes of Barcelona, Sevilla and Atletico Madrid, all dropped points this game week. A win over La Real now means that Zidane's men have a solid lead to defend and it is their title to lose now.
