Real Madrid defeated Deportivo de la Coruna by a score of 6-2 at the Estadio Riazor in another outstanding performance from their second unit. Players such as James Rodriguez, Mateo Kovacic, Lucas Vazque and, of course, Isco Alarcon and Marco Asensio played eye-pleasing, extremely effective football for long spells of the match and helped Zinedine Zidane's team keep their title hopes alive for another match.

Zidane's lineup, featuring just two players who started against Barcelona on Sunday (Marcelo and Nacho Fernandez), looked like a bit of a gamble by the French manager. However, similar to at least three other instances this season, the bench showed they can compete when required. The team not only won three key points after a very tough defeat but also had fun in the process, led by a handful of young players who seem talented enough to guarantee a successful next few years.

Raphael Varane is back. Isco and Asensio have reached the season's final month in phenomenal shape, while James has also recovered his ability to have an impact on matches at the best possible moment. And, of course, the theoretical starters rested, though many have begun to wonder who should in fact be starting at this point.

Negatives

Kiko Casilla missed an opportunity to put pressure on Keylor Navas with a disappointing display. The team looked flashy with the ball but hesitant in certain situations at the back.

Manager rating

8 (out of 10) -- He might not be a master tactician, but Zidane has managed to keep every member of the 23-man squad motivated for the whole season, and they have proven that his confidence is well-deserved. His ability to keep everyone on board is remarkable. His only neglect was the fact that Marcelo, injury-prone and with no proper replacement, played for the whole match.

Player ratings (1-10, with 10 the best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Kiko Casilla, 5 -- A couple of hesitant decisions in high crosses made his back four feel insecure. His positioning was subpar in one of Deportivo's goals. This was not one of his best outings.

DF Danilo, 7 -- At this point, most Real Madrid supporters will be happy if the Brazilian does nothing worth mentioning during a full match, but he did a bit more than that in La Coruna. He ventured forward a few times, participated in the first goal and could have added something else to his tally, but in most plays, he lacked the right timing to be of more impact.

DF Raphael Varane, 7 -- It was great news to have him back and apparently in reasonable shape. He will be key for the remainder of the season.

DF Nacho Fernandez, 7 -- He's already Real Madrid's fifth player in minutes played during this La Liga season. With another solid performance, he showed that he's a starter in his own right.

DF Marcelo, 7 -- Marcelo had plenty of fun with so many options to link up with on the left flank. He needs rest, but at this point it's unclear when he'll get some.

MF Mateo Kovacic, 8 -- When he arrived in Madrid, many believed he was a defensive midfielder, but the more he plays, the more he looks more comfortable offensively than defensively. His speed with the ball charging toward Deportivo's goal broke the hosts' defence more than once. The Croatian missed some coverages and needs more tactical discipline, but he should be happy with this performance.

MF Lucas Vazquez, 8 -- As energetic as usual, Vazquez drove Deportivo's full-back Luisinho crazy. His finishing is still a bit off, and even though he made the scoresheet, he could have scored three.

MF Isco Alarcon, 10 -- In a similar display to that against Gijon two weeks ago, he dominated the last third and picked apart Deportivo's defence with a collection of dribbles, passes and dummies that deserve their own video. He's probably in his best shape since his first month with Real Madrid. He left the pitch applauded by the Deportivo faithful and deserves to start.

MF James Rodriguez, 9 -- His brace, together with the goal he scored against Barcelona, demonstrates that he is in great shape. But it's how he played with Isco, Kovacic and Asensio and even how he tracked back when required that made this performance one of his best since Zidane took over.

FW Marco Asensio, 8 -- A bit too individualistic at times, Asensio is in fantastic form and wants to prove it almost every play. At least three of his offensive forays were outstanding. Deportivo showed a lot of respect for the youngster in the way they defended him, but Asensio needs to improve his decision-making.

FW Alvaro Morata, 8 -- Mobile, focused and determined, Morata made the scoresheet and was generous enough to present other players with excellent scoring opportunities. However, he won't forget a glaring miss in the first half.

Substitutes

MF Casemiro, 7 -- Replaced Isco after 79 minutes. Scored another goal, something that is starting to become a habit for the Brazilian.

FW Mariano, NR -- Replaced Asensio after 79 minutes. He's dying to score, and his teammates tried to feed him, but he wasn't lucky enough.

MF Alvaro Tejero, NR -- Replaced Varane after 88 minutes.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by EDUARDO ALVAREZ

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