Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema Power Real Madrid Past Girona in 4-1 La Liga Win

Karim Benzema scored twice as Real Madrid won their second game in a row after beating Girona 4-1 at the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi in La Liga on Sunday.  

Real were trailing to a goal from Borja Garcia, before Marco Asensio won two penalties to lead a comeback. Sergio Ramos scored the first then a brace from Benzema and a smart finish by Gareth Bale gave Los Blancos all three points to send them top of La Liga.

Benzema Can Step Out of Cristiano Ronaldo's Shadow

Los Merengues did enough to take all three points, largely thanks to Benzema's labours up front. The onus is on the Frenchman to emerge as a true focal point now Cristiano Ronaldo is plying his trade for Juventus.

Without their record goalscorer, Los Blancos were predictable going forward during the opening 45 minutes. Said predictability was most vividly highlighted by how reliant Real were on a defender for attacking inspiration:

Eventually, Benzema answered the call, getting on the scoresheet first when he converted Real's second penalty seven minutes after the break. His second was a cool finish, albeit one needing to be upheld by VAR review, adding to the prolific exploits of a player growing in confidence in an expanded role:

In years past, Benzema and his ability to hold the ball up, allied with natural flair and technique, was the ideal supporting partner for Ronaldo. Now the 30-year-old appears ready to become the main man.

Isco Can't Take on Luka Modric Role

Isco played in Bale for his goal, but it was one of the rare highlights from a stunted displaying proving the former can't adequately fill the Luka Modric role.

The Croatia international pass-master was on the bench, with Isco taking up space in an unbalanced midfield three between destroyer Casemiro and advanced schemer Toni Kroos.

Real's passing suffered without the efficiency and vision Modric usually brings to bear:

More important, Modric adds vital balance along the spine of the team. His patience on the ball, along with the willingness to dictate play from deep, means Real are rarely overrun in the middle.

By contrast, Isco's forward-thinking instincts pull the structure apart, as he and Kroosoverload the final third and leave too much space in front of an overworked Casemiro.

Andrew Gaffney of the Sport noticed how the erratic makeup of a Modric-less midfield harms Real's structure:

This is a problem Los Blancos can overcome against less-testing opposition. Yet it's a weakness sure to be exposed by the division's more talented squads.

Girona Will Survive Second Top-Flight Season

Girona aren't gong to catch teams by surprise the way they did during their maiden season in La Liga. Even so, manager Eusebio's squad is still good enough to survive a second campaign in the Spanish top flight.

While Girona were let down by rash decisions at the back, they did showcase obvious quality up front. Most of it came from Portu, who relished a free role in the final third to combine brilliantly with his fellow attackers:

The presence of former Barcelona forward Anthony "Choco" Lozano has given Portu a like-minded flair player of similar skill to dovetail with. Their ability to combine with Borja, Cristhian Stuani and Manchester City loanee Patrick Roberts will ensure Girona have enough goals to stay up.

What's Next?

Girona's quest for a first win this season will take Eusebio's men to Villarreal on Friday. Meanwhile, Real will host Leganes a day later.