Real Madrid’s season is teetering, and now they face Atléti

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Real Madrid’s season is teetering, and now they face Atléti

Real Madrid’s Current Situation: A Mix of Triumphs and Challenges

  1. Champions League Victory:
    • On February 19, Real Madrid secured a 3-1 win over Manchester City, advancing to the Champions League last 16.
    • Kylian Mbappé was the star, scoring a hat-trick that quelled any doubts about his impact after a slow start to the season.
    • His performance revived comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy at Madrid.

Squad Resilience Amid Injuries:

  • Despite missing key players like Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão, Madrid showed resilience.
  • Federico Valverde filled in at right-back, while Dani Ceballos, once injury-prone, thrived in midfield.
  • Ceballos’ form became crucial for Madrid, with his passing accuracy and work rate earning praise.

Domestic Struggles:

  • Madrid’s domestic form has been concerning, with only one win in the last five La Liga matches.
  • A 2-1 loss to Real Betis dropped them further in the title race, making the upcoming fixtures even more critical.
  • Ceballos is now sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Valverde is dealing with fitness issues, further complicating the squad’s situation.

Defensive Issues:

  • Madrid has struggled with injuries at the back, with Carvajal and Militão sidelined and no replacement for Nacho Fernández last summer.
  • 22-year-old Raúl Asencio, who wasn’t initially in Ancelotti’s plans, stepped up and performed admirably, especially against City.
  • Valverde also filled in at right-back, and though impressive, Madrid’s defensive depth is being tested with key players injured.
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Ceballos’ Injury and Midfield Dilemma:

  • Ceballos expressed frustration about his injury, saying, “I’m very sad to have to stop in what I felt was my best moment.”
  • His absence, combined with Jude Bellingham’s suspension for yellow card accumulation, leaves Madrid’s midfield depleted.
  • Ancelotti must decide between Tchouaméni, Camavinga, and Modric, with Brahim Díaz expected to replace Bellingham.

Attacking Prowess:

  • Madrid’s attack remains strong, featuring Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo.
  • Mbappé’s hat-trick against City took his tally to 28 goals in 40 appearances, and Vinícius has been stellar in Europe with 7 goals in 8 Champions League games.
  • Rodrygo has also been key, starting both legs against City, making him a vital player in high-stakes matches.

Tactical Setup Under Ancelotti:

  • Ancelotti has used a flexible 4-4-2 system, with Bellingham and Rodrygo dropping into midfield when out of possession, allowing Mbappé and Vinícius to form a front two.
  • The system works when the forwards press and work defensively, but Madrid struggled with this in their loss to Betis.
  • Ancelotti admitted, “We won’t win if we play like this” after the Betis defeat, stressing the need for improvement.

Upcoming Clash with Atlético Madrid:

  • Real Madrid faces Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, a team known for its intensity and disciplined defense.
  • Atlético’s gritty 1-0 win over Athletic Club showcased their resilience, and Madrid will need to match that level of fight.
  • The tie is critical for Madrid’s hopes of advancing in Europe, with the outcome dependent on their ability to overcome Atlético’s battle-hardened approach.

The Road Ahead:

  • Madrid’s journey to the Champions League quarterfinals is uncertain, with key players missing and inconsistency in form.
  • The upcoming match against Atlético will be a true test of their resolve, requiring a complete team effort to progress.

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