It was another big win for Real Madrid on Sunday, as they cruised past Athletic Bilbao in a game that saw Karem Benzema net the whole three goals to secure a 3-0 win for the European Champions. This season is undoubtedly one of the worst for Madrid in the last decade.

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The departure of their star Man Christiano Ronaldo to Turin and the resignation of Zidane after winning three consecutive champions league titles, left the once most dreaded team in Europe in the mud. And even though Real Madrid have tried to navigate their way through the storm, it has proven abortive, with two managers not able to find the loosening knots after Zidane left. Just like Robert Greene, an American writer in one of his most sold books(48 Laws Of Power) will advise, "avoid a big man's shoe."

Lopetegui and Santiago Solari could not fill Zidane's shoes, and of course, the Freshman had to stage a celebrated comeback, to see how he can help rescue the team from total collapse. It hasn't been easy to start building his team again, but he knows Madrid must offload few players in other to fund the big signings they have to make.

They have got nothing to play for as long as this season is concerned. Knocked out of the Champions league by a highflying young Ajax side, and kicked out of the Copa del rey by their age-long rivals Barcelona. Now, they are not hopeful of winning the league anymore because of the wide gap between them and Barcelona. However, Zidane has made sure his side builds the winning mentality once again, winning for pleasure.

The win ensured that Madrid consolidated their place of qualification ahead of next season's champions league. The European Champions are currently sitting on the their position with 64 points from 33 matches. They have recorded 20 wins, 4 draws and have also suffered 9 defeats so far. With the team having managed to fire 190 shots on target, Madrid have only been able to net 56 goals, unlike their Barcelona rivals that have 83 goals far in the League. With those occupying the fourth place on the table having just 54 points, I think Madrid sure have nothing to worry about as regards Top four spot.

Madrid have been criticised in recent times as regards their outings and results, and their last game with Leganes which ended in a disappointing draw was one of them. After Athletico Madrid defeated Eibar 1-0 on Saturday, Los Blancos saw themselves being trailed by their city rivals with seven points gap. However, a 3-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday made sure the European Champions cut the margin down to four points. The first half ended in a boring stalemate with both sides unable to light up the stadium with a goal.

I was thinking the game will end up as another of those games when Madrid players will be leaving the pitch with no smiles on their faces after the final whistle. Los Blancos performance was wholely poor the entire first half and they lacked ideas on how to unsettle a stubborn Athletic Bilbao side who were ready to fight to the last. However, it appears that Zidane did what he knows how to do best. He inspired his side in the dressing room and they came out with flames. It didn't take too long for the effect to play out.

All Hail Karem Benzema, Man Of All Seasons

Since the resignation of Zidane, and the arrival of Lopetegui and Solari, many players have lost their place in the team starting lineup, and some have lost their confidence under their then new managers. You can talk about the struggles of Isco, you can make mention of Marcelo's inconsistency in the team. Madrid has gone through the wilderness within these periods, but one man has kept his place in the team and has found a way of remaining relevant despite the storm. And that's Benzema.

The Frenchman may be under celebrated at the Santiago Bernabeu, but deep down the heart of Madrid fans, he is held in high esteem, no wonder all these coaches repose confidence on him, because he has got the fire that never dwindles. Considering the position he has been occupying in the team, one can only imagine how he has managed to keep it from being taken away. Whether anyone likes it or not, Benzema currently wears a legendary cloak at the Bernabeu and Madrid will later realise what a figure he was when he is gone.

As the days goes by, Benzema's dread continues to grow with his age. What if I told you that the Frenchman is the one that has netted Los Blancos last eight league goals, and his hat-trick against Bilbao was his first since December 2015. He is currently on fire and the clamour for new big signings in the team should be the least of his worries. He has been pivotal in Madrid's attack and have shouldered that fatherly role upfront. He has now found the back of the net in his last league appearances in a row.

The defeat only consolidated Madrid's dominance over Athletic Bilbao over the years, as the visitors have lost 13 of their last 14 Laliga games against Los Blancos at the Santiago Bernabeu, and they have conceded a Whooping 48 goals in those encounters, that's crazy! After the break, the European Champions stepped up their game immediately and a cross from Marco Asenso was converted by Benzema with a powerful header, and Lago Herrerin could do little or nothing to stop it. The Frenchman was the major threat against Bilbao as he continue to exert pressure in the goal area.

But while they struggled to keep him off from taken too many shots, Bilbao's defense were always helpless when the ball was in the air. The Frenchman proved why he is feared in terms of aerial balls, and of course converted his second goal of the night after Luka Modric cross found his head. And the third will come later at stoppage time to conclude his hat-trick. This time, Herrerin was not only badly positioned, he surged out of the goal area and a poor clearance made Gareth Bale to set up Benzema who had no problems taking advantage of the keeper's error from 30 yards. Just in case you're not aware, Benzema now has many league goals than Christiano Ronaldo this season. His third goal made it 21 for him, while his former teammate Ronaldo only has 19 goals so far. Bravo! Zema!!!