5 takeaways from Real Madrid's 4-0 win against Cruz Azul in the FIFA Club World Cup

The 4-0 victory by Los Blancos was solid, but not as brilliant as some expected. Here are five takeaways from this game.

5 takeaways

1. Illarramendi can't get it all right - The Basque midfielder has been decent, if not good, over the last three games played by Real Madrid. Nevertheless, he has yet to make a huge impact and complete a brilliant all-around performance. Against Cruz Azul, a terrible pass to Iker Casillas could have cost Real Madrid a goal -- and a temporary 2-1 in the scoreboard --. Illarramendi is not making the best out of the chances he gets.
2. Is Casillas back? - Credit where credit is due, Real's captain saved his second penalty on four days. And it was an important one, just like in Almería. He did not start the season so well, but Ancelotti's patience and reluctance to give Navas the starting role even though that's what the Bernabéu wanted have paid off.
3. Marcelo's offensive play is tremendously important - This aspect has probably been the one main improvement by Real Madrid during the 2014-2015 season. Coentrao is better defensively, that's obvious, and he wouldn't have struggled against Joao Rojas as much as Marcelo did, but the Brazilian left back is contributing a lot on the offensive end. So much that Real Madrid would notice his absence.
4. Bale, poor or not, is still scoring - Bale has probably realized how much criticism he faces as a Real Madrid player. Even some Real Madrid fans are starting to question him. He scored against Ludogorets, he scored against Almería, and he scored against Cruz Azul. That's some bad form!
5. Sometimes, Ronaldo doesn't score! - The Portuguese star will surely want to get a brace next Saturday to make it up. No doubt.