Real Madrid did what they had to do on Thursday night, picking up all three points on their trip to Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes.
Zinedine Zidane‘s side cut the gap to Atletico Madrid back to two points at the top of LaLiga Santander, keeping the title race alive going into the final two weeks of the season.
Miguel Gutierrez made the most of his opportunity to play from the start for Real Madrid. The teenager’s superb pick-out found Luka Modric for the opening goal. It was the 19-year-old’s first start for Los Blancos and, based on his performance, there could be many more.
Chelsea has been the only bump in the road for Zidane in the last few months. He’s overseen Real Madrid‘s title charge, despite an injury crisis, and stayed true to the development of the likes of Vinicius and Rodrygo.
Fede Valverde put up with some rough treatment in the first half at Los Carmenes. He was on the end of a rough challenge from Yan Brice Eteki and managed to carry on until midway through the second period.
Darwin Machis was lucky to get away without serious punishment for his tackle on Marvin Park in the 24th minute. The youngster came away unscathed, despite the firm contact with his ankle. Could VAR not have reviewed the incident?
Alvaro Odriozola may not have started against Granada, but his sure did contribute to the victory. After his goal against Cadiz, he netted again, popping up to convert Eden Hazard‘s cross. Is the Spaniard finally getting some consistency at Real Madrid?
