Hernandez hopes he’s made a Real impression

Andy West 06:06 22/09/2014
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  • Pea shooter: Hernandez's first was a stunning 25-yard volley.

    Javier Hernandez is hoping for more playing time at Real Madrid after scoring his first two goals for the Spanish giants – but he certainly isn’t going to knock on manager Carlo Ancelotti’s door to demand it.

    The Mexican striker took advantage of a demoralised Deportivo La Coruna defence to score two late goals in his team’s 8-2 win at the Riazor on Saturday afternoon, thrashing home a brilliant left-footed volley from the edge of the box and then netting via a big deflection with the last kick of the game.

    On the surface, Hernandez’s late brace offers a stark contrast to the apparent lack of productivity offered by Madrid’s other striker, Karim Benzema, who failed to score in a game also featuring a hat-trick for Cristiano Ronaldo, two goals for Gareth Bale and a maiden La Liga strike for James Rodriguez.

    Indeed, the fact that Hernandez managed to score twice inside the space of 15 minutes whereas Benzema has only managed one league goal in more than three hours of play this season is a neat encapsulation of the differing goal threats offered by the two frontmen.

    Whereas Benzema does much of his best work outside the box, Hernandez is the ultimate poacher who always looks to get in behind defenders and take a shot on goal.

    However, Benzema’s own contribution at the Riazor should not be overlooked because the Frenchman was particularly influential during the first half, playing a big role in Ronaldo’s first two goals and providing the pass that allowed James to open his league account.

    And although Hernandez was delighted to have made an impact, he was also careful to toe a diplomatic line as he assessed his status within the team.

    “I have to give thanks to my teammates because it has been a great start,” he said. “I hope to have more minutes and am trying to do everything well.

    “I always try to be fair and humble, and this start will give me confidence. I want to have as much time as possible, like all my team-mates. I just have to give everything on the pitch and in training.”

    Hernandez was equally modest about his superb opener – his first league goal from outside the penalty area since moving to Europe – smiling: “I saw the chance, hit it and thanks to God it went in.”

    He added: “We can’t always win and a perfect match doesn’t exist, but you’ve always got to work whether you win, lose or draw.”

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