Real Madrid defeated Getafe with relative ease in their LaLiga Santander opener, putting their Super Cup ordeal behind them and avoiding any chances of an upset.
The 2-0 scoreline didn't do Real justice as they dominated the match from start to finish, leaving a very good feeling in the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
Here are the five positives to take from Real Madrid's league debut.
Possession
Julen Lopetegui's Real Madrid team want the ball. This Sunday's game is a clear statement of intent. They had 78% of possession and you have to go back many years to find a Real Madrid league performance with such control. Specifically, it was February 12 2012, when they managed 80% of the ball against Levante.
Defensive security
Of the best headlines of the match was the clean sheet. The team's defensive shape worked wonders and negated the Getafe forwards, who barely troubled Keylor Navas, managing just one shot at goal.
Passing
Getafe had to put a monumental effort in to dispossess Real Madrid and often resorted to unsavoury measures to stop Los Blancos. The difference in passing between both teams was huge. Real Madrid clocked up 793 passes with 91% accuracy. Getafe only managed to successfully find a teammate with 65% of their 222 attempted passes. Toni Kroos stood out with an almost perfect 98% passing accuracy. That said, the two times he lost the ball were in dangerous positions which could have cost the team.
The resurgence of Gareth Bale
Bale has happily taken on the challenge of leading Real in attack and filling the gap left by Cristiano Ronaldo. The Welshman is more involved than ever in matches and is positively affecting the team. He finished last season in good form and is keeping it up. He is quick, explosive, incisive, very much involved and lethal in front of goal. This Sunday he topped off a great performance with a goal which effectively put the game to bed.
The development of Marco Asensio, Dani Ceballos and Nacho
Lopetegui has absolute faith in Asensio and Ceballos. They are footballers that very much suit the coach and for this reason he has no hesitation in giving them pitch time ahead of other more likely candidates. Asensio has started two matches in a row, playing high up. The Spanish international is responding very well. His tenacity led to Bale's goal. Something similar happened with Ceballos. Left out by Zidane, he is playing a more prominent role under Lopetegui. The midfielder is ready to take on the challenge.
Nacho is another. The Madrid-born defender came in for Raphael Varane, who was poor against Atletico Madrid, and put in a hugely impressive display as he always seems to. His versatility makes him an invaluable player for any squad, considering he can play anywhere in defence.
mewamnrtz
1
halla Madrid
Khaleel Adam Majeh
0
hala mdrid
wukaersuz
0
real madristaa yesaaaa
sept
1
will defend when fcb come around for sure...you cant boss the boss ....forca barca
Billy042
0
I will test this new Madrid against Sevilla ,Valencia,Barcelona ,and atl Madrid ..then I will write down the new Madrid
Zambia5889372
2
Benzema didn't score, but for once, he was outstanding.
Davidpam
1
hala Madrid!!! Galaticos
RealMadrid92
2
i am happy with this performance. i want more goals from benzema and bale
bikrambohora
0
hala Madrid
Mauritania5836243
0
Yes they did an excellent match yesterday against Getafe but I don’t enough to win LaLiga. RMA has a lot to do .
Findlmsty
2
Gareth bale has the similarities of Ronaldo.No one can replace ronaldo except bale..even messi cannot replace ronaldo..messi is playmaker lack of physical weak header
prakashcr7
2
Real Madrid performance was excellent yesterday. They should continue this form through out the season to make the season better. Bale, Asensio, Kroos, Ramos, marcelo, etc. Should continue their this form through out the season. So real Madrid can end the perfectly.
BAPPSPAULO
3
very impressive match
Amechie
1
hala Madrid
mizrsz
1
Varane might have rested more than necessary. it seems that his talent is still on holidays. Nacho will be first choice for quite some time if varane doesn't work hard.
zombieer
4
carvajal filling in the C in BBC
Casioos
0
Ironically it was always Bale the past 3 years, and this time he came really close too
shymelly
1
The good thing is that the C is interchangeable! Carvajal, Casemiro, Ceballos, Courtois, might forget someone. modriC Croos???? /s Courtois Imagine Courtois banging in a hattrick on his debut.
birthplace
0
Courtois Imagine Courtois banging in a hattrick on his debut.
mancity9
0
Not by far still Fair, a bit of an over exaggeration.
Fatherof
1
Haters are expecting some kind of downfall from Madrid. LOL. This is Madrid, bigger than any person or individual. We will keep being Madrid no matter what! Now the goals will be distributed more evenly which will boost many players confidence hence even better individuals. We will keep winning things. Hala Madrid!
shyman
0
Funny Chelski fans are throwing stones at Courtois on the live page. Lol. Imagine the pain seeing Courtois leaving your plastic club for the Madrid bench... Next year it will be Hazard! No escape! This is Madrid
NBA22
1
Marcelo is a joy, Marcelo is a love. Amazing player!
likenjuo
0
Barcelona is better than Real Madrid. They will win La Liga.
front
0
Maybe it will be better for Bale without Ronaldo glaring at him after every pass.
oiiopps
0
Real have some super players Marcelo, Isco, Modric and Sergio Ramos what a team.
Josejob
1
Everything will be fine, but if Bale get,s injured then we have a problem.
Africana
0
Keep Courtois on the bench pleas.