Nothing’s going right at Real! Before the clash with Atlético, Ancelotti is worried: defensive fragility, offensive inefficiency… Madrid is in doubt.
Real Madrid are going through a period of uncertainty ahead of their crucial Champions League Round of 16 clash with Atlético Madrid. The defeat to Betis has sown doubts and aroused the anger of Carlo Ancelotti. Just as the Merengues seemed to have found stability in recent weeks, this setback has swept away their certainties.
A worrying slip-up
Up until now, Real Madrid had given the impression of being in control of their game. But against Betis, the team was unrecognizable. Ancelotti made no secret of his displeasure: “Attitude and commitment.” These were the two words he hammered into his players. The Italian coach saw his team concede 18 shots, a La Liga record this season. This match was intended to serve as an electroshock before the European challenge.
The absences of Jude Bellingham (suspended) and Federico Valverde (injured) weighed heavily, highlighting the shortcomings of a midfield lacking in direction. The return of the English international against Atlético will be crucial, but the Uruguayan remains uncertain.
Mbappé’s sluggishness at the wrong time
Another source of concern is Kylian Mbappé. Decisive in recent weeks, the Bondynois was transparent against Betis. Replaced in the 75th minute, he is said to be suffering from wisdom teeth pain, which has the medical staff worried. The former Parisian is expected to carry Real at the end of the season, but his physical form is raising questions.
Rodrygo and Vinicius were no better. Madrid managed just one shot on target in the entire match, a figure unworthy of a club of this calibre. Against Atlético, these three strikers will have to raise their game or risk another disappointment.
Recurring defensive frailties
Real Madrid are showing worrying signs of weakness in their defensive sector, and the defeat to Betis further illustrated these shortcomings. The main problem comes from set-pieces. Since the start of the season, Madrid have conceded six headed goals, a figure well above the average of previous seasons. This lack of aerial efficiency contrasts with the presence of players renowned for their strength in this area, such as Rüdiger, Tchouaméni and Courtois. Against Betis, Real lost 70% of their aerial duels, allowing their opponents to impose their physical dominance.
But this fragility is not limited to aerial balls. In recent games, the central hinge has regularly been caught out on the counter-attack. Camavinga and Tchouaméni, often used as sentinels in front of the defense, struggle to fill the gaps left by the full-backs in the attacking phase. Against Betis, Madrid’s full-backs lost 12 out of 18 defensive duels, illustrating a worrying lack of defensive rigour ahead of a high-intensity match against Atlético.
Ancelotti demands immediate reaction
The Madrid coach knows that this derby will be a real test. “We need to respond and show character,” he repeated at the press conference. For the moment, Real seem to be losing momentum, unable to impose their rhythm and plagued by growing doubts.
One slip-up against Atlético and the season could take a much more complicated turn than expected. Madrid no longer has the right to make a mistake.
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