Eden Hazard makes first Real Madrid appearance in 204 days as Los Blancos humble Real Valladolid | OneFootball

Eden Hazard made his first appearance for Real Madrid in over six months today as he came on to help his side beat Real Valladolid 6-0.

It was the Belgian’s first appearance for Los Blancos since September 2022 – 204 days ago.

He also recorded his first assist since 2021 in a game against Alaves. It was a positive performance from Madrid following their El Clasico loss to Barcelona before the international break.

Hazard replaced hat-trick hero Karim Benzema in the 65th minute. He created four chances, including one for Lucas Vazquez that the Spaniard scored to wrap up the game.

The Belgian has struggled since joining Madrid from Chelsea in 2019 for around £120 million.

The 32-year-old has struggled with weight issues, arriving at his first pre-season training camp overweight. He has also suffered numerous injuries.

His speed, sharpness and agility have all been impacted. Hazard has even admitted that he was no longer the player that helped Chelsea win the 2014/15 Premier League title.

The former Lille man has also claimed he does not talk with Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.

However, he will be happy that Ancelotti gave him a run-out today and will hope for more of the same in subsequent games as Madrid bid to win silverware this season.

They knew they needed a response following their loss to Barcelona, which left them 12 points adrift of their table-topping rivals in the challenge for La Liga.

Los Blancos responded well, thumping Valladolid. Benzema netted three times in seven minutes, while Rodrygo Goes, Marco Asensio and Vazquez also got on the scoresheet.

Madrid visit Catalonia in three days for the second leg of their Copa del Rey tie. Barca have a 1-0 lead from the first leg, and Madrid face a fight to turn things around.