Real Madrid 3-0 Eibar: 5 talking points

Cristiano Ronaldo ended his free-kick goal drought as a second string Real Madrid ambled to a 3-0 victory over Eibar to remain hot on the heels of league leaders Barcelona. Criticized for his dry free-kick spell, the Portuguese finally managed to shush his naysayers when his shot was misjudged by Eibar goalkeeper, to crash straight into the net.Manchester United loanee Javier Hernandez, who was making his first start since October, doubled the lead 10 minutes later, latching on to an Alvaro Arbeloa cross with a fine header. Eibar barely tested the Real defence and were punished for their lethargic showing when Jese Rodriguez, after a brilliant run into the box, swept a flawless finish past the goalkeeper from the edge of the area.Real wrapped up their preparations for the all-important Madrid derby in the midweek Champions League clash in a convincing fashion. Here are the 5 talking points from the game:

#1 Chicharito makes his opportunity count

With Radamel Falcao joining Manchester United on loan, Javier Hernandez moved to the European champions on a season-long loan in search for gametime. However, the move did little to satisfy the Mexican as he spent most of the time warming the bench, playing second fiddle to Karim Benzema. Although there were a few flickers of light from him initially, that wasn’t enough to satisfy the manager, Carlo Ancelotti.

But, on Saturday, with the crucial Madrid derby in the last 8 of the Champions League looming, the Italian rested most of his first team players, including Benzema and the Mexican was handed a start, his first since October. Suffice to say, he grabbed the chance with both hands and made it count.

Chicharito was a constant menace to the Eibar defence, twisting their defenders inside out. His buccaneering runs into the final third gave the visiting side an acute headache and for all his efforts, was also rewarded with a goal when he rose highest to meet Arbeloa’s cross and nudge home a sublime header.

The Mexican played his first full 90 minutes for Los Blancos and made the most of the rare start.

#2 Arbeloa shows off his attacking prowess

Real Madrid right-back Alvaro Arbeloa isn’t known for his offensive traits, but in this game against Eibar, he drifted down the flank frequently and proved his worth in the attack.

The Spanish international was mostly found in the Eibar half, providing a constant service of inviting crosses into the area. He even took a few attempts at goal, which were either off the target or saved by Eibar goalkeeper Xabi Irureta. Arbeloa’s constant run-ins into the final third came to fruition as soon as the 31st minute when he laid a perfect cross to Hernandez, who converted it with a neat header.

He was unfortunate not be on the score sheet despite doing his best, but on the day, he proved how useful he can be for Real with his attacking prowess.

#3 Ancelotti plays smart, again

The biggest winner of the game was perhaps Carlo Ancelotti, who rotated his players and rested a number of key names without affecting the primary task of securing another three points.

His decision to play several fringe players underlined his camaraderie in them and the 2-goal cushion his team enjoyed at the end of first half allowed the Italian to make further changes in the second half bringing off a few of those players who he felt needed a rest. Sergio Ramos, Marcelo and Luka Modric all went off, meaning only Ronaldo, out of Ancelotti's usual starters, played the full 90 minutes.

This move could be beneficial for Real as they will be heading into the most important phase of the season this week onwards, starting with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League this Tuesday, as most of the key players received ample time to relax their muscles and yet saw his side saunter their way to a victory.

#4 Jese finally gets a taste of full-fledged football

After being sidelined for nearly a year due to injury, Jese faced stiff competition for places in the starting XI. He was handed his chance at first-team football almost 52 weeks later and he capitalized on it with a brilliant solo goal in the final few minutes.

The Spaniard showed glimpses of his talent and iced the cake with the third goal as he produced a tidy piece of skill to get past his man before powering a right-footed shot beyond and beneath Eibar goalkeeper Xabi Irureta.

Although this wasn’t one of his best performances, Jese relished the prospect of first-team football for the entire 90 minutes and also reminded fans of his capabilities.

#5 Real ready for Atletico

The reigning European champions have hit a purple patch post the international break and have romped to victories with ease. The swagger, that had went missing since the turn of the year, is once again creeping in and Real look confident ahead of the vital Champions League tie with their neighbours.

Last time, when the 2 sides met, the Merengues were plagued with injuries and suspensions and the repercussions it had on them is still remembered vividly. However this time around, Real have all their key players available and can field their best set of players. Also, with some key players relishing the rest awarded to them ahead of this game, the white half of Madrid will only be buoyed by their return in fine fettle.

The things are in place for Real Madrid finally and look hot to trot the Madrid derby.