Real Madrid took full control of the La Liga title race on Saturday, as Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat trick saw off an almost unrecognisable Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Vicente Calderon. This contest was a rematch of the 2016 Champions League final, which Real won on penalties in May.

But this was much different, as Atletico were destroyed on home soil, which rarely happens. The win sees Real Madrid remain in first place in the league with 30 points, four points clear of rivals Barcelona.

Real Madrid Take Control Of Title Race

Madrid came into the game unbeaten in all competitions this season with questions around Zinedine Zidane’s tactical nous, superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s form, and a spate of injuries to Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema. However, Zidane remodelled his team with a revitalised Isco playing a floating role behind center-forward Ronaldo. Madrid dominated the game early and fully deserved their win.

Isco was in the team due only to the fitness problems of Benzema, Casemiro and Toni Kroos. But he was the best player on show, moving the ball quickly and cleverly, pirouetting away from tackles and creating chances for his teammates. With Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic also doing well, the visitors’ midfield dominance gave Ronaldo the perfect platform on which to perform.

Atletico had been unusually passive in the first 45 minutes, but came out more revved up after the break as Yannick Carrasco and Antoine Griezmann came close to finding an equaliser. The momentum had shifted, with Madrid sitting deep and hoping to hit on the counter.

Ronaldo won a penalty thanks to Atletico center-back Stefan Savic, whose stumble allowed Ronaldo to pounce. There was then a tangle of legs and the referee pointed to the spot. Madrid’s evening soon got even sweeter, when Isco and Gareth Bale started a sweeping counterattack and Ronaldo completed his hat-trick at the back post.

For Real it was arguably their best performance of the season to date. Zinedine Zidane has been branded a ‘lucky’ manager by some but the Frenchman has more strategic acumen than perhaps he has been given credit for. Against a formidable opponent in Simeone, his players executed the Real Madrid manager’s game-plan to the letter to clinch a comprehensive win.

Zidane has still not lost a La Liga away game since he replaced Rafael Benitez in charge, with 44 goals scored and 12 conceded. Los Blancos travel to the Camp Nou in two weeks’ time, where a positive result could really see them well set for a first La Liga title since 2011-12.

Unrecognizable Atletico Madrid Left To Focus On Cup Titles

Atletico coach Diego Simeone’s plan to tweak his team’s tactics and make them more attractive and attacking this season has not worked out well.

Simeone’s side deserved to be behind at the break as their  more open shape was to blame. They conceded for a fifth consecutive match, with the goal coming when they were broken down by a Lucas Vazquez run.

Meanwhile, their more attack-minded midfield was not really in the game, with Isco dominating Koke in the battle of young Spanish playmakers and Madrid controlling proceedings for much of the first half. Fernando Torres and Griezmann were isolated up top and unable to really get involved.

Atletico were better after the break, with their intensity turned up a notch. Koke was much more involved on the ball and Griezmann buzzed around more intensely. But with the team still a goal down, Simeone doubled down on his positive approach by removing Torres and Gabi for speedsters Kevin Gameiro and Angel Correa near the hour mark.

That made the game even more open and Atletico paid the price, first through Savic’s mistake and then when they were sliced open very easily by Isco and Bale. The doggedness and solidity which has been a hallmark of the side since Simeone took over almost five years ago was not really there.

Atletico have now lost three of their past four La Liga games and are nine points adrift of La Liga leaders Madrid. Only one team in history has ever recovered from such a gap to win the Spanish title (Barcelona in 1998-99). Simeone and his team realistically now have just cup competitions to focus on this campaign, and could even face a fight to ensure a top-four spot and Champions League football at their new stadium next year.

Cristiano Ronaldo Breaks Madrid Derby Goals Record

After a below-par start to his club campaign and some low-key derbies in recent years, Ronaldo was due for a big performance in a game like this. And the Portuguese definitely delivered tonight with an all-around center-forward’s display, including three goals.

Due to injuries, Ronaldo was pressed into action up top, and the position seemed to suit him. His first chance was a towering back-post header after good work from Isco and Marcelo that forced a world-class save from the Atletico keeper Jan Oblak.

But Oblak was left powerless as Ronaldo opened the scoring with a 25-yard free kick right at the midway point in the first half. The shot was powerfully struck, if central, but it flicked off the Atletico wall, meaning whatever chance the keeper had of stopping it was gone. Ronaldo seemed boosted by the goal too, and skillfully turned his marker Savic before testing Oblak again. He was also working hard off the ball, coming deep to intercept a pass before dribbling two Atletico players and winning a throw-in to help relieve pressure on his defense.

He showed plenty of experience and composure to win and convert the penalty for 2-0, and was then in the right place to get his third from Bale’s superb assist.

Unlike Messi, who has transitioned deeper into the midfield as he has grown older, Ronaldo has moved further forward with every passing year. It only makes sense that to get the most out of an aging attacker, the emphasis would be to put him in positions where he can apply the final coveted touch, rather than ask him to create chances. Also, Ronaldo’s superior height and heading ability make for a far more natural transition to out-and-out striker .

Ronaldo had not scored on his past five visits to the Calderon, and this treble was perfectly timed for many reasons. Ronaldo recently signed a new contract with Real Madrid until June 2021 and also claiming he can play on until he is 40. He should surely be well aware that voting for the 2016 Ballon D’Or closes in the coming days.

Few games over his whole career will have felt as sweet as this one. In what was his best performance of the season thus far he certainly shows no sign of slowing down. Even when Zidane substituted Ronaldo with seven minutes left he took it with good grace and maturity, with no evidence of the petulant sulks of the past.

Zidane’s formation and tactical tweaks showed he has much more about him than many people give him credit for. He has won the Champions League, won at Camp Nou and now at the Calderon, too. The next challenge will be winning La Liga but on current form.

Picture Courtesy: AS-English, ESPN