You saw it coming didn't you?
With the official announcement of Zidane's reappointment as manager of Real Madrid came a change of the negative atmosphere surrounding the team as a result of the rollercoaster ride of a season they were having that saw their season end prematurely. Judging by Zidane's three years of magnificent success as coach of the team, it was only understandable that everyone believes the days of winning consistently has returned at the club.
Previous coach Solari was one that saw the need in integrating young and vibrant players into the team and as such, the experienced veterans relegated to the bench. As much as that philosophy would justify itself, Solari didn't get much success demanding of a club like Real Madrid with it and ended up shown the door with Zinedine Zidane called back from resignation.
Isco, Bale, Marcelo and Keylor Navas were all players Zidane enjoyed three consecutive years of success with but they were all left at the bench by Solari, with Vinicius, Vasquez, Reguilon and Courtois preferred over them respectively.
However, with the return of Zidane, these aforementioned players returned to the starting line up. Keylor Navas stood in between the sticks for the team. Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos partnered each other in defence. Alvaro Odriozola stepped in for the absent Dani Carvajal and Marcelo replaced his earlier replacement, Sergio Reguilon.
The three man midfield was covered with Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Isco while Gareth Bale, Marco Asensio flanked Karim Benzema in attack.
This line up was pretty much what Zidane won threw consecutive European trophies with aside Odriozola and Asensio who played a part from the bench.
The first half was pretty much typical Zidane style. The impressive pressing we are used to seeing under Solari was found wanting and when it tries to showcase itself, it gets bypassed like it was never present. The defenders of Real Madrid did well in shutting down the Celta attack and when they tried to get through once, Keylor Navas was on hand to pull off a brilliant save.
The uneventful first half came to an end and the second saw a different Real Madrid. Marco Asensio and Gareth Bale switched flanks and it proved to be the best decision of the night as they began to tear open the resilient Celta defence especially the former who was brilliant with his forward runs at the defence.
A counter attack in the 62nd minute saw Asensio move quickly into the Celta defensive line, going past a challenge before dropping the ball to Benzema who in turn, crossed over to Isco who ran into space to beat the keeper and take the whites ahead.
Real Madrid continued domination and made it 2 when the Celta defence fell asleep to allow Gareth Bale enough time to shoot with his weaker foot from inside the eighteen yard box and that was that for the encounter.
Conclusion
Zidane's three changes for the night were Dani Ceballos, Mariano and Fede Valverde, to put to death any rumour that he will be overlooking the youngsters.
Whatever reason Zidane had to reinstate his favorite eleven proved to be the magic as all of them had a part to play in the win. A Marcelo assist, Isco and Gareth Bale's goals and a magnificent Keylor save, all pointing to a "We Still Got It" team.
A win on Zidane's first match after his return serves as extra motivation for the players and belief from the fans. Real Madrid are back under the arms of their favorite nanny again, expect easy and fun growth.
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