Managing Madrid - Granada vs Real Madrid, La Liga 2014-15: News & updatesDominating European football since March 6th 1902https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50831/mm-fav.png2014-11-03T09:12:27+01:00http://www.managingmadrid.com/rss/stream/69058522014-11-03T09:12:27+01:002014-11-03T09:12:27+01:00Film review: Madrid victimize Granada on the road
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-cTIQvkB9TYkqiSjT1SCJ_aHTKs=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/43303950/458222744.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Real Madrid took the lead just 90 seconds into the match and never looked back. Here's how the offense cruised so effortlessly. </p> <p>It's that time folks! There was never a doubt Madrid wouldn't take all three points on the road from Granada, and I'm here with Paint to break down what led to each of Real's goals.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Benz assist" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/plD21lM5F-3nTEnPHjH8o6-9OgY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2416600/Screen_Shot_2014-11-02_at_6.27.23_PM.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Earlier in the season, Carlo Ancelotti said "When Cristiano Ronaldo plays, you start the match 1-0," and it was literally true on Saturday. Dani Carvajal made a great effort along the touchline to dish the ball to Karim Benzema who assisted Cristiano. This goal was a little <i>too</i> easy for Madrid. It wasn't even like Granada's defense made a total blunder: this was the result of Madrid's forwards linking up exactly as designed. The red line is to show Benzema had not only tons of space, but also a very nice shooting angle. Instead he puts it to Ronaldo who slots it home easily. This goal was practically clockwork.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.managingmadrid.com/2014/11/1/7142389/james-goal-real-madrid-granada" target="_blank">James Rodríguez's goal to put Madrid up 2-0</a> was quite different than Cristiano's. It wasn't the fruition of the team's tactics working perfectly -- it was just two sensational players doing sensational things.</p>
<p>Benzema's flick bounced it right in front of James who blasted it into the far side of the net. Madrid players will continually to have a go from range like this because statistically, it's been shown they'll find the net every so often. It's a mitigated risk, and given James' knack for scoring screamers, I'm quite okay it.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Formation" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WKIeIruuk7d54Tua7gHTE5Nz0mY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2416726/Screen_Shot_2014-11-02_at_7.04.32_PM.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>This is a good summation of how Madrid have played sans-Bale. James much more forward than usual, extra help from fullbacks and Isco playing in the middle (but leaning toward where the ball is). This formation has (obviously) worked out well while the Welsh international has been out, but it'll be interesting if Carlo wants to keep aspects from this formation going forward. James has not-so-subtly reminded us he can score, and Isco has been world-class, so should Carlo mess with what's been working? That's a conversation for another time.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Ronaldo backheel" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mu9J8VmaEhStGGNN0c8rsP4o2oU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2416782/54m.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>The third goal was part great individual skill and part great team play. Ronaldo was in the center of the pitch and received the ball from James before back-heeling it onto Benzema. Ronaldo didn't even look over his shoulder before flicking the ball on, so he must've known Benzema was about to change directions so he could feed him an easy finish.</p>
<p>If Ronaldo didn't assist Benzema, he'd have his back to the goal with no one cutting down the center of the field to tee it up to. This is what makes me think that it's something the team's practiced a bit, but hardly uses given the slim margin for error here. It's also worth noticing how Arbeloa was so far up the pitch. Ancelotti is definitely committed to dominating the wings, regardless of personnel.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Illarra press" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uvxD8SS86CkJWsIhzLqiVFKweVo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2416800/illarra.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Before Madrid's fourth, Granada very nearly slipped through to have a chance to pull one back for themselves. This was a muddled defensive formation in which only two defenders were deep, but Asier Illarramendi (who had come on just minutes before) was deep in the midfield. After a misplaced pass by Sergio Ramos, Granada had a chance to counter, but Illarra pressed forward quickly and won the ball. If he hadn't won the ball and Granada were released, there was tons of space behind Illarra, and no defender had a good angle at where the ball was going.</p>
<p>But since Illarra did do well to win the ball, he kicked off the quick counter, during which the ball pinballed from winger (James) to striker (Benz) to right-back (Arbeloa) to forward (Ronaldo) before finally being put away by James. This was another true "team goal" but it wasn't without risk as Illarra had to dig the ball out of the midfield.</p>
<p>Madrid scored each of the four goals in a unique way, as they put on a mini-exhibition of what the squad is capable of doing to defenses.</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2014/11/3/7147735/james-benzema-shine-in-demolition-of-granadaMikePlatania2014-11-02T08:05:48+01:002014-11-02T08:05:48+01:00Stats review
