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May 12, 2024
With the La Liga title already secured, Real Madrid could have easily shifted their focus to the upcoming UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund. Instead, Carlo Ancelotti’s team delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Granada in their first league match since being crowned champions. With three La Liga games left before the clash at Wembley, Madrid showcased their depth and determination.
The match marked a chance for Ancelotti to rest key players, making 10 changes from the lineup that faced Bayern Munich just days earlier. Brahim Diaz shone in the second half, netting two goals, including a stunning individual effort followed by a finish from a well-executed team move, gaining him the title of Player of the Match. Francisco Garcia opened the scoring in the first half before assisting Turkish sensation Arda Guler, who extended the lead just before the break.
For Granada, the day was bittersweet, as they were relegated to the second division following Mallorca’s earlier victory. Myrto Uzuni had a few opportunities for the hosts but could not find the back of the net, leaving Granada deflated after sealing their fate.
With Girona’s recent win over Barcelona securing the La Liga title for Real Madrid, there was little pressure on this match, a trend expected to continue through the remaining league fixtures as they prepare for the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund on June 1.
As a result, Carlo Ancelotti opted to rest key players, providing others the chance to make an impression—an approach likely to persist as they approach the Wembley showdown.
Brahim Diaz seized his opportunity, delivering a standout performance with two impressive goals that bolstered his case for a starting spot in the final as Madrid aims for their 15th Champions League title.
In contrast, Joselu had a frustrating outing after his dramatic display against Bayern Munich, where he scored twice to secure Madrid’s progression. The 34-year-old striker struggled to convert opportunities and became increasingly desperate as the match continued. In the upcoming weeks, he’ll be looking to find his form and notch his 10th league goal to regain his momentum.
While Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modric delivered solid midfield performances, it was Brahim Diaz who consistently troubled the Granada defense throughout the match. His powerful runs into the heart of the backline contributed to all four of Real Madrid’s goals and earned Granada two yellow cards. Diaz showcased his skill with a stunning solo effort, taking the ball on the half-turn and driving at the defense before finding the back of the net. He also capped off a brilliant team move, highlighting his exceptional performance.
Granada: Batalla 7, Mendez 5, Piatkowski 7, Miquel 6, Neva 7, Ruiz 5, Gumbau 5, Pellistri 4, Jozwiak 6, Boye 6, Uzuni 7. Subs: Callejon 6, Hongla 5, Melendo 4, Sanches 6, Villar 4.
Real Madrid: Courtois 8, Vazquez 7, Militao 7, Rudiger 7, Garcia 9, Modric 8, Camavinga 8, Ceballos 7, Guler 7, Joselu 6, Diaz 9. Subs: Nacho 7, Kroos 7.
38′ – GOAL! Granada 0-1 Real Madrid (Garcia): Real Madrid expertly navigates the ball down the right flank. Diaz finds himself on the by-line and pulls it back across the goal. Though it’s slightly behind Modric, Garcia makes a late run and redirects it into the net. It’s with his left foot, giving Madrid the lead.
45+2′ – GOAL! Granada 0-2 Real Madrid (Guler): Garcia turns from scorer to provider, pulling the ball back for Guler, who takes a touch before effortlessly slotting it home with his left foot into the bottom right corner, doubling Madrid’s advantage.
49′ – GOAL! Granada 0-3 Real Madrid (Diaz): Diaz displays his skill by taking the ball on the half-turn and driving toward the Granada defense. After faking a shot, he cuts back on his right foot, leaving the defenders off balance, and fires it past the goalkeeper’s into the near post.
58′ – GOAL! Granada 0-4 Real Madrid (Diaz): A stunning team effort sees Madrid moving the ball fluidly, culminating in Modric making a clever run into the right side of the Granada box. He selflessly cuts it back to Diaz, who takes a touch before confidently finishing for his second goal of the match.
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