Madrid: Eden Hazard is beginning to show glimpses of his best form and it cannot come soon enough for Real Madrid. They play at home to Galatasaray in the Champions League tonight, when victory would put them 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.

Bad luck phase

A week later, 50,000 thousand fans streamed into the Santiago Bernabeu to see Hazard wear the shirt. But the grand opening fizzled, in part due to events off the pitch, a combination of bad luck and personal circumstances that have spared Hazard, 28, harsher critique from fans and journalists alike. 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 exhilarating moments like the glorious flick inside against Galatasaray and a run in behind to win the penalty against Leganes.