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/T7fEb0UyC-s82jGHzTUfDty7bas=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/43239428/458226702.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Offensively, Real Madrid were stunningly beautiful while the defense held up.</p> <p>Yesterday, we saw <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a> not only put down a feisty Granada side, but also put them down in style In the process, several landmarks were achieved and several eye-popping numbers caught my attention (though there was much more to speak about regarding the offense than the defense, as is the norm when looking at statistics). Let's check them out thanks to Opta, Whoscored, Squawka, Mr. Chip.</p>
<h3>Offense</h3>
<p>Right now, we're living in a <span>Cristiano Ronaldo</span> world. Commemorating his 700th professional game, CR didn't wait long to get on the board as he scored in the 99th second, which was the third fastest he's ever found the back of the net (45 seconds versus Xerez in 2009 and 71 seconds versus Athletic in 2013 top it). Ronaldo has now scored 15 goals in his last seven Liga appearances, has scored in his last 12 club games, has scored two of the four goals in the league scored before the second minute this season and has netted 50 or more Liga goals in the calendar year for the fourth straight time. His 17 goals in the first 10 games is a Liga record. Simply put, he's unstoppable at the moment.</p>
<p>A fellow hot performing teammate is <span>Karim Benzema</span>. Benz, who often comes under fire from the Madrid faithful, has registered a goal and or assist in 11 of the 14 games played since the season started versus the Spanish Super Cup. In all competitions, he now has nine goals and seven assists to his name and is contributing to a goal every 68 minutes. With his goal today, he became the first player in Real Madrid history to score 60 league goals without ever scoring one from the penalty spot. Criticize him at times, but as of this moment there is absolutely nothing to gripe about when it comes to Big Benz.</p>
<p>Another player contributing both goals and assists at a great rate is James Rodriguez. Much pressure has been placed on his shoulders due to his transfer fee, but the youngster is performing and performing excellently. With his performance today, James became the fourth La Liga player with at least five goals and five assists this season, joining a club which includes Leo Messi, <span>Gareth Bale</span> and Karim Benzema. Not too shabby.</p>
<p>As a team, Madrid is the first team in La Liga history to score 20 goals in their first five road games. Additionally, Real Madrid has scored 37 goals in their first 10 games. That hasn't happened in La Liga in 64 years. For Carlo, this is the first time that one of his teams won 11 games in a row (which is impressive when you consider how long he's managed).</p>
<h3>Defense</h3>
<p>Defensively, there wasn't much to speak about. Despite the defense being a work in progress, this <i>was</i> the fifth shutout posted and the fourth in the last five games. Having conceded seven goals (out of 10 this league season) in the first five games this season, Real Madrid have only allowed three in the last five.</p>
<p>In this game, Madrid conceded 11 shots but five of them were from distance where they hardly troubled Iker, as you can see below.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Granada shots" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hXLHxdeJ-UuByYaTdwBmkgBGtIQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2414582/shots.0.JPG">
</figure>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Madrid notched 15 blocks, but only six were within their own box so Granada didn't create <i>many</i> dangerous opportunities. Additionally, Madrid recorded eight interceptions but again, only two within their own box. Due to Madrid's pressure, Granada lost the possession/turned the ball over 14 times with nine of those in Madrid's half. While the defense played a bit too fast and loose for my liking early and late, the quality of looks Granada got on goal were quite poor and not very threatening. Also, Real Madrid recorded one midriff-to-a-teammate kick thanks to Pepe's efforts on <span>Sergio Ramos</span>, so there's that.</p>
<h3>Overall</h3>
<p>Madrid outshot Granada 18-11 with a shots on target edge of 8-5, held a possession edge of 67-33 with a pass completed edge of 628-289 (88 percent pass completion rate). Real Madrid created one more corner than Granada (4-3) but was also caught offside more (3-1). One interesting thing to note is that while many of us were complaining about <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/granada">Granada's</a> rough play, it was actually Real Madrid which suffered the wrath of the ref more as the men in black were called for 19 fouls compared to Granada's nine and with Madrid receiving two yellow cards to Granada's one.</p>
<p>While this wasn't a particularly big or tough game, especially considering who the previous league opponent was, these are just a few numbers to chew over while we wait for Liverpool to come to town. What stood out to you?</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2014/11/2/7143825/granada-vs-real-madrid-liga-statsbozz2014-11-01T21:00:03+01:002014-11-01T21:00:03+01:00Ancelotti: "Bale will make us improve"
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/je1DQXwogUMuFi2EqChaC2mO6yU=/0x0:2672x1781/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/43226020/458228364.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Carlo Ancelotti expressed his satisfaction after the 0-4 victory over Granada.
