Three takeaways from Real Madrid's 2-1 win against Sporting Portugal

It wasn't pretty, it wasn't a well-deserved win, but Real Madrid managed to score all three points after scoring in the 89th and 94th minute, overcoming Sporting's goal early in the second half.

1. Karim Benzema and the BBC as a whole need more time. The French striker got his first start after recovering from the hip injury that kept him out all preseason and looked very rusty. Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale didn't play much better, as if they were lacking some of the chemistry they had in the past. These three players will need more time to excel.
2. James changed the game. The Colombian playmaker didn't have much time to turn things around and yet allowed Madrid to go after Sporting Portugal by creating chances and distributing the ball quickly. James is obviously a brilliant player and this might be his first step towards his improvement.
3. Zidane should've taken Casemiro out of the game as soon as Sporting scored the opening goal. The Brazilian midfielder is a very useful player when the opposition have the ball and the will to attack. However, Sporting weren't interested in going for another goal after they were ahead. Zidane kept Casemiro in and Madrid ended up winning the game, but the French manager probably made a mistake.