Real Sociedad held Los Blancos to a 0-0 draw at the Bernabeu on Sunday. Real Madrid are now five points behind FC Barcelona with the same amount of games played. While Sociedad remain third, five points ahead of Atletico.
Positives from the Performance
Defensive Improvements
This is now back to back clean sheets in the league for Real Madrid. They limited Sociedad to three shots on target with an xG of 0.74 to Madrid’s 1.67.
Besides the improvements in the defensive statistics, the back line now seem to have more chemistry and understanding between each other. Militao and Rudiger are now showing signs of improvements as individuals and collectively.
This is a foundation that Carlo and his team should build on as a solid defense gives the attack a great platform to work with and win games.
Attacking Fluidity
Image Credit: Antonio Villalba
With the addition of Rodrygo and Ceballos into the starting XI, the quality and fluidity of the attack have now improved. They’re creating chances and breaking teams down with ease.
One can argue that the addition of Rodrygo is the key to these performances. His ability to operate between the lines, receive passes, link play and progress the ball are second to only Benzema in this team. There can also be an argument for him being first with Benzema’s age catching up to him. Nevertheless, his qualities are too good for Ancelotti to continue to ignore.
Ceballos is also having a quality season. Particularly after the World Cup break. He seems to be rediscovering his Real Betis form which is a massive boost for Los Blancos as he can be a great option off the bench or even in the starting lineup.
Eduardo Camavinga
The French starboy has found continuity and momentum for the first time in his Real Madrid career. The game at the weekend made it five starts in a row and four fantastic performances out of five. Whether it be at left back or in midfield, his qualities are shown when he’s on the pitch.
Alaba should be back for the game against Valencia so hopefully Camavinga can return to the midfield and continue to play and improve.
Negatives from the Performance
No cutting edge in front of goal
Image Credit: REUTERS/Susana Vera
When you play that well and don’t win the game, it hurts. But football is a simple game. You must score goals in order to win games and Madrid failed to do that. In fact, it wasn’t a matter of lacking quality in the final third, as the final pass was perfect most times. But the finishing on display wasn’t good enough. Alex Remiro, their keeper, also pulled out some magnificent saves on the night.
On another day, the majority of those shots go in. Real must now regroup and go again on Thursday with the intention to win and win convincingly.
Subs were poor
Asensio and Modric were brought in to bring more energy and quality to the match. Which they normally add to the team whether it be off the bench or from the start. However, they were poor and failed to impact the game positively.
Ultimately, there’s more positives than negatives to take away from this match which is a sign of improvement. Five points is nothing in today’s game and the title race is far from over.
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