Real Madrid went back to the top of La Liga after a comfortable victory against Espanyol with goals from James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema.
Both Rodriguez and Benzema have had a troubled few months at Real Madrid, with both their futures at the club subject to speculation. The return of Morata and the emergence of Lucas Vazquez raised questions about Benzema’s future in the team. The Frenchman was also left out of the national team squad for the European Championship due to his off-field antics.
James, on the other hand, endured a difficult individual campaign last season, where he rarely got to feature under Zidane who chose to have a midfield three of Casemiro, Modric and Kroos. Even Rafa Benitez before him played Isco rather than the Colombian, making him increasingly frustrated.
So it was a pleasant surprise that both of them got on the score-sheet and helped Real Madrid to a historic 16th straight win in the La Liga, taking up responsibility in the absence of Bale and Ronaldo.
The fans were less than pleased with Karim Benzema’s dismal performance on the night, with some calling for Alvaro Morata’s inclusion immediately.
Morata is needed asap, Benzema shouldn’t play for even one more minute in the second half..
— ♔ღ♔Mr.Omar.C.R♔ღ♔ (@OMAR_CR7_) September 18, 2016
And then they say Benzema > Morata
?— Hawwa. (@fatimakroos) September 18, 2016
Is Benzema even playing tonight
— Hussam Abdullah (@_Hussam_) September 18, 2016
People hating on Benzema since the return of Morata, unreal
— Enzo ‘Ash’ Rodriguez (@hasby_ashs) September 18, 2016
Mere seconds before the first half ended, James Rodriguez found the back of the net. After a summer filled with speculation about his future, the Real Madrid faithful were overjoyed that the Colombian had gotten himself on the score-sheet.
James Rodriguez has been involved in more La Liga goals (43) than any other midfielder since joining Real Madrid. pic.twitter.com/EFVQDMFJgV
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 18, 2016
Golazo de James Rodríguez tras una gran jugada individual. El Real Madrid se avanza en el descuento. pic.twitter.com/szsLJuYXQV
— Iñaki García (@inakigarcia1988) September 18, 2016
11 – James Rodríguez has scored more goals from outside the box than any other midfielder in Europe’s top 5 leagues since 2014/15. Diamond.
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) September 18, 2016
Perfect time for James to score, and he deserved it too. He’s been running his socks off every opportunity he gets. #HalaMadrid
— TheCRonaldoFan (@TheCRonaldoFan) September 18, 2016
James Rodriguez becomes Real Madrid’s TENTH different scorer this season…
— Phil Kitromilides (@PhilKitro) September 18, 2016
Say what you want about James but his end product compared to Isco’s is levels and levels above
— tag (@mxdric) September 18, 2016
10 minutes after a great effort from Benzema was met by an equally great save from Lopez, the Frenchman finished off a sweeping move to put Los Blancos 2 goals to the good.
Imagina ser hater de Benzema. Tiene que ser duro. Mucho ánimo.
— Y1h1 (@YihiRM) September 18, 2016
Benzema’s goal celebration is a run straight to the bench. Morata sportingly heads on in his place.
— AS English (@English_AS) September 18, 2016
Karim Benzema becomes Real Madrid’s ELEVENTH different scorer this season…
— Phil Kitromilides (@PhilKitro) September 18, 2016
Karim Benzema’s game by numbers vs. Espanyol:
93% pass accuracy
4 shots
4 shots on target
1 goalFirst of many.
— Okonkwo Ifeanyi (@sopurugod14) September 18, 2016
Benzema gets on the scoresheet and Ronaldo, at home with a sore throat, will know he basically made that goal.
— UNILAD Football (@UNILADFooty) September 18, 2016
Los Blancos set a new record with this victory, and it’s only a sign of great things to come.
CLUB RECORD: Real Madrid win 16 La Liga games in a row for the first time.
WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
Goals: 51
Conceded: 12 pic.twitter.com/CYEo699n7Y— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 18, 2016
Zidane as Real Madrid manager
-Won Champions League
-Won UEFA Super Cup
-Won Clasico at Camp Nou
-Set best Liga winning run in RM history— Real Madrid Stats (@RMadrid_Stats) September 18, 2016
