Clinical. Spirited. Real Madrid.
And even if it took a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick to see off rivals Atletico Madrid this past Saturday in the first edition of the Madrid Derby this season, it took a complete team performance to shut down Diego Simeone's men. That's hard to do on any given day, much less at the Vicente Calderon for the last time, as it happened on this occasion.
Zinedine Zidane and his troops are all smiles at this moment, they sit atop La Liga and it'll take some doing to knock them off the top of that mountain. Not just Spain, but the rest of Europe will be wary of Los Blancos, they are able to conquer everyone in their path. Here's why:
1. Squad Depth
Zidane used all three substitutions in the win over Atletico, but that's not the surprise. Just take a look at who came on -- Karim Benzema for Isco, James Rodriguez for Ronaldo, and Marco Asensio for Lucas Vasquez. Are you kidding me? Not to mention, Sergio Ramos was fit enough to make the bench!
Their summer transfer window was quiet, with only Alvaro Morata being the real big-money signing. Even he is playing a big part on this team, as he has eight goals in all competitions so far.
Squad rotation will be key throughout the season as the Copa Del Rey and Champions League fixtures come through the next few months. Not to mention the FIFA Club World Cup. There's sure to be little to no drop in quality when making substitutions in games. They are spoiled for choice in every department.
2. Zinedine Zidane
The team sheet immediately became different, the 4-3-3 was ditched for the more counter-attack minded 4-4-2 with Ronaldo and Bale leading the line. It worked brilliantly as the pair terrorized Atletico's back four, with Bale grabbing the assist on Ronaldo's third goal.
The midfield four of Isco, Modric, Kovacic and Vasquez were brilliant in attacking as they were defensively in shutting down Atletico's high profile attack. Much of the credit will fall on the players, but there should be some for Zidane as well.
The frenchman has been excellent with his tactics and organization of his team, scoring loads of goals while also being watertight in defense. He's getting the most of his players, as exhibited by their performances on the pitch. They lead the table currently on 30 points, four more than Barcelona, who sit second. Zidane's magic is working.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo Keeps Doing His Thing
One of the biggest concerns heading into the season for Real Madrid was whether or not CR7 can keep up his free-scoring form. Last season, he scored 51 goals and grabbed 15 assists in 48 appearances. This season -- 10 goals, 5 assists in 13 appearances -- including two hat-tricks. The answer to that concern is an emphatic no, in case someone was wondering.
He's arguably the greatest goal-scorer of the 21st century, and with that comes high expectations that Ronaldo will once again have another phenomenal season. His business is getting goals and destroying opponents, Madrid will be hoping for more of this until he hangs up his boots.
There's no excuses for any club, especially one the size of Real Madrid as they look to add to their already humongous trophy cabinet. They are primed for a season to remember.
