The 5 keys to Real Madrid's resurrection against Depor

At last, Madrid were back to being Madrid. Their resounding 7-1 victory over Deportivo at the Bernabéu doesn't significantly improve the outlook for them in LaLiga (they remain 19 points behind leaders Barça), but it does, at least, bring back some of the positive feelings ahead of the upcoming Champions League games and also helps get the fans, many of whom were losing faith, back onside. In their first comeback in the championship (Adrián had put Depor in front) we saw many of the hallmarks that defined the team that conquered all who stepped in their way over the past couple of seasons as they collected two European cups, the Liga title and set a few records along the way. Without their pillars Sergio Ramos, Isco and Benzema in the eleven, here are some of the keys that gave a sense of their resurrection three weeks before they meet PSG.

1. Physical freshness and intensity of key players

Zidane's rotation policy, something that worked a dream last season but has been a risk to results and performances this year, may have started to bear fruit. The early rounds of the Copa del Rey, against lower-ranked teams (Fuenlabrada and Leganés) have allowed Zidane to rest his more decisive players. And Sunday's game showed the benefits. It is no coincidence that Casemiro, Modric and Marcelo shone against Depor with a freshness that had been lost after their constant involvement for so long. This strategy also paid off up top. Bale has taken advantage of the free days to fine-tune his fitness, while Cristiano also looked to have more spark about his play. The intensity was maintained throughout the second half, something that has not been happening in recent matches, with Madrid pressing more in the opposition half. Madrid won the ball back 34 times in Deportivo territory (ten in final 25 metres), much improved on the performance against Villarreal.

2.Casemiro back to himself

The role of Casemiro against Depor was again fundamental to what the team were trying to do. The Brazilian did not stop providing cover across the park alongside Modric and Kroos. The midfielder won back seven balls, his average of the season. In the first half, playing up against Andone in a one-on-one situation, his strength to recover was summed up perfectly. He showed more in an attacking sense, greater speed of thought and better execution. This was shown with a 92.3% passing success rate, up on his average of 88%. He looked to set a foundation for attacking moves, especially after gaining possession himself in defence. so good to Casemiro that he came to distance himself several times in attack asking for the ball after winning the back of the defense. In one of those he provided a perfect assist for Cristiano. Madrid need him. Marcos Llorente doesn't have the same impact when he comes in to replace him. Zidane needs to be aware that as February approaches, Casemiro must rest more in the league to focus on Copa and Champions League priorities. If he is functioning, so does the team.

3. Bale: the big winter signing

His start to the year, on paper at least, has been spectacular. Scoring goals and providing assists is what he was signed for in the first place and if he can maintain this purple patch then the varied opinions on the Welshman may start to positively converge. His return (from injury and to form) gives Madrid the powers they was missing. First, their increased goal threat. Second, their speed on the counter. And we should not ignore the aerial ability he brings. In the absence of signings this transfer window, the Welshman is, by himself, potentially the true reinforcement of the winter. A confident Bale rolls up his sleeves and adds both going forward and tracking back, as was evident in his pursuit of Luisinho, stealing the ball back on several occasions. Since returning from injury in the Club World Cup, he averages one goal every 55.5 minutes and now has nine across the season despite missing 14 games through injury.

4.Cristiano's hunger is back

Madrid fans saw a revived Cristiano Ronaldo against Deportivo: one that went to hurt the opposition where he has done so often, in the penalty area. Not only did he score two goals (still leaving him well adrift of his normal tally at this point in a Madrid season) but he could well have had two or three more. It seemed like some proof that he is hungry once again and that he, like has been seen in previous campaigns, is hitting form for the business end. His understanding with Bale can give additional hope to Real Madrid. They sought each other out and it made sense this time. What remains to be seen is how the third fork of the trident is formalised with Benzema or Mayoral targeting improving status with fans and manager respectively. A fearsome attack is required if PSG are to be overcome in a few weeks and trophies are to be picked up following a very disappointing first half of the season. Cristiano, and how he works as part of the overall unit, is likely to be key to this.

The Bernabéu chanted his name against Depor. This wasn't just for everything he contributes in defense (including a goal line clearance), but because he almost never makes a mistake, because whatever is asked of him he responds, and because he pops up with goals (a brace this time out). He embodies all the values that a footballer should have: physical condition, soul, self-confidence, passion... and the madridismo know this and value it. It can also prove to be contagious, spreading the work-rate to others when heads can drop.