Importance Score: 60 / 100 🔵
Real Madrid’s Recent Struggles Raise Concerns After Valencia Defeat
Following a high-scoring 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad, a match that saw Real Madrid repeatedly trail, coach Carlo Ancelotti downplayed concerns about their Copa del Rey ambitions. Despite his team conceding multiple leads and needing a late goal to secure a draw and aggregate victory, Ancelotti stated he never doubted their progress. However, this resilience might be masking deeper issues, as evidenced by their subsequent La Liga defeat to Valencia, casting shadows ahead of their Champions League clash with Arsenal. This loss has intensified scrutiny over Real Madrid’s current form and title aspirations.
Valencia Loss Exposes Madrid’s Vulnerabilities
Arsenal might take heart from Real Madrid’s recent stumble against Valencia. The defeat served as a stark reminder of Madrid’s fallibility, particularly after a period where improbable comebacks had become routine. While Real Madrid possesses undeniable talent, their reliance on dramatic turnarounds may conceal underlying weaknesses.
The Bernabéu Becomes a Scene of Setbacks
Against Valencia at the Santiago Bernabéu, the visitors took an early lead. Vinícius Júnior leveled the score, and a Madrid comeback seemed inevitable. However, in the dying moments, Valencia snatched a winner, potentially derailing Madrid’s La Liga title chase. This marked Madrid’s fifth league defeat, with Ancelotti acknowledging it felt different from previous losses.
Defensive Frailties and Missed Opportunities
The Valencia game highlighted several problems. Vinícius missed a penalty, contributing to Madrid’s poor penalty record this season. Valencia’s goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, proved formidable, denying Madrid on multiple occasions. Even Kylian Mbappé, despite an active performance, couldn’t find the net. Statistically, Madrid dominated with a high expected goals (xG), but Valencia capitalized on their limited chances, scoring twice from few shots on target. Ancelotti lamented their defensive lapses, noting the high number of goals conceded at home in recent matches.
Defensive Changes Ahead of Arsenal Clash
For the upcoming Arsenal fixture, Real Madrid’s defensive lineup is set for changes. Several defenders who played in the leaky defense against Real Sociedad are unlikely to start. However, Ferland Mendy’s potential absence at left-back and Aurélien Tchouameni’s suspension raise concerns. More broadly, Madrid’s defensive issues appear systemic, as highlighted by conceding nine goals in two games against Barcelona.
Recurring Need for Comebacks Signals Deeper Problems
Real Madrid’s tendency to rely on comebacks has become a double-edged sword. While exciting, these dramatic wins also expose underlying flaws and a lack of consistent dominance. Their Copa del Rey run itself involved needing extra time against Celta Vigo and a late goal against Leganés, before the Real Sociedad match. Similarly, in the Champions League earlier in the season, they faced struggles despite progressing.
Home Form and Fan Frustration
At the Bernabéu, the reliance on comebacks seems to be wearing thin with supporters. The repeated need for dramatic turnarounds, while providing memorable moments, underscores a lack of control and initial intensity. Frustration is growing, with fans questioning the team’s apparent need to fall behind before finding their stride.
Ancelotti’s Attempt to Spark Reaction
During the Real Sociedad game, Ancelotti’s direct approach with Vinícius, threatening substitution, seemed to elicit a response. While Vinícius’s performance improved in extra time, his inconsistency over the full 90 minutes reflects a broader issue of maintaining high performance levels throughout matches.
Champions League and Shifting Momentum
Despite Ancelotti’s optimism, the feeling that Real Madrid’s issues might be attitudinal rather than purely tactical raises questions about their Champions League prospects. While the change of competition could provide a mental reset, the underlying problems remain. Some fans even felt a sense of vindication in the Valencia defeat, suggesting a necessary wake-up call. However, consistently relying on switching gears might be unsustainable. Beyond injuries and midfield issues, a fundamental concern is Real Madrid’s overall performance this season, which has been less than stellar, save for the exceptional display against Manchester City.
Season Defining Moments Ahead
Ancelotti declared that “now the season starts for real.” Yet, despite ongoing inconsistencies, Real Madrid remains in contention for major trophies, including the treble. As they head to London for the Arsenal game, the question is whether they can overcome their recent struggles or if they will need to depend once again on their famed Bernabéu comeback magic.