MADRID Dispatches) - Real Madrid welcomed Zinedine Zidane back to the dug-out with a win as they dispatched a floundering Celta Vigo side 2-0. Goals from Isco and Gareth Bale saw off the visitors in a steady and consistent performance.
The first half was both solid but also a bit of a slow-burner. Throughout the half it seemed as if Real Madrid were just going through the motions as Zinedine Zidane kicked off his second stint. Despite showing some good attacking moments, largely, the team seemed to be in second gear.
Real circulated the ball well through the first half, switching the play well and building up attacks patiently. Attacking in a 4-3-3, Bale and Asensio switched wings often throughout the half and looked considerably more dangerous in the process. Bale particularly had a decent opening 45 as he worked hard as a two-way winger on both sides. He played in some very dangerous crosses from the left and also hit the bar with a volley, not only that, he made a fantastic tackle in the box too. Asensio was also more effective as he switched the right and roamed. Generating a few attacks, he should’ve been given a penalty as he was fouled in the box. Outside of the attack, the team defended well for most parts, outside of a magisterial save from Keylor Navas, they largely shut the Vigo attack down. Overall, it wasn’t great and it wasn’t terrible in the first half.