Real Madrid came out on top at the Nuevo Los Cármenes to keep up the pressure towards Atletico in the fight for the LaLiga title. Zidane came out with two surprises for the starting XI as Marvin and Gutierrez were starters in the wings of the defense covering respectively the right and the left side of a 4-3-3 line up. Nacho and Militao were at the center as always with Courtois watching them from behind. Then, Valverde accompanied Casemiro and Modric. Together they supported the offensive department consisting of the leader Benzema and the youngsters Vinicius and Rodrygo.
Zidane's boys sent their first warning shot off with just 15 minutes gone, when Benzema led a fine counter-attack, laying the ball to Rodrygo who delivered a sweet cross which the French forward headed towards goal but Rui Silva made a superb stop. With 17 minutes on the clock though, the Whites were ahead. Miguel played a fantastic ball in behind the defence and Modrić smashed the ball through the goalkeeper's legs from the tightest of angels.
The madridista dominance continued to yield dangerous attacking moves and Valverde spotted Marvin's run on 27’, before playing a gorgeous pass through two lines of defence but the academy graduate shot wide in his one-on-one with Rui Silva. The visitors enjoyed the next big chance as well as Vinicius Jr. drove a counter-attack, carving his way into the area, but his shot ended up in the hosts' goalkeeper's gloves. In time added-on in the first half, Real Madrid doubled their lead when Rodrygo stole the ball, got away from Quini, and composed himself in the box to slot home.
The second half kicked off and Real Madrid quickly had another chance. Benzema's first-time pass set up Valverde's shot, which flew over. The Whites continued to dominate possession and had the chance to extend their lead in the 58th minute. Modrić played the ball into the area towards Vinicius Jr. and the Brazilian's left-footed shot was pushed wide by Rui Silva. The coach brought on Hazard, Isco and Asensio four minutes later to replace Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr. and Valverde and bring some fresh forces on the field.
After that Real Madrid’s game got somehow lazier and there was room for the reaction of the hosts. In the 71st minute, Jorge Molina's goal reduced the deficit after a great save by Courtois from Luis Suárez's shot. The visitors' reply was instant. Hazard pulled the ball back to Odriozola, who had come on after the break in place of Marvin, to score with his left foot in the 75th minute. A minute later, Benzema capitalised on a mistake by the Granada goalkeeper as he tried to clear the ball. The Frenchman finished with a precise effort from distance to seal a convincing win as the fight for the league title continues. After the goal he left his place to Mariano.
Real closed the game with 65% average ball possession and a total of 14 shots from which 7 were on target, 6 off target and 3 blocked by the opponent’defense. But Granada was not unseen in this match and playued their chances with 5 shots on target and 2 off target. Granada played as a solid team, had a good defensive maneuver and Real Madrid did not have a really easy match. Real Madrid showed great character when the opponent found the way to score and was giving all to overturn the game. Scoring the third goal so quickly was a silent key to the game’s positive result.
Zinedine Zidane post-match: "We've won an important match tonight. We're happy with the victory. There are just two games left now, we have come away with a good result tonight, while also playing well. Miguel and Marvin did well from the start, Fede, all of them. We're still in the title race and I'm happy for the boys. Marvin got injured tonight, but he played well.
He continued: "It's not just about scoring goals. We played well in defence, too. It was a really complete game. We didn't get overrun at 2-1 and scored quickly after and that shows what character this side have. It was a great win against a tough opponent at a difficult place to come to. We are going to give our all in the two remaining games, until La Liga is finished."
Thibaut Courtois post-match: "The second half didn't go so well for us. They made it 2-1 but then we found the late goals to put the game to bed. We couldn't relax and had to be aware of their counter attacks. The most important thing is the victory and to now look ahead to Sunday. Luka [Modric] looks after himself and has shown this season that 35 is only a number. He's always looking for the ball and continues to show his quality."
With this win, Real moved into second place on 78 points, two behind leaders Atletico Madrid with two games left to play. Real will travel to Bilbao on Sunday to face Athletic Club while Atletico Madrid will host Osasuna on the same day, with all matches kicking off simultaneously.
Ratings:
Thibaut Courtois (GK) - 6/10 - Was desperately unlucky to concede, having saved well from Suarez's effort. Not too much to report other than that.
Marvin Park (RB) - 7/10 - Sometimes caught out defensively but showed great enthusiasm going forward, causing problems for Granada. Registered an assist for his side's second before being replaced at the break.
Eder Militao (CB) - 8/10 - Another strong performance, providing cover for his full back with pace and tenacity. Never gave his opposition a moment's rest, making six interventions.
Nacho Fernandez (CB) - 8/10 - His experience was vital to compensate for the youth of the full backs at times. Read the game brilliantly and kept his colleagues safe with six interceptions.
Miguel Gutierrez (LB) - 8/10 - Solid enough at the back and very comfortable on the ball, using it efficiently and intelligently. Created the opener with wonderful imagination and precise execution to play Modric through.
Casemiro (DM) - 7/10 - Read the game and positioned himself well to provide a solid screen to the back four. Looked a little leggy as the match progressed but his commitment was unquestionable.
Federico Valverde (CM) - 8/10 - Covered every blade of grass and was a real driving force creatively with his four key passes, surging forward in possession as well as playing some delicious through balls from deep. Was also key in breaking up play, always pressing keenly.
Luka Modric (CM) - 9/10 - Spread the ball as effortlessly as we're used to seeing, making three key passes and conserved his energy well, picking his time to dart forward cleverly to score a lovely goal for the opener.
Rodrygo (RW) - 8/10 - Bright and direct from the outset, providing a danger with his dribbling and ability to pick out space. Displayed brilliant decision making in the final third and got his reward with a well-taken goal to make it 2-0.
Karim Benzema (ST) - 8/10 - Linked up well with those around him to register two key passes and wrapped up the tie with his second half strike.
Vinicius Jr (LW) - 6/10 - A threat whenever he picked up the ball and drove at his opposition. Had them worried throughout, but could never make his opportunities count.
Alvaro Odriozola (RB) - 7/10 - Looked solid in his defensive duties and finished really well to make it 3-1.
Eden Hazard (LW) - 7/10 - Set up his side's third with a good pull back to recover from a terrible first touch.
Marco Asensio (RW) - 6/10
Isco (CM) - 6/10
Mariano Diaz (ST) - N/A
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