It was the Javier Hernandez show as Real Madrid ran out 4-2 victors over Celta Vigo at the Balaidos Stadium on Sunday evening.
The result sees Los Blancos keep in touch with arch-rivals Barcelona, whom are still in first position with a margin of two points.
It was an unlikely start to the match with the home side drawing first blood as forward Nolito made a long run and converted his clear chance on goal.
However shortly after, midfielder Toni Kroos levelled the scoreboard with a precise strike from 16 yards out of the box.
It was 26-year-old Hernandez who put the visitors in the lead with a powerful low shot following several one-two plays with James Rodriguez.
Yet the home side levelled the scores once more as Santiago Mina fired a strike into the back of the net from close range.
Celta Vigo commenced the second term as it had done in the first and appeared incessant in its desires to take home all three points.
However it was a resilient Real who proved difficult to stop in attack. A Cristiano Ronaldo assist saw Rodriguez score the side’s third via a deflection and gave them a slight advantage.
It seemed only fitting that Hernandez was the final goal scorer and his well-controlled strike sealed the victory for Real.
It is Chicharito’s time
After joining Real in 2014 on a year-long loan deal, the Mexican international has barely seen time on the pitch with only the occasional substitution in the dying minutes of matches to seemingly run down the clock.
However due to the seemingly long-term injuries sustained by key players Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale, Hernandez has been given the rare opportunity to highlight his worth to the club.
His fifth goal for Los Galacticos arrived on Sunday evening following 24 matches of attempts.
Indeed he has scored three crucial goals for the side in the space of five days, including the winning goal against local rivals Atletico Madrid to send Real into the Champions League semi-finals.
This alone should prove his importance to coach Carlo Ancelotti’s men considering the purchase clause on the contract after its conclusion.
Contrary to much discussion, the 26-year-old is not just the average goal poacher as he has attributes of speed, agility and quick thinking, which aides not only his scoring opportunities but also the assists he provides to for his team-mates.
He will continue to prove vital for the side as the title race nears a crucial stage.
He is a keeper Real.
Defence continues to make crucial errors
What was surprising to most was the openness of the game. The home side was relentless in its attempts to come forward and attack.
Indeed, Madrid was able to exploit the visitors on the flanks as they are often left unguarded due to the nature of Real’s left and right-backs wanting to come forward to create that extra element of attacking pressure as well as an added avenue.
Hence leading to several goals being conceded by the visitors not only against Celta Vigo, but also in other fixtures, where in which it has denied them valuable three points.
However, the problem is not the fact the players come forward, but more the idea that these players cannot recover and track back in time, causing the central defenders to spread thin, causing gaps in the backline.
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