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Real Madrid vs Monchengladbach – Champions League Five areas in which Real Madrid must improve
Zinedine Zidane admitted later Real MadridThe 1-0 victory in Seville last Saturday that “there are things that need to be fixed, and when we fix them we will be competitive.” However, time is not on the French side, as The whites faces the perspective of Champions League elimination on Wednesday night.
Real Madrid have not failed to reach the round of 16 of Europe’s top club competition since the tournament was reformed in 1992, but a negative result against Borussia Monchengladbach I could see that come true.
Looking over The whites’16 games so far this season, there are several aspects that Zidane he needs to focus to become a competitive force once again, starting against Gladbach.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure has clearly hurt Real Madrid in terms of goals scored, despite the best efforts of Karim Benzema. The injuries to Mariano Diaz and Luka Jovic mean the French number 9 will take on greater responsibility when it comes to finding a way to get past Yann Sommer.
More goals from men and midfielders were expected to come in the post-Cristiano era, but this has simply not been the case. Marco Asensio has failed to score or record an assist in 13 appearances this season, while Vinicius Junior Y Rodrygo goes there is still work in progress.
A consequence of this over-reliance on Benzema for goals is that Real Madrid They find it difficult to score the deciding goal in games, or fail to add to their tally once they break the deadlock. They are no longer the attacking force that they once were, and this keeps the opposition in the party.
Another problem is the way Real Madrid they’ve won the battle for possession in many games this season, but they haven’t always translated into victories. Curiously, when they gave the ball to the rival against Barcelona and Sevilla, they won both games.
Zidane needs to get the trio of midfielders out of his first stage – Casemiro, Toni Kroos Y Luka modric – getting back in top shape. It was expected that Martin Odegaard Y Faith valverde He would force his way into the XI, but injuries have hampered progress for both players.
Real Madrid won LaLiga Santander last year supported by strong defense. However, this season, they have conceded 11 goals in 12 games, the same number they allowed in the first half of the campaign in 2019/20. His defensive record in the Champions League is even worse, having conceded nine goals in five games.
However, it was a return to the defensive solidity of last year when Real Madrid traveled to face Sevilla last weekend. By keeping a clean sheet, confidence began to grow and they watched the match for a 1-0 victory. Wednesday night, the returns of Dani carvajal Y Sergio Ramos it will also help in the back.
Zidane He only made one change at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium, and no one warmed up after Marco Asensio’s entry in the 66th minute. Casemiro was also one warning from missing the Madrid derby. It was a clear sign in the Frenchman’s thinking about those who had not played.
But, if Los Blancos are to be successful this year, Zidane He will have to put more faith in the players on the bench. With only 12 or 13 players, you cannot win the Champions League or LaLiga Santander. Ask Carlos Quieroz.
It’s unfortunate, but the number of minutes that some players are playing and the muscle injuries collected surely correlate. By choosing the same players every week, Zidane The injured list is likely to grow as the season progresses.
Sergio Ramos has been able to come back in time for Gladbach’s game, fortunately for everyone from Real Madrid’s perspective, but Eden Hazard He will not be on the field of play at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium. Surely his return in the round of 16, should Los Blancos go that far, could help determine his success in the competition.
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