Real Madrid have once again been knocked out of the Copa Del Rey for the 8th year in a row. It was not a really great match for Madridistas. On the contrary, it was a typical match where the team lacks energy and tries not to risk much. But as the minutes go the pressure rises and the team feels that there must be done something to get near to the goal and that’s when the team becomes vulnerable to the opponent. Lacking the freshness and the ability to attack and defend properly, it becomes a game of luck: if you score in those few clear occasions you will win, otherwise the opponent will be the winner.
Carlo Ancelotti made the bizarre decision to start Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, and Casemiro despite all three Brazilians arriving back from South America less than 48 hours before the match. Their performance was lackluster and the entire Real Madrid team performance was sub-par. There were no excuses for Real Madrid’s lack of a cohesive game plan and Carlo Ancelotti will take much of the blame for that along with his personnel choices. Below are the ratings:
Starting XI:
Thibaut Courtois: 7.0
Made one big save in the first half, but otherwise was not tested. No fault in the goal conceded.
Lucas Vazquez: 4.0
Like so many in this match was a no-factor. Contributed little to the offense and gave too much space to Munian.
Eder Militao: 7.0
One of the few players that can walk away with his head held high. Had a number of last ditch challengers to spare Madrid’s blushes and went toe to toe in a foot race with Inaki Williams.
Nacho: 7.0
The only other player that can be salvaged from this match. Played with an intensity and freshness that only Militao could match. Had a number of important clearances to deny Athletic a chance on goal.
David Alaba: 4.5
Played at left back and tried to do something as always but was not able to influence the match.
Casemiro: 3.0
Two most pivotal moments fell to Casemiro: the 1 v 1 inside the box with Julen Agirrezabala which he scoffed right at the keeper and the poor pass which was cut out by Atheltic and led to Madrid’s goal conceded.
Luka Modric: 4.0
Barring a small period between the 70th-75th minute, never really got into the game. Nullified by the intensity and well timed pressure of Athletic’s narrow mid block.
Toni Kroos: 4.5
Was replaced due to fatigue but was probably the best of a very underwhelming Real Madrid midfield.
Rodrygo Goes: 3.0
Ineffective both on the wing and in the false 9 position.
Vinicius Junior: 4.5
Tried to pull things off but often was closed down with 3 or 4 players around him. Looked exhausted and maybe should not have been in the lineup for the match.
Marco Asensio: 4.5
Anonymous in the false 9 role. Started to play and make an impact in the 80th minute with a couple of backheel passes, but it wasn’t enough to give Madrid the impulse they needed.
The subs:
Isco: 4.0
Replaced Vini and swapped with Rodrygo to play as a false 9. Instead of occupying the opposition backline, Isco came deep to get on the ball and Madrid never had a target man to force the backline into decisions.
Camavinga: 3.0
Not really the right player profile for that match. A progressive passer was needed to replace a player like Kroos and to help beat Athletic’s mid block.
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