Real Madrid player-by-player ratings
Fede Valverde delivered a solid display as Real Madrid secured three points against a valiant Granada side at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Areola. The French keeper tarnished his LaLiga debut with a clumsy second half intervention which saw Granada awarded a penalty allowing the Andalusian side secure a foothold in the game.
Odriozola. Was instrumental in the first goal feeding Bale who provided an exquisite assist for Benzema to open the scoring. Controlled his wing well and delivered the final ball for James to score in time added on.
Varane. The French defender saved his side with a goal-line clearance with the scoreline at 3-2 in the 76th minute. Covered well for Odriozola when the Basque defender ventured forward.
Ramos. Was composed in defensive duties and went close to scoring in the 24th minute with a direct fee-kick going inches wide following a deflection. Almost made it 4-1 with a 74th minute header.
Carvajal. Solid display from the Spain international who found himself in scoring positions in both the 11th and 26th minutes. Was carded in the 54th minute.
Valverde. A sterling first half display from the Uruguayan with astute dribbling and was instrumental in the build-up to Madrid's second goal of the night. No let up in intensity from the "Charrua" in the second half and the AS English man of the match.
Casemiro. Dealt with everything that was thrown his way. The Brazilian has now played 780 minutes of a possible 910 this campaign and picked up a card in the 43rd minute. A vital piece in the Zidane Real Madrid jigsaw.
Kroos (33’). Taken off just after the half hour mark with apparent muscular problems. Delivered a fine ball for Carvajal eight minutes earlier.
Bale (82’). The Welshman delivered one of the assists of the season for Karim Benzema in the opening minutes with an exquisite out of the boot delivery for the French striker to tap home. Tired in the second half after putting in a solid performance and received a warm round of applause from the Bernabéu faithful for his efforts.
Benzema. A predator in the area with his second minute goal personifying his lethal scoring prowess. Was denied a second late on with Granada keeper Rui Silva denying the forward in the 86th minute.
Hazard (69’). The Belgian finally got off the mark for Real Madrid in a competitive game showing his quality with a neat lob on the stroke of half-time to put Madrid 2-0 ahead. Assisted Modric for the third of the night.
Substitutes:
Modric (33’). A masterclass in the art of short passing from the Croatian who struck with aplomb in the 61st minute to put Zidane's men in the driving seat with 3-0.
Isco (69’). The first appearance from the Benalmadena player in 42 days. Was active in his twenty minutes of action but showed signs of lacking competitive match practice.
James (82’). Euphoric celebration from the Colombian after bagging his extra time goal with his efervescent celebration a sign of how much the strike meant to the man who appeared to have one foot outside the Bernabéu last August.