Another poor performance by the team of Ancelotti. There are many reasons behind these performances and lack of energy, tactical instability and injuries or absences are the most obvious ones. However, a great team should know better about overcoming difficulties and hard times. Real is still top of the table but that will not last too for too long if the quality of performances remains the same. The national break should serve as a moment to reflect more and try to make things better.
On Sunday Madridistas had a great chance to make the difference with the chasers bigger. That would make them keep calm and not feel the pressure like they are doing now. On the other hand, having some negative results in a row really does not help the team mentally. At the end, there is also the concern on why these times Real Madrid is experiencing the lack of positive results and how this will be solved. Espanyol played a great game in this matchday and pointed out the weaknesses of the white team.
Carlo Ancelotti once again made some changes to his starting eleven which affected the gameplay in one way or another. Lucas Vazquez was given another opportunity at right back as usually lately. Toni Kroos returned from his injury and Ancelotti was courageous enough to put him as a starter. The midfield trio was not fully completed because Camavinga was in the pitch instead of Casemiro, even why the role he covered was totally different from the Brazilian’s role. Instead, the 18-year-old played higher up the pitch looking more like a left flank player. Alaba and Nacho reversed roles. This time the Austiran was the one who covered the left back position.
The changes in the defense were not bad choices but the players did not seem prepared enough to strictly cover their duties. Meanwhile the midfield was not on the best level. The absence of Casemiro was notable but even when he entered he did not shine because these latest times he has been a shadow of himself for some reason. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric did not offer anything special or anything near the level in which we are used to see them. The offensive department had a positive game and the substitutions (beside Casemiro) had a good impact. Other than the individual performances, the biggest problem of Real Madrid remains the lack of unity, compactness and balance in the team level. The ratings for this match are as follows:
The startingXI:
Thibaut Courtois: 7.0
There was not really much the Belgian could do on either of the goals conceded. Made two saves in the match and completed 4/4 long balls, as well as all 20 of his passes. Was visibly frustrated with the ease at which Espanyol could play through Madrid’s defensive structure.
Lucas Vazquez: 4.0
Still does not look entirely comfortable at right back. Allowed RDT to get goal side of him on the first goal conceded and failed to pass on / communicate with his center back partner, Militao. Had a few needless fouls and struggled when Embarbra moved to Madrid’s right flank.
Militao: 3.0
The Brazilian has not been able to rediscover his best form at the start of the season. He is constantly late to press and push up the backline. On the first goal conceded, needed to check his shoulder and track RDT’s run. On the second goal conceded, allowed for too large of a gap to form between he and Nacho which Vidal exploited with ease. For second game running, missed a number of good opportunities via a connection with a set-piece.
Nacho: 4.5
Better from the center back position than from fullback. His passing out of the back was good, always leading players with a firm pass on their stronger foot. Made the decision to step to Vidal on the second goal conceded, a gamble which in hindsight may have been better just waiting and dropping to recover shape, but Ancelotti’s system means players are asked to constantly step out and close down space. The bigger issue was the lack of cover behind Nacho.
Alaba: 6.0
Played at left back and had the freedom to roam centrally and help connect the dots in build up play. Managed 3 key passes and was more impactful than Nacho typically is from the left flank, but struggled in transition like the rest of the Madrid squad.
Camavinga: 6.0
Played 45 minutes as the left central midfielder and the highest out of the three. Ancelotti looked like he wanted to use Camavinga on the left and Fede on the right to provide additional numbers centrally when off the ball. Sustained a heavy blow to his foot and had to come off at halftime.
Luka Modric: 5.0
Really poor defending on the second goal conceded, where Vidal just glides past the Croatian. Never found his groove in this match and yet to rekindle the type of form displayed at the start of last season.
Toni Kroos: 4.5
Surprisingly played as the lone pivot with Ancelotti hoping the German could dictate play from deeper in midfield. The lack of a cohesive press left Toni and the rest of the midfield chasing shadows. Looked a little bit off the pace, as expected coming from a long-term injury.
Fede Valverde: 6.5
One of the better players in this game thanks in large part to his tireless engine and never-say-die attitude. Improved in the second half when he played centrally rather than on the right wing.
Vinicius JR: 6.0
The Brazilian’s blistering form to start the season has started to wane. However, he was still able to create the odd opening through a dribble or disguised pass.
Karim Benzema: 8.5
A one man team at times — Karim Benzema scored a brilliant goal, provided 4 key passes, and had 4 completed dribbles. Without the Frenchman, Real Madrid would totally look like a hopeless ship in the middle of the sea storm.
The subs:
Rodyrgo Goes: 6.5
Impactful coming off the bench and providing a threat from the right wing. Played the long ball into Jovic’s chest which started the play on the lone goal Madrid scored.
Luka Jovic: 6.5
Managed to notch an assist with a lovely chest control and pass wide to Benzema. Showed good strength on the ball.
Eden Hazard: 7.0
Looked determined to make a positive impact after stepping on the pitch. Looked like a central midfielder, dropping very deep to help move Madrid further up the pitch, but also tried to join the attacking forces as much as possible. He even scored a great goal, but was called back for an offside decision on Benzema.
Casemiro: 5.0
The Brazilian replaced Toni Kroos in midfield with 30 minutes left to play and Madrid 2-0 behind. Had a few good interceptions and a long shot that went wide, but other than that he was more quiet than he should have...
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