“Eden Hazard is unlucky to have a coach who prefers other players.” The words of Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti earlier this week were clear, making Hazard’s new substitute role at Elche all the less surprising. The Red Devil had to wait a long time for his chance, because only six minutes before the end of regular time, Ancelotti called Hazard off the bench. It turned out to be too little time to show anything else.
At that time, Vinícius Júnior had already scored twice. The first goal after a nice heel by Mariano Diaz, the second after a sublime marker over Elche goalkeeper Casilla. Everything the Brazilian touches these days turns to gold. Go ahead, being Eden Hazard, to kick this man out of the squad.
Despite the fact that Real did not have an easy afternoon, that other Red Devil – Thibaut Courtois – had a relatively quiet afternoon. Courtois seemed to be allowed to write a clean sheet for a long time, but after fumbling by Casemiro and Kroos, Pere Milla made it 1-2 on behalf of Elche. Furthermore, the home team did not come anymore, so Real took the three points to Madrid. In the standings, the Madrilenians take the lead again thanks to a better goal difference than Real Sociedad.