</p> <p align="justify">After obtaining the eleventh consecutive victory, Ancelotti showed his happiness about the performance displayed by the team:</p>
<div align="justify">
<blockquote>
<p>Right now, we are playing with a lot of quality, concentration, work and sacrifice. I have said this many times: when the team fights, things tend to go well.</p>
</blockquote>
</div>
<p align="justify">However, <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Madrid's</a> coach wants to extend this winning streak as much as possible in order to conquer the Liga BBVA leadership before Christmas:</p>
<div align="justify">
<blockquote>
<p>We need to work hard to keep this streak, to continue earning points displaying an attractive game. Many people seem to think that Bale's recovery will be a problem for us, but I think he will help us to improve. I am very happy with how we are doing right now, but we need to keep trying to do better.</p>
</blockquote>
</div>
<p align="justify">On tactical issues, there were remarks about the important involvement of the fullbacks in Real Madrid's system:</p>
<div align="justify">
<blockquote>
<p>When you play against teams that are folded up in the middle, you need to use the wings to create advantages. Sometimes we will go for one-on-one situations with Cristiano or James, but the aid of the fullbacks there is great to create a superiority, and they have all been fantastic today.</p>
</blockquote>
</div>
<p align="justify">Surprisingly, there were no questions about Carvajal, who left the pitch injured. As Arbeloa confirmed later, the substitution was just a precaution and he should be fine.</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2014/11/1/7143035/granada-real-madrid-post-match-presser-ancelottiDaniel Girela2014-11-01T20:12:12+01:002014-11-01T20:12:12+01:00Player Ratings!
<figure>
<img alt="Unstoppable." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7127SNg-KXtm1u3imwqOoGx6YfY=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/43227106/458226704.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Unstoppable. | Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Granada were thumped 0-4 with consummate ease by a Real Madrid side that is turning into a <em>real</em> juggernaut.</p>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css">
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span>Iker Casillas</span>: 7</b> - Still exhibited some signs of uncertainty with aerial balls but overall he played well and made some important saves. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/granada" class="sbn-auto-link">Granada</a> had 11 shots and still we managed to keep a clean sheet.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span>Dani Carvajal</span>: 7</b> - He was playing very well and attacking a lot down the right hand side until his unfortunate and untimely exit from the game in the 37th minute. Let's hope he hasn't been hurt badly and can return as soon as possible.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Arbeloa: 6</b> - Came on to replace Carvajal and did a decent enough job of being an outlet down the right flank. Obviously the Spartan lacks the pace of his younger compatriot but he still put in a couple of decent tackles and created a good chance too.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Pepe: 7</b> - A reasonably solid game from the 31 year old centre back - killing Ramos aside - as he made a few necessary tackles and distributed well at the back. A commanding presence.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span>Sergio Ramos</span>: 8</b> - Sergio made some excellent last-ditch clearances off the line to help guide Los Blancos to another clean sheet. On top of that his positioning was masterful and his passing immaculate.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Marcelo: 7</b> - A good game defensively for Marcelo who seems to be improving in that aspect and looks to be regaining the form he showed us circa 2009-2012. He didn't provide as much in attack as we've seen in recent weeks but he didn't really need to today.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span>Toni Kroos</span>: 7</b> - He was the metronome that we've come to know and love once again today. Toni completed 9 out of 9 attempted long balls and his general passing range was superb. His circulation of the ball is a vital cog in the Madrid Machine.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Luka Modric: 7</b> - Not at his sharpest but he provided a good game defensively and helped Kroos keep control of the tempo and the central areas of the pitch. There is no doubt that Luka has improved from the start of the season.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Isco: 7</b> - The little dynamo completed more dribbles than anyone else on the team and won a lot of free-kicks. If that wasn't enough he showcased his willingness to do the defensive work once again which allows Marcelo to roam free on the left side.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>James Rodriguez: 8</b> - Other than his two (one?) goals he didn't do too much in today's match. But what we do know is that this kid is a proven goalscorer and that the World-Cup volley was no fluke. What a strike he hit today! He also had the highest pass accuracy of any player come the end of the game.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span>Cristiano Ronaldo</span>: 9</b> - As per usual he opened the scoring for Madrid. After that he created two goals, the first was special. A back-heel pass through the defenders legs for Benzema to poke home. Delightful. Furthermore he completed a fantastic 5 key passes. He is the ultimate offensive weapon in world football at the moment.