Zinedine Zidane's Winds of Change Blow Strong as Real Madrid Thrash Deportivo

The belief had been that Gareth Bale wasn't too pleased by the sacking of Rafa Benitez. If that's true, it didn't show. 

With just a quarter of an hour remaining at the Bernabeu on Saturday night, Bale's number went up onto the fourth official's board. Only six days earlier, the substitution of another marquee forward had heightened division at Real Madrid, but not here. As the Welshman made his way toward the bench, the Bernabeu rose to its feet in unison, Bale, whose stunning hat-trick had ripped the game open, receiving the sort of rapturous applause that has typically eluded him in the Spanish capital.

When he reached the touchline, he reached the night's key figure, Zinedine Zidane. There was a strong handshake between the pair, a knowing look. Bale had triumphed, and Zidane had conquered his first challenge; the symbolism was unavoidable.

In the wake of Benitez's sacking and Zidane's subsequent appointment, it was Bale who'd theoretically seen his position most damaged. Under the Madrileno, the Welshman had been protected and nurtured, his needs catered for and even prioritised as Benitez built his attack around him. But the presence of Zidane changed things. 

Would Bale be forced back out to the right flank, where he'd grown increasingly uncomfortable last season? Would his needs be relegated behind those of others? Would he become just another player?

Would he be loved?

On Saturday against Deportivo La Coruna, definitive answers were given to some of those questions; answers of sorts were given to others. But most significant was that in Zidane's first game as manager, the player who perhaps poses him the biggest immediate challenges was his finest on the night.

It raised the question: If he can oversee that for Bale, what might be possible with the others?

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

On Monday, when Zidane ascended to the seat vacated by Benitez, this was the idea he represented. Taking over a club in turmoil and a politicised dressing room, the Frenchman would act as a soothing balm, his status capable of healing wounds. As a legend, as a figure with an aura and gravitas, Zidane would command respect and authority; as a composed and considered character, he'd deliver calm. 

Outwardly, he'd help the change the club's appearance, but it was internally where it was hoped his influence would be greatest. It was hoped the players would embrace his presence and revel in it. That he'd revel in theirs. Challenges were abundant, yes, but this was the idea.

In the space of a week, Zidane has shown it's possible the idea could become a reality. 

"I understand Gareth might be upset with Rafa leaving," Zidane had said at his first press conference, exhibiting the sort of benevolence that often escaped the more aloof Benitez. "But he will get the same affection and support from me as from Rafa. He is an important player and a key player for the squad—he's phenomenal and we're going to give him all the care and support he needs."

Already, such a personal touch feels important here. At Real Madrid, it's often thought player relations are of a higher importance than any other aspect of the job, the club's collection of stars and egos needing gentle guidance rather than strict instruction. Benitez struggled in such a respect; Zidane, who is already afforded a colossal advantage by his playing history, looks natural doing so. 

Since taking over on Monday, he's spoken of treating "everyone with affection and an even hand," about playing with style and giving enjoyment to the fans. And on Saturday, it was enjoyment they got. 

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

In thrashing Deportivo 5-0, Madrid looked like a team happier than its been for months, maybe even a year.

Carrying a sense of freedom and renewed confidence, the hosts played with verve and adventure, overcoming a strong start from Depor to hammer an outfit that had previously taken points from Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, Valencia, Athletic Bilbao and Celta Vigo. Up front, Bale was excellent in a potent-looking BBC; in midfield, Isco returned with a smile and a performance; at the back, Dani Carvajal's comeback was exceptional.

Tactically, there were subtle changes evident in Zidane's first outing—Luka Modric played slightly deeper alongside Toni Kroos and Isco provided a connection between the midfield and attack that had often been absent in recent months—but this wasn't a night for such details. This was a night about sensations and about moods.

About vibes.

Madrid had the swagger and charisma about them you historically associate with this club. Certainly, it's possible that, in looking for the evidence of Zidane's impact, we saw what we wanted to see, but even so, it was hard to shake the feeling that Madrid were different. Unshackled. Released. 

More like Real Madrid.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

In method and in manner, this was a team that looked considerably more like the 2014 incarnation under Carlo Ancelotti, the manager whose endearing character and softly-softly approach made him both successful and immensely popular with his players. In effect, Ancelotti was a cool dad; Benitez was the authoritarian they never wanted. 

Tellingly, Ancelotti's management was remarkably similar to that of Vicente del Bosque's a decade earlier, when Madrid enjoyed their most successful period of the modern era. 

"Del Bosque brought tranquility, relaxation, confidence," said former Madrid defender Ivan Campo in Sid Lowe's outstanding Fear and Loathing in La Liga. "His discourse was: 'gentlemen, we're Real Madrid: we're here to enjoy our football.'"

Zidane already looks to be cast in the same mould. He played under Del Bosque after all. He assisted under Ancelotti too. Following the path of those men would be a good place to start, and the early indications are he's doing so, the club's seemingly most manageable and considered star in Modric reinforcing the perception.

"I feel sorry for Rafa and I'd like to thank him for all his hard work," said Modric after Saturday's victory. "But speaking honestly, and on the back of today's game, I think the change has done us good. Someone is always made to pay when you lose, but you just have to compare this match to the ones that preceded it to see the difference."

The difference Modric spoke of was profound. Real Madrid looked radiant and settled, potent and united. 

"The only thing that has changed is the manager," said Zidane at the night's conclusion. 

Follow @TimDCollins