Isco and James, missing in action...

José Ramón Sandoval should be credited with the meritorious task of shutting down Real Madrid, controlling the game and pressing high up the pitch, with his players well-drilled and clear in their game plan. That was the stage set in Los Cármenes until the back four made a mistake for the third time on the left flank and Karim Benzema scored. However, Granada kept their shape and tactical order and press Real to the point where, little by little, they pushed James Rodríguez out of the game (the Colombian doesn’t care much for matches where the wind is blowing unfavourably) and reduced Isco, who started in lively fashion but ended up booting the ball around in fury.

Madrid lost possession 79 times to 76 for the home side, which highlights the lack of pressure and the uncomfortable positioning on the field of Zidane’s habitual ball-chasers, among whom only Luka Modric emerged with any credit.

Isco and James were not at their best in Los Cármenes, but neither was Cristiano Ronaldo and Granada were handing Madrid lessons for large periods of the second half. In the end the greater individual quality of the visitors told and another lapse from the home side allowed Modric to fire at will. Madrid won the match, but Sandoval and his players put them through the ringer.

Pressure. Granada threw up a line of defence that prevented Madrid from playing the ball out from the back. Only Toni Kroos and Modric were able to handle the home side’s tactics.

Lethal errors. A gaping hole on the left side of Granada’s defence led to Karim Benzema’s goal. That was the third error the home side committed on that flank. Modric was also given far too much time to pick his spot.