TThe international break has come at a good time for Real Madrid. Just before I went to the canvas, the bell rang. It is clear that the team is in crisis, but there is time to analyze the reasons for this slump. The loss at Anfield was unsurprising, with a less than impressive second half, but Liverpool’s problems were evident at Vallecas after being overwhelmed by City last Sunday, falling short of more than a draw and, worse still, not having much of a chance of winning against Rayo Vallecano.
The most positive thing is that Madrid are still the leaders and have only suffered one defeat so far, against Atlético, and this last draw. However, they feel they are in a crisis of play and result and Xabi Alonso has to find a formula to get back on track. We haven’t played great football, except for certain moments against Barça and against Valencia, but this time we haven’t had the results we wanted.
Kylian Mbappe takes a circus shot next to Vincius Junior
trident is stopped
Ancelotti made it clear at the time that Benzema could not be moved if Madrid wanted to play for the BBC. Karim adopted this guard role, which was not present in Xavi’s trident. It was clear that the Basque coach had to play for Kylian, but it is less clear whether Bellingham and Vinicius are thinking the same thing. In the first half against Rajo, he touched the ball just 11 times. The Frenchman’s best partner is Guler, who plays lower and further away from the area than the English or Brazilian. After exploring other options, the coach decided to resolve the Vini incident and strengthen the trident, which was captured after giving a more than positive signal against Barça.
We are looking for a successor to Choameni.
Choameni is one of Xabi Alonso’s regulars, but will be out for three weeks. Thanks to his international break, he won’t miss many games, but it is highly unlikely that he will be back for the game against Elche. In any case, the game against Rajo showed that there was still no clear idea. Camavinga started in that position, where he felt more comfortable, but could not find his balance. He then moved to the right wing until Rodrigo came on, with another gray game coming off the bench.
Right-back position without owner
Xabi Alonso has tried Camavinga and then Rodrygo, but Brahim was chosen in the starting eleven against Rayo. Valverde was also a candidate, but Xavi chose the Uruguayan as a right-back and he lost his influence in midfield. Carvajal’s injury and Trent’s continued doubts in his first year at Real Madrid have thrown the Basque coach’s plans into disarray.
Doubts reignited on the defense team
The story revolves around Militao. Xavi cares for him and it showed by letting him rest in Vallecas. Madrid are relieved by his return. But his traveling companions are more open. Rudiger is still out and Rafael Obrador has established himself as the other centre-back alongside the Brazilian, but he was benched at half-time after picking up a yellow card yesterday and did not spend the night at Liverpool. Asensio is starting to improve and the German’s return is nearing.
There is no plan B
Xabi Alonso started by sharing the minutes, but his starting eleven became more established and his second-row appearances were reduced. In defense, Ferland Mendy is yet to make his debut, Fran García is off the radar ahead of Carreras, and Valverde remains at right-back despite Trent Alexander-Arnold being fit again. There was more activity in midfield, but Rodrigo, who looked like Vinicius’ substitute in attack, was once again silent. Gonzalo García started against Espanyol but then disappeared. Endrik has already spent seven games on the bench after overcoming injury and is considering a loan move due to lack of playing time. He made his debut under manager Xabi Alonso against Valencia, but has only played 11 minutes this season.
