Bow down to the BBC

Is there a better attacking trio (BBC) in Europe right now?

Statistically, no. Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, better known as the BBC take the cake. The star-studded trident has combined for 40 goals in La Liga thus far this season, more than any other front-three combination in Europe. Benzema and Ronaldo lead the trio with 14 goals apiece while Bale follows with 12.

The BBC has outscored the renowned MSN of Barcelona (39 goals between Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suárez) and the Bavarian trio (32 goals between Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Müller and Arjen Robben) this season.

The BBC is on ! They've bagged the last 24 of 26 goals for #RealMadrid.

— Semra Hunter (@SemraHunter) January 9, 2016

When the triumvirate combined back in the summer of 2013, the formation of BBC raised some eyebrows. However, the trio began to silence critics, working together as Benzema operated as a fulcrum in the attack while Ronaldo and Bale utilized each of the flanks. While Benzema still plays down the middle, Ronaldo and Bale have since transitioned and now function as hybrids, combining the winger-mentality with their dominance of cutting inside.

Effective? Certainly. The trio scored a combined 108 goals in 2014, their first full calendar year together.

However, the BBC received criticism over the past couple months due to their lack of production against La Liga's stronger clubs, failing to score against Barcelona and Villarreal. But fear not, now it appears the BBC have reestablished the stellar form that makes them the most feared trio in world football, under new manager Zinedine Zidane. Last Saturday, Real Madrid's potent trident routed Deportivo de La Coruña, accounting for all five goals between themselves.

While other teammates such as Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal provided assists on the night, Bale and Benzema severed their opposition with five sublime strikes.

But where's Ronaldo?

While the Dark Invader licked his chops on numerous occasions and strove to add his name to the scoresheet, the woodwork denied him of a glorious golazo early on. Even though Ronaldo continued to make his presence known that he was open, it didn't stop him from setting up teammates, most notably Bale.

In the 49th minute, Luka Modric served Ronaldo on the right flank. Ronaldo received the pass, staring down Deportivo's left back Fernando Navarro. Ronaldo chose not to use his flashy footwork, instead opting to pass to a wide-open Bale. The Portuguese picked out the Welshman who scampered into Deportivo's 18-yard box unmarked. Repaying the favor, Bale slotted his shot into the bottom right corner and immediately pointed towards Ronaldo, greeting him with a double high-five.

A heck of a goal combo with Bale finishing off a Ronaldo assist, 3-0 Madrid (49') #HalaMadrid #MadridistasDC

— Peña Madridista DC (@MadridistasDC) January 9, 2016

At times Ronaldo is teased by fans for what appears to be selfishness on the pitch but the three time Ballon d'Or winner is a focal point in Real Madrid's attack and a key figure in the BBC. It may come as a surprise to some but Ronaldo is currently tied with Neymar and teammate, Bale, for most assists in La Liga (7).

While five of Ronaldo's assists in La Liga this season came under the reign of Rafa Benítez, it appears Zidane's original intent is paying off. He tightened the rules upon boarding the ship: Ronaldo was to play down the left, Bale on the right and everyone was to work more intently. In his first match as head coach, his vision certainly payed off.

While the sample size is incredibly small, Madridistas should be filled with confidence going forward in that the BBC can lead them to the promised land this season. Remember, they are the most prolific trio in Europe.