Eibar vs. Real Madrid: Winners and Losers from La Liga Game
Real Madrid continued their Liga title charge and maintained a four-point lead over Atletico Madrid by beating Eibar 4-0 on Saturday.
James Rodriguez opened the scoring, and Cristiano Ronaldo's fortuitous effort doubled the lead in the first half. Karim Benzema converted a great third to seal it, then Ronaldo doubled his own tally by converting a late penalty.
Here, Bleacher Report picks its winners and losers from the game.
Loser: The 4-3-3 Post-Luka Modric, Carlo Ancelotti Switched to a 4-3-3
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Carlo Ancelotti switched to a 4-3-3, moving away from his usual 4-4-2, due to the absence of Luka Modric. The Croatian tore his thigh muscle in his last match and will be out for around three months.
Despite this being the formation of choice in 2013-14 and the return of a fit, firing Gareth Bale, the system struggled to jell, and despite dominating possession, Los Blancos struggled to fashion chances.
The scoreline of 4-0 may suggest otherwise, but Los Blancos were nowhere close to potent here. Luck, as we will get to, played a large part in the goals.
Winner: Real Madrid, Who Enjoyed Lady Luck's Advantage
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The two first-half goals killed Eibar's chances; both required an enormous amount of fortune.
When the chasm between two sides is so big—six of Real Madrid's starting XI's weekly wages are higher than the highest fee Eibar paid for a player this summer—you need a slice of luck if you're to pull off an upset.
The luck went directly the other way, with James Rodriguez's opener involving an offside Karim Benzema in the build-up and Cristiano Ronaldo's clincher a bad, bad miskick that ricocheted off his other foot.
There'll be other days, Eibar. (Maybe).
Loser: Sami Khedira, Who May Be Wise to Leave in January
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Luka Modric injured; Real Madrid in need of another presence in central midfield? Step forward World Cup winner Sami Khed...wait, what?
Khedira didn't get a single minute away to Eibar despite there being a clear opening for him alongside compatriot Toni Kroos in midfield. Carlo Ancelotti decided to switch formations rather than slot the German in for a run.
At this point, Khedira must wonder exactly when/if a chance will come. His agent will surely be taking calls ahead of a January move.
Winner: Saul and Ander Capa, Spearheading Gaizka Garitano's Game Plan
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Eibar set themselves up to counter in a 4-4-1-1 formation, and based on how the game went, it was a good call from Gaizka Garitano.
Saul (left) and Ander Capa (right) ran the flanks very well with purpose and speed, giving Marcelo and Dani Carvajal plenty to think about in the defensive phase. Carvajal, in particular, was forced to earn his bread from right-back.
A lack of end-product frustrated, but Los Blancos were at least alert to the counter-attack due to the presence of this duo.
Loser: Gareth Bale, Who Is Not Firing on All Cylinders
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Gareth Bale's return to the XI, his first match since early this month, was a little ropey. He's been battling an injury for more than 30 days, and he didn't look his best here.
His crossing was a little wayward, and his touch generally looked off. In a 4-0 win it's difficult for an attacker to look poor, but Bale came close to it as he works his way back.
In a hyper-competitive team full of multimillion-dollar stars, that's a problem. Should Madrid go back to 4-4-2, there's no reason Bale should be playing ahead of James Rodriguez or Isco right now.