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span>Karim Benzema</span>: 10</b> - It was a masterclass from the Frenchman. He bagged himself a goal after laying on two assists for Ronaldo & James respectively. But it was his overall performance that merits a 10 here. He made an unbelievable 7 key passes in the game and won 5 free-kicks, more than any other player. He wasn't done there though. Karim also contributed defensively with a tackle, clearance and block. Man of the match.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span>Sami Khedira</span> & <span>Asier Illarramendi</span></b> N/A due to insufficient minutes.</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2014/11/1/7142999/granada-vs-real-madrid-la-liga-2014-15-player-ratingsMarc Craig2014-11-01T18:11:51+01:002014-11-01T18:11:51+01:00Karim Benzema leads RM to a 0-4 win over Granada
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vhcKORVgNomhyRvkgb6DSGO25Ys=/0x390:2672x2171/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/43221066/458225022.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After beating Barcelona last week, Real Madrid's offensive juggernaut kept going and delivered a comfortable 0-4 win over Granada, thanks to great performances by Karim Benzema and James Rodríguez. </p>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css">
</p>
<p>Just a week after winning El Clásico, Real Madrid was visiting Granada, and <span>Carlo Ancelotti</span> presented the same starting lineup he used against <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Barcelona</a>. Considering <span>Cristiano Ronaldo</span> has scored 10 more goals (16) than the entire Granada squad this season (six), it didn't look good for the home team.</p>
<p>It only took Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo 1:36 to score the first goal of the game after <span>Dani Carvajal</span> brilliantly recovered a ball in <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/granada" class="sbn-auto-link">Granada's</a> territory. Dani then passed it to an open <span>Karim Benzema</span> in the box and the French striker quickly crossed it to Cristiano, who left Roberto without a chance. 0-1.</p>
<p>Granada's high pressing was actually good and forced a few turnovers. There were times when there were six Granada players in the visitor's half, but it didn't alter Ancelotti's 4-4-2 formation. On Real's side, Cristiano, Marcelo and James were by far the most dangerous players. The Colombian challenged Roberto a couple times with long shots without success.</p>
<p>The next great chance for Real Madrid came in the 22nd minute, as Benzema controlled the ball inside the box, turned around and shot but Roberto was able to make the save. Then, after a brilliant play featuring pretty much every player in black (from Marcelo to Isco, to Carvajal, to Modric, to Ronaldo), Carvajal ended up inside the box but his shot went high.</p>
<p>At the 30th minute, James Rodríguez scored one of the best goals of the year. Real Madrid had a throw in in the right wing. Benzema controlled it and assisted the Colombian who, without letting the ball hit the pitch, delivered a perfect volley with his left boot which went right to the top left corner to beat Roberto. 2-0.</p>
<p>Things were going pretty well for the visitors but at the 37', just a couple minutes after Pepe accidentally kicked Ramos in the chest, Carvajal left the game with what looked to be a hamstring injury. Álvaro Arbeloa took his place.</p>
<p>Córdoba didn't look as helpless as most expected in the first half. Lots of pressing and counters but they just couldn't finish their plays. Real Madrid had the lead and were clearly the better team, but they were stuck passing the ball from side to side, well contained by a defence led by Murillo.</p>
<p>Just eight minutes into the second half, Cristiano and Benzema combined again for another goal. This time, it was Cristiano with the assist: a brilliant back heel assist to leave Karim open in front of Roberto. The French striker didn't waste any time and quickly scored the 0-3.</p>
<p>That goal seemed to crush Granada's spirits. After Marcelo hit the crossbar with a long shot, Cristiano had yet another successful back heel pass outside the box but it went to Isco this time. Sadly, Alarcón's shot was deflected, but it looked as if Granada were finally overwhelmed by <i>Los Blancos. </i><a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Madrid's</a> fourth goal looked imminent at this point.</p>
<p>Granada barely possessed the ball anymore and their pressing was gone, mostly thanks to an otherworldly Luka Modric, who absolutely dominated that midfield. Also, they started turning the ball over inside their own territory quite often, and since they were focused on attacking, there were lots of spaces for Real Madrid to attack on the counter. Still, Granada kept fighting and had a great chance inside Madrid's box at the 67th minute as Rochina came in with no one in front of him, but Ramos quickly recovered to block the shot.</p>
<p><span>Sami Khedira</span> then replaced a terrific Modric with 15 minutes to go. Right after the substitution, Marcelo wasted a fantastic chance to score Real Madrid's fourth goal (and what would've been Benzema's third assist) as his shot from the left of the box went way above Roberto's goal.</p>
