Immediate Reactions: Real Madrid 5 - 3 Stade Reims

Real Madrid took care of business against Stade Reims and yet conceded three goals. It's clear that the match wasn't played with a lot of intensity, but Los Blancos must improve if they want to beat Real Sociedad away from the Bernabéu next Sunday.

• Zidane decided to give the Kroos-Modric-James midfield a try, and while it certainly worked well on offense, they didn't provide the intensity and cohesion Zidane was probably hoping to see. As things stand right now, Madrid still need Casemiro in the starting lineup.
• Reims scored the opening goal but Madrid soon clawed their way back off set pieces. Nacho and Ramos gave Real the lead and Zidane's men never looked back. Morata also scored his first goal since making his return to Madrid and James gained some momentum by playing 60 minutes and adding a goal as well.
• Kovacic, Isco, Vázquez, Varane and Carvajal featured just 30 minutes and they could probably make the starting XI against Real Sociedad as Zidane tried to keep them fresh for La Liga opener.
• Bale and Kroos started the game and completed good performances. Apparently, they will be at Zidane's disposal for the first match and that's something that will increase Madrid's chances of getting all three points.