After two games without a win, Real Madrid bounced back strongly, beating Granada 4-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday afternoon.
Real Madrid were off to quick start as striker Karim Benzema opened the scoring just two minutes into the game, putting the finishing touches on a Gareth Bale cross. They were two up on the verge of half-time, as marquee summer signing Eden Hazard scored his first goal for his new club with a delightful lob.
Substitute Luka Modric made it 3-0 at the hour mark, putting Real Madrid in complete control. But, Granada threatened a comeback when Darwin Machis netted from the penalty in the 69th minute and defender Domingos Duarte made it 3-2 eight minutes later.
However, Zinedine Zidane’s men managed to hold the visitors off before James Rodriguez killed the game, adding a fourth goal for his team in stoppage time. The win meant Real Madrid held on to their top spot in the La Liga table and here’s how the fans reacted to the victory on home turf.
A tough game, but #RealMadrid was better, and deserve victory! Hazard player of the match! Goal + Assist! He finally playing real football!
— Emir Hodzic (@HodzaEmir) October 5, 2019
Deserved winning.. Totally.. Totally strong totally flawless ?
— Syrian Madridista ??❤ (@Lamadridista4) October 5, 2019
We can never get a straightforward win, can we? Well played- the players kept calm and kept attacking even when it was 3-2.
— Rushil Joshi (@RushilJoshi7) October 5, 2019
Great game. Thank you boys. pic.twitter.com/vWaaGfQ5nm
— A〽️ineAyara (@AmineAyara) October 5, 2019
Great victory against an outstanding Granada team. Pleased to see us fighting until the last minute – the Real Madrid spirit. Loved watching James and Hazard score goals and not to forget the top class hits by Modric and Benzema.#HalaMadrid
— Pankaj Gupta (@theinsomniacguy) October 5, 2019
Number 1 baby ????? pic.twitter.com/Q0YsKJ8C08
— TheWhiteArmy (@thechamp13ns) October 5, 2019
The fans were full of praise for midfielder Federico Valverde, who made a vital contribution to Real Madrid’s win on Saturday. The Uruguayan got the assist for Hazard’s goal and was easily one of the Merengues’ most impressive player on the field.
Valverde needs to start every game
— junior (@JuniorReyes17) October 5, 2019
Yes! Velverde was spectacular to watch throughout the entire game. His determination made that goal possible
— Arid (@aridahsand) October 5, 2019
Fede is love ♥️
— Iscariot (@IscariotLurz) October 5, 2019
Real Madrid has found their third midfielder for the season.
Federico Valverde has been nothing but outstanding for Los Blancos as he’s set to cement his place on starting eleven ahead of unbelievably talented footballers. pic.twitter.com/g6aCb21IGi
— Loconte⚽️ (@Loconte199) October 5, 2019
Federico Valverde. A masterclass today. pic.twitter.com/VkLG455v14
— Rk (@RkFutbol) October 5, 2019
These are the type of performances I expect from Valverde, he’s pressing relentlessly and was so good on the ball. This is the Federico Valverde I watched at Castilla. He’s been very good.
— A. (@KaizerT8) October 5, 2019
BREAKING NEWS!! JAMES RODRIGUEZ AND ISCO CURRENTLY POLISHING FEDERICO VALVERDE’S BOOTS AT HALF TIME
— Darryl (@aquemaniac) October 5, 2019
Federico Valverde. Man of the Match. What a game.
— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome_) October 5, 2019
The Real Madrid supporters were pleased with Hazard’s performance, as the Belgian international scored and assisted one goal apiece on Saturday.
400 pounds Eden Hazard doing this to grown men who have families to feed. Imagine when he’s fit, game over. I’m warning you all. pic.twitter.com/LYCo7Z9Wdh
— Rk (@RkFutbol) October 5, 2019
Eden Hazard ? Granada:
• Rating: 8.3 (MOTM) ?
• 69 Minutes ⏱
• 1 Goal ⚽️
• 1 Assist ?️
• 44 Touches ?
• 27 Passes ?
• 2 Chances Created ?
• 1 Key Pass ?
• 1 Long Ball ?Finally off the mark. #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/vcG3IFoqwV
— Vamos Hazard (@VamosHazard) October 5, 2019
First of Many for @hazardeden10
— Diego D (@Okpuvo1) October 5, 2019