<p>Real Madrid still weren't done and James finally scored the fourth goal of the game after a brilliant play set up by the Colombian himself, Benzema, Arbeloa and Cristiano Ronaldo. Arbeloa's cross wasn't properly shot by Ronaldo, but before a Granada player could clear the ball, James pushed it in to make it 0-4 with three minutes left on the clock.</p>
<p>While Granada bravely competed during the first half, that quick goal in the second half killed their hopes. It also felt like Real Madrid didn't really try that hard, and it still resulted in a dominating 0-4 win. Not bad, but that's what you're going to get with a roster as deep as Real Madrid's. Isco and James have been ridiculous and Bale's return will only make things better for Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti.</p>
<p>Benzema keeps silencing his critics (if someone even dares to still criticise him) and today he just led Real Madrid to victory with an outstanding performance: two assists, a goal and he also set up Real's fourth goal. Also, great performance by Modric and James Rodríguez.</p>
<p>Next, it's Champions League time again as Real Madrid returns to the Bernabéu to face Liverpool next week.</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2014/11/1/7142199/granada-vs-real-madrid-liga-2014-game-recap-scoreMarco Gutiérrez2014-11-01T17:21:12+01:002014-11-01T17:21:12+01:00WATCH: Benzema's goal
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rNbhUuLJzVBltLYUBio1hoFwTWI=/0x80:4000x2747/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/43218546/458053098.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Ramos</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="600" width="600" src="https://vine.co/v/OOOenYEBBKn/embed/simple" class="vine-embed"></iframe>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js"></script>
</p>
<p>Karim Benzema scored one goal so far and delivered two assists. Cristiano Ronaldo scored one goal so far and has delivered this brilliant assist. Both Ronaldo and Benzema have showed they can play together, right? Benzema is arguably the best possible striker for Cristiano Ronaldo, who likes to play alongside him more than anything.</p>
<p>This has been one of the best games Real Madrid have played away from the Bernabéu, and while Granada are a soft team -- at least today -- , Ancelotti and his men deserve credit.</p>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css" rel="stylesheet">
</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2014/11/1/7142569/benzema-real-madrid-goal-granadaLucas Navarrete2014-11-01T16:37:38+01:002014-11-01T16:37:38+01:00WATCH: James' goal against Granada
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/s1rf1TdUCDzz55z2QpXRFQ7pwxg=/0x0:3990x2660/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/43215732/458053066.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Ramos</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><iframe class="vine-embed" src="https://vine.co/v/OOOBTdv7F67/embed/simple" width="600" height="600" frameborder="0"></iframe>
<script src="//platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>This goal is something serious. Real Madrid are playing great football after <span>Cristiano Ronaldo</span> scored the opening goal for Ancelotti's men. But James notched up <i>Los Blancos</i>' best goal, no doubt. This is a candidate for the Goal of the Year Award. Brilliant assist by Benzema, but James' strike is something you don't see very often. The Colombian striker is in great form and this goal confirms it. Ancelotti is deploying James on <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid's</a> right win (4-4-2 formation) after Bale got injured, but he should be back in the midfield as soon as the Welshman recovers from his injury.</p>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css" rel="stylesheet">
</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2014/11/1/7142389/james-goal-real-madrid-granadaLucas Navarrete2014-11-01T14:57:06+01:002014-11-01T14:57:06+01:00Lineups and Live Thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/waWc7jLQLDWbKiUwK77IAbikHUk=/40x0:3970x2620/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/43207904/457841870.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Denis Doyle</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Granada Starting XI: Roberto, Nyom, Babin, Murillo, J. Carlos, Foulquier, Iturra, Eddy, Sissoko, Córdoba, Success.</p>
<p><b>Real Madrid Starting XI: </b>Casillas, Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo, Kroos, Modric, Isco, James, Ronaldo, Benzema.</p>
<p>Carlo Ancelotti finally decides to start both Pepe and Modric, who were still questionable. That way, he might have to make some rotations on the match against Liverpool in order to avoid injuries. One way or another, Real Madrid play with their marquee lineup against Granada, with only Bale absent.</p>
<p>Stay tuned to this Twitter list in order to get the latest updates about the match on Twitter as well.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a data-widget-id="425331793231745024" href="https://twitter.com/managingmadrid/lists/real-madrid-s-beat" class="twitter-timeline">Tweets from https://twitter.com/managingmadrid/lists/real-madrid-s-beat</a>
<script type="text/javascript"><!--
!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+"://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");
// --></script>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css">
</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2014/11/1/7141925/granada-real-madrid-liga-live-stream-onlineLucas Navarrete