Real Madrid strolled to a routine victory over Granada at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday afternoon, resuming the La Liga action in style after the winter break.
The hosts had no difficulty putting 5 goals into the visitors’ net, as an Isco opener after only 12 minutes set the stage for an onslaught.
Benzema and Ronaldo followed suit in the 20th and 27th minutes respectively to compound Granada woes, while Isco got his 2nd with a fine finish after meeting Modric’s low cross.
The 19th-placed team on the La Liga log couldn’t trouble the league leaders much, and it didn’t take for them to down to the 5th goal minutes after restart, as an unmarked Casemiro met a James Rodriguez’s free kick to see Real Madrid equal Barcelona’s record of 39-game unbeaten run and go 6 points clear on the log.
Here is how Los Blancos resumed La Liga action for 2017.
Navas
Had nothing to worry about all game as the visitors rarely threatened his goal until a late effort, which he had no trouble dealing with.
Rating: 8/10
Carvajal
Was the complete defensive package – getting forward on the attack and defending with ease.
Had no trouble with keeping his man and was superb all game.
Rating: 8/10
Varane
The French youngster continued his confident displays at the heart of Madrid defence and was barely ruffled due to the visitors’ lack of great quality and finishing in the hosts’ half.
Rating: 8/10
Nacho
Deputized well in Ramos’ absence and gave a good account of himself, keeping Kravets’ threats largely ineffective the few occasions Granada approached Madrid’s box.
Rating: 8/10
Marcelo
Roberto Carlos’ rightful heir ensured the left flank was his, as he controlled the whole of the section and made Real Madrid completely gain full control of the game.
Rating: 9/10
Modric
Was close to getting an unusual goal while putting in another master display in the middle. Enjoyed the freedom and the lack of pressure from the visitors.
Rating: 8/10
Casemiro
Got a goal after racing clear to bundle in a Rodriguez free kick and did put in a committed display regardless of the quality of the relegation battlers.
Rating: 8/10
Kroos
The German’s struggles continued, as he appeared to be out of sync with his teammates and couldn’t in any way contribute meaningfully before being rightly subbed off.
Rating: 6/10
Isco
Given a rare start which he grabbed with both hands, putting in an unusual brilliant performance which saw him almost notch his first Real Madrid and professional hat trick and stealing the shine with Ronaldo on the pitch.
Rating: 9/10
Benzema
His positional sense saw him score a tap-in, and he always looked to create the chances for his teammates.
Rating: 8/10
Cristiano Ronaldo
Wasn’t able to contribute much apart from the goal he bagged. And he didn’t have to with others putting in the work and taking off the burden normally on him.
Rating: 7/10
SUBSTITUTES
Rodríguez
Made most of the 45 minutes afforded him, creating chances with his dangerous crosses – one of which saw him register an assist.
Rating: 8/10
Asensio
A dedicated performance from the youngster as usual, but the game was already wrapped up when he made an entrance.
Rating: 7/10
Coentrão
Didn’t have much to do upon entering and largely chose to sit back and defend when it wasn’t really needed.
Rating: 6/10