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3 takeaways from Real Madrid's 5-0 win against Betis

James, Bale and Keylor.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Real Madrid beat Betis in very good fashion in James and Benzema's return to the starting XI. Those two players plus Gareth Bale and Keylor Navas were Madrid's most highlighted players in a match that Benítez should use to build on and gain momentum.

  1. James Rodríguez is a world class player. Not only is the Colombian one of the best attacking midfielders in the world of football, he also is undoubtedly one of the world's five best players. He had his breakout season last year but James will consolidate his place among the world's greatest footballers this campaign. Isco is also a star but his battle with Rodríguez for the starting spot seems to be over after just two matches.
  2. Gareth Bale should never be dropped. The Welsh doesn't constantly influence the game like James or Isco do but his ability to score and his pace are very useful to this team. With Benzema, James, Modric and Kroos Madrid have more than enough playmakers starting, so they need good finishers and players capable of scoring from every position.
  3. It's good to play with an elite goalkeeper. Keylor Navas' first save is as brilliant as it gets. Neither Diego López nor Iker Casillas during his last years with Madrid were capable of offering that kind of save. It will not be easy for Madrid to sell Navas and sign De Gea after that kind of display and it would not be healthy to have them both fighting for a starting spot. It will be interesting to see what happens.

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