Lopetegui sets his stall out
Two things to reflect on this morning: Cristiano has yet to find the target in Serie A whilst Real Madrid are the top scoring side in LaLiga. I'm aware that we've only played two games but the stats. could possibly have some sway in any decision the club makes in bringing in new personnel before the transfer deadline on August 31. .Julen Lopetegui has already made brave decisions in ordering Vinicius to play with Castilla and many have interpreted this as a message to the Brazilian that he still has work to do. He's also decided to retain faith with Navas as keeper with Courtois warming the bench. Both these decisions will not have gone down well with Florentino, but at present results will support his reasoning with Madrid running out 1-4 winners in Montilivi, a ground where the lost last season and were at times outclassed by the home side.
Doubts
However, upon closer inspection, not all is rosy as it would appear. Real Madrid were very poor in the first half with a particularly poor performance from Marcelo with the opening goal for Girona originating down his flank. Two spot kicks for the visitors from two unnecessary penalty kicks gave Madrid a significant advantage with a clumsy challenge from Muniesa on Asensio when there was no apparent danger seeing Ramos slot home. Another infringement from Pere Pons on Asensio saw Lpetegui's men ahead and it was only really at this point did the side from the capital start to convince as Bale and Benzema added to the tally on the night.
Switch
We're so used to seeing a Real Madrid playing with zest and fervour with Cristiano at the heart of every attack that this current version feels like a recovering patient making the first steps after time in a hospital bed convalescing. I imagine that as the season moves forward we'll start to see that version of the team that we are accustomed to. Lopetegui's attacking formation is now evident with the Basque electing a Bale-Benzema-Asensio trident, These three can offer some incredible electrifying attacking play in fits and starts. The fixture list has seen benevolent so far for Madrid after facing Getafe and Girona with Leganés up next at the Bernabeu. A perfect start for the "recovering patient". In the meantime Keylor is paying back Lopetegui's trust in him in pulling off important saves when called into action and confirming that a switch in personnel between the sticks is far from necessary at this point.