Hazard rediscovering peak vital to Real showing bite in attack

Real Madrid who are playing hosts to Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday, hope for their mainstay in attack Eden Hazard to return to his best form.

Victory would put the Spanish giants within touching distance of qualification from Group A.

Hazard has endured a disjointed and disappointing start in Spain, where expectations soared following his long-awaited 100-million euro move from Chelsea in June.

“We know the quality of player we have and we know he is going to deliver,” said Zinedine Zidane in September.

“Everyone expects a lot from him and he knows that. But we support him and as the games go by I am sure he is going to be the player we want him to be in this Real Madrid team.” But the international break checked Hazard’s momentum and he missed Madrid’s first match back, a 1-0 loss away at Mallorca, due to the birth of his fourth child.

In the three games since, he has appeared in bursts, delivering exhilirating moments like the glorious flick inside against Galatasaray and a run in behind to win the penalty against Leganes.

“He sees things that other players cannot see,” Zidane said.

Despite the best efforts of Benzema in recent months, the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo is still to be filled and although Hazard has never been a prolific scorer, he can contribute and enhance the numbers of others.

Hazard will soon rediscover his peak, certainly not Zidane, who insists goals are all he needs. Real Madrid need them too.

Agence France-Presse