Real Madrid 2-0 Granada: Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo on scoresheet as Carlo Ancelotti's side go back top of La Liga
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ByEurosport
Updated 02/12/2023 at 19:50 GMT
It was a routine afternoon for Real Madrid at the Bernabeu as they beat Granada 2-0 in La Liga thanks to goals from Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo. Jude Bellingham, for once, was not on the scoresheet but he was nonetheless influential as Carlo Ancelotti's men went back to the top of the league ahead of the season's surprise packages Girona, who beat Valencia earlier in the day.
Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Granada CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 02, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.
Image credit: Getty Images
Real Madrid went back top of La Liga after they beat Granada 2-0 on Saturday at the Bernabeu.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team needed three points to leapfrog Girona after the Catalans beat Valencia 2-1 earlier in the day.
Real secured a breakthrough when Toni Kroos’ superb through-ball was latched onto by Brahim Diaz, who lifted the ball over substitute goalkeeper Andre Ferreira.
The home side, particularly Jude Bellingham, grew increasingly frustrated with the referee as they failed to add to the scoreline in the first period.
In the second half, Rodrygo was on hand to follow up when Bellingham had his effort saved, and while Real continued to press they were ultimately denied any further goals.
Real’s next match is at Real Betis next Saturday, while Granada play Athletic Club the following day.
Talking point - Real Madrid benefit from squad depth
Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz and Joselu are all important players for Real Madrid, but when the club are at full strength, they will look to Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. to make the difference.
Bellingham cut a frustrated figure on Saturday night as he did not get the benefit of the doubt from the referee, and Carlo Ancelotti needed his team to find inspiration elsewhere.
Brahim Diaz continued his good form, Joselu continued to work hard up front, and Rodrygo made the three points secure. While they will want to get their best players back, Real can be thankful for their other forwards right now.
Player of the match - Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid)
Diaz made his way back from AC Milan talking about the lessons he had learned from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and while his stature is not quite the same, his technical ability and vital goalscoring here shows a similarity with the Swedish legend.
Player ratings
Real Madrid: Lunin 6, Carvajal 6, Rudiger 6, Alaba 6, Mendy 6, Valverde 7, Kroos 7, Bellingham 7, Brahim 8, Rodrygo 7, Joselu 6. Subs: Lucas 6, Ceballos 6, Nico Paz 6, Gonzalo 6.
Granada: Raul 6, Ricard 5, Miquel 5, Torrente 5, Neva 5, Manafa 5, Gumbau 5, Sergio Ruiz 5, Bryan 6, Uzuni 5, Lucas Bouye 5. Subs: Puertas 6, Weissman 6, NJ. Petrovic 6, A. Carreras 6.
Key events
26 - GOAL! REAL MADRID 1-0 GRANADA - BRAHIM SCORES - His second goal of the season, and a great move. Patient build up sees Diaz slip in behind the backline, Kroos clips in a through-ball, and he slips the ball over the 'keeper.
42 - BELLINGHAM CHANCE - He runs onto a neat flick from Brahim into the box, but he scuffs his low shot just wide of the post.
57’- GOAL! REAL MADRID 2-0 GRANADA - RODRYGO SCORES - Brahim runs onto a great pass into the box, squares it to Bellingham. He stretches out a leg and his shot is saved, but Rodrygo is on hand to fizz into the net.
74’ - VALVERDE CHANCE - Bellingham dinks a pass into his path, and he flicks the ball at goal only for Ferreira to push it away for a corner.
90’ - PAZ CHANCE - He hooks a hip-height volley towards the top corner, and it flies wide.
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