Eagerly awaited Hazard debuts with a goal as Real Madrid triumphs over Huesca

Still far from his physical best but with unquestionable quality, Hazard made his long-awaited appearance for Real Madrid. Under Zidane's motivation, the match against Huesca was labelled as a final, despite the fact that a true final lies ahead in the Champions League. And what Hazard achieved was to ignite the team. With one of those expected goals for which he was signed, ending more than a year without scoring for Real Madrid.

Huesca left in disbelief at halftime

The faces of the Huesca players and their coach at halftime were filled with disbelief. They were losing 2-0 after once again exposing a chaotic Real Madrid that relies on individual quality from its players but couldn't find reliable attacking formulas. At times, they struggled to take the initiative against well-organized teams. Moments of little creativity in one-on-one situations. An indecipherable team that unleashed itself in the second half. Pure individual talent.

This is the only way to explain the halftime advantage. Until that moment when Hazard appeared between the lines, turned around, and unleashed an unstoppable left-footed shot, Huesca had posed a threat with their tactical solidity. Rafa Mir kept the central defenders on their toes, always on the edge of offside, and showed speed to expose Militao but hit his shot against the side netting. He even managed to score with a lob over Courtois but it was disallowed for offside.

Real Madrid lacked offensive rhythm. Hazard and a fatigued Asensio switched wings without success. The highly anticipated trio did not click on their first day. They played it safe. There was barely one movement into space by Hazard, observed by Modric, for a lobbed shot over the crossbar. Or a header from a player who would excel as a number 9. Marcelo's cross was headed by Ramos, resulting in the best save from Andrés.

In the risk that Real Madrid takes in every match, the outcome depends on the inspiration of their opponents. Any set piece can be punished. A shot from Ontiveros outside the box or Sergio Gómez's lack of precision, as he shot over the bar from a good cross, did not punish the doubts.

Hazard showed the precision that had been missing when he scored a great goal. After such a long time without scoring and providing what was expected when a player considered one of the best in the world is signed, he shaped an inner feeling that made him not celebrate. As if feeling guilty for the time he had stolen from Real Madrid's football. The good news of the awaited return of their leader was not the only one. Benzema provided the desired confidence by chesting the ball down and shooting it into the net.

Mikel's attempts to initiate a comeback with substitutions at halftime amounted to nothing in just nine minutes. Benzema produced a moment of brilliance and Fede Valverde, unmarked on the defensive end, increased the punishment with a powerful shot into the far corner to become the unexpected top scorer for Real Madrid with three goals.

The rest of the match diminished in importance. Beyond the curiosity of Benzema's encounter with Vinicius after his ugly criticism. The first action from Vinicius was driven by anger as he selflessly gifted Benzema a chance at goal, which the Frenchman failed to capitalize on. Benzema made up for it with the last play to improve his poor goal-scoring record at the start of the season.

Huesca found a reward for their efforts with Rafa Mir's action on the left side, as he provided a precise cross for the unstoppable header from David Ferreiro. Two heavy defeats against Real Sociedad and Real Madrid, despite the effort shown, place Huesca in the lower half of the table. Meanwhile, Real Madrid positions itself at the top once again, gaining momentum after the Clásico.

Match details:

4 - Real Madrid: Courtois; Lucas Vázquez (Mendy, m.52), Militao, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro (Kroos,m.69), Fede Valverde (Isco, m.60), Modric; Marco Asensio (Rodrygo, m.60), Hazard (Vinicius, m.60), Benzema.

1 - Huesca: Andrés Fernández; Maffeo, Pulido, Siovas, Luisinho (Gastón Silva, m.84); Mosquera; Sergio Gómez (Ferreiro, m.46), Borja García (Sandro, m.57), Nwakali (Eugeni, m.57), Ontiveros (Javi Galán, m.46); Rafa Mir.

Goals: 1-0, m.40: Hazard. 2-0, m.45: Benzema. 3-0, m.54: Fede Valverde. 3-1, m.74: David Ferreiro. 4-1, m.90: Benzema.

Referee: González Fuertes (Asturian Committee). Siovas (79) and Sandro (87) were booked for Huesca.

Attendance: Match corresponding to the eighth matchday of LaLiga Santander, played at the Alfredo di Stéfano Stadium behind closed doors.