Real Madrid talking points as brilliant Karim Benzema rescues win at Bernabeu

A sublime finish from Benzema in the 89th minute though sealed the victory for Los Blancos.

RETURN OF INFLUENTIAL BENZ

Zidane has always relied heavily on compatriot Benzema in the final third and his second coming has been no different. The striker was integral to Madrid’s attacks in a 2-0 win over Celta Vigo before the international break and remained the focal point during the encounter with Huesca.

Not only was the Frenchman central to every move Madrid stitched together but he was creating opportunities out of nothing. He was relentless in his efforts to win physical battles and chase down lost causes while linking up with his team-mates exceptionally.

The only concern was that he struggled to find the back of the net and for most of the game you wondered if his poor conversion rate would hurt Los Merengues. In the first half, he couldn’t guide Alvaro Odriozola’s fizzed ball across the box onto the target and then failed to take the full-back’s second set-up in his stride, only striking a tame shot on the turn into the keeper’s hands.

He was the architect of Madrid’s equaliser but watched helplessly on the deck as Brahim’s cross rolled past him only for Isco to apply the finishing touch. It was his header back across goal that saw Dani Ceballos score the second. It was a superb performance, that was finally capped by the goal it deserved.

With time running out for Madrid, the ball fell to Benzema just inside the area and curled a sublime finish into the top corner for the winner.

BRAHIM’S BRIGHT DISPLAY

All eyes were on Luca Zidane as his father afforded him a rare start in goal, ahead of Keylor Navas, but it was another youngster making his full debut for Madrid who stole the limelight.

Brahim Diaz started on the left flank and was a real creative force. He was confident in front of an unforgiving Bernabeu crowd and consistently popped up in great positions. His link-up with Benzema was sublime before assisting Isco for the equaliser.

MARCELO DILEMMA

Zidane’s reinstatement was always going to bring about a shuffle in the pack and early signs suggest Sergio Reguilon is destined to be one of the losers in that exercise. Having displaced accomplished left-back Marcelo under Santiago Solari’s regime, Zidane’s return has seen the Brazilian regain his spot in the first XI ahead of the 22-year-old.

For how long that dynamic remains though is up for debate. Marcelo is doing himself no favours by committing the glaring mistakes he just can’t seem to avoid. Fingers of blame will largely be pointed at Nacho for Huesca’s early breakthrough but closer inspection may reveal the full-back was equally at fault if not more.

Marcelo was the one who initially lost possession and was caught out of position as Madrid were attacked down his flank. Nacho had shuttled across to cover for the 30-year-old when he lost an individual battle that led to the chance.

Meanwhile, Marcelo had ambled into the box but predictably failed to mark anyone as Ezequiel Avila squared the ball for Juan Hernandez to stroke home under no pressure. The left-back continued to lose possession as the game progressed.

It’s no secret that Marcelo has been on the wane but he remains a force going forward and therein lies Zidane’s dilemma. With Madrid so devoid of creativity in the final third lately, perhaps he believes the Brazilian’s flair and marauding runs are required. But at what cost?

Sooner or later Zidane may have to accept that Los Blancos’ vulnerabilities are too many and laying a solid foundation at the back is the best way forward.