Real Madrid round-up: Zidane, Kroos, Isco, James...
Zidane maintains a record in victory over Betis, James Rodríguez is back in training, Kroos is top of the tree in Europe and Isco lands a place in history.
Zidane equals Benítez on points but not clean sheets
Under the Spaniard last season Real Madrid had gained 18 points from the opening eight Liga fixtures, courtesy of five wins and three draws. The Frenchman has exactly the same record so far this season after dropping points against Villarreal, Las Palmas and Eibar but Real’s goal difference was slightly better under Benítez: +16 to Zidane’s +14. Benítez’s side at this stage last season had conceded only twice – against Athletic and Atlético -- and kept six clean sheets. Under Zidane this season Real have managed to shut out the opposition only twice, against Real Sociedad and Espanyol, and have conceded eight times already, the same number as Alavés and fewer than Eibar.
100 goals under Zidane
Isco’s second goal of the evening and Real’s fifth, a wonderful curled effort from just inside the area, the Málagan’s trademark shot, brought up 100 goals for Real Madrid under the Frenchman. The side has reached that number in 38 games, at an average of 2.65 goals per match.
Jolly boys’ Liga outings
Another statistical run maintained against Betis was Real’s scoring record away from home under Zidane. The side have found the net in every Liga away game the Frenchman has overseen, picking up 11 victories, three draws and banging in 35 goals in the process.
Toni a Kroos to bear for rivals
The Germany international was back to his imperious best in the Benito Villamarín and set up Real’s opening two goals. The first was a pinpoint cross for Raphael Varane to power a header past Antonio Adán, the second a work of art, Kroos dispossessing Joaquín in midfield, surging forward, picking a pass to Benzema and standing back to admire the striker’s finish. The Real number 8 is currently the top assist provider – jointly with Franck Ribéry -- across Europe’s “big five” divisions.
James back for Legia Warsaw
The Colombian midfielder has been out of action since picking up a calf muscle injury in the warm-up before the Eibar game but returned to full training on Sunday with an eye on featuring in the Champions League match against Legia Warsaw on Tuesday in the Bernabéu. Whether or not he will be able to dislodge Isco from Zidane’s plans after Saturday is another matter.