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Real Madrid thrashed Espanyol 6-0 at the Cornellà-El Prat in what was Rafa Benítez’s third official game in charge. Los Blancos have now scored eleven goals in the last two matches and have conceded none since the beginning of the season.
Cristiano Ronaldo silenced all doubters while Keylor Navas put in a solid display after a near transfer deadline day move to Manchester United. Benítez will surely be glad after his team’s second win in a row.
- Record-breaker Cristiano Ronaldo.
Whether or not CR7 is in decline, one thing is certain – the Portuguese star will continue bagging goals with ease for Los Blancos. Cristiano surpassed Raúl’s 228 goals and became Real Madrid’s record goalscorer in the league with 230 (231 per Real Madrid’s official account) goals. While Raúl achieved such an extraordinary feat in 550 games, Cristiano managed it in a mere 203 games. Legend.
- Keylor Navas.
The Costa Rican goalkeeper continues to impress as Madrid’s no.1, having denied Espanyol on several occasions, including one fascinating save. Despite a chaotic transfer deadline day which saw Keylor on the brink of an exit, the 28-year-old reminded all that he has the quality to be Real’s starting goalkeeper.
- Rafa Benítez
If there is one man who continues to silence doubters, it is new Madrid coach Rafa Benítez. The 55-year-old has been labelled as a defensive coach, yet his Madrid side are the team with the most goals scored in the league. Still, Benítez has implemented a system of defensive solidarity, one which the opposition are finding difficult to break through. While Madrid may not have been at their defensive best, the fact remains that Los Blancos have not yet conceded this season, while they had already conceded 6 goals at this point in the league last season.
In addition, Rafa’s rotations not only paid off during the match, with Casemiro, Kovačić and Vázquez all impressing, but will also make a significant difference later on in the key moments of the season with fatigue and potential injury problems.