By Daily Sports on October 31, 2019

Real Madrid registered their biggest win since Zinedine Zidane’s return as coach on Wednesday as they demolished struggling Leganes 5-0 to move up to second in La Liga.

Karim Benzema was the star of the show, the Frenchman rounding off a superb attacking display with a goal from the penalty spot after Rodrygo, Toni Kroos and another spot-kick from Sergio Ramos had already put Leganes out of sight. Luka Jovic added a fifth in injury-time.

“We have not scored five goals for a long time,” said Zidane. “We needed a victory like that. When you start scoring goals, it makes everything easier.”

This was not a performance to recommend caretaker manager Luis Cembranos for the job long-term.

Yet there were some impressive Madrid showings nonetheless, not least from Benzema, who has been Zidane’s most consistent performer by far in recent months and now has seven goals already in all competitions.

“It’s not just the goal, it’s what he does for the team,” Zidane said. “He doesn’t surprise me.

Rodrygo, the 18-year-old making only his fourth senior appearance, came into Bale’s position on the right and, particularly in the first half, he shone, grabbing an early goal and providing the frightening turn of pace that Bale once offered before injuries took their toll.

“He is 18 but you don’t have to be old to score here,” Zidane said. “He has character and he is getting better and better.”

Perhaps the only question mark was Eden Hazard, who still appears short of his best in a Madrid shirt. (Reuters) 

•PHOTO: Real Madrid players 

Source Daily Sports

Posted October 31, 2019

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